An immersive, multi-sensory show designed for all ages is coming to the St. Charles Public Library this spring, the library announced on Wednesday, as part of a new programming series.
The first show, called “From the Earth to the Moon: An Immersive Celebration of the Visionary Authors who Inspired Space Exploration,” will run from March 27 to April 1, officials said. The program will take place at the St. Charles Public Library at 1 S. Sixth Ave., with more than 20 showings of the program set during its run.
This will not be a one-off event, St. Charles Public Library Director Kate Buckson told The Beacon-News in an email on Thursday. They expect to have several immersive programs each year, with another one coming later in 2025.
The shows will be shown on the library’s 10-foot by 36-foot screen, officials said.
The initiative is designed to respond to “the needs of modern library users,” Buckson said in Wednesday’s press release about the initiative. She told The Beacon-News that future programs will also prioritize topics that will translate well to a large screen – architecture, famous art or natural wonders of the world, for example.
It’s also meant to be inclusive of different abilities, according to the release, and will include some sensory-friendly shows with reduced lighting and adjusted sound levels.
Accessibility is an ongoing priority for the library, Buckson said.
“We offer accessible collections and recently completed an ADA audit to improve physical access in our building,” Buckson said. “We work closely with several partners who serve adults with disabilities and our goal is to continue serving those groups as best we can.”
The new immersive program is funded by the St. Charles Library Foundation, the release said.
Anyone can attend a show, no library card needed. Registration is required, however, and can be done in person or at this link: https://scpld.libnet.info/events?v=grid&d=2025-03-01&r=range. There will also be a few drop-in shows on certain days, according to the library’s website.
The St. Charles Public Library also offers other programs – for both kids and adults – from arts and crafts clubs to tax preparation appointments, which are listed on its website calendar.
In March, Buckson said, the library is holding Women’s History Month events – with programs on women-owned business development and a showing of a documentary about workplace equity.
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