🌱 Increase In Library Bomb Threats + 'Seagulls' Musical Opening Oct.

Good morning, Oak Park-River Forest. I'm here in your inbox today to tell you everything you need to know about what's going on around town.

But first, today's weather:

A brief afternoon shower. High: 76 Low: 64.

Here are the top three stories in Oak Park-River Forest today:

1. Following an increase in bomb threats made against Illinois public libraries, Oak Park and Forest Park libraries are taking new steps to keep patrons and employees safe. Measures include working more proactively with law enforcement to protect staff and patrons if libraries receive future threats, as well as improving their emergency protocols and collaborating with state and national library organizations, the Illinois Library Association, and the American Library Association to present a unified front in addressing threats. The Oak Park Public Library received two recent threats, including one on Aug. 21, which temporarily suspended service to the library. (Wednesday Journal)
2. Yesterday, the Oak Park Festival Theatre announced the cast and production team for "Seagulls," a rock musical adaptation of Anton Chekhov’s "The Seagull." The play follows four college students preparing for a battle of the bands contest, charting the various relationships within the band as they decide to stick together or let their dream go. The production will open Oct. 16 and runs through Nov. 19 at Pleasant Home, and tickets are available online. (Broadway World)
3. On Tuesday, $1 million worth of counterfeit merchandise was seized at O’Hare’s International Airport. U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers recovered a shipment containing 67 pieces of counterfeit designer goods, including watches, bracelets, handbags, and scarves. The shipment had arrived from Thailand, and its final destination was a home in Oklahoma. (1340 WJOL)

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Today in Oak Park-River Forest:

Thursday, September 21

• Toddler Time (Ages 18 Months-3) At River Forest Public Library (10:00 AM)
• Narcan Training At Village Hall, Oak Park (6:30 PM)
• Stock & Bond Investing At Oak Park Public Library (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Cleaning out your home this week? The Village is hosting a safe disposal and shredding event on Saturday, Sep. 23 beginning at 9:00 a.m. at the Public Works Center. Residents will be able to safely and securely dispose of sensitive documents and foam products (which have the No. 6 symbol), which are not accepted as part of the Village's single-stream recycling program. (Village of Oak Park, Illinois via Facebook)
• The Brookfield Zoo's popular free Fall lecture series is back on Sep. 28 at 7:00 p.m., kicking off with a discussion about the Penguin Encounter program with Lead Animal Care Specialist Emily Venckus. Learn about how the program was conceived, developed, and implemented, creating an entertaining guest experience with exceptional animal care and welfare. Sign up online today. (Brookfield Zoo via Instagram)
• This week, a permanent donation spot was installed outside the Oak Park Library to help Open Books, a Chicago nonprofit, distribute to neighboring low-income communities. Drop off your gently used books to help expand access to books to excited readers in neighboring local communities. (Wednesday Journal)

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Featured businesses:

• Laura Ruiz, REALTOR® at REALTY OF CHICAGO — (Visit website)
• Laurie Christofano, Realtor | RE/MAX In The Village — (Visit Website)
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Featured events:

• Oaktoberfest 2023 (September 23)
• Who doesn't love donuts? Wake up and enjoy Do-Rite this Sunday. Order by Saturday. (September 24)
• Happy Lobster fresh lobster rolls make a delicious, easy dinner. Order by Wednesday (September 27)
• Illinois Woman's Press Association Fall Writer's Workshop 2023 (September 30)
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Featured announcements:

• Board Certified Neuropsychologist opens practice- Riverside Psychology- in River Forest (Details)
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Thanks for following along and staying informed. I'll catch up with you bright and early tomorrow morning with a new update!

— Nicole Fallon-Peek

About me: Nicole Fallon-Peek is a journalist and copywriter with a degree in Media, Culture and Communication from New York University. She has served as a freelance reporter, managing editor, copy editor, and editorial director for a variety of B2B news outlets. She currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.