Winter Activities for the Kids

Anxious to get the kids out of the house this winter? Bring them to the library where we'll be offering lots of programs for the little ones! On Tuesday, December 27th kids ages 4-6 can enjoy our Explore with Kerri and Kim program. They'll join local teachers Kerri Ringel and Kim Bloomberg in exploring buildings through fact and fiction as well as hands-on activities. There is a 9:30 session and a 10:45 session. For this program, registration is required to ensure sufficient materials.

Come back on December 29th at 11:00 or 2:00 when magician Dennis DeBondt (left) - one of the funniest (and tallest) magicians around - returns to the library  While this program is designed for school age children, younger children may attend; children age 8 and up may attend independently. Registration is not required.

We will also be offering seasonal Family Storytime at 10:30 on both Wednesday the 28th and Friday the 30th. These programs are targeted towards 3 -6 year olds. We'd love to see the grandparents, other relatives and special friends at these storytimes!

Holiday Hours

The library's hours will adjust as follows over the holidays:

Saturday, December 24th: Library closes at 1:00
Sunday, December 25th: Library is closed
Monday December 26th: Library is closed

Saturday, December 31st: Library closes at 1:00
Sunday, January 1st: Library is closed
Monday, January 2nd: Library is closed

Please plan your checkouts and holds accordingly!

Winter Reading Club

December means lots of things: snow is finally in the forecast, holidays and vacations are just ahead and, most importantly, our Winter Reading Club is returning. You can sign up for Winter Reading Club beginning Saturday, December 17 as we kick off the club with our traditional cider and doughnuts. This winter we'll be reading only the best...in fact the theme of this winter's club is The Best of Everything! We’ll have sign-up prizes, weekly prizes, and prizes when you finish the program. Also on hand will be lots of “Best of…” booklists to satisfy every reader. If you can't make our kick-off party you can stop by the Reader's Services desk anytime to sign up. Beat the cold with all the best books!

Getting Personal Through Fiction and Non-Fiction

Join us on Thursday, December 15th when area authors and popular teachers Bob Boone and John O'Connor will be Getting Personal Through Fiction and Non-Fiction. They will read from their latest books and discuss the relationship between the author and the real world.  Learn more about successful educational practices from the teacher’s perspective. Copies of Boone’s Forest High Short Stories and O’Connor’s This Time It’s Personal will be available for sale.

Holiday Card Shop

The holidays are right around the corner so make sure to bring the kids to our next Holiday Card Shop! They can drop in anytime between 11am and 2pm on Saturday, December 10 and create a seasonal card for their loved ones. We provide the materials and they provide the imagination!

College Admissions in the 21st Century

Colleges are more competitive than ever while the application process has become more cumbersome. At our College Admissions in the 21st Century program on December 6th at 7:30 pm Hanna Stotland, an admissions consultant, will offer parents and high schoolers an overview of the college admissions process and how students can find the right path. The program will present the latest advice on standardized testing, essays, campus visits, how to choose once you’ve got your acceptance letters in hand, and more. Bring your questions!

Michelangelo's Paintings

Whether or not you attended our first Michelangelo program in July, you'll want to make sure you come to our next one on Monday, December 5th at 7:00 pm. In this program, entitled Michelangelo's Paintings: Process, Patronage and Subjects, art historian Jeff Mishur will return to focus on the paintings of this Renaissance master. He will talk about the iconography of the works as well as patronage, while discussing works including the Temptation of St. Anthony, the Sistine Chapel and The Last Judgment. If you haven't tried one of our art programs, this one is definitely not to be missed!

Library Newsletter, Hot off the Press

It's getting chilly outside but this winter the library has lots of great programming to bring you in and warm you up! You can prepare for the Oscars with Michael Phillips, learn about Glencoe's greenest home, explore Michelangelo's paintings, receive college admission tips and get great ideas for your spring garden. Our newest issue of Excerpts will tell you all about these programs while also providing details on our Winter Reading Club and our usual great kids' programs, book clubs, movie programs, technology classes and much, much more. You will soon be receiving the next issue of Excerpts in the mail but in the meantime you can access it online. We hope you're as excited by some of these programs as we are to bring them to you!

Thanksgiving Children's Programs

We've got two programs coming up that will encourage the kids to celebrate Thanksgiving at the library. On Wednesday, November 23rd at 10:30 we've got a special Thanksgiving themed storytime for kids of all ages. After Thanksgiving, be sure to bring the kids back on November 25th between 10am to 4pm for drop in and do-it-yourself Thanksgiving crafts! We provide the materials and you provide the imagination!

Thanksgiving Hours

The library will close at 5:00 on the Wednesday the 23rd and will stay closed on the Thursday the 24th. We will reopen on Friday the 25th. We hope you all have a wonderful holiday!

Join the Friends of the Library!

