Magic, Mini-Golf, and Milestones: How Berwyn Public Library Builds Community Through Signature Events

There’s something almost storybook about the Berwyn Public Library—and it’s not just because their most popular event involves princesses, pirates, and fairy-tale castles. Under the leadership of Director Tammy Sheedy, the library has carved out a unique space in its vibrant, diverse community of 56,000 residents just outside of Chicago. With a population that’s 63% Hispanic and a city footprint of only four square miles, Berwyn is small but mighty—and so is its library.

Sheedy and her team have found innovative ways to not only engage residents but build lasting traditions that bring the community together. “People expect these annual events now,” Sheedy said. And it’s no wonder—with a calendar that includes everything from mini-golf to local author fairs to an elaborate Fairy Tale Ball, the library has become a hub for celebration and creativity.

A Centennial Celebration with Style

Berwyn Public Library recently wrapped up its 100th anniversary, and they didn’t let the milestone pass quietly. “We did a celebration throughout the year,” Sheedy shared. That meant increased programming, a boy band concert, a special reading program theme focused on the library’s century of service, and even a formal banquet for staff, board members, and city officials. And all of that happened while the library was also working through a strategic planning process.

Talk about multitasking.

But it’s this kind of ambition—and collaboration—that defines Berwyn’s approach. Whether working with the park district, the city’s recreation department, or local businesses, Sheedy and her team make sure the library is not operating in a vacuum.

The Fairy Tale Ball: A Local Legend

The crown jewel of Berwyn’s programming calendar is undoubtedly the Fairy Tale Ball. It began in 2009 as a highly immersive in-building event, transforming all three floors of the library into a fantasyland complete with castles, entertainers, and costumed staff. “It was always labor-intensive,” Sheedy admitted, “but the public loved it.”

In 2020, when the pandemic made indoor events impossible, the team pivoted with a drive-thru version, complete with live performers and photo ops featuring costumed characters—including the mayor and his wife as the king and queen. The format worked so well that by 2021, the Fairy Tale Ball was permanently moved outdoors to a nearby park.

Last year’s Beauty and the Beast theme brought in over 1,700 attendees, and this year’s theme—Wizard of Oz, in a nod to the popularity of Wicked—promises to be just as enchanting. Characters from the Wizard of Oz (previous events included Belle, Jazmine, Snow White, and Moana) will mingle with a magician, exotic animals, and a DJ. Kids dress up, families take photos with the “queen,” and everyone leaves with a free book.

“It’s the best event in the city,” Sheedy said simply. And when you hear the joy in her voice describing it, you believe her.

Community Engagement That Works

While the Fairy Tale Ball may get the most attention, it’s not the only standout event in Berwyn’s repertoire. The Summer Reading Program kicks off with its own party featuring bounce houses, golf holes, and free paletas from a local ice cream shop. The parking lot transforms into a carnival of sorts, where kids can make buttons, pet reptiles (thanks to the wildly popular Cross-Town Exotics program), and—of course—sign up to read.

Adults aren’t forgotten, either. “They’re often motivated by the books we give away at the adult table,” Sheedy noted. And the children and adults who complete the reading program? They’re rewarded with a private pool party hosted with the city’s recreation department.

And just when you think the library might take a breather, they hit you with another surprise.

In January—a month Sheedy calls “blah”—the team rolls out its in-house mini-golf event. The library owns nine holes, which they scatter across all three floors. Each hole is decorated with its own theme, from Jaws to Mario Bros. Visitors of all ages decorate their own golf balls and compete in a cozy, winter-friendly version of summer fun. “Last year we had over 200 people and ran out of golf balls!” Sheedy laughed.

Then there’s the Local Author Fair, now in its third year. More than 50 authors from Cook County set up tables to meet readers and sell their books. When weather cooperates, the event is held outdoors and draws a few hundred visitors. Like so many of Berwyn’s programs, this event emphasizes local talent and face-to-face connection.

Tradition Meets Innovation

What makes Berwyn’s programming truly special isn’t just the creativity—it’s the commitment to community. Sheedy, who created the mini-golf and author events herself, understands that meaningful traditions don’t just appear. They take time, trust, and a team that’s willing to go all-in.

“I didn’t start the Fairy Tale Ball,” she said, “but it’s become the best event in the city because it brings people together in a way nothing else does.”

And that’s the real magic here. Whether they’re dressing up as Belle, swinging a mini-golf club, or discovering a new favorite author, residents of Berwyn aren’t just library users. They’re library fans. Library regulars. Library believers.

So if you’re rethinking your own library’s event calendar and wondering whether it’s worth the effort, let Berwyn be your inspiration. Your next signature event might just be the one that makes your library the heartbeat of your community.

“Our events aren’t just programs,” Sheedy said. “They’re part of what people expect and look forward to all year.”

And in a world that changes fast, a little bit of magic—whether it comes in the form of a talking teapot, a nine-hole course, or a pop-up author table—goes a long way.