Holiday Hours

The library will have some special hours over the next two weeks. On Wednesday, December 24th the library will close at 1:00 and will remain closed on Thursday the 25th. The library will also close at 1:00 on Wednesday the 31st and will remain closed on Thursday the 1st. We hope everybody has a great holiday season!

Holiday Card Shop

Are your kids getting excited about the upcoming holidays? They can work off that extra energy making cards for their loved ones at our holiday card shop! Ages 3 and up can stop in at the library on Saturday, December 13th between 11 and 2. We'll provide the paper and glue while the kids bring their imagination!

December Issue of Excerpts Available

Winter Reading Club...art and magic programs for kids...the 1963 Chicago Bears...exciting documentaries...these are all programs that will be happening over the next few months at your library! Find out the details on these and more in the new edition of Excerpts. Glencoe residents will soon be receiving their copy of Excerpts in the mail, but you can also check it out online or pick up a copy at the library.

Best of 2008!

It's the time of the year for colorful lights, snowy days and..."best of 2008" lists! In order to make your browsing easier we now have a collection of best books of 2008 lists on our Readers Services page. We also have a display of some of our choices for best nonfiction books of the year in the Johnson Room for you to peruse. Our Readers Services desk is always open as well if you'd like to find out more of our favorites. The holidays are a great time to get caught up on all of the wonderful books that you've missed!

Gallery 659 on Display at the Library

Make sure you check out our display cases through the month of December, when we will be showing items from Gallery 659's newest show entitled Off the Wall. Gallery 659 is a cooperative art gallery located in downtown Glencoe at 659 Vernon and is supported by Glencoe's Human Relations Forum. You can also see some photos of our display cases at our Flickr page.

Holiday Hours

We will have special hours this week for the Thanksgiving holiday. On Wednesday, November 26 we will be open from 9:00 to 5:00. We will be closed on Thursday, November 27 and will reopen on Friday, November 28. Have a great holiday!

Homework Help is Here

Glencoe students of all ages can get help with their homework assignments through Homework Help Illinois, a subscription service that connects students in grades K-12 and adult learners with online tutors for live, one-to-one help in math, science, English, and social studies. Service is available from 2:00 to 9:00 p.m., seven days a week. Tutors are carefully screened and include certified teachers, college professors, grad students and undergraduates from accredited universities, and other professionals.

Hot Topics for Cold Days

Would you like to read about President Elect Obama? Perhaps you'd like to honor Studs Terkel or Michael Crichton. Or maybe you just need a good novel to keep you busy as the temperature falls. WE CAN HELP!

Construction Update: All Walkways are Open

All walkways leading to the library are now open, including ramps. We will be concentrating on landscaping work next.

Construction Update: Entrance to the Library

The library can once again be entered from the front, and the temporary back entrance is now locked. However, there are now only two access points to the library from the front: there is an entrance using the east stairs on Park Ave. and there is a ramp that exits towards Village Court. The other stairs and ramp are still closed while work proceeds. As always we apologize for any inconvenience and ask that you contact us should you have any particular concerns or needs.

Performing Arts Video Collection

Did you know that we now have a video collection devoted specifically to the performing arts? You can find your favorite music, dance and theater dvds next to our new series videos, on the lower level. Thanks to the Friends of the Library for providing funds to help enhance this collection!

Construction Update: Temporary Entrance

As most of you know by now, there is extensive construction happening with the hardscape of the building (for more information on the project, see this front page item). Unfortunately, the front door will be inaccessible for one week starting Monday the 13th.

During the week of October 13th through October 20th you will need to enter and exit the library through the library's southeast emergency exit. This entrance can be reached by walking south on Village Court, turning left on the gravel path across Wyman Green, and then turning left onto the temporary plywood path that will take you to the door.

There will be signs outside the library to help you find this entrance, and we will provide home delivery if you are unable to access the building. We ask that you not return AV items to the bookdrop on the side of building. We apologize for this inconvenience and assure you that we have kept the time that the front door will be inaccessible down to a minimum.

Chicago Chamber Players Perform Live

Join us for an afternoon concert on Sunday, October 12, 2008 at 5:00, as the Chicago Chamber Players perform pieces by Schubert, Puccini and Mozart. The Chicago Chamber Players are Samuel Magad (violin), Paul Phillips (violin), Robert Swan (viola), Stephen Balderston (cello) and Louise Dixon (flute). Pieces performed will be Schubert's String Quartet Opus 29, Puccini's Crisantemi and Mozart's Flute Quartet D Major K285.