Do you realize how much the Friends of the Glencoe Library contribute to the library's programming and services? They sponsor the concerts, book sales, and summer and winter reading programs. They allow the library to offer great online services like Consumer Reports and Ancestry. They enable us to offer Monday Night at the Movies, Talking Pictures and other great entertainment to you and your neighbors. They even pay for improvements to the building and landscaping.

When you spend $20 to join the Friends, beyond helping the library Glencoe residents also get access to the book sale preview on the Friday night before the sale opens. If you are interested in joining the Friends or offering them a tax deductible contribution please call (847)835-7467 or email them at friends@glencoepubliclibrary.org.

Glencoe Goes Green

Do you want to learn about how you can conserve energy, recycle, and create less waste in your home? Come by the Takiff Center, at 999 Green Bay Rd., on Saturday, November 12 from 10:00a.m. - 1:00p.m. for Glencoe's first ever Glencoe Goes Green event! Area organizations (including the library) will be represented at this event, which will include interactive booths and displays for all ages. Admission is free and you can find more information at the Glencoe Goes Green website.

Teen Book Group / Pizza Party

Are you a big fan of Christopher Paolini's Inheritance cycle (Eragon, Eldest and Brisingr)? Come to our book group / pizza party taking place on Wednesday, November 9th at 4:00 p.m. where we'll talk about the first 3 books to get you ready for Inheritance, Book 4 in the cycle. Please make sure to sign up beforehand at the Reader's Services desk so we know how much food to provide. This discussion is for 6th to 12th graders only. We'll see you there!

Glencoe's Castle

Across from the train station on Glencoe Drive, the still-fine old mansion known as “The Castle” is one of Glencoe’s stateliest homes. Built in 1876, it is closely tied to some of the village’s founding residents. It also is a leading example of sensitive historic preservation.

Come to the library on November 7th at 7:30 p.m. and join Glencoe architect Scott Javore for an insider’s view of this remarkable structure and how it rose and fell—and rose again!—over the years. He will discuss early Glencoe history, how the lives of the first owners of the Castle are woven into village history, and the extensive renovation that restored the home’s detailing and character.

Another Chance at Roth IRA Conversion

Last year was supposed to be the last opportunity to convert traditional individual retirement accounts (IRAs) into Roth IRAs without incurring significant penalties. Many people don’t know, however, that window of opportunity has been left open one more year, until the end of 2011. Join Josh Markowitz of The Next Level Planning Group on Wednesday, November 2, at 7:30 p.m. for information on how you can take advantage of this financial opportunity.

Concert Program With The Orion Ensemble

On Sunday, October 30th at 5:00 pm we will welcome a new group of performers to our fall concert program: The Orion Ensemble Artists and Guest. The Orion Ensemble (Kathy Pirtle on clarinet, Florentina Ramniceanu on violin, Roger Chase (guest) on viola, Judy Stone on cello and Diana Schmuck on harpsichord) will perform the following works:

Antonio Soler: Fandango for Harpsichord
Franz Schubert: Trio in B-flat major, d. 581 for Violin, Viola and Cello (Allegro moderato, Andange, Minuetto: Allegreto and Rondo: Allegretto)
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Quartet in B-flat major after K. 378 for Clarinet, Violin, Viola and Cello (Allegro moderato, Andante, Minuetto: Allegretto, Rondo: Allegretto)

The library will close at 4:00 and will reopen at 4:30 for concert seating. A big thanks to the Friends of the Library for continuing to sponsor concerts and other great programming!

Seeing Red: The Art and Life of Mark Rothko

The Tony Award-winning play Red, which deals with a period in the life of American artist Mark Rothko, has been playing at the Goodman Theater to rave reviews. Art historian Jeff Mishur returns to the library on Thursday, October 27 at 7:00 pm to discuss Rothko's paintings and mural projects. His lecture, titled Seeing Red: The Art and Life of Mark Rothko, will situate Rothko’s work in the context of post-World War II American art.

Halloween Crafts at the Library

Bring your little ghosts and ghoulies to the library on October 22nd for our drop-in Halloween crafts program. We'll provide the materials and the kids will supply the imagination! The program runs from 10am to 2pm and you can come by as time permits.

Used Book Sale is Coming Up!

Come by the library this weekend to find great bargains in the Friends of the Glencoe Library used book sale. The book sale runs from Saturday, October 15th through Monday, October 17th, with a Friday night preview for members of the Friends of the Library. The complete schedule is as follows:

Saturday, October 15th: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Sunday, October 16th: 1:00 - 5:00 pm (everything half price)
Monday, October 17th: 9:00 am - 12:00 noon ($3 per bag sale)

The book sale is located behind the library, through the staff parking lot. All proceeds benefit the library. Thanks to the Friends of the Library for running the sale!

