Need help with school research projects? Library resources to the rescue: ScienceFlix & National Geographic Kids (Part 4)

Student using a laptop

By Children’s Librarian Eileen Saam  This school year, use your library card to access more than books. The library has many subscription-based resources that are helpful for school projects and assignments.  In my previous posts in this series, I highlighted CultureGrams, National Geographic Kids, AtoZ Maps Online, AtoZ World Culture, African-American History, and American Indian … Read more

We hear you: Listening session feedback

Child and adult at the library's A Day In Our Village booth

Thank you to everyone who shared their thoughts and ideas at our listening sessions! More than 250 individuals participated, with in-person conversations and feedback forms completed in April, May, and June. Here’s more about the nine public listening sessions hosted by Executive Director Joslyn Bowling Dixon and additional library staff: What you told us about … Read more

‘Fourth Wing’: Waiting for it? Loved it? Try these titles!

Fourth Wing book cover on a background of dragon scales

By Collection Management Librarian Dontaná I love how much our community uses the library. Sometimes that means waiting for the hottest titles, especially when they get TikTok famous. Don’t fret! I can help you find a similar reading experience to THAT book you are waiting for or that you finally read and loved. Fourth Wing readalikes … Read more

Express yourself: Collaborative storytelling, tabletop roleplaying games & books for grade schoolers

Outline of multi-sided dice over a black-and-white map of castles, mountains, and trees

By Hal, Rainbow Services Librarian Find Your Voice was the theme of this year’s summer reading program. Although summer reading is coming to an end, finding your voice is a lifelong journey. Creative self-expression through collaborative storytelling and imaginative play experiences like tabletop roleplaying games are a fun way to discover your voice and share … Read more

Celebrity book club round-up, August 2023

Read with the stars text on a blue background with sparkling stars and a book collage above

By Collection Management Librarian Dontaná Since Oprah’s first book club pick in 1996, we have been reading as the celebrities do, falling in love with, or hating, characters with our fellow book club readers. Book clubs offer an opportunity to be in community with others, even if we’re not together in person.  Other celebrities who … Read more

Disability Pride: ‘I really want to go big’

People pose during Disability Pride Month programs. At right, a girl holds a sign reading "Disability is not a bad word!"

When Children’s Librarian Shelley Harris was gearing up for Disability Pride Month celebrations at the library earlier this year, she kept thinking to herself: “I really want to go big. I want to go so big.” Harris spoke recently with WBEZ Chicago’s Reset about the library’s third year celebrating Disability Pride Month, which marks the … Read more

Unplug at your library: Activities for grade schoolers

Kids creating in the Acorn Lab

By Eileen Saam, Children’s Librarian Kids, take a break from screens this summer with some unplugged activities at the library! Borrow a robot discovery kit We have several 100% screen-free robot discovery kits for different age groups. These fun robot kits help kids develop coding skills and promote problem-solving and critical thinking skills. Check out … Read more