The library will close at 4:00 and will reopen at 4:30 for concert seating. Admission is free. Thanks to the Friends of the Glencoe Public Library for sponsoring this wonderful program!

Election Pin Display in October

As the election draws near, one of our patrons has graciously decided to share his extensive collection of election pins, buttons and other assorted election paraphernalia. Our front and back display cases will be housing this fascinating collection through the month of October. Come check it out!

Are You Registered to Vote?

On Sunday October 5th, from 1 - 3 PM the Glencoe League of Women Voters will sponsor voter registration at the library. Come on by so you can make your voice heard on November 4th.

Come Read a Dangerous Book!

The Glencoe Public Library is proud to celebrate Banned Book Week 2008, the twenty-seventh annual celebration of the freedom to read. Come on in and pick up a reading list, a bookmark or even a copy of one of our dangerous books. You can find more information about Banned Book Week at the American Library Association's website.

Library Centennial Vehicle Sticker Design Contest

The Glencoe Human Relations Forum is sponsoring a contest to design a vehicle sticker that honors the Glencoe Public Library's upcoming centennial. The contest is open to kindergarteners through 8th graders who may work alone or in a team. The design will be reduced to 3" x 3" and reprinted in four colors, so you should keep the design simple. Also, "Village of Glencoe" and "2009" must appear in the design. Entry forms can be picked up at the library and must be returned to the library, Village Hall or your teacher by Tuesday, October 7, 2008.

Glencoe Public Library on TV

Library Director Peggy Hamil and Adult Services Librarian Michael Gershbein were recently featured on the cable program What's New in Libraries, discussing the library's acquisition of an Amazon Kindle. What's New in Libraries is produced by the North Suburban Library System and aims to showcase the events, programs and people that make libraries vibrant community centers. What's New in Libraries can also be seen in Glencoe on local cable. For more information, or to view the show online, please visit the North Suburban Library System's Library Beat site.

Library Closed Friday the 12th

The Glencoe Public Library will be closed on Friday, Sept. 12th for a staff development program. We will reopen on Saturday, Sept. 13th at 9:00 A.M. We apologize for any inconvenience.

Construction Update

Starting Friday, September 5th you will see extensive construction happening in the front of the library. With financial support from our very generous Friends of the Library, the library is starting a new facilities project to improve access and safety for people entering and leaving our building and to upgrade the main entrance. A new ramp will lead from the handicapped parking space directly to the library entrance, and the steps will be redesigned to eliminate the slippery slope toward the street. Additional lighting will provide greater security along all newly paved walkways.

After last year’s heavy snowfalls, we compared costs and methods of snow removal. Placing heated tubes under the new sidewalk will actually reduce the library’s snow removal costs while making the sidewalks safer. Ensuring that Glencoe residents will be able to visit the library with greater ease and safety is a high priority for library trustees and staff.

Unfortunately, this work will present temporary inconvenience. To maximize ease of entry for our visitors, this project will be implemented in two parts: access to the building will be from the east side while construction takes place on the west side; once the new ramp and steps are completed on the west side, visitors can enter from that direction while the east half is being built. Signs will be posted to keep our visitors informed throughout the project.

The Friends, Library Trustees, and staff are all very excited about the opportunity to offer new services by refurbishing the entrance to the library to make drop off and pickup of materials much easier for everyone. As ever, if any special assistance is needed, please phone the library at 847-835-5056 and ask for the reference librarian, who can provide updated information about access and also arrange for home delivery of materials for those who find it difficult to come into the library. We appreciate your support and will do everything we can to minimize the disruption of these projects.

Sunday Hours Resume

Starting September 7th, Sunday hours are back in effect and will continue until next Spring. We will be open from 1-5 on Sundays. We hope to see you here.

Library Closed for Labor Day

The Glencoe Public Library will be closed on Monday, Sept. 1 for Labor Day. We will reopen with regular hours on Tuesday, Sept 2.

New Excerpts Hot off the Press!

If you are a Glencoe resident you will soon be receiving a copy of the library newsletter Excerpts in the mail. You probably already know that this will list all of our upcoming programs, for the next three months. But did you know that you can get our newsletter online before you receive it in the mail? Simply visit the Excerpts page of our website to check it out!

Next Teen Book Group: Breaking Dawn

Our teen book group discussion of Stephenie Meyer's Twilight was so much fun that we're going to sink our teeth into her new book Breaking Dawn! No need to register - just show up upstairs in the Hammond Room of the library on Wednesday August 27th at 4:00 and be prepared to chat about the undead.

Library Board Meeting Notice

The August 20, 2008 regular meeting of the Glencoe Public Library Board of Trustees has been cancelled. A special meeting of the Board of Trustees will be held that evening at 7:30 PM.