Color Copying and Scanning Now Available

Come meet the new addition to our library family: a color copier and scanner! Now you can make color copies and scan your documents to a USB drive or email. Color copies cost 25 cents a page while scanned documents are free. Black and white copies are still 10 cents a page. You'll have to hold yourself back from giving our new copier a big grateful hug!

Fines for Food Returns

The next two weeks will see the return of our Fines for Food program. From Monday, October 3rd through Sunday, October 16th all overdue fines will benefit the New Trier Food Pantry. Please do not bring in food - we will only be donating money. Also, don't forget that you can now pay your fines online!

From Page to Stage Kickoff

During October and November, five North Shore public libraries will present the seventh annual From Page to Stage, a series of programs related to the Writers’ Theatre production of Harold Pinter’s award-winning play The Caretaker. We will be hosting the From Page to Stage Kick-Off program and reception on Monday, October 3, at 7:00 p.m. on the second floor of the Woman’s Library Club (325 Tudor Court). Always a highlight among the From Page to Stage programs, this year’s kick-off will feature production members and artistic director Michael Halberstam, who will discuss the play, Pinter’s work, and the upcoming production. Stay after the discussion to enjoy coffee and desserts as we celebrate this annual literary event! Thanks to the Woman’s Library Club for their support of this program. For more information on this program please visit the Writer's Theatre website.

Banned Books Week is Here

Every year, the American Library Association co-sponsors Banned Books Week, to help remind us not to take our freedom to read for granted. This year, Banned Books Week runs from September 24th - October 1st. Visit the library for banned book displays and handouts or go to the American Library Association's Banned Book Week site for more information.

Also, make sure you join us on Sunday October 2nd at 2:00 when City Lit Theater's Books on the Chopping Block performance returns. This will be a live concert reading of excerpts from the top ten most frequently challenged books of 2010. The performance runs 50 minutes and will be followed by a brief discussion. While the program is intended for adults, children in grade 6 and up are welcome to attend.

Now Available: Ebooks for Kindle

Many of you are familiar with My Media Mall, our site for checking out ebooks. Finally, you can check out books from My Media Mall to your Kindle! Start by visiting My Media Mall and click on the picture that says Now Available: Library eBooks for Kindle (or you can scroll down and choose the Kindle option under Collections). You can add books to your cart or place a hold if there is not currently a copy available. When you check out, you will be sent to the Amazon site where you will be given the option to send the book to your Kindle.

Ebooks from My Media Mall can also be checked out to Kindle apps (on devices like iPad, iPhones and computers) and the Kindle cloud reader. You will need to be on a wireless network to check out books wirelessly - 3G only Kindles will need to have the usb cord attached to transfer a book.

It's all fairly straightforward but if you have questions, please contact the reference desk!

Pay Your Fines Online

You can now use your credit card to pay library fines online. When logged in to Bibliocommons (our online catalog), you will see an option for Fines on your My Bibliocommons page. Click on Fines and you will be presented with an option to Pay Fine Online. You can then use a credit card to pay for your fines, with no additional fees. We hope you find this new option to be useful!

Guys' Book Group Returns

It took the summer off but now it's back and ready to talk about the books that men like to read...that's right, our Guys' Book Group has returned! Join us on Tuesday, Sept. 20th at 7:30 p.m. to discuss Casino Royale by Ian Fleming. This discussion of a thrilling James Bond novel is also open to gals.

Closed for Staff Day This Friday

On Friday, September 16th we will be closed for Staff Development Day. We will reopen for normal hours on Saturday the 17th. Also, please remember that we are now open on Sundays.

Now Available: New Genealogy Resources

We are happy to announce that the library now offers access to Ancestry (Library Edition) and Proquest Obituaries. Both are available from the library or from home (with your library card). Ancestry offers census data, immigration records, directories and more, while Proquest Obituaries lets you access more than 10 million death notices from top newspapers. Together with the historical Chicago Tribune and historical New York Times, you now have a great resource for your genealogy search! Thanks to the Friends of the Library for making this possible!

Sunday Hours Resume

Beginning Sunday, September 11th, Sunday hours will resume and will continue through the winter and spring. We are open from 1 to 5 on Sundays. We look forward to seeing you here!

Closed Labor Day

The library will be closed on Monday, September 5th in observance of Labor Day. We will reopen on Tuesday the 6th.

Reference Room Closed Sept. 1 - 5 (updated)

The library's Reference Room will be closed for repairs from September 1st through Labor Day, September 5th. We will reopen the Reference Room on September 6th. We will open the Hammond Room, on the Mezzanine level, to those looking for quiet space. We apologize for the inconvenience.

Kindergarten Kickoff

Our Kindergarten Kickoff is a special program for all children entering kindergarten. Come by the library on August 31st at either 10:30 or 2:30 to celebrate the start of school with stories and a craft plus a snack (juice and fruit and cookies). Registration is required. Both sessions are the same, so please register for only one.

