NSLS Member's Corner

Special Event

Tue, 18 Nov 2008 13:52:07 GMT

McHenry Nunda Public Library Becomes River East Public Library It’s Official! River East Public Library is the new name for McHenry Nunda Public Library. The new signs are up, the website is ready and so are we. We have been looking forward to this change for quite some time. The Board of Trustees has been talking about this for several years. But, talking was as far as it had ever gotten until a check went missing and we had to do some serious detective work to track it down. The similarities between McHenry Public and McHenry Nunda have caused confusion for as long as anyone can remember. McHenry Nunda was named because the district is in parts of both Nunda Township and McHenry Township. Although, it is not a Township Library, people think it is. The staff at McHenry Nunda fields calls for McHenry Public on a daily basis, people go to that library for our programs, and we have patrons that want to pick up the book they reserved at McHenry Public here. For these reasons and many more, the name needed to change. We held a contest during the summer reading programs to give us our new name. The name was suggested by several people in several derivations. After we whittled the list down to ten, we surveyed patrons and presented the results to the Board. River East was the choice mainly because our district is spread out in several villages, cities and townships. We could not identify ourselves by location or proximity to any one place. But, the entire district is east of the Fox River. So if we move, no matter where we go in our district, we will always be east of the river! We are so sure this change is going to relieve stress, not only for our staff, but also McHenry Public’s staff, ILL delivery staff, state staff, our mailperson, and of course our patrons, we’re giving away our stress balls! Stop in and get yours today!

Miscellaneous

Wed, 12 Nov 2008 09:43:02 GMT

Hennen's American Public Library Ratings (HAPLR) rates the following NSLS libraries among the top 10 libraries in their population categories. - Schaumburg Township District Library is listed as 8th in serving a population of 100,000 - Crystal Lake Public Library is listed as 10th in serving a population of 25,000 View rankings of Illinois libraries and read the report.

Event

Tue, 28 Oct 2008 12:28:19 GMT

Day of the Dead Celebration Ela Area Public Library Features Storyteller Antonio Sacre Award-winning bilingual storyteller Antonio Sacre comes to Ela Area Public Library on Saturday, November 1 from noon-2 p.m. to celebrate Day of the Dead, a Mexican holiday honoring loved ones who have died. Hear traditional stories, make a skeleton craft and sample the foods served during this colorful, festive occasion. All ages are invited to attend, and no registration is required. Mr. Sacre's storytelling performance will take place from 1-2 p.m. The Library is located in Lake Zurich at 275 Mohawk Trail. For more information, please call 847/438-3433.

