Library hours during holidays

The library will close at 1:00 pm on Tuesday the 24th and remain closed on Wednesday the 25th. We will also close at 1:00 pm on Tuesday the 31st and remain closed on Wednesday the 1st. Have a great holiday and remember that we are always open at our website and through our mobile app!

Family Winter Reading Program Kickoff

We've got a special program to celebrate the launch of our Family Winter Reading Program: Wiggleworms! On Saturday the 21st we'll be offering two drop-in Wiggleworms programs at 11:00 and 1:00 for children of all ages with parent or caregiver. Laura Doherty from the Old Town School of Folk Music's Wiggleworms program will acoustically rock your child's world with breezy folk-pop tunes from her award-winning CD Shining Like a Star. This upbeat program engages children in dancing, singing, puppets, and more! Plus, kids can sign up for our eight week Family Winter Reading Program while they're in the library.

YA and Family Winter Reading Clubs

Whether you’re traveling for winter break or staying home, we’re sure you’ll want to catch up on your reading, and our YA and Family Winter Reading Clubs have lots of goodies to reward you! In the YA program you set your own goal for the number of books you think you can read during the program. If you read your goal by March 3, you get a free paperback book of your own choosing. You also have a chance to enter the drawing for a Books on Vernon gift certificate when you sign up, plus you get free DVD rental coupons for each book you read! As for the family program, everyone can contribute toward reaching the family’s reading goal. Children of all ages and their parents and caregivers are encouraged to read for 15 hours this winter season.

The YA Winter Reading Club begins on Wednesday, December 18 and the Family Reading Program starts on Saturday, December 21. Please note that Winter Reading Club for adults does not begin until January 11...stay tuned for more info!

Phone lines are back up!

Our phone lines are ringing again! Give us a call and say hello!

Writers' Open Mic Nights

Our Writers' Open Mic Nights have proven to be a big hit, so we've scheduled another three! This Wednesday, December 11, Tuesday January 14 and Wednesday February 5 (all at 7:00 pm), we invite writers of all ages working in all forms and genres to share their work at these community literary evenings. Bob Boone, writer, teacher, editor, director of Young Chicago Authors program and founder of the Glencoe Study Center, will be the moderator and will invite occasional special guest readers. If you want read your work, please email Bob in advance at ycagsc@aol.com so he can coordinate the evening’s roster. Everyone is welcome to participate by reading or just by being an appreciative audience for the many talented writers in our community.

Holiday Card Making Workshop

Kids can celebrate "Saturdays of the Seasons!" with the rest of the Glencoe community. On Saturday, December 7, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., children of all ages with parent or caregiver can stop by the library and create fun and festive holiday cards.

Reception for Juli Janovicz

The Board of Trustees of the Glencoe Public Library invites you to meet the new Library Director, Juli Janovicz. Stop by on Sunday, December 8 between 3:00 and 4:30 p.m. (the library will be open normal hours, 1:00 to 5:00 p.m.) for food, drink and plenty of friendly conversation. Please join us and say hello to your new Library Director!

Author Appearance: Peggy Wolff

Glencoe food writer Peggy Wolff, editor of Fried Walleye and Cherry Pie: Midwestern Writers on Food (U. of Nebraska Press), will visit the library on Thursday, December 5th at 7:30 pm to talk about the inspiration for this post-WWII regional food anthology, the genre called food/lit, some anecdotes about working with writers, and how she put together essays from notable authors who could see food beyond the printed recipe on the page. Fried Walleye contributors include New York Times best-selling authors, Guggenheim fellows, TV comedy writers, National Book Award finalists, top food journalists, restaurateurs and chefs. Elizabeth Berg recalls the comfort of her aunt’s meatloaf. Peter Sagal ponders the ethics of pate. Robert Olmstead digresses into questions of Aztec culture while contemplating Cincinnati five-way chili and Michael Stern addresses himself to Chicago’s Italian beef sandwich. Each essay adds something to our understanding of the experience of food, family, time and place.

