For the first time in 45 years The Friends of Lake Forest Library is not able to host our Fall book sale due to health concerns resulting from the Covid 19 pandemic. Normally, at this time of year, we are busy packing up books, scheduling volunteers to work the sale, and finalizing all the details that running a sale of this magnitude involves. It's a time of year we all look forward to, and the energy and love for this event is tangible and very much missed this year. The board of directors of the Friends of Lake Forest Library miss interacting with each other on a regular basis at the Library, but what we miss most is interacting with our volunteers and patrons at an event that is near and dear to our hearts and to the heart of our community.

Even before the pandemic prompted school closures in the spring, education researchers were concerned about the so-called "summer slide," a term used to describe skills and knowledge lost in the break between school years.

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Teen librarian Emmy Neal, of the Lake Forest Library, said parents trying to curb the summer slide should start with review materials and avoid trying to do too much too fast.

In a figurative and literal sense, Lisel Mueller, found her writing voice after fleeing Nazi Germany with her mother and sister in 1939. She learned a new language and became a poet with a unique style that quickly connected with readers. Mueller, 96, died Feb. 21 from the aftermath of pneumonia at the Admiral of the Lake retirement community in Chicago.

The Lake Bluff Public Library hosted the presentation "Opioids in Lake County," given by Bill Gentes, executive director of Lake County Opioid Initiative, a nonprofit organization formed to combat the growing crisis of addictions and overdoses in the area.

Last September, local photographer Kerri Sherman published Cuba Captured, a coffee table book full of colorful images from her recent travels to Havana. Her vivid street photography—produced under the tutelage of Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist Alex Garcia—captures everything from boxers to back alley dominoes players. On February 6 at 7 p.m., Lake Forest Library will host Sherman as she discusses her experiences abroad, as well the personal process of distilling the essence of this exotic locale. Enjoy a chance to chat with the artist and absorb the brilliant colors and textures of her photography. For more information, visit kerrisherman.com or lakeforestlibrary.org.