Technology Programs
Beyond Hotels - Navigating the World of Vacation Rentals
Online vacation home rental services such as Airbnb and VRBO have grown in popularity. We’ll cover both the rewards of vacation home rentals and the risks to help make your next vacation rental a success.
There has been an explosion of AI options made available for public use in recent months. Find out what ChatGPT is, and learn how you would access it and even use it.
How to Back Up Your Digital Life
In our increasingly digital world, it’s all too easy to lose precious digital photos or important documents. Give yourself a little peace of mind by using a simple backup strategy for all your files. We’ll talk about local and cloud backup options and provide easy strategies for making sure you’re protected.
Spotlight on Home Security Cameras
This class will teach you what you need to know to get started using home security cameras, covering both the benefits and the pitfalls.
Cord Cutting - Choosing the Best Streaming Services
Whether you’re about to cancel cable or cut the cord years ago, it’s time to survey the rapidly changing landscape of streaming services.
Not Dead Yet - Classic Film Cameras and Lenses
While digital cameras and smartphones have led to the apparent demise of film, classic cameras and their lenses have had a recent renaissance.
If the pandemic is taking a toll on your mental health, you are not alone. We will discuss practical ways in which technology can help to relieve stress, improve sleep, and clear your mind.
We will be highlighting some of our favorite podcasts and providing tools for you to seek out podcasts that interest you. We will also discuss different ways to listen to your favorite podcasts.
Experts recommend that we use a different password for every website. What a pain! Thankfully, password managers will remember every login for you, and even auto-generate strong ones.
Hinsdale Voyagers
2024 Insider's Guide to Disney World
Planning a Disney World vacation requires research, and our Disney travel expert Megan Wrzesinski has done the work for you. Learn the most current tips and tricks for a magical family vacation.
The Berkshires of Western Massachusetts provide the perfect backdrop for fall color. We will guide you through the highlights of travel to this region to jump start your fall travel plans.
Capture D.H. Lawrence’s sense of wonder in this discussion of Santa Fe, New Mexico, a picturesque cultural jewel in the desert Southwest.
We present a four-day itinerary on this virtual trip to Seattle, and include ideas for day trips outside of the city.
If you are hesitant to fly but ready to travel this summer, we will be discussing drivable destinations that will check all of the boxes for outdoor summer fun.
This virtual trip includes stops at the city’s most popular destinations, as well as historical context and information.
Safer Travel in Challenging Times
In this program, we discuss strategies to reduce your risk of contracting the novel coronavirus while enjoying your trip.
Explore majestic sights across the globe without leaving leaving your home.
Mike and Susan discuss why you might want to take on the enriching activity of being a pen pal and how to go about it.
For Students & Parents
Curious about Gap Years? Ever wondered if taking a Gap Year is right for you? The Gap Year option continues to grow. Students are embracing the opportunity to step off the traditional academic track and engage in experiences that increase confidence, independence, maturity and college readiness. Join Katherine Stievater, Founder of Gap Year Solutions, for a presentation and Q&A about the benefits of Gap time, and how to plan a transformational and purposeful Gap Year on any budget.
Spotlight on College--Tips for Admission Success
The college admissions process is involved and multifaceted. We will tackle tips for standardized tests, school fit, how to improve admission odds, and strategies to reduce costs.
Jumpstart Your College Applications
This workshop for incoming high school Seniors will arm you with everything you need to know to get started on your applications. Consultant Kim Anderson will cover the different application platforms and overall timing for the application process, what is important to highlight on your application, how to build a balanced college list and a sound application strategy, what does test-optional really mean, how important are letters of recommendation and when is the right time to ask, what makes a strong personal statement and guidelines for writing great supplemental essays. Get a head start on your applications before the start of the school year.
Challenges to College Aid and Awards
Recent legislation included substantial changes to the FAFSA and college financial aid. Join us as Heidi King of College Inside Track describes how these changes may impact your family and new strategies to consider to give your student the best opportunity.
Kitchen Tech
Kitchen Tech - Getting the Most from Your Cast Iron Cookware
Learn why cast iron is a perennial favorite from its advantageous properties and best uses to its care. Whether you’re using your grandmother’s skillet or looking for a new one, we’ve got you covered.
Kitchen Tech - Pump Up Your Pantry
Life is too short for uninspired and boring meals; make room for exciting ingredients to help spark up those pedestrian dishes with updated pantry essentials!
Susan and Mike walk you through what you need to know about a meat-free diet and provide insight into the latest plant-based innovations.
Learn how to use kitchen tech to make all things Italian from pizza to pasta, gelato to espresso. Ciao!
What benefits does a smart kitchen provide? Is it worth the extra cost? We’ll separate hype from reality in this informative session.
