Shaken and Stirred: A 20s and 30s Mixer at the Oak Park Public Library

***UPDATE 02.07.12: Wow! We couldn’t be more excited about the great registration turnout. Due to the overwhelming response, All SPOTS ARE NOW FULL. Feel free to register if you’d like to be wait listed should something open up. And email us anytime at genre-x@oppl.org if you are interested in being notified of future events. ***

We know it’s hard to meet new people after college. Can you honestly think of a better place to meet someone than a library? Locking eyes over the Vonnegut section? Or maybe your hands brush while reaching for the last copy of Infinite Jest? Well, genre X is helping you out and shaking up traditional speed dating in an afterhours event open to all men and women in their 20s and 30s on Saturday, February 11^th from 8:00-11:00 PM.

Help yourself to a drink on the house before diving into the mix. You’ll mingle with everybody during three series of short mini-dates, regardless of gender or sexual orientation. Flirt with potential dates and stir up some new friendships. Cool off between heats with a trip to the cash bar. After you’ve made the rounds, let us know who has piqued your curiosity, and we’ll let you know if they feel the same way.

Preregister now – and do it quickly! We’re expecting available slots to fill up fast. Confirmations will be sent out starting February 3^rd. Still have more questions? Check out some of our frequently asked questions below. Read more

Did you read?

If Amazon had their way, 2011 would be deemed the Year of the Kindle. After all, “throughout December, customers purchased well over 1 million Kindle devices per week,” according to a December 29th press release that called the end of 2011 “the best holiday ever for Kindle.” Clearly, people like to read.

But between Amazon’s success and the struggles of the Chicago Public Library, ebook neophytes will take up the pulpit to declare the book dead. Again.

And they’ll be wrong. Again.

Far from being irrelevant, books and other print media are flaunting their popularity across the internet and pop culture.

For several stunning examples of print’s domination Read more

New Year, New You?

Happy New Year, genre Xers! If your Facebook feed looks anything like mine, resolutions are a hot topic this week. My friends are an ambitious bunch, setting goals for almost every aspect of their lives. In 2012 they will read, budget, release albums, exercise, wear makeup, and more! I’m already impressed.

While I could certainly stand to loose a few pounds or spend less money, I am only making one resolution this year: to take more risks. My plan is not to run into burning buildings or traipse through a Chicago winter in stilettos, but to try new things and to push myself out of my comfort zone.

I’m not the only one:

-At Time Hack, one man is documenting one new experience every day to see if his perception of time differs based on his experiences.

-The Leap Year Project is asking people to “Take a risk (AKA: Leap). Make something in your life, community, or world better. Then, use #lyproject to share it through all sorts of online and offline mediums and invite others to do the same.”

-And the Oak Park Public Library is pursuing the Spark project, pushing staff to try new ideas and engaging the community in planning for the library’s future.

Whatever your resolution is, the Oak Park Public Library can help you reach your goals. Learn a new skill with an online tool like Learning Express Library, where you can brush up on Adobe Illustrator or polish your resume. Through Universal Class you can enroll in self-paced classes on everything from horseback riding to meditation to statistics. And before you embark on the round-the-world trip you’re planning to ring in 2013, log on to Mango Languages.

For a round-up of great books on self-improvement, check out Kelly McGonigal’s list of 11 Books to Help You Turn Over a New Leaf. or Library Journal’s list of the best self-help books of 2011.

Share your resolutions in the comments, or if you’re already practically perfect, suggest a risk worth taking that I should add to my list (note to self: start a list).