Ela Area Public Library’s Patios Open For Summer

The Ela Area Public Library's patios officially are open for residents to enjoy this summer.

To commemorate the first day of summer, the library held a Patio Party for patrons on Monday.

“It’s our way of letting our patrons know about our two outdoor patios,” said Terri Myer, adult program coordinator.

Refreshments were served to patrons who took advantage of the nice weather, sitting at one of the many tables, shaded by umbrellas.

Teen volunteer Amber Hamby helped children and adults pot sunflower seeds to take home and grow for their own gardens.

“When in bloom, our garden on the patio is beautiful,” explained Myer.

Also scheduled was a live cooking demonstration by Carol Mackey. A room full of patrons watched and sampled as Mackey showed them how to make steamed mussels, blue cheese coleslaw and Key lime pie.

"The kids loved the cooking demonstration," said Elizabeth Vesto, of Kildeer.

Mackey is a regular library guest and her recipes and tips can be found at www.cookermom.blogspot.com or www.thesuburbanepicurean.blogspot.com.

"It's great we lucked out that the library was having this fun stuff going on today," said Sherri Roben of Lake Zurich.

The main patio, located in the adult section of the library, and the children’s patio, located in the children’s section, are open through September during regular library hours.

“People can come out here, bring their lunch, read and relax,” said Burke.