Events & News at SSCHPL
October 2026
Chair Yoga
Thursday, October 1st at 12pm
Take a break and join us for a refreshing Chair Yoga session with Those Fitness Chicks! This class is perfect for all levels and offers a gentle way to stretch, build strength, and relax. You’ll leave feeling refreshed, balanced, and empowered. Come recharge with us!
Monday Matinees: The Twilight Zone (1983)
Monday, October 5th at 1pm
Celebrate Halloween with Twilight Zone: The Movie, a chilling anthology inspired by the classic television series. Directed by John Landis, Steven Spielberg, Joe Dante, and George Miller, the film features four eerie tales of terror, fantasy, and the supernatural.
Help Applying For Human Services
Tuesday, October 6th at 1:15pm
A representative from Respond Now will be available to offer guidance and support with your applications. Don't miss this opportunity to get the help you need!
Knitting & Crochet Club
Wednesday, October 7th at 10:15am
Whether you're a beginner or a pro, join us for a cozy, creative session with an expert teacher sharing top tips & tricks. Bring your projects, your questions, and your love for all things yarn!
Move With Nona: Gentle Fitness & Mobility
Tuesday, October 8th from 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Join Nona of BNEW4LIFE for gentle, low-impact exercise designed to improve flexibility, balance, and overall wellness. Move at your own pace in a supportive environment—perfect for beginners and older adults!
Help Applying For Human Services
Tuesday, October 13th at 1:15pm
A representative from Respond Now will be available to offer guidance and support with your applications. Don't miss this opportunity to get the help you need!
Vaccine Clinic
Thursday, October 15th from 1pm - 4pm
IDPH will host a free vaccination clinic at the library. Children ages 6 months–18 years can receive routine and school-required vaccines, while adults can receive COVID-19 and flu vaccines. No insurance is required. Walk-ins are welcome. Register at https://bit.ly/4xDtdn6.
Classic Movie Night: The Old Dark House (1932)
Thursday, October 15th at 6pm
Celebrate Halloween with The Old Dark House (1932), James Whale’s eerie horror-comedy. When travelers take shelter in a mysterious mansion during a storm, they encounter a strange family and a night of scares, secrets, and dark humor.
Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra: Opening Night with Matthew Lipman
Saturday, October 17th at 5:30pm
Enjoy the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra’s 49th season opener featuring violist Matthew Lipman and music by Glinka, Walton, and Brahms. As an IPO partner, the library has a limited number of free tickets available first come, first served. This event is not held at the library.
Meeting Of The Board Of Trustees
Thursday, October 22nd at 7pm
Join us for the monthly Board of Trustees meeting where library policies, budget, programs, and future plans are discussed. Stay informed, engaged, and have your voice heard—public input is often welcomed!
Josh Gates: Haunted Expeditions Live!
Friday, October 23rd at 7:30pm
Join us for an evening with explorer and author Josh Gates, host of Expedition Unknown, at the Rialto Square Theatre in Joliet. Hear fascinating stories of mysterious cases, paranormal encounters, and legendary creatures. Tickets are $50 per person and include transportation and a boxed dinner. First come, first served.
Classic Movie Night: White Zombie (1932)
Thursday, October 29th at 6pm
Celebrate Halloween with White Zombie (1932), widely considered the first feature-length zombie film. Starring Bela Lugosi, this eerie horror classic delivers supernatural suspense and haunting atmosphere for fans of vintage horror!
Senior Bingo
Thursday, October 29th at 11am
Join us for a fun senior Bingo afternoon filled with games, friendly competition, and great prizes! Enjoy coffee and refreshments while connecting with friends and neighbors. Registration is required for this event.
Art Adventures With Ashleigh
Wednesday, October 14th at 4pm
Explore the artistic world of famous artists and create your own piece inspired by their style.
Small Pumpkin Painting
Friday, October 16th at 3pm
Get into the fall spirit by painting your very own small pumpkin! We’ll provide the pumpkins and supplies—you bring your creativity. Decorate a festive pumpkin to take home and enjoy all season long. Perfect for kids, families, and anyone who loves fall crafts!
Family Movie Matinee: Frankenweenie (2012)
Saturday, October 17th at 2pm
Celebrate Halloween with Frankenweenie (2012), Tim Burton’s spooky stop-motion comedy. When young Victor brings his beloved dog Sparky back to life, things quickly get out of hand in this fun Halloween favorite for the whole family!
KABOOM! Science Experiment: DIY Lava Lamps
Saturday, October 24th at 2pm
Create your own colorful, bubbling lava lamp while exploring the science behind this fun experiment! Discover how oil, water, and fizzy reactions work together to create mesmerizing bubbles. Perfect for curious young scientists!
Halloween Bash
Saturday, October 31st from 12pm - 2pm
Put on your favorite Halloween costume and join us for a fun party at the library! Enjoy music, games and plenty of candy.
Morning Storytime
Join Miss Betty for Morning Storytime! Enjoy stories, songs, playtime, and plenty of laughter in this fun and engaging program for young children.
