Blog

For more ideas, see our previous posts.

FOR KIDS

BOOMbox at Home: Fluffy Slime and Oobleck

Do you love to play with slime? We’ve got a recipe for a borax-free fluffy slime that is loads of fun and completely customizable, or watch a video featuring a make-your-own-Oobleck experiment.

BOOMbox at Home: Self-Portrait and Skin-Tone Paint

Making a self-portrait can be tricky if you aren’t sure how to mix colors that resemble your skin tone. Follow these instructions to make your very own self-portrait.

Storytime with Ms. Meleesa - Just Like a Mama

Ms. Meleesa shares the story of Carol Olivia Clementine and Mama Rose, who cares for her, then shares a rhyme and song perfect for sharing with the people you love. This video read-aloud features the book Just Like a Mama, written by Alice Faye Duncan, illustrated by Charnelle Pinkney Barlow, c2020 by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers.

BOOMbox at Home: Zucchini Papyrus

Egyptian papyrus wasn’t made with a pulp, rather, by overlapping and drying strips of the papyrus reed plant. This project does the same with zucchini! By cooking and pressing strips of zucchini together, you can create bonds from the cellulose molecules.

Storytime with Ms. Meleesa - I Got Two Dogs

Ms. Meleesa sings a story about two dog best friends, then shares a hello song perfect for singing and signing with your friends. This video read-aloud features the book I Got Two Dogs, written by John Lithgow, illustrated by Robert Neubecker, and copyrighted by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers in 2008.

BOOMbox at Home: Kinetic Sand

Make your own kinetic sand and play all year with this fun sensory toy.

BOOMbox at Home: Pudding Paint

Avoid some of the hassle and mess of traditional paint by making paint that’s safe even to eat and easy to clean up. This project is fun for the whole family, from toddlers making their first paintings to adults who just want an excuse to finger paint again.

You can also find a variety of other fun resources and recommendations from our staff.

FOR ALL AGES

Be the Artist: Collage Art and Mark Bradford

Mark Bradford is a contemporary abstract artist from Los Angeles who makes very large abstract paintings using paper. Make your own collage in the style of Bradford using found materials from magazines or mailing advertisements.

FOR ADULTS

Navigating the Job Search: Resumes and Marketing Materials

Career professionals Jerry Donahue and Joan Neumahr share the best ways to market yourself during the pandemic. Learn techniques to create an optimal resume, LinkedIn profile, cover letter, and more.

Roasted Chickpeas

Roasted chickpeas are a delicious snack to eat. You can customize this crunchy snack with any spices you like following a simple recipe for roasted chickpeas.

Skokie Staff Suggest: The Cooking Gene

Chris can't get enough of the book "The Cooking Gene: A Journey through African American Culinary History in the Old South" by culinary historian Michael W. Twitty.

Navigating the Job Search: Looking for a Job Today

The job market has changed dramatically. How can you conduct an effective job search today? Career librarian Mike Buhmann shares essential portfolio-building tools and how you can develop the knowledge and skills to land your new job in this recording from our January 21 event.

Book Chat Chapter 15: Immersive Reads

Becca, Maridsa, and Allyson share non-fiction and fiction titles that have had a big impact on them recently.

Food Science for the Win: Cholent and the Slow Cooker

There's a good chance you have a slow cooker at home, or know someone who does. Martha explores the history and science behind the slow cooker and shares a recipe for cholent, a simple winter stew from the Jewish tradition.