Author Appearance: Kevin Peraino

Please join us in the Young Adult Room of the library on Wednesday December 4th at 7:00 pm for an appearance by author Kevin Peraino. As part of a national tour for his recently published book Lincoln in the World: The Making of a Statesman and the Dawn of American Power, Mr. Peraino will speak about his book and be available to sign copies. Kevin Peraino is a veteran foreign correspondent who has reported from throughout the world. He spent a decade at Newsweek, most recently as a senior writer and bureau chief in the Middle East. He was a finalist for the Livingston Award for his foreign affairs reporting and was part of the team that won a National Magazine Award for its coverage of the 2004 presidential campaign. Mr. Peraino is a graduate of Northwestern University and a term member at the Council on Foreign Relations. Copies of Lincoln in the World will be available for purchase, courtesy of The Book Stall at Chestnut Court.

Closed for Thanksgiving

Image courtesy of WATTAgNet

The library will close at 5:00 on Wednesday the 27th and will remain closed on Thursday the 28th. We will reopen for regular hours on Friday the 29th. Be sure to bring the kids to a special Thanksgiving storytime on Friday at 10:30!

New Excerpts Available Online

A winter full of fun activities awaits you at the library, as you can now see in our new edition of Excerpts! We've got author readings, local history and art programs and technology programs for the young and old, as well as all the usual great film screenings, book discussions and children's programs that you know and love. We've also got details about our Winter Reading Club for adults, young adults and kids. Residents of Glencoe will soon receive a copy of Excerpts at their door but in the meantime, anyone can access the latest edition of Excerpts online.

Library News by Email

Did you know that we have multiple library newsletters available to be delivered directly to your email? You can get all the hottest library programming and resource news as soon as it appears on our homepage with our Library News newsletter. You can also receive our biweekly Staff Picks newsletter of book reviews and recommendations and our weekly Flick Picks writeup of our new DVD and Blu-ray releases. Don't miss out - sign up now!

Upcoming Concert: Guadagnini String Quartet

Please join us for an afternoon concert on Sunday, November 17, 2013 at 5:00 pm as Guadagnini String Quartet (David Taylor and members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra) perform works by Beethoven and Dvorak.

Beethoven String Trio in D major No. 2 op. 9
Allegretto 
Andate quasi allegretto 
Menuetto allegro 
Rondo allegro 

Dvorak String Quartet in A-flat major No. 14 op 14
Allegro appassionato 
Molto vivace 
Lento e molto cantabile 
Allegro ma non troppo 

The Library will close at 4:00 pm and will reopen at 4:30 for concert seating. The concert is approximately 1 hour and admission is free. Thank you to the Friends of the Library for continuing to sponsor this and other great events!

The Ultimate Gift: The Facts About Living Donation

Most of us know about organ and tissue donation from the option on our drivers’ licenses but few are aware of the urgent need for living kidney donors. One person’s gift can save many lives. Living donors do not need to be blood relatives; in fact, there is increasing interest in donation to strangers. Come learn more on Tuesday, November 12 at 7:30 pm at our Ultimate Gift program, which will be presented by Harvey Mysel, a Glencoe resident and founder of the nonprofit Living Kidney Donors Network.

Duct Tape Crafts

Photo courtesy of Gerg1967.

Is there anything that duct tape can't do? Kids ages 8 and up can find out at our D.I.Y. Duct Tape Crafts program on Wednesday, November 6, at 4:15 pm. They'll learn how to use duct tape to build up buttercups and transform their boring ballpoint pens into a garden of fun and funky flowers. Advance registration is required. Also, be sure to register for our Saturday, November 9 Sensory Storytime, taking place at 10:45 am for ages 3 to 8 with parent or caregiver.

Readings From the Novels of Richard Smolev

Please join us on Sunday, November 3rd at 2:30 pm for a reading in honor of former Glencoe resident and author Richard Smolev. Having long desired to write fiction, Richard found the inspiration for his first novel, Offerings, in a book he checked out of the Glencoe Library. His second novel, the early drafts of which were written in his Washington Avenue home, is entitled In Praise of Angels and was published in July. Due to illness, Richard won't be able to join us for the reading, so his close friend Alan Wolf will be our reader. Jordan and Anita Miller, owners of Richard’s publisher Academy Chicago, and Alan Wolf and Margot Weinberg have donated copies of Richard`s books to our library in his honor and as his legacy to Glencoe.

