January 18-March 17, 2019 Heart’s Desire: Reflections on Love & Marriage When Cupid’s arrow strikes, the love that grows is celebrated and communicated through a variety of romantic gestures and traditions. Contemplate the power of love represented in unique 19th and 20th-century wedding dresses alongside images of the brides who wore them. View exquisitely-detailed valentines spanning 100 years, many from the Elmhurst History Museum collection. Explore other romantic traditions—from flowers to cake accessories—that convey the secrets of the heart. Visitors are invited to share a nonreturnable copy of their own wedding photo to leave behind in the exhibit. Location: Elmhurst History Museum, 120 E. Park Ave., Elmhurst Hours: Sun, Tues-Fri 1-5 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission: FREE More info: elmhursthistory.org or 630-833-1457

Take an interactive journey through Elmhurst history! See the award-winning tabletop map filled with photos from various eras, and explore fascinating object towers on different themes, from businesses to community, and watch a video on Elmhurst history. Check out the latest History Spotlight, a rotating display of special objects and photos from the museum’s collection which currently features objects and information about York High School’s centennial.

Kids (newborns through grade eight) can join. Register at the Kids’ Help Desk with your valid Elmhurst Public Library card anytime from December 22 until February 28. Once signed up, kids receive a bookmark, a booklog to record the books read, and a reading challenge. Kids who reach reading goals by February 28 receive a sticker; a raffle ticket; and coupons for Skyzone, Meatheads, Brewpoint Coffee, and LEGOland.

The Library is here to jump-start the New Year with a healthier new you! Through a partnership with the Elmhurst Park District, programs focus on taking care of yourself in ways to help your your mind, body, spirit, and relationships thrive. The Common Connection is a series of programs using film, discussion, and critical thinking to identify topics that influence the world today — no matter who we are.

Burn off some energy at Free Family Open Gym. A guardian must remain with children at all times, this is not a drop-off program.

The Rock Café features 3 balanced meals made entirely out of stone. The Rock Café was generously donated to the Museum by the Josefeck Family in 2013. On display through May 2019.

When Cupid’s arrow strikes, the love that grows is celebrated and communicated through a variety of romantic gestures and traditions. Contemplate the power of love represented in unique and never-before-seen 19th and 20th century wedding dresses and exquisitely-detailed early 1900s valentines from the EHM collection. Explore romantic tokens of affection—including candy boxes, photos, and ephemera—that share the secrets of the heart with loved ones and the community at large.

This popular exhibit features 3 meals made of stone. Warning: Eating rocks leads to broken teeth!

Calling all 3rd to 5th grade performers! Are you ready to jump into acting, singing, and dancing? This class will offer a first hand experience in the fundamentals of musical theatre. The class will be taught by performer/writer Michael Potsic, who has been seen on the stages of The Paramount, Theatre At The Center, and The Second City. With his years of performance experience and knowledge, he will guide students as they build the technique, the drive, and the confidence that is necessary to be successful in musical theatre. Students will focus on skill-building in acting, singing, and dancing. The class will culminate in a final showcase that displays all of their hard work. The workshop is open to students third through fifth grade, who are Elmhurst residents or attend Elmhurst schools. If space allows, children from neighboring communities will be admitted.

An award-winning writer and ordained priest, James Carroll is the author of 12 novels, including his most recent, The Cloister; and the New York Times best-seller Constantine's Sword: The Church and the Jews, now an acclaimed documentary. He also wrote eight works of non-fiction, including Christ Actually: The Son of God for the Secular Age, which The Boston Globe described as “a testament to the power of a critical, creative faith.”