Blog

Community input is a core element of how library staff develop and deliver services for all ages. 

We frequently ask ourselves how we can honor what is important to the residents of Skokie, knowing that, in a community as diverse as ours, there are many different community priorities and values. We offer services throughout the year rooted in learning about, celebrating, and connecting with the many communities within Skokie, and we mark the dates and months throughout the year that are important to residents. As we learn about communities’ important moments on the calendar, we factor what we learn into a calendar of community priorities that informs library services in many ways.

Heritage and History Observances

Heritage and history months, as well as single-day or multiple-day observances, are typically recognized at the federal or state level. The library recognizes these observances through activities in library spaces, library materials, public events, and information resources. Examples of heritage and history observances include Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Lunar New Year, Black History Month, and Pride.

Times of Religious Significance

Many religious communities in Skokie observe times that are significant for them. For some of these times, especially major religious holidays, we purposefully avoid scheduling big events on those dates because we know community members observing the holiday will be unable to participate in library activities. Examples are Eid al-Fitr and Yom Kippur. 

For other times of religious significance, such as Ramadan or Holi, the library may offer public events, activities in library spaces, or materials that reflect the religious identity of the community and share information about the history and cultural significance of the holiday. As a public library, we do not offer explicitly religious services or celebrations—those opportunities in Skokie are hosted by religious communities and religious institutions.

Awareness Weeks and Months

Each year, with community input, the library shares information and resources during selected awareness weeks and months. During these times, we focus on sharing resources available from the library, in Skokie, and in the larger community, especially resources available throughout the year. One example is Disability Employment Awareness Month.

The calendar of important community moments shifts and grows as we receive community input. 

The following list reflects the community priorities that are informing library services for 2025: 

• Muslim American Heritage Month 
• Martin Luther King Jr. Day 
• Lunar New Year 
• Black History Month 
• World Hijab Day 
• Ramadan 
• Women’s History Month 
• Holi 
• Arab American Heritage Month 
• Autism Acceptance Month 
• Sikh Awareness Month 
• Earth Day 
• Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month 
• Jewish American Heritage Month 
• International Compost Awareness Week 
• Pride 
• Immigrant Heritage Month 
• Juneteenth 
• Disability Pride Month 
• Hispanic Heritage Month 
• Disability Employment Awareness Month 
• Indigenous Peoples Day 
• Diwali 
• Native American Heritage Month 
• El Día de los Muertos 
• Jewish Book Month

You can also see a list of days the library is closed, which includes several federally recognized holidays. 

What is most important to you? Send us an email.