Blog

My Library Is…. Creating Enthusiastic Fans

11 February 2021

Stacy Palmisano

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Amid the chaos and stress of the past year, my library has found a way to establish personal relationships with patrons and create an enthusiastic fandom—and boost collection use at the same time.

Since September 2019, our Binge Box service has provided personalized book selections to people of all ages, along with treats and gifts to brighten the recipient’s day. Full credit for the basic idea goes to our former Youth Services Librarian Laura Spradlin. Binge Boxes were originally designed for middle schoolers as a cross between the ideas of teen book subscriptions and binge-watch...

Story by Claire Crawford on Feb 10, 2021

10 February 2021

Claire Crawford

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The Geneseo Public Library District has partnered with the Geneseo Art League to have our own "Dewey" the Library Cat! We love the design and creativity

of this cat! Many of our patrons are allergic to cats so we found the perfect answer - a beautifully designed library cat!

Tapping Into the Creativity with Adult Craft Kits

10 February 2021

Dan Bostrom

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When I arrived at Warrenville Public Library back in 2018, I wanted to explore the benefits of active engagement and library outreach via creative programming and art. We already had a very popular and highly anticipated arts programs series for kids. Time and time again I would hear from parents who wished we also offered craft programs geared towards adults, they wanted in on the fun. In 2019, I set out to fill this need and pitched a casual pop-up program for adults. We made aromatic envelop sachets, paper roses and painted rocks. Due to increased interest, what began as a pop-up event...

Elders of the Internet video featuring Nick Offerman.

Talking Points for Why Libraries Are Needed in the Age of the Internet

9 February 2021

Dan Bostrom

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The following talking points can be used by library staff when faced with the question: Why do I need the library when I have the internet? They can easily be adapted to fit any situation that might arise in an academic, public, school, or specialized library.

The talking points can be used separately or in conjunction with the Elders of the Internet video, starring actor Nick Offerman. For example, after each talking point, you can ask if the person you are speaking with has seen the video and invite them to view it on your...

Paw Paw Public Library District offers Ag in the Classroom Bags

4 February 2021

Stacy Palmisano

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At the end of last September, my co-worker Kathy, who also works at Big Rock Library in Big Rock, told me about an activity they were offering. She said, the Hinckley Big Rock High School FFA with help from the DeKalb County Farm Bureau had make up activity kits for kids about apples and were being offered for free to the local kids. She showed me a kit and what it contained and I knew I wanted to do the same thing for the Paw Paw Library.

I called the Lee County Farm Bureau, the county Paw Paw is in, to find out what I could get from them to make up my own kits. They put me in...

Grow with Lisle Library District’s Seed Library

1 February 2021

Dan Bostrom

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In 2014, the Lisle Library District became one of the first public libraries in Illinois to offer a Seed Library to its patrons. The Village of Lisle is home to The Morton Arboretum and PrairieWalk Pond, among other outdoor attractions, and it was in keeping with the Village’s love of outdoor spaces that this project was created.

LLD offers an assortment of seeds, including varieties of beans, peas, cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers, carrots, herbs, and flowers, and in recent years, the offerings have expanded to include plants that provide nectar and pollen for native birds,...

Flossmoor Public Library is Finding Creative Ways to Adapt

27 January 2021

Stacy Palmisano

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In March 2020, the Flossmoor Public Library was getting ready to go fine free. We were adding to our collection, to introduce Play-aways, because they had not really been a heavily requested item by our patrons until that winter. We had great in-person programming and a wide collection of materials to check out, both in person and electronically. We were introducing board games to give variety to our collection.

Then…we had to pivot. We needed to reach our patrons from afar. We needed to check in with them and meet their needs, all while trying to figure out how to safely meet...

Lockers Aren't Just for Gym Shoes

25 January 2021

Dan Bostrom

Comments: 1

The University Libraries at Northern Illinois University quickly pivoted to low- and no-contact services to respond to the pandemic. Many academic libraries were well positioned for such actions. We have emphasized innovative practices for years in order to meet and exceed the expectations of our tech-savvy users. Creative thinking was especially useful because I-Share, the statewide resource sharing network for academic libraries, was “shut down” for some time, especially in the earliest weeks of the pandemic.

Academic libraries continue to devise ways to get materials needed for...

Gingerbread House Decorating Days at The Henderson County Public Library District

21 January 2021

Stacy Palmisano

Comments: 1

This year we celebrated 20 years of building and decorating gingerbread houses at the Henderson County Public Library District!! Back in 2000 the library director (I was the assistant library director in 2000) attended a class at Fondulac PLD to learn how to build a gingerbread house and the list of candy to purchase. She then came back to our library and held the first gingerbread house decorating days with just 15 attending.

As COVID-19 began and changes had to be made, we decided to build the gingerbread houses and make them as kits to take home and decorate. But.....would...

Drive-Up Window. Image credit: Glenview Public Library.

Reaching Patrons While the Doors Are Closed

14 January 2021

Dan Bostrom

Comments: 1

When the Glenview Public Library first shut its doors back in March, we found ourselves scrambling to help our patrons. As time went on, we started adapting to change and coming up with new ways to serve our community, and as winter approached and COVID-19 cases began to rise again, we knew there was a chance that the Library would again close to the public. To best serve our patrons, we knew we had to make some adjustments.

While patrons can check out books and materials through our Drive-Up Window, we knew that a big reason people visit the Library is to access the Internet and...

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