Get Out: Recycle Books, Buy Fresh Produce and Become a Knight for Summer Reading

Despite the fact that the weather is cooler, much cooler than what we experienced on Monday or Tuesday of this week, it is still summer. And, summer means Farmer’s Markets. The one in began on June 1 and continues every Wednesday from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. until Aug. 3. But, the one in will begin on Saturday. From 9 a.m. to noon, shoppers will find anything from pet treats to bakery items to hair bows as well as the expected fresh fruits and veggies at the lower level parking lot corner of Wabena and Mondamin. The farmers market will be going on rain or shine.

And, speaking of rain, it was our recent rains that shut down Pilcher Park Nature Center in neighboring Joliet. But park officials are hoping that the forecast rain for tomorrow does not keep the park closed, because it is time for the annual book recycling event. From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday through Sunday, Pilcher Park Nature Center, at 2501 Highland Park Drive, will accept your books and allow you to chose new ones.

"This is a magnificent event," Debbie Greene, Superintendent of Pilcher Park Nature Center said. "You can come in and get any books you want for FREE! It is a great way to get books for summer reading. At the moment there are lots of sets of 30 each of several Newberry Award winning books that are usually on reading lists."

This is a yearly event that is sponsored by the Will County Land Use Department. Park officials are anticipating that the event will go on as planned Friday. For information on the park, you can call 815-741-7277.

Lastly, both the Shorewood-Troy and Three Rivers Library districts have medieval-themed summer reading programs. In Shorewood, that summer program kicks off on Monday. From 1 p.m. to 3 p.m, you can come to the library and sign up for the summer reading program. Monday will also mark the kickoff for the photo and diorama contest. Details of each can be found on the library Web site.