New Excerpts Available

The new issue of our Excerpts newsletter will be coming to your mailbox soon, and right now it is available online. In this issue you'll find information on upcoming art and architecture lectures, financial programs, From Page to Stage and even a special Banned Books Week program. These special programs plus updates on our children's programs, Monday Night at the Movies, Technology Tuesdays, book clubs, musical theater programs and much more make this an Excerpts that you will want to see right away! It looks to be a fun and full fall at your library.

Teen Movie Night: I Am Number Four

Hey, teens - what are you doing on Monday, August 29th at 7:00 p.m.? Why not come by the library and attend a special showing of I Am Number Four? We'll provide snacks and space. This program is intended for those in 6th - 12th grades and the movie will run 109 minutes. See you there!

Time is Running Out on Summer Reading...

It's been a crazy summer, with flooded basements, power outages, downed trees and generally extreme weather. One thing has remained consistent - our Summer Reading Program has been a hit! Time is running out though. You've only got until September 3rd to finish reading and pick up your final prize: a beautiful book bag! And even though you've finished your six books you shouldn't stop recording books that you read, because each book beyond the initial six will get you an extra free movie rental per book! Thanks to everyone who has participated and don't forget to get your books read!

Pet Parade

On Saturday, August 13 from 2pm – 3pm we will be hosting our popular annual Pet Parade! Bring your favorite pet - real or imaginary - to Wyman Green and join your neighbors in the fun. Children ages 4 and older with their pet are invited to participate; kids younger than 8 must be with an adult. All pets must have had their shots and be on a leash or in a crate/box. Registration is required. Event cancelled in case of rain or other inclement weather.

Special Film Event!

We will be hosting a special film screening on Monday, August 8th at 7:00 p.m. The Alumni Chapter, a film starring local actor Scott Javore - son of the Glencoe architect of the same name - is an independent feature film best described by its director Matt Helderman as a St. Elmo's Fire for the 21st century . The film, which debuted in February 2011, is a growing-up story about four college graduates coming to terms with a strapped economy and unraveling friendships. The film's running time is 72 minutes and is not rated. It will be playing at the Women's Library Club, 325 Tudor Ct.

Kids' Summer Reading Pizza Party

We're sad to say that our kids' summer reading club is coming to an end...but on Saturday, July 30th at noon we will be having a pizza party to celebrate! Everyone who participated in the One World, Many Stories reading club is invited to celebrate the end of another successful summer of reading. Join us for pizza and fun!

Social Security: When and How to Take It

When and how you take Social Security may seem like a straightforward decision but it is not.  The wrong decision may cost you tens of thousands of dollars.  Even if you’ve made a decision, you may still be able to receive more money.  Join us on Tuesday, July 26th at 7:30 when Adam Stock of The Next Level Planning Group presents Social Security: When and How to Take it to Maximize Your Benefit. He will teach you the ins and outs of your Social Security, including how one Wilmette resident received an additional $45,120. 

Wordplaygrounds Wraps Up

This summer, teenagers have been writing and reading poetry at our Wordplaygrounds program. You can see the delightful results at the Wordplaygrounds blog. Thanks to John O'Connor, Bob Boone and all of our young poets for making this program such a tremendous success! Also, thanks to the Friends of the Library for sponsoring this great new program.

Michelangelo: Evolution of a Renaissance Sculptor

Join us on Tuesday, July 19, at 7:00 p.m. when art historian Dr. Michelle Mishur returns to the library to present a program about Michelangelo's sculptures. Examples of early works by Michelangelo, including La Pietà and David, will be considered, as well as later examples such as the Tomb of Julius II in Rome. Dr. Mishur also will discuss in detail Michelangelo’s process for making sculpture and provide historical context for the works. The Vatican will be loaning an official copy of Michelangelo’s Pietà to a Chicago area church, making our Michelangelo: Evolution of a Renaissance Sculptor program particularly topical.

Changes to Children's Programming Schedule

Due to unforeseen circumstances we've had to make a number of changes to our children's programming schedule.

Chat & Chew - The June 22nd session was cancelled due to a power outage and we are not rescheduling. Please sign up for our July 27 meeting.

Puppet Performance - The June 22nd session was cancelled due to power outage. Children from this session are invited to participate in July sessions (July 7, July 14, July 21) and/or be part of the performance on July 21.

Explore with Stories and More - Kerri Ringel and Kim Bloomberg have rescheduled the June 27 program (Deep Sea Divers) for August 3rd. All children from the June program are invited!

Teen Movie Night

Why not come by the library on Monday, July 11 and hang out with your friends, while watching a great movie? We'll order some pizza and show Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1. Part 2 will be released on July 15th so this movie night will get you ready! Teen Movie Night is for 6th - 12th graders - please sign up in advance so we can provide enough food for everyone. The movie will start at 6:00, is rated PG-13 and runs for 146 minutes.

