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Image for event: Nonfiction Readers' Club

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Nonfiction Readers' Club

Hidden Valley Road: Inside the Mind of an American Family
2025-05-15 19:00:00 2025-05-15 20:00:00 America/Chicago Nonfiction Readers' Club Join other nonfiction enthusiasts for engaging discussions about history, science, memoirs and everything in between! Wood Dale Public Library - Small Meeting Room

Thursday, May 15
7:00pm - 8:00pm

Add to Calendar 2025-05-15 19:00:00 2025-05-15 20:00:00 America/Chicago Nonfiction Readers' Club Join other nonfiction enthusiasts for engaging discussions about history, science, memoirs and everything in between! Wood Dale Public Library - Small Meeting Room

Wood Dale Public Library

Small Meeting Room

Join other nonfiction enthusiasts for engaging discussions about history, science, memoirs and everything in between!

Don and Mimi Galvin seemed to be living the American dream. After World War II, Don's work with the Air Force brought them to Colorado, where their twelve children perfectly spanned the baby boom: the oldest born in 1945, the youngest in 1965. In those years, there was an established script for a family like the Galvins--aspiration, hard work, upward mobility, domestic harmony--and they worked hard to play their parts. But behind the scenes was a different story: psychological breakdown, sudden shocking violence, hidden abuse. By the mid-1970s, six of the ten Galvin boys, one after another, were diagnosed as schizophrenic. How could all this happen to one family?

Number One New York Times Bestseller and an Oprah's Book Club Pick.

Copies of the book are available at the Library. E-book and e-audiobook versions are available on our website.

AGE GROUP: | Adults |

EVENT TYPE: | Book Discussion |

TAGS: | |

Wood Dale Public Library
contact@wooddalelibrary.org
Phone: 630-766-6762
Hours
Mon, Apr 14 10:00AM to 9:00PM
Tue, Apr 15 10:00AM to 9:00PM
Wed, Apr 16 10:00AM to 9:00PM
Thu, Apr 17 10:00AM to 9:00PM
Fri, Apr 18 10:00AM to 5:00PM
Sat, Apr 19 10:00AM to 5:00PM
Sun, Apr 20 Closed
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About the branch

Reach. Explore. Achieve. Dream. 

Mission: All library district residents will have access to library materials and programs to encourage literacy and the joy of reading; to promote lifelong learning; and to experience a sense of community in a welcoming environment.

