Library Unveils "Sox vs. Cubs: The Chicago Civil Wars” Exhibit

It's a home run for baseball fans at Niles-Maine District Library this Spring! With baseball season upon us, there is only one game more exciting than the World Series—the Crosstown Classic! This meeting between the White Sox and Cubs is one of the oldest and most storied sports rivalries in Major League Baseball history—when these teams meet, the two sides of the city collide! Baseball lovers will be delighted to immerse themselves in the Sox vs. Cubs: The Chicago Civil Wars exhibit in the Franklin Gallery at the Niles-Maine District Library from March1-May31, 2018. The exhibit is open to all and admission is free. The exhibit was produced by the Elmhurst History Museum. The exhibit sponsor is CIBC Bank in Lincolnwood, IL and the media sponsor is the Journal & Topics Newspapers.

This hard hitting exhibit examines the rich and unique history of Chicago baseball—a city divided by dedicated fans with something to prove. Chicago may be divided geographically by only ten miles, but the distance between White Sox and Cubs fans is much greater. Sox vs. Cubs: The Chicago Civil Wars showcases the 117-year history of the rivalry, what it means, and how it’s changed. Visitors can explore this classic rivalry through first-hand accounts from former players, fans, historians, and sports media. Visitors can test their knowledge of each team in the Trivia Challenge and check out photographs, memorabilia, and souvenirs.

"We're very happy to be able to follow up on our two other local history exhibits on candy and on pizza with a great exhibit on the baseball rivalry between the Sox and the Cubs,” said Library Director, Susan Dove Lempke. “Today's libraries present information in a variety of ways, and I'm excited that the community will get to have an interactive learning experience centered around America's favorite pastime."

The Library takes you out to the ball game with more than 30 baseball-themed events for all ages throughout the Spring. The official Sox vs. Cubs exhibit kickoff is on Sunday, March 4 from 2-4pm. Fans can tour the exhibit, experience virtual reality, make their own pennant, and more. On Sunday, March 18 meet Southpaw, the White Sox mascot and on Sunday, May 6 meet Clark, the Chicago Cubs mascot. For a full list of events, please see below. Registration may be required. For more information about the exhibit and the special events, visit: www.nileslibrary.org/baseball

Baseball-Themed Events at the Niles-Maine District Library

March

3/4: The Official Sox vs. Cubs Exhibit Kickoff, 2-4pm

3/8: Baseball in the Movies, 10:30-11:30am

3/10: Create Your Own Baseball Card (All Ages), 10am-4pm

3/14: Stealing First in a Two-Team Town, 7-8:30pm

3/15: Movies in the Teen Underground: The Sandlot (Ages 13-18), 4-5:30pm

3/17: Make a Cubs/Sox LED Wrist Band (Grades 7-12), 1:30-3:30pm

3/18: Root for Your Home Team Family Day, 1:30-3:30pm

3/21: Take Me Out to the Ball Game Treats (Grades 7-12), 3:30-5pm

3/21: Baseball Button Making (Ages 13 and Up), 6-7:30pm

3/24: Ernie Banks: Baseball is Beautiful (Grades k-4), 9:30-10:15am

3/27: Baseball Trivia Contest (Grades 6-8), 3:30-4:30pm

3/27: Baseball Trivia Contest (Grades 9-12), 4:30-5:30pm

3/28: School’s Out Movie: Air Bud: Seventh Inning Fetch (All Ages), 10-11:45am

3/29: Laser Engrave a Mini Baseball Bat (Grades 3-7), 2-3:30pm

3/30: Miracle Mud & Other Wacky Baseball Science (Grades K-4), 2-3pm

3/31: Triple Play Movie Series: Eight Men Out, 1-3pm

April

4/4: Baseball Bedtime Math (Grades 4-8), 7-7:45pm

4/9: What is Your Old Baseball Sports Memorabilia Worth, 7-8:30pm

4/14: Second Saturday Breakfast Bingo: Baseball Edition (Grades K-8), 9:30-10:15am

4/20: Triple Play Movie Series: The Babe, 3-5pm

May

5/6: Meet Clark, the Chicago Cubs Mascot (All Ages), 2-2:45pm

5/8: Design Your Own Baseball T-Shirt, 6-8pm

5/9: Wrigley Field’s Amazing Vendors, 7-8:30pm

5/17: Movies in the Teen Underground: Rookie of the Year (Ages 13-18), 4-5:30pm

5/19: Leagues of their Own: The Civil War, Baseball Women, and the Negro Leagues, 11am-12pm

5/19: Baseball Bingo for Adults, 2-3pm

5/20: Triple Play Movie Series: For Love of the Game, 1:30-3:30pm

5/26: Women in Baseball: Story and Craft (Grades K-4), 9:30-10:30am