Explore With Stories

Kids can join local teachers and parents Kim Bloomberg and Kerri Ringel as they explore fun topics through fact, fiction and hands-on activities. Children are invited to register for one, two or all three Explore With Stories sessions. Space is limited and we will have a waiting list, so please register as soon as possible!

Session A (4–6 year olds) will meet at 4:15 and Session B (7–9 year olds) will meet at 5:30.
June 27: Deep Sea Divers (Science)
July 13: Native American Toys (Social Studies)
August 10: Modern Masters (Art)

Independence Day Library Closing

In observance of Independence Day the library will be closed on Monday, July 4th. We will reopen on Tuesday, July 5th.

Program Updates: Wordplaygrounds and Talking Pictures

Due to loss of power, today's Talking Pictures program has been cancelled.

Wordplaygrounds will meet tonight at Village Hall, 325 Hazel Avenue, in the second floor Council Chambers. Please use the 325 Hazel Avenue entrance, as the Village Green entrance will be locked. The group will meet at its regular time of 7:00 to 8:30.

Library is Open

The library has regained power and is open normal hours.

Become a Puppet Player!

This summer, your kids can become puppet masters in our Puppet Players program. Andrea Cocke, a tutor and teacher, will work with kids in grades 1 to 4 to create their own puppets and to produce and stage a public performance. Children will need to attend ALL THREE programs in their session in order to be a performer at the final session. Children should register for one of two sessions:

Session 1: June 15, June 22, and June 29 at 4:15 p.m. with a final performance on June 29 at 5:30 p.m.
Session 2: July 7, July 14, and July 21 at 4:15 p.m. with a final performance on July 21 at 5:30 p.m.

Celebrate a World of Fun!

Kids entering grades 1 and up can experience a multicultural world of fun this summer with stories, crafts, and snacks. World of Fun will meet on Monday afternoons at 4:15 p.m. Registration is required. The lineup is as follows:

June 13 Asia
June 20 North American Indian (Sac and Fox)
July 18 India
July 25 Africa
August 8 Mexico (bilingual)

UPDATED: Teen Movie Night

Yesterday we sent out an email with the incorrect date of the upcoming Teen Movie Night. The correct date is July 11. We will resend an email reminder closer to that date. We apologize for any confusion.

Used Book Sale

The next Friends of the Glencoe Library used book sale is right around the corner! Dates and details are as follows: 

Saturday, June 11, 9 to 5 
Sunday, June 12, 1 to 5, Everything Half Price 
Monday June 13, 9 to 12, Bag Sale – $3/BAG

All proceeds generously benefit the Glencoe Public Library. If you are a Friend of the Library, you are entitled to attend a Friday night preview as well.

Ravinia Ticket Giveaway

As in past years, the Ravinia Festival has donated a limited number of lawn passes for distribution. On June 11, Glencoe residents age 18 and up can come to the reference desk starting at 9:00 AM and pick up a free pair for available shows. All tickets will be available on a first-come, first-served basis and there is a limit of two free tickets per household. A select number of shows are available.

Summer Reading Club Begins

This summer, you can take a trip to the big city without leaving Glencoe! City Safari is the theme of our adult and young adult Summer Reading Club and we'll be offering reading lists with books set in your favorite big cities. Perhaps you'd like a mystery that takes place under the Eiffel Tower. Or maybe you'd rather find love in New York City. We've got the books to make it happen! As in past years, you'll get a prize for signing up, a prize for reading six books, free movie rentals and entries into our weekly drawing.

We haven't forgotten about the kids either. Kids will travel the world in our One World, Many Stories Summer Reading Club. This year, kids will keep track of minutes read rather than individual books and they will get a prize for every 100 minutes read. This way they don't have to worry about the length of a book in order to get a prize.

On Saturday, June 4 we will have the adult Summer Reading Club kickoff party, where you'll be able to come in, sign up and pick up reading lists and treats. The kids Summer Reading Club will begin on June 3 and will end with a pizza party on July 30. We're looking forward to a fun summer in the big city!

(Photo courtesy of monday's child)

Teen Study Break Lounge Returns

Finals are finally here...and so is our Teen Study Break Lounge! We'll provide the snacks and the space and you can provide the brains. The hours of Study Break Lounge are as follows:

Saturday, June 4 (10 - 5)

Monday, June 6 (9 - 7:30)

Tuesday, June 7 (9 - 7:30)

Wednesday, June 8 (9 - 2)

Good luck with finals!

Closed Memorial Day / Summer Sundays

We will be closed on May 30th in observance of the Memorial Day holiday. We will also be closed on Sundays beginning May 29th and running through September 4th. Don't forget - our website and catalog are open 24 hours a day!