Upcoming events

Klub Książki - Polish Book Club
Tue, Apr 15, 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Art Gallery Kafe
Klub Książki spotyka się w Art Gallery Kafe. Książki będą omawiane w języku polskim. Polish Book Club meets at the Art Gallery Kafe. Books will be discussed in the Polish Language.
Registration is now closed
Toddler Time
Wed, Apr 16, 10:30am - 11:00am
Wood Dale Public Library - Activity Room 1
Join us for this fun pre-reader storytime including books, songs and activities. Stay and play after the storytime ends. Recommended age: 0-4 years with an adult.
This event is full
STEAM Lab - Egg Drop Challenge
Wed, Apr 16, 4:30pm - 5:15pm
Wood Dale Public Library - Activity Room 2
Let's learn and play with all things STEAM! In each session we will explore different topics that relate to science, technology, engineering, art or math. Recommended age: 6-11 years
Monthly Board of Library Trustees Meeting
Wed, Apr 16, 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Wood Dale Public Library - Small Meeting Room
Regular Board Meeting of the Board of Library Trustees of the Wood Dale Public Library District.
Book Club Express - Small Mercies by Dennis Lehane
Wed, Apr 16, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Target Starbucks, 401 W Irving Park Rd.
Meet at the Target Starbucks in Wood Dale to chat about popular books with this informal book group.
Preschool Storytime
Thu, Apr 17, 11:00am - 11:45am
Wood Dale Public Library - Activity Room 1
Join us for a Storytime for preschool age children and their caregivers! We will read books, sing songs, and work on fundamentals for early literacy. We’ll meet new friends and make a craft.
Family STEAM NIght
Thu, Apr 17, 6:00pm - 6:45pm
Wood Dale Public Library - Activity Room 1 & 2
Try out some fun STEAM activities as a family. You are welcome to stay as long or as little as you would like. Recommended age: 5 yrs & up with a caregiver
Spring Basket
Thu, Apr 17, 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Wood Dale Public Library - Barbara E. Dunn Meeting Room
Create a dazzling Spring fresh flower arrangement. Supply costs for this program is $30, payable at the time of the event with cash or a check made out to Garvin Gardens.
Registration is now closed
Cancelled
Nonfiction Readers' Club - Red Comet: The Short Life and Blazing Art of Sylvia Plath
Thu, Apr 17, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Wood Dale Public Library
Join other nonfiction enthusiasts for engaging discussions about history, science, memoirs and everything in between!
Take & Plant: Pollinator Garden
Mon, Apr 21, All day
Wood Dale Public Library
Celebrate Earth Day by growing a pollinator garden from seed! Limit one per household. Wood Dale Library cardholders only for the first week.
This event is full
STEAM Tots - Spring
Mon, Apr 21, 11:00am - 11:45am
Wood Dale Public Library - Activity Room 2
Let’s learn and play with STEAM! In each session we will explore different topics that relate to science, technology, engineering, art or math geared toward the younger ones.
Wood Carving Meetup
Mon, Apr 21, 6:30pm - 8:30pm
Wood Dale Public Library - Activity Room 2
Discover the joys of wood carving and join the North Suburban Carvers for their regular club meeting at the Library.
Adventures in Art!
Tue, Apr 22, 11:00am - 11:45am
Wood Dale Public Library - Activity Room 2
Join us on an adventure in art! In this class we will use our imagination and creativity to explore art together! Children will create a piece of art to display at home!
This event is full
Toddler Time
Wed, Apr 23, 10:30am - 11:00am
Wood Dale Public Library - Activity Room 1
Join us for this fun pre-reader storytime including books, songs and activities. Stay and play after the storytime ends. Recommended age: 0-4 years with an adult.
Wacky Wednesday
Wed, Apr 23, 2:30pm - 4:00pm
Wood Dale Public Library - Activity Room 1 & 2
Enjoy a craft or activity with your friends on early dismissal Wednesdays.
Preschool Storytime
Thu, Apr 24, 11:00am - 11:45am
Wood Dale Public Library - Activity Room 1
Join us for a Storytime for preschool age children and their caregivers! We will read books, sing songs, and work on fundamentals for early literacy. We’ll meet new friends and make a craft.
OB Kindergarten Class Visit
Thu, Apr 24, 1:00pm - 2:15pm
Wood Dale Public Library - Barbara E. Dunn Meeting Room
Welcome to Ms. Castro and her Kindergarten Class. Parents please make sure your child brings their library card today!
Family Arts & Crafts Night
Thu, Apr 24, 6:00pm - 6:45pm
Wood Dale Public Library - Activity Room 2
Come make some creative crafts as a family. You are welcome to stay as long or as little as you would like. Recommended age: 5 yrs & up with a caregiver
Rescheduled
Not Your Mother's Book Club - Beautiful Villian by Rebecca Kenney
Thu, Apr 24, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
New date Thursday, April 10, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Wood Dale Public Library
Join our romance book club where we'll read different romance genres. As long as it has a Happily Ever After, it’s fair game. Children are welcome to play or partake in an activity while we discuss.
OB Kindergarten Class Visit
Fri, Apr 25, 10:00am - 11:15am
Wood Dale Public Library - Barbara E. Dunn Meeting Room
Welcome to Ms. Louie and her Kindergarten Class. Parents please make sure your child brings their library card today!
