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.

Find local trick-or-treating hours and Halloween weekend events.

The Big Balloon Halloween Show
A mix of magic, comedy and "jaw-dropping" balloon creations is aimed at ages 3 to 12. Featuring entertainer Smarty Pants and his wife and partner Miss Dena, the show will take place from 2 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26 in the Kasian Room at the Lake Forest Library. Those interested in attending may register online.

What do you get when you combine teenagers, pizza and paint?

In the case of the Lake Forest Library, you get what happened the night of Thursday, Aug. 22 as members of the library’s Young Adult Advisory Board rolled up their sleeves and painted the walls of the new teen room.

The new teen room is a major improvement over what had previously been their space, according to Emmy Neal, the Lake Forest Library’s teen librarian.