New Excerpts Available Online

Are you ready for a summer full of exciting activities at the library? Check out our new issue of Excerpts for information on Summer Reading Club, art programs, kids programs, financial programs and much more. You'll also get to see the lineup for the next few months' book groups, Monday at the Movies, Musical Theater Legends and Technology Tuesdays. You'll soon receive a print copy in the mail, but right now you can check Excerpts online and see what your library has to offer!

New Library Board Members

In May we will welcome our two new Library Board members, Louis Goldman and Teresa Grosch. We invite you to attend our board meeting on May 18th at 7:30pm to greet our new board members and see what is happening at your library. Board meetings take place on the third Wednesday of the month and are open to everyone. In addition, we offer heartfelt thanks to our retiring Board members, Joel Shoolin and John Tuohy, both of whom have spent the last eight years serving your library.

5-7-5: A Poetry Performance

Join us on Monday, May 16 at 7:00 pm for a poetry performance by John O'Connor. John is an English teacher at New Trier High School and a prolific poet and he'll be reading and singing from his new book of haiku, Things Being What They Are. After the performance, John will discuss Wordplaygrounds, a creative writing workshop for 13-18 year old students that he will teach this summer at the Glencoe Public Library.

Although this performance is not designed for young children, all ages are welcome to attend.

A Book Group for Parents

There's still time to pick up your copy of I Don't Know How She Does It by Allison Pearson and to join in our Sharing Stories book group taking place on Tuesday, May 10 at 9:30. Come by the library and share your experiences and insights about being a parent while discussing parenting-related fiction and nonfiction. Our new Sharing Stories book discussion group will help you connect with your fellow mothers and fathers. You are not alone! Sharing Stories is sponsored by the Glencoe Public Library, the Glencoe Parent Connection, and Glencoe Junior Kindergarten.

Annual Report for 2010-11 Released

Are you curious how many items we circulated in the 2010-11 fiscal year? (The answer is 214,089). Or how many programs we offered? (295) Check our our Annual Report for all the details about what we've accomplished over the past year.

Mother's Day Card Shop

On Saturday, April 30, drop in between 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. and make a lovely card for mom, grandma, auntie, or a special friend. The library supplies paper, cut-outs, glue, markers, and other artistic tools. You supply the creativity and imagination at this do-it-yourself event. This event is open to families of all ages.

Earth Day Movie

This year’s Earth Day theme is A Billion Acts of Green, a campaign designed to encourage individuals to undertake small, green actions in advance of the 2012 Earth Summit. In support of this campaign the League of Women Voters of Glencoe and the Glencoe Public Library will sponsor a showing of the movie Dirt. The film will screen on Tuesday, April 26 at 7:00 at the Glencoe Public Library. Admission is free and it is open to everyone.

Library Closed Easter Sunday

This Sunday, April 24th, the library will be closed. We will reopen on Monday the 25th.

Foreign Language Storytimes

Bonjour! Une histoire est tres amusant en francais ou chinois. You can find out for yourself how much fun a story can be in other languages by attending a French or Chinese storytime. Presented by LanguageStars teachers and targeted to children between 3 to 6 years of age, our foreign language storytimes are sure to be something special! We will be offering a French language storytime on Saturday, April 16 at 10:30 a.m. and a Chinese language storytime on Saturday, May 21 at 10:30 a.m. No previous language skills are necessary. Thanks to the Friends of the Glencoe Public Library for sponsoring this program.

Now Available: Movies on Blu-ray

We're excited to announce that we are now offering a collection of the hottest Hollywood DVD releases on Blu-ray disc. Blu-rays have a higher definition picture, excellent sound and added features and can be played on your Blu-ray player, Blu-ray compatible computer or Playstation 3. Unfortunately Blu-rays cannot be played on a regular DVD player. Like all of our new entertainment films, Blu-rays cost $1 and circulate for two nights. Check for a list of our Blu-ray titles and place holds on your favorites!

Glencoe and the Civil War

2011 marks the 150th anniversary of the start of the American Civil War. Glencoe was not yet incorporated when the Civil War broke out, but men who fought for the Union moved here after 1869 and played a role in the village’s history. Join us on Sunday, April 10 at 2:00 p.m. as researchers from the Glencoe Historical Society explain the connections between Glencoe and the Civil War. They'll also discuss how the “history detectives” of the Historical Society solved the mystery of two original 1860s letters found in the Glencoe Public Library’s archives regarding Wisconsin soldier Jeremiah Porter and his relationship to Glencoe resident Franklin “Grandpa” Newhall. This is sure to be an thought-provoking program for anyone interested in the Civil War and/or Glencoe's history.