American Art of the Civil War Era

This November marks the 150th anniversary of the Gettysburg Address and throughout this year there are numerous 150th anniversaries of Civil War battles and events. Art historian Jeff Mishur returns on Wednesday, October 30th at 7:00 pm for this lecture, which looks at works of art that expressed the mood of the nation prior to, during and after the end of the war

How to Draw Monsters

Get ready for Halloween on Saturday, October 26th at 11:00 am by learning how to draw monsters! You’ll practice drawing monsters step-by-step with art teacher Christine Thornton. Then, you’ll draw a creepy monster of your choice! This program is for children ages 7 and up and requires registration.

Teen Book Group: Divergent by Veronica Roth

There's still time to sign up for our Wednesday, October 16th teen book group! We'll be discussing Divergent by Veronica Roth to get you prepared for Allegiant, the third book in the series. We will order pizza so be sure to sign at the Reader's Services desk by the end of the day tomorrow (Tuesday) to ensure that we get enough! The book group will meet at 4:00 and is for 6th to 12th graders.

Jeanne Nolan Author Talk

Join us on Tuesday, October 22, at 7:00 p.m. to meet Glencoe resident Jeanne Nolan, the author of From the Ground Up: A Food Grower’s Education in Life, Love and the Movement That’s Changing the Nation - an engaging blend of how-to, manifesto and memoir. Published in July, her book chronicles her journey back to the North Shore after 17 years of living on a communal farm. The founder of The Organic Gardener Ltd., Ms. Nolan has designed and cultivated more than 650 farms and food gardens in and around Chicago, including the Edible Gardens - a 5,000 square foot vegetable garden for children in Lincoln Park Zoo - and gardens at Glencoe’s Central and South Schools. Copies of her book, which features a foreword by Alice Waters, will be available for purchase courtesy of Books on Vernon.

Blue Balliett Author Program

Blue Balliett, Chicago's own award-winning children's book author of such favorites as Chasing Vermeer and The Wright 3, will be our very special guest at the Community Hall of the Takiff Center on Monday, October 21st at 4:00 pm. Hold Fast, her latest mystery, hit The New York Times Bestseller List and has received acclaimed reviews in the Times and the Chicago Tribune. Copies of Blue's novels will be available for sale at the program by The Book Stall and light refreshments will be served. This special event is for children ages 8 and up with parent or caregiver.

Used Book Sale

The next Friends book sale is coming up October 19-21. As always, the sale will feature thousands of slightly used books, DVDs, CDs, audiobooks, and more at great prices. Hours are:

• Saturday, October 19, 9:00 am-5:00 pm
• Sunday, October 20, 1:00 pm -5:00 pm (everything half-price)
• Monday, October 21, 9:00 am-12:00 noon ($3/bag sale)

Glencoe residents who are also current members of the Friends are invited to shop on the Friday night before the sale (October 18, 6:00-8:00 p.m.), when the selection is at its best and the aisles are uncrowded. And yes, you may join at the door! All proceeds from the sale benefit the library.

Movers in the Sky

Comet ISON will graze the sun’s atmosphere on November 28. If it survives its solar encounter, ISON could emerge glowing as brightly as the moon and visible to the unaided eye even in broad daylight! Are comets really omens of disaster? How worried should we be about asteroids or comets colliding with the earth? On Monday, October 14th at 10:30 am you can learn about these fascinating “movers in the sky,” which are actually different types of small bodies left over from the solar system’s formation. Astrophysicist (and former NASA consultant) returns to the library on Columbus Day for another vivid peek at the universe. This program is for adults and children 10 and older. If the sky is clear, participants are invited to go outside with Mr. Manning after the program to view sun spots through NASA-approved filters.

Sensory Storytime

Join us on Saturday, October 12th at 10:45am for another sensory storytime. Children of all abilities and their siblings are invited to join us for this inclusive storytime program. Led by two play specialists, families can join us for an hour-long program filled with stories, music, rhymes, and playtime. This program is for children ages 3-8 with parent or caregiver - registration is required.

