First-time homebuyers can learn tips at The House Hunt: A Guide to Buying Your First House
presented at the Germantown Hills Branch Library on May 23. (Photo courtesy of Indian Prairie Library Dist.)

MAY 18

Basics of Growing Tomatoes

Thursday, 10-11 a.m.

Metamora Library, 208 E. Partridge St.

Free

Join Woodford County Master Gardener Gretchen Strauch and learn how to grow tomatoes at home, in the garden, or on your patio in containers. For more information or to register, call (309) 367-4594.

Computer Maintenance Basics

Thursday, 5 p.m.

Filger Library, 261 E. 5th St., Minonk

Free

Learn tips and tricks for improving your computer’s performance, stability and speed. Register by calling (309) 432-2929.

Writers’ Circle Meets at the Library

Thursday, 6:30 p.m.

Eureka Public Library, 202 S. Main St.

Free

Join the informal group to share your writings and ideas. For more information, call (309) 467-2922.

MAY 19

Buddy & Beyond

Friday, 7:30 p.m.

ICC Performing Arts Center Main Stage Theatre, 1 College Drive, East Peoria

$25; students $15

The History of Rock and Roll by Johnny Rogers will transport you back in time. For more information, visit https://icc.edu/arts.

Skillet and Alter Bridge at the Riverfront

Friday, 8 p.m.

Peoria Riverfront Festival Lawn

$32

For more information, visit limelighteventplex.com.

Tasting Cruise on the Spirit of Peoria

Friday, 7:30-9:30 p.m.

Spirit of Peoria dock at the Peoria Riverfront

$35 per person (adults only)

Enjoy Americana style music while cruising the Illinois River and tasting local beer, wine and whiskey samples. Light appetizers provided. For more information, visit spiritofpeoria.com.

MAY 20

EUREKA COMMUNITY GARAGE SALE

Book and Plant Sale at the Library

Thursday, 9 a.m.-noon

Eureka Public Library, 202 S. Main St.

Free admission

The Friends of the Library sponsor this annual sale. For more information, call (309) 467-2922.

Endangered Species Day at the Zoo

Saturday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Miller Park Zoo, 1020 S. Morris, Bloomington

Free with Zoo admission

Come learn about the importance of protecting endangered animals. For more information, call (309) 434-2250.

Heartland Festival Orchestra: New World

Saturday, 7:30 p.m.

Five-points, 360 N. Wilmor Road, Washington

$35; $8 for students/children

Cellist Parice Jackson will be featured. For more information, visit www.fivepointswashington.org.

MAY 22-JUNE 2

Sign up for Summer Reading in Eureka

During regular library hours

Eureka Public Library, 202 S. Main St.

Free

Children aged 3 through 6th grade, middle and high schoolers and adults can register for the reading program. For more information, call (309) 467-2922.

MAY 23

The House Hunt: A Guide to Buying Your First House

Tuesday, 5 p.m.

Germantown Hills Branch Library, 509 Woodland Knolls Road

Free

Author and realtor Greg McCoy will share his knowledge of the home-buying process. For more information, call (309) 383-2263.

Grow Great Tomatoes

Tuesday, 6:30 p.m.

Eureka Public Library, 202 S. Main St.

Free

Master Gardener Gretchen Strauch will teach you how to grow the best tomatoes in your garden or on your patio. Register by calling (309) 467-2922.

MAY 23-24

AARP Driver’s Safety Course

Tuesday & Wednesday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Eureka Public Library, 202 S. Main St.

$15 for AARP members; $20 for non-members

The two-day course will review everything you need to know to get your license renewed. Register by calling (309) 467-2922.

MAY 24

Dixieland Lunch Cruise

Wednesday, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Spirit of Peoria, Peoria Riverfront

$37; children 4-15 $20

Boarding begins at 10:30 for a cruise that features “Chuck and the C-Notes” and a Southern inspired buffet. For tickets, visit spiritofpeoria.com