Money Smart Week at the Library

The Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago has declared April 2 - 9 to be Money Smart Week and the library has chosen to take part in this by offering two informative programs. On Tuesday, April 5th at 7:00 p.m,. Dr. Irving Birnbaum, Phillip J. Moratti and Jeffrey R. Stone, all of MetLife’s Premier Wealth Group, will present on Financial Planning for Your Dependent With Special Needs.  This workshop will address such critical issues as protecting government benefit eligibility for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), creating special needs trusts, and the importance of a will. Next, on Thursday, April 7, at 7:00 p.m. Scott Goldman, president of Planning Dynamics Inc. will discuss Mistakes People Make With Their IRAs.  You'll learn how to avoid and correct common IRA mistakes, reduce your tax liability, and maximize the benefits from your retirement accounts in this workshop. Both programs are free and open to everybody.

Spring Friends Concert

We've got a great spring concert program coming up on Sunday, April 3rd at 5:00. The Chicago Chamber Players (David Taylor on violin, Rami Solomonov on viola and Gary Stucka on cello) will perform two Beethoven string trios: String Trio No. 4 Opus 9 No. 3 and String Trio No. 2 Opus 9 No. 1.

This program is free of charge. The library will close at 4:00 and reopen for concert seating at 4:30. As always, thanks to the Friends of the Library for sponsoring this and other wonderful programs!

Spring Break Activities for the Kids

We've got all kinds of staycation activities for the kids this Spring Break. Honey the Greyhound will visit on Tuesday, March 29th at both 10:30 and 1:30 (choose only one). Kids will learn about how greyhounds are adopted and become household pets. We'll have a Chat and Chew on Wednesday March 30, at 1:00 where we'll be reading, discussing and creating a craft around the book Henri Matisse: Drawing With Scissors. Kids should bring a light lunch and we'll provide a drink and a sweet treat. Chat and Chew is for grades 2-3 and registration is required. You can also bring your family to Family Storytimes on Monday, March 28, 4:15 p.m and Wednesday, March 30, 10:30 a.m.

Spring Break is when we'll become dinosaur detectives in our Dinosaur Discovery program and learn about dinosaur footprints, eggs, horns, teeth and bones. Dinosaur Discovery will take place on Thursday March 31st at 10:30 and 1:30 (choose only one) and is for children grades K-3. Finally, during Spring Break week you can come to the library and pick up a Kids Book Bingo card. You’ll have 5 weeks to read 5 stories of different genres, lengths,  levels, and formats. Fill a row of 5 and BINGO - you get a prize! We've got a week's worth of activities to keep the kids entertained and educated!

Teen Movie Night

Stuck in town over spring break? Looking for something fun to do? Come by the library on Monday, March 28 at 7:00 for Teen Movie Night! We'll be screening It’s Kind of a Funny Story starring Keir Gilchrist, Emma Roberts, and Zach Galifianakis. This movie has a PG-13 rating and may not be appropriate for younger viewers. The running time is 101 minutes so the movie will begin promptly at 7:00. See you at the movies (and at the library)!

Tax Day is Approaching...

...and we have the forms you need! Tax Day in 2011 falls on April 18th so make sure you visit our photocopy room and grab your missing tax forms soon. We also have photocopiable forms available at the reference desk and the IRS offers most forms on their website for you to print out and file.

Bring the Kids to Hear Nature's Music

Looking for something different to do with the kids this weekend? On Saturday, March 19th at 10:30 AM, bring your kids ages 4 and up to the library for a special Hear Nature's Music: Animals, Wind and Rain program.  Educator, naturalist, and naturally funny guy David Stokes will present songs, interactive “music” making, toys/puppets, and live animals, so you and your young ones can experience and experiment with the sounds of nature. 

Welcome To Bibliocommons!!!

For years you've been asking for a better online catalog. You've asked for a search that actually finds what you are looking for. You've been looking for a way to see what you have checked out without having to memorize a long library card number. You've been wanting to create and share lists of the books you read and the movies you watch.

We're incredibly excited to be able to tell you that the answer is now here with Bibliocommons. Bibliocommons is a replacement for our old online catalog and does everything that our old catalog did, but is faster, a smarter searcher and is filled to the brim with new useful features. During the week of March 1-6 we invite you to Meet Bibliocommons at the library. Bibliocommons is simple to use on your own, but during this week you can come by the library, have library staff show you some of the powerful features and get set up for an account. For just two minutes of your time we will give you a coupon for a free movie rental!

We truly hope that you'll enjoy using Bibliocommons as much as we think you will!

Healthcare on Life Support Program

Join us on Monday, March 14 at 7:00 PM as Dr. Warren Bruhl offers some alternative viewpoints to traditional healthcare that may yield better outcomes. He will discuss how nutritional, exercise, and homeopathic  interventions, chiropractic, and healing massage can be used to address medical challenges with less unnecessary medication and improved patient responses. Dr. Bruhl has practiced chiropractic in Glencoe for 25 years and is the clinic director of Lakefront Chiropractic Center

New Excerpts Available

What exciting library programs are forthcoming over the next 3 months? We've got sessions designed to save you money, a fascinating Glencoe history program (co-sponsored by the Glencoe Historical Society), lots of spring break programming for the kids and a fresh batch of book, movie and music programming! Find out all the hot, hot details in our new edition of Excerpts, available on our website now and coming to your homes soon.

