'Downton Abbey' Fans to Learn Historical Background of Popular PBS Series

The Frankfort Public Library will host a lecture Thursday on the historical background of the PBS hit.

'Downton Abbey' Comes to Frankfort

The Frankfort Public Library will host a lecture this week on the historical background of the PBS hit.

The Dowager Countess, the Earl of Grantham and the rest of the cast of Masterpiece Classic’s smash hit, “Downton Abbey,” have returned to PBS for a new season of society and scandal. The Frankfort Public Library is hosting a lecture on “The Making of Downton Abbey: Setting the Scene,” this Wednesday. “‘Downton Abbey’ has been a fan favorite around here for a long time,” said Melissa Rice, head of adult services for the library. The lecture will be given by landscape historian Barbara Geiger, who will discuss the politics and legalities of English land ownership, which, in some cases, serve as the catalyst for the show’s central plot points. Geiger, who specializes in turn-of-the-century places, will examine how families such as the …

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50 Shades of Controversy: How L-W Libraries Handle Contentious Books

The novel 'Fifty Shades of Grey' has people talking thank to its racy content. But that subject matter has also resulted in the book being banned. How have the Frankfort, Mokena and New Lenox libraries handled the controversy?

Even if you're not an avid reader, odds are pretty good you've heard something lately about the novel Fifty Shades of Grey. It's one of those rare books—like Twilight, Harry Potter or The Hunger Games—that piques curiosity and courts controversy. But unlike those other books, Fifty Shades, written by E.L. James, is squarely aimed at adults thanks to its erotic themes and graphic sexual content. It's that subject matter that's saddled the novel with the term "mommy porn" and caused libraries in Georgia, Florida and Wisconsin to ban the book. But what about closer to home? Have the Lincoln-Way area libraries, which all carry the book, had any complaints? And what protocols do the libraries follow when it comes to pulling a book from their …

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Ask the Assessor: 3 Property Tax Questions You Need Answered

Frankfort Township Assessor Joe Kral talks about the inquiries he hears most often from homeowners about their property taxes. Plus, leave your own questions for Kral in the comments section.

Ask any homeowner what the most irritating part of owning that dream two-story Colonial is and odds are property taxes will be in his or hers top 5 list (probably behind that pesky squirrel who knocks out all the bird seed from the backyard feeder). Even longtime homeowners can be confused at how their property tax bill is determined. That's why Frankfort Township Assessor Joe Kral--the man who establishes a home's property value--has been making the rounds in the area to answer residents' property tax questions. He's visited the libraries in Mokena and Tinley Park, and he returns to Frankfort Public Library at Thursday, April 12, for a presentation. (Registration for the event is closed.) With homeowners' first property tax payment due …

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SouthScene

McGuinn, Starship, Murder and 'Monologues' Headline Stage Menu

Classic folk and rock, new details about John Wilkes Booth, Neil Simon's 'Biloxi Blues,' a musical 'Some Like It Hot' and how a bullet changed a life are a great start to summer arts and entertainment calendar.

Roger McGuinn, the legendary 1960s rock icon, Chicago native and original member of the Byrds, returns to Beverly Arts Center with his wonderfully soft yet powerful voice for an evening of most memorable song and conversation. SouthScene spoke with McGuinn this week about his music, life and concerts. For starters, his last name is pronounced McGwinn. "That's how our family has always said it," McGuinn said. He was born Jim McGuinn, but during the rock era, a guru urged him to change it to Roger, a better fit with the universe. Asked if he still follows the guru, McGuinn explained, "No, I've returned to a more personal relationship with God, Jesus." Asked about the 1960s before the Byrds were universally recognized, McGuinn recalled the …

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Easter Bunny, Cheerleading and More: Grab & Go Kids Planner

Want something to keep your kids busy? Look no further, as we've got great local and regional events.

Each week, we'll give you the info on the five best family activities or events for the week. Look for the kids’ planner each Wednesday, and help us build the planner with your own suggestions and tips — just add them to the comment box. Where/When: 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 6, at the Frankfort Public Library, 21119 Pfeiffer Road, Frankfort. Why Go: It's never too early to start teaching kids how to handle their finances (even if those finances only consist of a weekly allowance). Designed for children in grades 4-8 and their parents, this program discusses money management, budgeting, saving and setting personal financial goals.  Pricing: Free, but registration is required. Sign up online at the library's website or call 815-534-6173.  …

Fun Fair, Irish Fest and Reptiles: Grab & Go Kids Planner

Want something to keep your kids busy? Look no further, as we've got great local and regional events.

Each week, we'll give you the info on the five best family activities or events for the week. Look for the kids’ planner each Wednesday, and help us build the planner with your own suggestions and tips — just add them to the comment box. TRAVELING WORLD OF REPTILES, New Lenox Where/When: 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday at Nelson Ridge School, 2470 Nelson Rd, New Lenox. Why Go: There will be pizza, crafts and games, including bean bags and Guitar Hero. At 11 a.m. there will be a reptile show provided by Traveling World of Reptiles. Pricing: Free, but participants are asked to bring a non-perishable food item donation to benefit the local food pantries. MUNCHIES & A MOVIE: MANGA MANIA & CRAZY COMICS, Frankfort Where/When: 3 p.m. Monday, …