Library Closed on Friday the 11th

The library will be closed on Friday, October 11th for staff training. We will reopen for normal hours on Saturday the 12th. Please remember that you can always place holds, renew materials, check out ebooks and music and much more from our website and app!

Writers' Open Mic Nights

Are you looking for a place to share your original work in front of a friendly audience? We will be offering three open mic nights for writers of all ages working in all forms and genres. Bob Boone, writer, teacher, editor, director of Young Chicago Authors program and founder of the Glencoe Study Center, will be the moderator and will invite occasional special guest readers. If you want to read your work, please email Bob in advance at ycagsc@aol.com so he can coordinate the evening’s roster. Everyone is welcome to participate by reading or just by being an appreciative audience for the many talented writers in our community. The dates of the open mic nights are Wednesday October 9, November 6 and December 11, all at 7:00 pm in our Hammond Room.

Now Available Online: Chicago Consumers' Checkbook

Looking to find a local service company to clean that fireplace, fix the roof or board your pup? We now have access to Chicago Consumers' Checkbook online! The Center for the Study of Services - the nonprofit consumer organization that publishes Chicago Consumers' Checkbook - has been helping to educate consumers since 1974. Chicago Consumers' Checkbook gathers reviews for local businesses from actual customers and provides ratings in various categories. It's a great place to start looking for a place to provide a service and all you need is your library card to access it!

Jedi Academy

Young Jedis are invited to the library on Saturday, September 28 to practice and perfect their Jedi skills through a variety of fun activities and stations. Whether you are a Padawan or a Jedi Master, you won’t want to miss this carnival-style, Star Wars-themed program. Children of all ages with parent or caregiver are invited to stop by anytime between 11:00 am and 1:00 pm.

POW! The History of Superheroes: A Film Presentation

Get ready for action as we marvel at the greatest superheroes and most sensational villains in movie history with POW! The History of Superheroes! On Tuesday, September 24 at 4:00 you will see the most exciting superhero scenes ever caught on film and learn fascinating behind-the-scenes trivia about legendary warriors such as Superman, Batman, and Spider-man, to the thrilling groups of the Avengers, the Fantastic Four, and the X-Men! This program is for children ages 8 and up.

Banned Books Week / Books on the Chopping Block

Every year a group of literary, educational and free speech organizations, including the American Library Association, celebrates the freedom to read with Banned Books Week. This year, Banned Books Week runs from September 22nd through the 28th and we'll help kick it off on Sunday the 22nd at 2:00 with the return of Books on the Chopping Block. City Lit Theater Company will return to the library to present a highly entertaining concert reading of excerpts from the top ten most frequently challenged books of 2012. Since 2006, City Lit - a Chicago theater specializing in staged adaptations of literary material - has teamed up with the American Library Association’s Office of Intellectual Freedom in honor of Banned Books Week. Its actors perform Books on the Chopping Block at special events, libraries, and bookstores in and around Chicago all week long. The performance runs 50 minutes and is followed by a discussion. While the program is intended for adults, children in approximately grade 6 and up are welcome to attend. For more information about Banned Books Week click here.

A Saturday in Glencoe in 1935

What was it like to be a ten-year-old in Glencoe in 1935? Find out on Sunday, September 15th at 2:00 as Roland Calhoun – longtime resident, local historian and entertaining storyteller – will treat our community to his recollections. Mr. Calhoun was the eighth of eight children, the grandson of Charles Browne (one of the 10 original Glencoe Company founders), and village president from 1968 to 1976.

Countdown to College

It can be hard to believe but college decisions are sneaking up on you! Sorting through and narrowing down college options can be a daunting process. On Thursday, September 12th at 7:30, Sandra Gilbert and Pat Cannon of Ravinia College Consultants will share their expertise and insights about figuring out where to apply, plus tips on what colleges are looking for. This program is for both parents and students - bring your questions!