Guest Presenters
David Wylly from Medicare Solutions Network will be presenting this class to teach you what Medicare covers, what it doesn’t, and your potential out of pocket exposure.
Estate planning is complicated and can have significant consequences for your loved ones. Learn about important considerations for your estate plan, including the most common planning techniques. Presented by Dr. James L. Flanagan, Financial Advisor at Bentron Financial Group.
There are many different housing options designed to meet changing needs as you age. How do you decide what is right for you? Should you stay in your current home and hope for the best? Should you lean on family members for help if you need it? Or should you move to a senior living community and if so, what kind and where? We will tackle these important questions and offer insight into considerations for each of them.
Off the Page: Author Visit with Mary Kay Zuravleff
HPL is delighted to present Mary Kay Zuravleff, in celebration of her new novel, American Ending! Inspired by her grandparents, immigrants of the Old Believer Russian Orthodox faith brought here to mine coal in Appalachia, American Ending weaves Russian fairy tales and fables into a family saga within the storied American landscape. Mary Kay will be interviewed by local author Dick Munson. Copies of the book will be available at the library as of its release date, June 6, 2023.
Elegant Indulgence: History & Rituals of Afternoon Tea
Travel back in time to the year of Hinsdale’s founding, when the luxurious custom of Afternoon Tea was at its peek.
Historian Leslie Goddard, Ph.D., explores the history and luxurious artistry of afternoon tea. How and when did the custom of enjoying tea in the late afternoon begin? Why was afternoon tea so important for the Edwardians in particular? And do you really have to hold your “pinkies up”? Learn correct tea etiquette, what a proper menu included, and why the custom of afternoon tea remains so enduringly appealing.
Community Conversations: Historic Preservation Incentives
Village Planner Bethany Salmon, Building Commissioner Robb McGinnis, and Historic Preservation Commissioners will discuss the new code changes to Title 14 and the Zoning Code that offer incentives for historic preservation in Hinsdale. Come ready to learn more about the program and get answers to your burning questions.
Protect Your Family Tree with Estate Planning
Make life easier for yourself and your loved ones by following these top tips from expert estate planning attorney Debra Anthony.
Avoid Becoming a Victim of Scams
This presentation by the Illinois Attorney General’s Office will provide you with the tools to gain an understanding of the most common scams and how to keep your money safe.
From Hinsdale to Paris: 160 Years of Loie Fuller
Join us for an event with Liz Heinecke, author of “Radiant,” a book about Loie Fuller and Marie Curie. 160 years since her birth, Loie Fuller’s hometown of Hinsdale celebrates her life.
Novel Tea
Join us for a lovely afternoon of tea and treats, and hear about some of the newest books suggested by Adult Services librarians.
Brew a cup of tea and join us from home to hear about some of the newest books suggested by Adult Services librarians Maura & Emily.
Brew a cup of tea and join us from home to hear about some of the newest books suggested by Adult Services librarians Maura & Emily.
Food Programs
Fresh and Local - Farmer's Markets and CSAs
Get the scoop on the best farmer’s markets and CSA shares in the area.
United Foods of America: Pizza!
In this program, we will explore the ways pizza is prepared across America, from New Haven to California and all points between.
Emergency Preparedness
Join fall prevention expert Chandra Jadhwani to learn important tips to prevent falls and avoid serious injuries.
Professor Paul Sirvatka from the College of DuPage will summarize the nature and climatology of significant weather from wind storms to tornadoes to devastating snow and ice storms.
Surviving A Spring Power Outage
When the power goes out, we will provide you with important tips to keep your food safe, your phone charged, and keep you connected to the latest news.
Other Programs
Experience the benefits of yoga without getting down on the floor or standing on your head! Chair Yoga is an opportunity for you to improve joint health, core strength, range of motion, balance, and the ability to breathe deeply. Join certified yoga instructor Tom Wilkens of Dancing Cranes Yoga for an enjoyable hour of movement and relaxation.
Looking for gift inspiration? Find great technology gift ideas from our staff from kitchen gadgets to phone accessories and everything between. We will have memorable tech gift ideas for every budget.
Holiday Favorites with Hinsdale's Jolly Boys
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Enjoy this performance of holiday favorites with Hinsdale’s own Jolly Boys Men’s Chorus. The Jolly Boys Men’s Chorus was founded in 1947 by recently returned WWII veterans, and this year celebrated their 75th anniversary. There’s no better way to celebrate the season than with classic tunes, hot chocolate, and a relaxed atmosphere at this family-friendly event with local legends!
We cover what composting is, how to compost, what is compostable, and different types of composters available.
We will cover how to identify unbiased sources, when to be wary, how to find reliable polling information, and where to go for trusted sources of voter information.