Ana's Pick
Incidents Around the House by Josh Malerman
A chilling supernatural horror novel told from the perspective of eight-year-old Bela, whose family is haunted by a terrifying entity she calls Other Mommy. When the mysterious figure begins appearing outside Bela’s bedroom and asks to “go inside her heart,” Bela realizes that it wants more than to frighten her. As Other Mommy grows stronger and begins threatening her family, Bela must find a way to protect herself and the people she loves. Now adapted into the upcoming horror film Other Mommy, starring Jessica Chastain.
Ashleigh's Pick
What Moves the Dead by T. Kingfisher
A creepy Gothic horror novella inspired by Edgar Allan Poe’s The Fall of the House of Usher. When retired soldier Alex Easton visits the decaying Usher family home, they discover strange fungi, unnatural behavior, and something horrifying lurking in a nearby pond. As Madeline Usher’s illness takes a terrifying turn, Alex and the others must uncover the truth behind the strange forces taking over the house.
Betty's Pick
The Perfect Marriage by Jeneva Rose
Sarah Morgan is a successful defense attorney whose seemingly perfect marriage takes a shocking turn when her husband, Adam, is accused of murdering his mistress. As Sarah takes on his case, she begins uncovering secrets that make her question everything she thought she knew about her husband—and their marriage. Now being adapted into a film.
Evelyn's Pick
Reanimal on Nintendo Switch 2
A dark and unsettling horror adventure from the creators of Little Nightmares. A brother and sister return to their flooded, war-torn home island to rescue their missing friends, only to encounter grotesque creatures and a terrifying secret buried in their past. Explore by land and boat, solve puzzles, and work together to survive in this atmospheric adventure that can be played alone or in local and online co-op.
Jessica's Pick
Project Hail Mary by Andy Wei
Ryland Grace wakes aboard a spacecraft millions of miles from Earth with no memory of who he is or why he is there. As his memories return, he discovers that the Sun is dying and he has been sent on a desperate mission to save humanity. Along the way, he makes an unexpected discovery that changes everything. The novel was adapted into a 2026 film starring Ryan Gosling and Sandra Hüller.
Madi's Pick
The Wish by Nicholas Sparks
Sent away to a small coastal town at sixteen, Maggie Dawes never expected to find a love that would change the course of her life. Years later, now a renowned travel photographer, Maggie faces a difficult medical diagnosis while unexpectedly spending Christmas with her young assistant. As she shares the story of the romance that shaped her life, she reflects on first love, loss, and the choices that stay with us forever.
Martha's Pick
The Complete High-Protein Cookbook by America's Test Kitchen
Packed with more than 200 dietitian-backed recipes, this cookbook makes it easier to add protein and fiber to everyday meals. From breakfasts and lunches to quick dinners, snacks, and desserts, the recipes focus on simple ingredients, streamlined preparation, and plenty of options for customization. Meal plans, meal-prep tips, and easy ways to boost protein make it a practical choice for anyone looking to reach their protein goals without sacrificing flavor.
Melissa's Pick
The Gift: A Short Story by Freida McFadden
Stella is struggling to afford a Christmas present for her husband when a mysterious pawn shop owner offers her a way to get the perfect gift. But the unusual trade comes with a dangerous catch. Inspired by O. Henry’s The Gift of the Magi, this chilling holiday thriller explores how far someone might go for love—and the price they may have to pay.
Sal's Pick
Blue Smoke by Dolly Parton
Dolly Parton combines classic country, original songs, and collaborations with Kenny Rogers and Willie Nelson on this 2014 album. Featuring songs like “Blue Smoke” and “Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right,” the album debuted at No. 6 on the Billboard 200, becoming Parton’s first solo album to reach the U.S. Top 10. It also reached No. 2 in the UK and earned a Platinum certification.
Looking for guidance or community resources? Our full-time Social Worker is here to help! The Steger-South Chicago Heights Public Library offers confidential, 20-minute consultations to connect you with the services you need. To get started, just submit an assessment form to schedule your session today.
Questions? Email ana@sschlibrary.org. Thank you for helping our community! 💛
Did you know...
our staff is trained to help you find a book you will love to read?
Whether you're looking for something fun or scary, mysterious or romantic, hilarious or thought-provoking -- there is something out there for every reader. We can also help you find the right format of book for you -- maybe you like holding it in your hand, or maybe you like larger text, or reading on your phone, or maybe you'd like something to listen to while you're driving or working around the house. Let us help you find something that works for you!
Browse through reading lists of different genres by clicking here.
Comics Plus
Big news, comic fans! The Steger-South Chicago Heights Public Library now offers Comics Plus — unlimited, instant access to thousands of digital comics, graphic novels, and manga for kids, teens, and adults. Whether you love superheroes, fantasy, slice-of-life, or manga madness, there’s something for everyone. Start reading today by visiting sschlibrary.org/ebooks.
EBSCOhost
Look here for accurate information on anything from car repair, legal advice, old newspaper articles, and academic research! Reach out to jess@sschlibrary.org if you have questions about using these databases.
Language Learning & Citizenship Prep Resources
The library now offers all SSCHPL cardholders a free subscription to Pronunciator, a platform where you can study 315 different languages. In addition, patrons studying for the US Citizenship Test can use ProCitizen free with their library card in either English or Spanish.
