Naper Settlement offering free Presidents Day admission

On Presidents Day, guests can get a free look at the new “We the People: Naperville and the American Story” exhibit as Naper Settlement celebrates 250 years of American history.

Admission is free for those who register to visit the settlement campus at 523 S. Webster St. from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, Feb. 16.

The day will feature historical activities and crafts, living history demonstrations and exhibits that explore local and national history, Naper Settlement officials said.

Participants also can learn about techniques used to spy on British troops during the Revolutionary War and explore a Benjamin Franklin-inspired electroscope with a hands-on science activity.

The “We the People” exhibit includes artifacts, local stories and new hands-on interactive experiences, settlement officials said.

To register, go to www.napersettlement.org.

Naperville Public Library survey seeks public feedback

Naperville Public Library is asking for residents for feedback through a 10-question community survey that will help library officials learn what is being done well and how services can be improved.

The library wants to know how often patrons visit the library per month, how likely they would be to recommend the library, what services they use and what format they prefer when checking out a book, among other questions.

Patrons can rate their satisfaction with various library services and offer written opinions.

Residents who include their name and email address will be entered to win a $100 downtown Naperville gift card. Winners will be notified in mid-March.

Residents can access the survey on the main page of the library’s website at www.naperville-lib.org.

A quick-service restaurant with a drive-thru lane has been approved by the Naperville City Council for a BP To Go gas station at 1532 N. Aurora Road. (Marie Wilson/Naperville Sun)

Restaurant with drive-thru OK’d for BP To Go gas station

A quick-service restaurant with a drive-thru lane has been approved for a BP To Go gas station at 1532 N. Aurora Road.

Dan Soltis, CIMA Developers’ vice president of real estate, previously indicated to the Naperville Planning and Zoning Commission that a Dunkin Donuts is the target tenant for a portion of the existing BP To Go convenience store.

The Naperville City Council approved the request but city staff will evaluate the need for stacking space after the restaurant user is identified. If staff find in their evaluation that the restaurant brings stacking concerns, it will return to the Planning and Zoning Commission for approval.

The city has previously run into stacking and traffic-related issues with drive-thru restaurants. Notably, the 7 Brew drive-thru coffee shop on Ogden Avenue has brought a number of complaints from nearby tenants due to the line of cars that spill out onto nearby streets.

West Suburban Irish member Eddie Curley will be the grand marshal of this year’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade on March 14 in downtown Naperville. (West Suburban Irish)

West Suburban Irish preparing for annual St. Patrick’s Day parade

Longtime West Suburban Irish member Eddie Curley will be the 2026 grand marshal of this year’s St. Patrick’s Day parade, organizers announced.

The parade will step off rain or shine at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 14, at the corner of Mill Street and Ogden Avenue. The parade route goes from Naperville North High School to Naperville Central High School, ending at Webster Street and Porter Avenue.

Curley embodies the spirit of friendship, fun and service, and he supports Irish music, culture and community gatherings, the West Suburban Irish organization said.

In addition to raising funds to support the group, he is involved with the Naperville Emergency Management Agency, Naperville Little League Baseball and the Naperville North Booster Club.

“His consistent dedication, quiet leadership, and commitment to giving back have made a lasting impact on both WSI and the Naperville community,” parade chair Rich Janor said in a news release.

West Suburban Irish will also honor the memory of Kevin Dolan, who founded the Naperville parade in 1993, with the presentation of the Kevin Dolan Founder’s Award. The award is given to the parade entry that best embodies the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day, organizers said.

Parade entries and sponsors are still being accepted. For more information, go to www.wsirish.org.

https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/02/11/naperville-settlement-free-curley-parade-bp-drive-thru/