Library Workers in Public Office

Posted by Dan Bostrom
13 August 2019

“I’m not really a joiner.” The words fell out of my mouth before I really knew what I was saying. I had said the same thing so many times in my life that it felt like a cliche, but I realized in that moment that it had been a while since I had given it much thought. It was late 2017, I was at the ILA Annual Conference and someone had just suggested I join an organizational committee to get more involved in professional development, but I didn’t feel like I had enough to offer.

Story by Jane Roth on Aug 13, 2019

Every Saturday afternoon for the past three years, approximately 40 residents of The Mather settle in to view the Saturday Science Series.  These films come from libraries all over the area through interlibrary loan and are handled very efficiently by the Evanston library staff.  I think this program could be extended to other senior facilities in the Evanston area as it gives residents a view of the wider world that they may no longer be able to access through travel.

Story by Linda Vering on Aug 6, 2019

Finishing a novel is a triumph for any writer. For Hollie Smurthwaite, it’s doubly thrilling.

Earlier in the year, she had submitted her manuscript, The Color of Trauma to the "Soon to Be Famous Illinois Author Manuscript Contest." 

Weeks later she received a phone call informing her she was one of three finalists from the state.

“I had a Sally Field moment! ‘They really like me!’ I felt the excitement of a preteen getting to meet her idol,” she said.

Story by Linda Vering on Aug 6, 2019

A Life Filled with Great Books: The Winner of Our Winter Reading Program Shares Her Secret

Sarah Brimer, winner of the library’s Winter Reading grand prize drawing for an iPad, can finish a book in two days.

Sarah, who moved to Northbrook from New York three years ago to live with her daughter, is 102 years old. She quips that for someone her age, reading is about the only hobby she can indulge in.

“First of all, I’m an old lady. What else can I do? I can’t run around the block!”

Story by Anonymous on Aug 2, 2019

Walking through the doors of the Still Bar & Grill in Bartlett to join in on the Bartlett Public Library District’s BookLite book club conversation sounds a bit nerve-wracking when you don’t know many people present, but Bartlett resident Cristina Ligocki absolutely loved it.

 

“It was a dream come true,” Ligocki said, referencing her experience at the Booklite book club.

 

Forming Partnerships for Library Advocacy

Posted by Dan Bostrom
31 July 2019

I really just wanted to host the Skylab from the Peoria Riverfront Museum. That’s all.

And how can you blame me? Have you seen it? It’s this giant inflatable dome and, once inside, it’s a planetarium.

Anyway, it turns out, there’s a space requirement. And, at 25 by 25 feet, it’s not a small requirement for a rural library. Of course, I can’t meet that requirement, so I can’t host. And, somehow this comes up in conversation.

“You know you can host events at the senior center, right?”

This is, turns out, how the best partnerships are formed.

Story by Anonymous on Jul 26, 2019

In a small town with no regular activities or entertainment opportunities, the library is a place to meet your new best friend. There are many kids between the ages of 8 and 13 who meet at the library after school and during the summer to play their favorite computer games together. As the noise levels increase, so do the friendships. They celebrate Fortnite victories together and teach each other strategies for new games. These are the kids who have internet at home but don't often have someone home with them.

Story by Anonymous on Jul 26, 2019

Marlene Jones has always made it a priority to stay connected and active in the community. 

“I work with my church group to bring in presenters,” she said. “I love the programs and book clubs at The Barn in Schaumburg. And I like to go to Schaumburg Library for programs, too, but it’s tougher these days.”

At 82, it’s not as easy for Marlene to get around as it once was. That’s why she’s so grateful for Schaumburg Library’s home delivery service.

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