Used Book Sale Dates Announced

The Friends of the Glencoe Public Library have announced the dates of the next used book sale. They are as follows:

Sat., February 26, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Sun., February 27, 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm (everything half price)

Mon., February 28, 9:00 am - 12:00 noon ($3/bag sale)

Plus, there's still time to become a Friend of the Library and receive an invitation to the Friday night preview. And best of all, all proceeds support the Glencoe Public Library!

NextReads: Hot Book Lists to Your Email!

Looking for a new way to stay on top of the hot books coming out?  Sign up for NextReads and you can get monthly lists of new fiction, nonfiction and young adult books sent directly to your email!  Our librarians are busy scouring upcoming books to find the hottest titles.  With NextReads you'll get advance notice of hot books along with short descriptions and reviews.  You can click right over to our catalog from NextReads and place a hold on the book so you're sure to get it quickly. NextReads is brought to you by the same people who manage NoveList, one of our favorite databases for finding information about books and authors, so we're sure you're going to love it!

Now Available: Consumer Reports Online

We are excited to announce that we now have a subscription to the Consumer Reports website available to all Glencoe residents.  Consumers Union, the publisher of Consumer Reports, is an independent, nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering consumers.  Consumer Reports features reviews and comparisons of products and services, recall information and forums.  Thanks to the Friends of the Library for giving us the subscription to this wonderful resource!

Normal Hours on Thursday

The library will be open on Thursday at 9:00 AM, our regular opening time. We hope you can make it out of your houses and come on by!

Big Kids Book Bunch cancelled today

Because of the blizzard warning the Big Kids Book Bunch scheduled for 4:15 p.m. today is cancelled

Library Closing Due to Weather

The library will close today (Tuesday the 1st) at 5:00 and will remain closed tomorrow (Wednesday the 2nd). We will update this information with Thursday's hours when we know them. We apologize for any inconvenience and hope that you all STAY SAFE!!!

Hieronymus Bosch at the Library

Still outrageous after half a millenium, the paintings of Renaissance artist Hieronymus Bosch (ca. 1450-1516) have been interpreted as surrealist, pious, unorthodox, heretical, grotesque, and highly symbolic.  Elements of his greatest paintings, such as The Garden of Earthly Delights continue to mystify us today.  Bosch's keen interest in alchemy prompted him to blend science and religion in a very personal way.  Join us on Wednesday, January 26th at 7:00 for Hieronymus Bosch: Art, Alchemy & the Grotesque, as art historian Jeff Mishur returns to the library to take a closer look at Bosch's work.

Upcoming Personal Finance Programs

We've got some useful programs coming up on the subject of protecting your money, for people in all stages of their adult life. Join us on January 13th at 7:30 p.m. when Danielle Dale, a licensed Illinois realtor with @Properties in Winnetka, will share the top ten staging techniques that will help you sell your home faster.  There are lots of potential changes that you can make to show your home at its best when you're trying to sell it and Danielle will share the best of the lot.

On January 20 at 7:00 p.m., Adam Stock of The Next Level Planning Group will present on the subject of when and how you should take Social Security. Though it may seem like a straightforward decision, it is not.  The wrong decision may cost you tens of thousands of dollars.  Even if you’ve made a decision, you may still be able to receive more money.

Finally, you may not be ready to receive social security but if you have children  approaching college age, we've got a program for you.  On February 8 at 7:00 p.m., Josh Markowitz of The Next Level Planning Group will lead a discussion on  how to avoid over-paying for college.  He will talk about the college options that exist for families today, what their various costs are, and some practical strategies for paying the right price, no matter where your kids end up going.

YA Study Break Lounge Returns

Looking to take a break while studying for finals? Stop by our legendary Study Break Lounge, which runs from from Saturday, January 15th - Wednesday, January 19th, for FREE snacks and socializing. The Lounge is located on the mezzanine level of the library in the Hammond Room OR in the YA/Media Room on the first floor; check with library staff for the Lounge location. Hours are 10:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. on Saturday; 1:30 p.m.–4:30 p.m. on Sunday; and 10:00 a.m.–8:30 p.m. on Monday–Wednesday. Help keep your stress level down and your energy up. Good luck with finals!

Join Our Winter Reading Club!

It's cold outside, but it's warm inside the Glencoe Public Library.  Come by the library on Saturday, January 8th to sign up for our adult Winter Reading Club, the theme of which is Baby, It's Cold Outside.  We’ll have warm cider and doughnuts as well as lots of lists to offer suggestions about cold weather (and other) books and authors. We’ll have sign-up prizes, weekly prizes, and prizes when you finish the program. Young adults can sign up for winter reading anytime.  This is a reading club that you won't want to miss!