Contest

Fri, 24 Oct 2008 09:12:19 GMT

Get ready to grab gigabytes - mark your calendar to get involved in the project that fosters creativity and generates interest in reading and technology. "Oh hello, I was just reading one of my favorite books, "Your Chickens: A Guide to Raising and Showing," is a video that has been viewed over 7,300 times since being uploaded to YouTube in April of 2008. "My favorite book," "I love this story," and "You have to read this" are phrases that are used many times in the 2-minute or shorter video contest featuring students and their favorite books created by public libraries. Olivia Collins of South Portland , Maine skips around her back yard, sometimes with her feathered friends, sharing her passion for raising chickens and the book that inspired her. Olivia was one of the 2008 Storytubes Contest winners. Last year's StoryTube's Contest featured young people from across the 48 continental United States . In 2009, StoryTubes videos will feature accents from Canada as Annapolis Valley Regional Library, Bridgetown , Nova Scotia , comes aboard as a sponsor library for Nova Scotia entrants. The contest adds people from distant time zones as Alaskans join the Storytubes contest as Juneau Public Libraries joins as another StoryTube partner. StoryTubes organizers are extremely pleased with the exponential growth and interest in the project. Over 160 young people spoke passionately about their favorite books in 2009. Thousands more people were urged to watch and cast votes for videos as the contest moved into the voting phase. One teacher described the scene in her hometown as..."people were stopping in grocery stores to ask each other if they had voted for Jared that day." During May of 2008, the StoryTubes web site averaged 1,037 pages per day and 1,301 hits per hour. The StoryTubes web site pages were viewed over 150,000 times during the contest. The StoryTubes project also received valuable support from the Children's Book Council, the American Library Association, Trev Jones of School Library Journal, many schools and libraries across the country and a host of bloggers on the Internet. New this year - This year's contest features new partner libraries, new categories that provide opportunities for kindergartners - through high school seniors, groups and people of all ages*, new contest dates and the addition of TeacherTube as a video host to assist organizations that do not enable access to YouTube. 2009 StoryTubes Partner Libraries to date are as follows: Buffalo and Erie County Public Library, Buffalo, NY Middle Country Public Library, Centereach, NY The Public Library of Charlotte &amp;amp; Mecklenburg County/ImaginOn, Charlotte, NC Washington-Centerville Public Library, Centerville, OH Gail Borden Public Library, Elgin, IL Harris County Public Library, Houston, TX Juneau Public Libraries, Juneau, AK Annapolis Valley Regional Library, Bridgetown, Nova Scotia, Canada Tentative Timeline: Entries Accepted: Jan.8 through Feb. 15, 2009 Partner Library Final Judging: Feb. 16 through Feb. 20 Parent Permission and Movie Files Secured: Feb. 23 through Feb. 27 Announcement of Judges’ Choice Awards/Uploading of Movie Files to non-YouTube Site: March 2-6 Online Voting: Individual Entries, Grades K-4 March 9-12 Individual Entries, Grades 5-8 March 16-19 Individual Entries, Grades 9 up March 23-26 Group Entries, All Ages March 30-April 2 Visit StoryTubes.info to watch videos from last year. Click here to watch the short promo video featuring last year's contest. * We welcome adult entrants especially as they create enthusiasm in others. The prizes will be awarded to school age young people. Adults may share in those prizes if they are in a group with a school age young person. Questions: Categories, rules, partner questions - Faith Brautigam, Director of Youth Services, Gail Borden Public Library, 847-429-5970, fbrautigam@gailborden.info Technology - Betsy O'Connell, Director of Information Technology, Gail Borden Public Library, 847-429-4689, boconnell@gailborden.info Sponsorship, marketing, video editing - Denise Raleigh Director of Marketing, Development & Communications, Gail Borden Public Library, (847) 429-5981, draleigh@gailborden.info

Award

Mon, 13 Oct 2008 13:24:14 GMT

News Release Date: Oct. 13, 2008 Contact: Susan Miura Title: Public Relations Coordinator Phone: (847) 923-3120 Email: smiura@stdl.org Schaumburg Librarian Wins National Award Schaumburg, IL – Barbara Adrianopoli, Director of Extension Services for the Schaumburg Township District Library, won the John Philip Award for outstanding contributions and prominent leadership by an individual in Bookmobile and Outreach Services. Presented Oct. 10, the award was given by the Association of Bookmobile and Outreach Services (ABOS) at the association’s annual conference in Columbus, Ohio. “It was such an honor to receive this distinguished award. Stepping in John Phillip’s footprints is quite intimidating. But, you are only as good as your board of directors and your director allow you to be – so the award goes to them and to the other staff members in outreach who inspire me every day to leave small footprints in helping others to enjoy library services.” John Philip, for whom the award is named, spent a long and honorable career as an advocate of bookmobile and outreach services. According to ABOS, “this award honors his dedication and tireless work and serves as a pinnacle for all bookmobile and outreach staff to aspire to reach.” Recipients of the John Philip award are selected based on several criteria, including their leadership role in the field, behind-the-scenes service, unique impact in the field, willingness to mentor others and their knowledge and experience.

Special Event

Mon, 06 Oct 2008 15:44:37 GMT

Third Annual Bradbury Storytelling Festival—Literary Villains Friday, October 17, 2008 – Tickets on Sale Now! The Waukegan Public Library invites you, once again, to close your eyes for another hair-prickling literary ride. Please join us Friday, October 17, at 7:30 p.m., for the Third Annual Ray Bradbury Storytelling Festival, held at the magnificent Genesee Theatre. This year’s theme? Literary Villains. As sinister as they come. Mr. Dark. Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Mr. Dark of Bradbury’s Something Wicked This Way Comes and Edgar Allen Poe’s Cask of Amontillado, Wicked stepmothers, and still others who cause shudders. So, slink back in your seat. Our gifted storytellers, Megan Wells, Jim May, Dan Keding and Judith Black will take you on a spin from the fog-filled streets of London to the glare and blare of a traveling carnival. Dare to see what lurks in your own imagination. Tickets remain a low $17 for the Friday, October 17 performance which will begin at 7:30 p.m. Tickets can also be purchased Ticketmaster outlets, www.ticketmaster.com or by calling 312-559-1212.