OB Kindergarten Class Visit
Fri, Apr 25, 1:00pm - 2:15pm
Wood Dale Public Library - Barbara E. Dunn Meeting Room
Welcome to Ms. Frawley and her Kindergarten Class. Parents please make sure your child brings their library card today!
Supported Storytime
Sat, Apr 26, 11:00am - 11:30am
Wood Dale Public Library - Activity Room 1
This accessible Storytime is designed for children with developmental disabilities with their caregiver. We will learn, play and connect through stories, and music.
Sensory Saturday!
Sat, Apr 26, 11:30am - 3:30pm
Wood Dale Public Library - Activity Room 1
This accessible play time is designed to provide an inclusive, supportive environment for children of all abilities and their families!
Traditional Mexican Churros - with Chef Violeta
Sat, Apr 26, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Wood Dale Public Library - Barbara E. Dunn Meeting Room
Chef Violeta Trujeque, originally from Veracruz, Mexico, will demonstrate how to prepare traditional churros with a spicy chocolate and vanilla dip. Samples and recipes provided!
This event is full
Yoga Adventures Jr.
Mon, Apr 28, 10:30am - 11:00am
Wood Dale Public Library - Activity Room 1
Come join us for a yoga adventure! We will experience a story through yoga poses and learn some relaxation strategies too. You may bring your own yoga mat/towel or use one of our mats.
This event is full
OB Kindergarten Class Visit
Tue, Apr 29, 10:00am - 11:15am
Wood Dale Public Library - Barbara E. Dunn Meeting Room
Welcome to Ms. Matos and her Kindergarten Class. Parents please make sure your child brings their library card today!
OB Kindergarten Class Visit
Tue, Apr 29, 1:00pm - 2:15pm
Wood Dale Public Library - Barbara E. Dunn Meeting Room
Welcome to Ms. Mackowiak and her Kindergarten Class. Parents please make sure your child brings their library card today!
Nichos de Hojalata - Mexican Tin Artwork
Tue, Apr 29, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Wood Dale Public Library - Activity Room 2
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with the Library by learning how to create embossed Mexican Tin Artwork.
This event is full
Crafternoon - Suncatchers
Wed, Apr 30, 4:30pm - 5:15pm
Wood Dale Public Library - Activity Room 2
Are you feeling crafty? Each session we will make a craft or piece of art that you’ll take home. Recommended age: 6-11 years
Preschool Storytime
Thu, May 01, 11:00am - 11:45am
Wood Dale Public Library - Activity Room 1
Join us for a Storytime for preschool age children and their caregivers! We will read books, sing songs, and work on fundamentals for early literacy. We’ll meet new friends and make a craft.
Mariachi Ameca Performance
Thu, May 01, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Wood Dale Public Library - Barbara E. Dunn Meeting Room
Come and enjoy a festive evening of traditional mariachi music by Mariachi Ameca at the Wood Dale Library. Light refreshments and a treat will be available.
ECEC Storytime - AM - Ms. Pubentz
Fri, May 02, 9:50am - 10:10am
Wood Dale Public Library - Off-Site 1
Youth Services will visit the Early Childhood Education Center for a story time.
ECEC Storytime - AM - Ms. Hradek and Ms. Rodriguez
Fri, May 02, 10:15am - 10:35am
Wood Dale Public Library - Off-Site 1
Youth Services will visit the Early Childhood Education Center for a story time.
ECEC Storytime- PM - Ms. Pubentz
Fri, May 02, 1:15pm - 1:35pm
Wood Dale Public Library - Off-Site 1
Youth Services will visit the Early Childhood Education Center for a story time.
ECEC Storytime - PM - Ms. Hradek and Ms. Rodriguez
Fri, May 02, 1:40pm - 2:00pm
Wood Dale Public Library - Off-Site 1
Youth Services will visit the Early Childhood Education Center for a story time.
Margarita Mixing
Fri, May 02, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Wood Dale Public Library - Barbara E. Dunn Meeting Room
Learn to make tantalizing margarita mixes with Marcy from Backyard Patch Herbs. Recipes and margarita tasting included. 21+ only event and IDs required. WDPL cardholders signups for the first week.
This event is full
Free Comic Book Day
Sat, May 03, 12:00pm - 5:00pm
Wood Dale Public Library
Come and get some free comic books! Event will start at 12. While supplies last.
STEAM Tots
Mon, May 05, 11:00am - 11:45am
Wood Dale Public Library - Activity Room 2
Let’s learn and play with STEAM! In each session we will explore different topics that relate to science, technology, engineering, art or math geared toward the younger ones. Dress for the mess!
Wood Carving Meetup
Mon, May 05, 6:30pm - 8:30pm
Wood Dale Public Library - Activity Room 2
Drop in and discover a new hobby with the North Suburban Carvers! Join the learning and carving session—no experience needed.
Teen Star Wars Celebration
Tue, May 06, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Wood Dale Public Library - Activity Room 1 & 2
Come celebrate Star Wars Day-Return of the Sixth. Make a lightsaber, train to be a Jedi, and enjoy photo opportunities! Recommended ages 11-16!
Murder in the Park - Vitual Author Visit
Tue, May 06, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Wood Dale Public Library - Small Meeting Room
Author Jeanne M. Dams will join us for a discussion of her novel "Murder in the Park."
STEAM Lab
Wed, May 07, 4:30pm - 5:15pm
Wood Dale Public Library - Activity Room 2