The next regular meeting of the Library Board of Trustees will be held on September 17, 2008.

Let's Talk Pictures!

Are you one of the many who has enjoyed Susan Benjamin's rollicking music programs at the library? If so, please join Susan for Talking Pictures, a film and discussion series. Every month, Susan will show a film, with a lively discussion to follow. The next film in the series (not listed in Excerpts) is Little Miss Sunshine, starring Greg Kinnear, Steve Carell and Toni Collette. It will be shown at the library on Tuesday, August 19th at 1:00PM with discussion immediately following. Because the program will last more than 2 hours, you may want to park in the Metra commuter lot or other long term parking spot. We hope to see you there!

Summer Reading is Coming to an End...

...but you still have time to finish the program. Be sure to record your 6 books at the Readers' Services desk by August 9th in order to receive a final prize. Thanks to everyone for making this year's summer reading program a flying success!

Kids Summer Reading Pizza Party

Hey kids...did you participate in the library's summer reading club? Come to the library on Saturday, August 2nd for a pizza party! Festivities start at 12:00 noon - we look forward to seeing all of you!

Have You Subscribed to Bookletters?

Bookletters brings reviews of the hottest new books to your e-mailbox, as well as author interviews, book-related video and audio, and more. It's from the people who bring you Bookpage, so we know that you'll love it. If you haven't tried out Bookletters yet, why not try it now?

Twilight Book Discussion for Teens

Do you LOVE Twilight by Stephanie Meyer? Would you like to be the first to check out Breaking Dawn? Be sure to sign up for our book discussion / pizza party by July 19th. After the book discussion copies of Breaking Dawn will be available to check out. The book discussion will take place on Saturday, August 2 at 12:00 noon and you can sign up at the Readers' Services desk.

Library Closed on Friday July 4th

The Glencoe Public Library will be closed on Friday July 4th. It will reopen on Saturday the 5th.

Movies on the Green Are Back!

The Library partners with the Village, the Park District, Youth Services and the Chamber of Commerce to sponsor Friday night Movies on the Green. Movies are shown on the Wyman Green, between the library and village hall, at dusk. Dates of the screenings are June 27 (Bee Movie), July 25 (Over the Hedge) and August 22 (Enchanted). We hope to see you there!

Used Book Sale Starts Saturday

Are you ready for the Friends of the Glencoe Public Library used book sale? It will take place on Saturday, June 28 from 9-5, Sunday June 29 from 1-5 (everything half price) and Monday June 30 from 9-12 ($2 a bag). All proceeds benefit the Library. Please visit the Friends page for more information about the Friends of the Glencoe Public Library.

Summer Reading Begins on June 14

On June 14 we’re leaving on a jet plane! Our bags are packed and we’ve included some of the best books from around the world for this year’s summer reading program. The program for adults runs from Saturday, June 14- Saturday, August 9. Join us for our annual kickoff party complete with summertime treats on June 14. Sign up then or at your earliest convenience. After reading six books the official program prize is yours. Make sure to enter our drawing for each book you read (two winners are chosen every week). We’re also giving out free video rental coupons good at the library for every book read. Two grand prizes will be awarded as the program concludes on August 9. Booklists from around the world (and maybe a list of Chicago books to keep you from feeling homesick) will be on hand so you won’t be caught without a good book to read on your travels this summer!

Ravinia Tickets No Longer Available

Tickets for Ravinia are now all gone! Thanks to everyone who participated in this program. If you'd like a chance to win tickets we’ll have drawings for a pair of tickets at each adult program scheduled in the month of June.

New Excerpts Newsletter Available Online

If you are a resident of Glencoe, you will soon be receiving the June issue of Excerpts, the library newsletter. If you are anxious to see what great programs the library will be offering over the next three months, you can go online and see it here.

Library Closed on Sundays

The library will be closed on Sundays during the summer starting May 25th. We will return to Sunday hours following Labor Day, in September.

Used Book Sale Dates Announced

The Friends of the Library have announced the dates of the next used book sale. The book sale will take place on Saturday, June 28 from 9-5, Sunday June 29 from 1-5 (everything half price) and Monday June 30 from 9-12 ($2 a bag). All proceeds benefit the Library. Please visit the Friends page for more information about the Friends of the Glencoe Public Library.

Sam Magad and Friends Pack 'Em In

Nasty weather could not stop a crowd of 160 people from jamming into the library to hear Sam Magad and Friends' performance of two Dvorak pieces. As always, we are eternally grateful to the Friends of the Glencoe Public Library for their hard work in sponsoring this program.