Event

Tue, 30 Sep 2008 14:25:11 GMT

Prestigious Benjamin Franklin Exhibit Comes to Illinois “Benjamin Franklin: In Search of a Better World,” a national traveling exhibition which looks at the remarkable life and achievements of one of America’s most beloved personalities, opens at the Niles Public Library District with a public reception on Sunday, October 19, featuring a keynote speech at 2pm from Dr. Ralph Lerner, the Benjamin Franklin Professor Emeritus in the College and of the Committee on Social Thought at the University of Chicago. Ben himself will make an appearance on that date, while harpsichordist Shirley Grudzien provides period music. Refreshments will be served. The Niles Public Library District was selected as one of only 40 libraries nationwide and is the first public library in Illinois to host the exhibit. Besides serving his country as a skillful diplomat and negotiator, Benjamin Franklin was a scientist, inventor, entrepreneur, humorist and philanthropist whose wisdom and wit continue to inspire and entertain us more than three hundred years after his birth. Franklin was dedicated to making the world a better place and himself a better person. His was the quintessential American success story. The traveling library exhibit gives public audiences the opportunity to explore and to talk about Franklin’s life, his contributions to the founding of this country, and his high standards for work, citizenship and contributions to community. It looks at his background, his self-education, and his philosophical and religious beliefs and their effect on his work and life. The Niles Public Library district is offering a wide variety of free programs, including a Colonial Concert, a timely lecture on “Ben’s View of the Presidency”, and an authentic tea party with a one-act play performed. Children’s events include an educational and fun one person Ben Franklin show, an ongoing scavenger hunt, and a kite making workshop. Several book discussions on Franklin’s life and a presentation his autobiography will also be offered. The Niles Public Library is Located at 6960 Oakton St. in Niles, IL. Please call 847-663-1234 for additional information or visit www.nileslibrary.org or http://bencomestoniles.blogspot.com/ for more about Benjamin Franklin and his world. The Benjamin Franklin Tercentenary, Philadelphia, and the American Library Association organized the exhibit with support from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH): great ideas brought to life.

Award

Tue, 30 Sep 2008 09:46:31 GMT

First Lady Laura Bush will award Skokie Public Library the 2008 National Medal for Museum and Library Service, the nation’s highest honor for museums and libraries, at a White House ceremony on October 7. Each year, the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), in coordination with the White House, awards the national medal to five libraries and five museums that have helped make their communities better places to live. Each winner also receives a $10,000 award. Skokie Public Library received the medal for founding and continuing cosponsorship of the annual Skokie Festival of Cultures, which provides two days of ethnic foods, music, dance, crafts, fun cultural activities for kids, and a chance for integral community development; the Library’s multilingual website and reading, visual, and audio materials; and presenting the Young Steinway Concert Series, now in its 27th year, which provides valuable performing experience for exceptionally talented youth and free concerts for the community. “By its example, the Skokie Public Library shows us the kind of influence and impact that libraries can have on community life. Through its innovative programs and active partnerships, the Library addresses the urgent and changing needs of the community it serves,” said Anne-Imelda M. Radice, IMLS Director. The other winners of the 2008 National Medal for Museum and Library Service are: The Buffalo Bill Historical Center, Cody, WY The Franklin Institute, Philadelphia, PA The General Lew Wallace Study and Museum, Crawfordsville, IN The Jane Stern Dorado Community Library, Inc., Dorado, PR The Kansas City Public Library, Kansas City, MO The Lower East Side Tenement Museum, New York, NY The Miami-Dade Public Library System, Miami, FL The Norton Museum of Art, West Palm Beach, FL The Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME This is the second year that IMLS has awarded medals to 10 institutions. In previous years, the National Medal was known as the National Award for Museum and Library Service and was awarded to three museums and three libraries annually. Skokie Public Library is the first public library in Illinois to receive the award.