Let's learn and play with all things STEAM! In each session we will explore different topics that relate to science, technology, engineering, art or math. Recommended age: 6-11 yrs
Preschool Storytime
Thu, May 08, 11:00am - 11:45am
Wood Dale Public Library - Activity Room 1
Join us for a Storytime for preschool age children and their caregivers! We will read books, sing songs, and work on fundamentals for early literacy. We’ll meet new friends and make a craft.
Mothers Day Paint Party
Thu, May 08, 4:30pm - 6:00pm
Wood Dale Public Library - Activity Room 2
Celebrate the special mom in your life! Spend time together while creating a work of art. Recommended age: 5 and up with adult *Please be sure that everyone attending is included in your registration
Mother's Day Tea Cup
Thu, May 08, 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Wood Dale Public Library - Barbara E. Dunn Meeting Room
Welcome back Wood Dale Library favorite Peggy Garvin. As usual, Peggy brings her expertise and supplies. Supply costs for the program is $20..
ECEC Storytime - AM - Ms. Graehling
Fri, May 09, 9:50am - 10:10am
Wood Dale Public Library - Off-Site 1
Youth Services will visit the Early Childhood Education Center for a story time.
ECEC Storytime - AM - Ms. Markham-Gonzalez and Ms. Barton
Fri, May 09, 10:15am - 10:35am
Wood Dale Public Library - Off-Site 1
Youth Services will visit the Early Childhood Education Center for a story time.
Adult Crafting and Social Circle
Fri, May 09, 11:00am - 12:30pm
Wood Dale Public Library - Barbara E. Dunn Meeting Room
Join us for a monthly crafting circle where you can bring your materials, spend time working on your needlework, crocheting, quilting, knitting, etc., and socialize with other crafty people.
ECEC Storytime - PM - Ms. Graehling
Fri, May 09, 1:15pm - 1:35pm
Wood Dale Public Library - Off-Site 1
Youth Services will visit the Early Childhood Education Center for a story time.
ECEC Storytime - PM - Ms. Markham-Gonzalez and Ms. Barton
Fri, May 09, 1:40pm - 2:00pm
Wood Dale Public Library - Off-Site 1
Youth Services will visit the Early Childhood Education Center for a story time.
Yoga Adventures Jr.
Mon, May 12, 10:30am - 11:00am
Wood Dale Public Library - Activity Room 1
Come join us for a yoga adventure! We will experience a story through yoga poses and learn some relaxation strategies too. You may bring your own yoga mat/towel or use one of our mats.
The Buddy Pet Loss Support Group
Mon, May 12, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Wood Dale Public Library - Small Meeting Room
Grieving the loss of a beloved pet? Join The Buddy Pet Loss Support Group facilitated by an LPC for a 5-week session. To register or for more information, call the facilitator at 630-464-9179.
Adventures in Art!
Tue, May 13, 11:00am - 11:45am
Wood Dale Public Library - Activity Room 2
Join us on an adventure in art! In this class we will use our imagination and creativity to explore art together! Children will create a piece of art to display at home!
Westview 3rd Grade Booktalks
Tue, May 13, 11:25am - 11:45am
Wood Dale Public Library - Off-Site 1
Ms. Meg will visit Westview for booktalks and book check out.
Westview 4th Grade Booktalks
Tue, May 13, 11:50am - 12:10pm
Wood Dale Public Library - Off-Site 1
Ms. Meg will visit Westview for booktalks and book check out.
Westview 5th Grade Booktalks
Tue, May 13, 12:15pm - 12:35pm
Wood Dale Public Library - Off-Site 1
Ms. Meg will visit Westview for booktalks and book check out.
Polish Storytime
Tue, May 13, 6:00pm - 6:30pm
Wood Dale Public Library - Activity Room 1
Enjoy this fun storytime in Polish. Stay and play when the storytime is finished. Recommended ages: 3-7 yrs
PTO Meeting at Oakbrook
Tue, May 13, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Wood Dale Public Library - Off-Site 1
Youth Services will do an activity with children while parents attend the PTO meeting.
The Basics of Sewing and Clothing Repair
Tue, May 13, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Wood Dale Public Library - Barbara E. Dunn Meeting Room
Educator Elise Cochran helps us learn the basics of sewing and clothing repair. Each participant will receive an on-the-go sewing kit.
Toddler Time
Wed, May 14, 10:30am - 11:00am
Wood Dale Public Library - Activity Room 1
Join us for this fun, interactive, pre-reader storytime including books, songs and activities that encourage toddlers to develop language and social skills.
Chair Yoga and Tai-Chi
Wed, May 14, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Wood Dale Public Library - Barbara E. Dunn Meeting Room
Come in for a chair yoga and tai-chi session led by JoAnn Dickson from Body & Brain Yoga & Tai-Chi.
Wacky Wednesday
Wed, May 14, 2:30pm - 4:00pm
Wood Dale Public Library - Activity Room 1 & 2
Enjoy a craft or activity with your friends on early dismissal Wednesdays.
1,000 Books Celebration!
Thu, May 15, 11:00am - 11:45am
Wood Dale Public Library - Activity Room 1
Whether you are about to start, are already reading or have finished your 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten journey, join us to celebrate!
Nonfiction Readers' Club - Hidden Valley Road: Inside the Mind of an American Family
Thu, May 15, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Wood Dale Public Library - Small Meeting Room
Join other nonfiction enthusiasts for engaging discussions about history, science, memoirs and everything in between!
See all events