If you would like to be emailed when new events such as this one are announced, click on "E-news Signup" on the left column.

Technology Fair a Success!

Did you miss the Library Technology Fair? Have no fear - you can still see all of the exciting products that we offer anytime by stopping at the reference desk. We have a Kindle e-book reader and lots of Playaways (preloaded mp3 players), and we can always demonstrate our premium library databases, downloadable audiobooks, downloadable video and anything else that you may be interested in learning about. We look forward to seeing you!

April is Food for Fines Month

During the month of April you can pay overdue fines with contributions of non-perishable food items. Only unexpired food in undamaged packages can be accepted to clear fines. All donations go to local food pantries

Playaways Now Available

Did you know that the library now carries Playaways? Playaways are small digital audio players preloaded with books by some of your favorite authors. We have Playaways for all ages, with hot titles such as Kite Runner, Pretties and Eragon. No tapes, CDs or downloads...all you provide are headphones. Come try one out! You can see the complete list of our Playaways in our online catalog.

Historical Chicago Tribune Available

The library now has the historical Chicago Tribune available electronically, with full-text coverage from to 1849 - 1984. Click here to access the database - like all of our databases it can be accessed from home, 24/7. You can still access the Chicago Tribune from 1985 - present here.

New Programming Announced

Two of our most popular program series have revealed their schedules for the next three months. Monday at the Movies will screen the films No End in Sight (March 17th), My Kid could Paint That (April 21st) and Lars and the Real Girl (May 19).

The America's Musical Theater Legends program, hosted by Susan Benjamin, will feature Barbra Streisand part 2 (March 10), Doris Day (April 14) and Lorenz Hart (May 12).

You can find more information on these programs in the calendar on our homepage or you can contact us.

Used Book Sale Coming Soon

The Friends of the Library will host a used book sale from Saturday March 1 through Monday March 3. Hours are as follows: 9-5 on Saturday, 1-5 on Sunday (everything half price) and 9-12 on Monday (Bag Sale - $2 a bag). Proceeds benefit the Glencoe Public Library. Please visit the Friends page on our website.

February is Black History Month

Come celebrate Black History Month at the Glencoe Public Library. The Glencoe Historical Society is presenting an exhibit that highlights how Glencoe’s black community began and developed, including the history of the first African-Americans in the schools, black elected public officials, and the story of Glencoe’s beaches. This exhibit is being held upstairs in the Hammond Room. More information can be found at the Historical Society's website. You can also see pictures here.

Also at the Library are underground railroad quilt code squares created by 6th graders at Central School. These reproductions can be found in the display cases in the library. See pictures here!

We also have a display of African-American themed films in the Hammond room for you to browse and check out! Please come join us.

Winter Reading Club is Happening

Our Winter Reading Club, with the theme of I've Always Meant to Read that Book, is happening right now. Even if you missed the kick-off you can still sign up. Sign up and get a prize. Read six books and get another great prize! Visit our flickr site to see pictures from the event.

Winter Reading Club for Adults begins January 12

I’d Always Meant to Read that Book! is the theme of our 2008 Winter Reading Club for Adults and Young Adults. Join us Saturday, January 12 for the kick-off. The fireplace will be crackling and we’ll have hot chocolate and goodies, as well as prizes just for signing up. Your librarians are hard at work on lists of wonderful books that you have always meant to read, but missed, or would like to read again. The club will run until Saturday March 1, when we’ll draw names for TWO grand prizes. Weekly prizes will be awarded throughout and everyone who reads six books or more by March 1 will receive a cool gift. Come join us—we’re looking forward to seeing you in the Library!

From Page to Stage

In 2008, "From Page to Stage" features a series of programs designed around the production of The Turn of the Screw at Writers' Theatre. Upcoming programs cosponsored by the Glencoe Public Library include:

Kick-off Reception on Thursday, January 10 at 7:00 (Woman's Library Club)

Special Film Screening of The Innocents on Monday January 14 at 7:00 (Woman's Library Club)

The Turn of the Screw Book Discussion on Wednesday, January 23 at 7:30 (Hammond Room)

Contact us or check your issue of Excerpts for more information. More information on the From Page to Stage program can be found at the Writers' Theatre website.

Tax Forms

Forms for the 2007 tax year (state and federal) are now available at the library. They can be found in the photocopy room. They are also available online at the IRS website.

A number of forms have been delayed this year. These forms are Form 8863, Schedule 2 on Form 1040A, Form 5695, Form 8396 and Form 8859. We will carry these forms when they become available. More information can be found here.