DLS e-News is Online

The November/December edition of DLS e-News is now online.

This issue features a message from Executive Director Tom Sloan, information on WebJunction Illinois, a column on demonstrating social networking success stories, an article on the Davis Cup winner, and so much more.

In addition to DLS e-News, watch the DLS Here & Now Blog for the latest library news! Did you know you can subscribe to an RSS feed or email alerts when new items are posted?

Roselle PLD Closed November 6th for Staff Development Day

The Roselle Public Library District will be closed on Friday, November 6, 2009 for a staff development day. The library will re-open on Saturday, November 7th at 9:30 a.m.

Holiday Designer Showcase in Sugar Grove

Mark your calendars for the Holiday Designer Showcase at the Sugar Grove Public Library District.

The festivities are presented by the Sugar Grove Library Friends and will be held on November 13 and 14, 2009 at the library (125 S. Municipal Drive in Sugar Grove). Don't miss this opportunity to purchase holiday floral arrangements, ornaments, gift wrap, accessories, and more. The event will feature complimentary music, wine tasting by Fox Valley Winery, and The Catering Gourmets' dessert table.

Admission is by ticket only. Ticket Prices: $15 each, or $20 per couple.

More information, including times for all the events, is available at http://www.sglibraryevent.com.

Information submitted by Sugar Grove Public Library District.

From the Press: The Value of Libraries

Libraries are in the news regarding the value of the services provided, the newest ventures into social networking, and more! This Daily Herald article from October 5, 2009 features information about several DLS and NSLS libraries and explores how libraries are embracing Web 2.0 technology. Geneva Public Library District's Peggy Carlson is among those quoted.

In this Daily Herald article in the business section, libraries are given credit for being crucial technology centers for people needing Internet access and personalized service.

Then, in this October 6 editorial regarding some recent controversy in Oak Brook, Standing up for public libraries, the Daily Herald states:

"Libraries are a vital and valuable resource for communities in troubled times, providing job-hunting and skill-building resources, developing reading skills for kids whose parents no longer have the budget for tutors, serving up cultural events without an admission fee, and creating a gathering place for people in the community."

Stand up for your library by writing your own editorial, and by taking action at http://www.saveillinoislibraries.com.

Library Celebrates 80 Years in Elburn

 
The 80th anniversary of the Town and Country Public Library District in Elburn wouldn't be complete without Watson, the library's golden retriever mascot. The library marked the milestone on October 1, 2009 with a day of celebration. Town and Country PLD is inviting patrons with an October birthday to visit the library during October to receive a promotional item and more activities are planned throughout the year. The Friends group is promoting the anniversary with the publication of a cookbook (on sale for $10) of special recipes from patrons, staff, and fellow friends. 

Pictured: (top photo) Watson gets ready to cut the cake. (above) Library staff at the celebration: Deb Smith, Technical Services; Kathy Semrick, Circulation Manager; Mary Lynn Alms, Director; Watson; Cathy Korthals, Adult Services; Dwayne Nelson, Youth Services.

Editor's note: Everyone in Elburn knows about Watson, "the library dog." The concept originated several years ago through Town and Country's Buzz Marketing grant funded project. Learn more about the projects of libraries in the DuPage and North Suburban Library System from the Buzz Marketing Website.

Photos courtesy of Town and Country Public Library District.

A Lesson in Civil Discourse?

As the Director of Educational Services (Pamela Kramer) at the DuPage Library System, as a resident of the area, and most of all as a CITIZEN, I can not ignore the article published today in the Daily Herald by Burt Constable about the Oak Brook Public Library.

The Oak Brook Public Library is in DLS and we have been watching this situation unfold over the last couple of months. The consultant's report made some good suggestions on how the library could save money. The intent of the report was not that every recommendation be implemented at once, nor did the report recommend that the director be let go.  What we have in Oak Brook is a very politicized situation.  I believe, however, that it was never the city's intent to get rid of the library, rather it is one angry individual who has made it his mission to destroy the library.  I won't delve into the long history of the depth of his dislike for the library there. 

However, what absolutely crosses the line for me is the lack of respect shown for a child who was trying to participate in a civil discourse. Is this a way to teach about democracy? It was a teachable moment for that child -- but probably not the lesson that should have been taught.  How much courage did that child have to speak out?  How much courage will that child have the next time?

To maintain a democracy and to grow our institutions, it is important that we all model civil behavior.  If we, as adults, can't do it -- we can't expect our children to do it.

Libraries Launch Reading Together Project

Reading Together, a cooperative project of the Warrenville, West Chicago, and Winfield Public Libraries, brings together three communities to read the same book and discuss the material.

The project encourages life-long literacy and offers residents of all ages and backgrounds an opportunity to read and discuss books, share ideas, and enjoy a variety of programs.

The libraries invite you and your children to this year's kick-off event on Saturday morning, September 26, 2009 at the First Division Museum at Cantigny Park in Wheaton from 11 a.m. till noon.

ReadingTogether Brochure
Invitation to Kick Off
ReadingTogether Activities

DLS Libraries Remember

Bensenville Community Public Library commemorated Libraries Remember with 24 hours of activities on Friday, Sept. 11, 2009. Events included a book sale beginning at midnight, a sunrise service, a balloon release, and a appearance by Franklin Delano Roosevelt. The day closed with a brief ceremony and a song by Diana Franzen (head of technical services) and her husband, Rick.

Sugar Grove Public Library held an outdoor flag ceremony on the evening of Sept. 10, 2009 to remember those lost in 2001 and to honor local first responders.

New Edition of DLS e-News Now Available

The September/October edition of DLS e-News is available online. There's a link to the press release about DLS' new Executive Director and information on the budget cuts that are impacting DLS and our members.

You'll also learn more about an academic librarian featured in her university's newsletter, how Naperville Public Library is educating teens on financial matters, and about the new DLS programs on social networking called Let's Get Social.

Be sure to subscribe to the DLS announcements email list to receive a notice when the next issue of DLS e-News is available.

From our blog, you can also subscribe to email alerts of DLS blog posts, or an RSS feed.

View the September/October Edtion of DLS e-News

Send information for DLS e-News to dlsnews@dupagels.lib.il.us.

Kaneville Public Library District Partners With Lions Club for Fundraiser

The Kaneville Public Library Board is having a bingo fundraiser in conjunction with the Elburn Lions Club on Friday, September 18, 2009. The tickets are $25 each and are good for an evening of bingo with a chance to win $50 to $1,000. The doors open at 6:30 p.m. with bingo calling from 7:00 to 9:30 p.m. Food and beverages will be available all evening. Tickets should be purchased  in advance and attendees must be 18 to play.

The Kaneville Public Library District invites the public to participate in an evening of fun and to help raise necessary funds for the library. Tickets are available at the Kaneville Public Library District during regular business hours, Monday and Wednesday 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., and Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

If ordering by mail, make check payable to Kaneville Public Library, and mail to: KPL--Fundraiser, PO Box 29, Kaneville, IL 60144-0029.

Submitted by Ray Christiansen, Library Director, Kaneville Public Library District. For more information, contact Ray at KanePubLib@aol.com or 630/557-2441.