Understanding Social Security

If you are retired or will be soon, it's essential to understand how Social Security works: when it makes sense to delay benefits, whether to "file and suspend," claiming now versus claiming more later, and minimizing taxation of benefits. Join adviser Les Goldstein of Personal Financial Strategies (and teacher of financial planning at Oakton Community College) on September 10th at 7:00pm for a lively discussion of these issues.

Get Involved With the Teen Advisory Board!

Join us as we develop a new Teen Advisory Board and grab a slice of pizza at the same time! On Wednesday, September 11th at 4:00 we’ll talk about things you’d like to see here at the library, including programs just for teens and ideas for book ordering. Sign up at the Readers’ Services desk by Monday, September 9, so we know how much pizza to order. The Teen Advisory Board is for 6th to 12th graders. Your opinion counts at the Glencoe library!

Library Closed for Labor Day / Reopens Sundays

The library will be closed on Monday, September 2nd in recognition of Labor Day and will reopen on Tuesday, September 3rd. We will begin Sunday hours (1pm to 5pm) on September 8th. Sunday hours run through late spring.

New Excerpts Hot Off the Press!

You are not going to believe the great lineup of activities and events planned for the fall at the Glencoe Public Library. We've got author readings, local history programs, art programs, open mic nights and even a look at a comet! The new edition of Excerpts also has updated information on all of our great upcoming kid's programs, film programs, book groups, musical theater programs and Technology Tuesdays. You'll be receiving the newest edition of Excerpts in your mailbox soon but in the meantime you can access it online!

Kindergarten Kickoff!

Start the new school year off with a bang! Children are invited to the library for a special program with stories, craft, and a small treat to celebrate entering kindergarten. There will be sessions of this program on Tuesday, August 27 at 10:30 and 2:30. The program is for children entering kindergarten with parent or caregiver and registration is required.

Demolition on Village Ct.

We received some information about the demolition of the Chase Bank building from the Village and how it might affect your access to the library. During demolition beginning Monday, August 19th, the southbound lane of Village Ct. will be closed during working hours. Working hours will be from 7am to 6pm Monday through Friday and 9am to 6pm on Saturdays. Please use caution when traveling in the construction area. Be alert for pedestrian crossings and construction traffic. For more information on construction in Glencoe, please visit the village's website.

From Page to Stage Kickoff

Once again the library is working with Writers Theatre to kickoff the annual From Page to Stage program of events, lectures, demonstrations and performances. On August 22nd, at 7:00 p.m., please join us at Writers Theatre to meet PigPen Theatre Company to discuss the process of bringing The Old Man and The Old Moon to stage. PigPen Associate Artistic Director (and Co-Director of this production) Stuart Carden is the special guest and will talk about how music, stagecraft and puppetry play a role in their unparalleled brand of storytelling. Writers' Theatre is located in the Women's Library Club building at 325 Tudor Ct., in Glencoe. All the events in this program are free and you can find a full list of events here.

August Library Board Meeting Date Changed

The date of the meeting of the Board of Trustees in August has been changed to Thursday, August 29th at 7:30. All board meetings take place in the Hammond Room of the library.

Going Mobile?

Before you head out on vacation, make sure you download the library's app! You can see what books you have checked out and renew them, download ebooks and audiobooks, see what events are around the corner and use the BookLook feature to easily check if we have that interesting book that you stumbled upon at the beach house in stock. The library app is free and available for both iOS devices (iPhone and iPad) and Android devices.

Summer Reading is Coming to an End!

There are only a couple of weeks remaining in our adult summer reading program so be sure to get your books recorded by Saturday, August 3rd so you can pick up a great final prize! And even though you've reached your goal you should keep recording book titles since every book that you read until the end will get you entries into our weekly drawings as well as double movie coupons. The kids' summer reading program also ends soon, with a pizza party on August 3rd at noon that you won't want to miss!

Music Around the World

This Saturday, July 20, at 11:00 a.m., music loving kids ages 5 and up with parent or caregiver will want to come to the library in order to discover the musical instruments of the world! This unique program will bring together musical cultures and instruments from a diverse range of countries and peoples. Enjoy native folk songs, learn about the history and culture, and try out many of the instruments, too!

