If you’ve ever had one of those moments where you thought, “I didn’t know that program was being offered at the Library,” or “I didn’t know about that Library resource,” you’re not alone. We often get feedback from patrons wanting to know the best way to stay “in the know” on Library happenings because they […] Read More
Join the Community of Makers with Strawbees Discovery Kits
Did you hear? Our newest Discovery Kit is here – Strawbees! Strawbees? What’s that! Strawbees are a building tool used to connect straws to make 3D sculptures! They are yellow, plastic pieces that are comprised of 1, 2, 3, or 5 different “arms” to conjoin straws together. With Strawbees, you can build structures, toys, or […] Read More
MakerSpace coming soon to the Library
Update 9/12: Construction on the MakerSpace starts Monday, September 16, and will last 4-6 weeks. Pardon our noise and dust! If you’ve been in the Library this week, you will notice that the AV collection has been moved. This shelf shift is the first phase of the Library’s new MakerSpace project. The Media Desk will […] Read More
Sam’s Music Reviews: Chicago Suburban Roots
Happy July, everyone! For this month, I’m recommending four albums from artists/bands that have originated in the Northern/Northwestern suburbs of Chicago. Listening to artists that grew up where we live can bolster a sense of pride and accomplishment for our community and even enhance our listening experience. For each album recommendation, I have provided a […] Read More
Who Do You Think You Are? Telling Your Family’s Story
Family history and genealogical research is one of my passions, and I’m lucky enough to say that I come from a grand familial tradition of writing down my family’s stories. My great-aunt, an incredibly interesting woman in her own right who was a stenographer at the Nuremberg Trials, spent years researching and documenting the stories […] Read More
Practical Screen Time Tips for Parents
I have always valued the screen time guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) as a way to promote the values of literacy and healthy media use. Before becoming a parent I intended to follow these guidelines to the letter. Yet like so many of the lofty goals of pre-parenthood, reality came […] Read More
Get Your Game On(line)
*Written by both Sam from Adult Services and Noreen from Youth Services. Now, more than ever, we are socializing with family and friends virtually in order to spend time together in a safe manner. However, there are only so many things we can talk about. Are you running out of conversation topics, or wishing you knew […] Read More
Genealogy: Digging Up Your Roots
If you’re anything like me, history has always fascinated you. And I’ve found that there’s no better way to put history into context than to find out what your ancestors were up to! Genealogy, the study of family history, is a fun way to delve into the past and learn more about where you come […] Read More
Sam’s Music Reviews: Concept Albums
One of my favorite elements to listen for in an album is a conceptual framework that ties the songs together. A concept album allows musicians to exercise creativity during the writing/instrumental/recording process. Whether the album has an intricate fictional storyline, explores different themes, or comments on current issues, the possibilities for what makes a concept […] Read More
Food Patriots: Join the Good Food Revolution
If you haven’t noticed lately, there’s been a good food revolution taking place across the country for quite some time now. As consumers become more and more educated about the foods they eat, they’re letting companies know what they want by the food purchases they make, and companies have been quick to respond. At a […] Read More