Event

Tue, 09 Sep 2008 11:54:27 GMT

LINCOLN AND DOUGLAS COME TO LIFE AT HIGHLAND PARK PUBLIC LIBRARY Celebrate the 150th anniversary of the legendary Lincoln-Douglas debates as Lincoln and Douglas come to life at the Highland Park Public Library on Sunday, September 28. Experience the political drama of the famed debates, which helped launch Lincoln as a national political figure. Veteran interpreters George Buss and Tim Connors will portray Lincoln and Douglas as they recreate the 1858 campaign when Lincoln and Douglas vied for a seat in the U.S. Senate. The men met for seven debates to argue the central issue of the day – the extension of slavery into the territories. Although Douglas defeated Lincoln, Lincoln emerged from the debates as a national political figure. Buss and Connors are traveling throughout Illinois in the Debate Reunion Tour ’08, portraying Lincoln and Douglas as Illinois and the nation celebrate the 150 anniversary of the famous debates. See history come alive as they bring Lincoln and Douglas to the Library. The event is free and open to the public, and begins at 2 p.m. The Highland Park Public Library is located at 494 Laurel Avenue, Highland Park. For more information, please call (847) 432-0216 or visit hplibrary.org. Photo by Steve Becker/beckermedia.com

Go Green!

Fri, 05 Sep 2008 13:33:23 GMT

Prospect Heights Library Goes Green The Prospect Heights Public Library District has formed a Green committee, aptly named “The Green Team.” Their mission statement is to raise environmental awareness in our Library and community by making available programs, books, and DVD’s to assist patrons in choosing green options. The Library’s monthly newsletter, The Elm Leaf, has a new Green Team section where you’ll find earth friendly facts, tips and resources. The Prospect Heights Garden Club has donated a variety of books with a green theme in memory of Mary Tammen, former Library Board President. The new titles include Green Book: The Everyday Guide to Saving the Planet One Simple Step At A Time by Elizabeth Rogers, Go Green, Live Rich by David Bach, and Complete Idiot’s Guide to Green Living by Trish Riley. Visit the Library and browse through these books- you may be inspired to live a more green-friendly life. The Library has also invited Mary Allen, Recycling and Education Director for the Solid Waste Agency of Northern Cook County to give a presentation entitled, “Talk Trash with SWANCC” on Thursday, September 11 at 7:00pm to teach us simple things we can do to help reduce waste and conserve resources as well as highlight currently available community recycling programs. Also keep an eye out for new green changes to our building including rain barrels, a compost bin and new plantings of low maintenance perennials.

Grant

Thu, 04 Sep 2008 10:32:24 GMT

Recipients of the FY2009 LSTA grants have been announced. NSLS member recipients include: Elgin Community College - Renner Library Research Center Chicago Horticultural Society Huntley Area Public Library District Park Ridge Public Library Skokie Public Library University of St. Mary of the Lake - Feehan Memorial Library View details. These grant project opportunities are made possible by a grant from U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services, to the Illinois State Library under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act.

Award

Wed, 13 Aug 2008 20:15:39 GMT

Wilmette Public Library is the recipient of the first ever ALA Presidential Citation for Gaming in Libraries (Education Category) for its Game Maker Academy program. The award was announced by ALA President Loriene Roy at the 2008 Annual Meeting in Anaheim. The award recognizes libraries that use games and gaming as tools for learning, literacy development and community development.

In Print

Thu, 31 Jul 2008 11:41:50 GMT

Skokie Public Library staff member Bruce Brigell has published an article in the ILA Reporter entitled "Rethinking 'Virtual' Reference." The articles covers some of the challenges facing remote reference and details some of the changes made to Ask Away. Read full article online or in print beginning on page 12.

In Print

Thu, 31 Jul 2008 11:28:56 GMT

NSLS Board President Edgar Mosshamer wrote an opinion piece for the ILA Reporter entitled "Closing the Gap." He describes the gap as "...the difference between where libraries are today and where they must be in the future." In addition, he talks about the need to move from advoacy to activism and what the NSLS board is doing to make changes in this arena. Read full column online or in print on page 31.

In Print

Thu, 31 Jul 2008 10:55:52 GMT

NSLS Board Member and Skokie Public Library Trustee Dayle Zelenka recently published an article in the ILA Reporter entitled "A Trusee for the Twenty-First Century." The article covers his search to discover the issues facing libraries today and how that affects the talents and behaviors needed by today's trustees. His findings center on three key elements: honing advocacy skills; exercising awareness, self education, and evaluation; and developing a firm grasp of fiscal policy while venturing into the realm of fundraising. Read his full article online or in print beginning on page 4.