Ready to Wear and Ready to Paint

Dr. Michelle Paluch-Mishur returns to the library on Tuesday, July 16th at 7:00 for an interactive slide lecture that looks at late nineteenth century artists such as Cassatt, Tissot, Caillebotte and Renoir and their relationship to exciting developments in the Parisian fashion industry. This theme relates to the special exhibition “Impression, Fashion and Modernity,” on display at the Art Institute of Chicago from June 26–September 22. Dr. Paluch-Mishur's lectures are always a big hit and a lot of fun!

Board meeting rescheduled

The board meeting originally scheduled for Wednesday, July 17th has been moved to Monday, July 15th at 7:30. All of our board meetings take place in the Hammond Room and are open to the public.

The College Essay, or How to Keep an Admissions Officer Awake

The essay is the only part of a college application that’s completely in the student’s control. On Tuesday, July 9th at 7:30 you can learn how to make the most of it from Hanna Stotland, a college admissions consultant with over a decade of experience. Ms. Stotland will cover getting started, subjects to avoid and how to stand out from the crowd. Students and parents welcome!

Closed for the 4th of July

The library will be closed on Thursday, July 4th and will reopen on Friday, July 5th. You can always renew, search and place holds through our Bibliocommons catalog or through the library app, available for iOS and Android.

Now Available: Print From Anywhere!

We are excited to announce a new service at the library that will give you many more great options for printing. Now you can print to library computers from your home computer, your laptop or your mobile device. Simply access our remote printing page on your computer or download the PrinterOn app to your iPad, iPhone or Android-based mobile device. You will then have 48 hours to pick up your print job at the library. All print jobs are 10 cents per page for black and white and 25 cents per page for color, and the first three pages per day remain free. You also now have the ability to print in color from any library computer. We hope you enjoy this new service!

More Summer Fun for the Kids!

Summer fun continues at the library with Spanish storytime! On Tuesday, June 25, at 10:30 children of all ages with parent or caregiver are welcome to join Language Stars for a full-immersion, interactive storytime with one of their native speaking Spanish teachers.

Next, on Saturday, June 29th at 11:00 you can enjoy what the library has to offer without leaving the beautiful outdoors at our Stories at the Garden program! Join a librarian at Glencoe Community Garden, listen to stories and then work together to help make the garden grow! Glencoe Community Garden is located east of the Metra line along Green Bay Road just north of Shelton Park on Harbor Street. If the weather is inclement, the storytime will be held at the library.

Hula, Henna and Hangin' Out!

Summer vacation is underway and the library has loads of great programming to help keep the kids entertained and learning. Holly's Hula Show takes place on Saturday, June 15 at 11:00 a.m. Children ages 3 and up with parent or caregiver can join Holly Nagel as she brings the sights and sounds of Hawaii to the library through music, dance, stories, and interactive fun. She’ll also share Hawaiian words, hula moves, beautiful costumes, and Polynesian instruments.

Come back to the library on Tuesday, June 18 at 4:15 p.m. to learn all about henna art! Children ages 7 and up will learn about henna hand designs from India and other kinds of traditional body painting from around the world in this fun multicultural program! They will then be able to practice sketching popular henna motifs and draw on their own hands with washable watercolor pencils. RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED for the henna program.

Families will also want to take part in our Park-A-Day Challenge where you will be able to visit your local parks AND enjoy a half-hour storytime program led by a children’s librarian. Play together, meet other families, and enjoy the North Shore’s amazing Park District spaces! This is not a drop-off program; parents are responsible for their own children at each park. Dates and parks:
Saturday, June 15, at 4:00 p.m. at Indian Hill Park (Winnetka)
Sunday, June 16, at 4:00 p.m. at Kalk Park (Glencoe)
Saturday, August 24, at 4:00 p.m. at Shelton Park (Glencoe)

Two Upcoming Author Visits

This week we're very excited to have two authors visiting the library to speak about their books. On Wednesday, June 12th at 6:30 p.m., Marilyn D. Jacobson, the author of Turning the Pyramid Upside Down: A New Leadership Model, will talk about how organization leaders need to focus more on partnering and collaborating in order to succeed in a world of globalization and hyper-connectivity. Ms. