Perspective A.M.
The "Art After Dark" fundraiser and Human Library® are coming to DGPL in October
Art After Dark
By putting the spotlight on DGPL’s art collection during its “Art After Dark” fundraiser, the Downers Grove Public Library Foundation hopes to not only raise money for additional works, but also other items and services that will benefit library patrons.
The event will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday, October 4, at the Downers Grove Public Library, 1050 Curtiss St.
“Art After Dark” will provide an opportunity for patrons to explore the library’s full art collection while enjoying light bites and non-alcoholic drinks. A silent auction and appearances by special guests also are planned.
Following the event, patrons are invited to an after-party from 8 to 10 p.m. at Another Round, 5141 Main St. A percentage of every drink purchased there will further benefit the foundation.
Since 2020, the foundation has gifted several artworks to the library including “Aqua melt /Flores y Conejos” by Melissa Leandro, “Rumi Session Series; Love” and “Reborn” by Sarvin Haghighi and “Ta Da” by Daria Peoples. Other gifts that have come to the library through the foundation include items for the Anything Emporium, Book Club bags, books for Satellite Stacks at area senior living centers, a children’s play wall, a stipend for the library’s social work interns, and financial support for the Youth Service’s Summer Reading Program.
The Downers Grove Library Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to providing funding for extraordinary gifts that don’t require taxpayer dollars. Its annual fundraisers are the work of the organization’s volunteer board, and every year they come up with intriguing ways to both celebrate and support DGPL.
Tickets for “Art After Dark” cost $40 for adults and $30 for students and may be purchased online. The event is recommended for ages 12 and up. Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
Can’t attend but still want to support the work of the foundation? There are several ways to do that, from making a one-time or recurring donation, to purchasing a garden walk brick or buying DGPLF gear.
The Human Library®
The Human Library ® returns to DGPL from 3 to 8 p.m., Thursday, October 2, in the first floor meeting room. This “library” features people who share their experiences facing prejudice. Patrons can “check out” a human book and share a conversation with someone who has been directly or indirectly exposed to bias, discrimination or other harmful behavior based on race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, class or disability.
Each reading lasts 30 minutes, and readers must be 16 or older. Patrons can drop in any time to see which books are available to check out, or may choose to attend the entire program and read multiple books.
There will be a Book Depot outside the meeting room where visitors can see the books and learn more about the Human Library® organization.
Questions? Contact the Adult and Teen Services Desk at ATS@dglibrary.org or by calling (630) 960-1200.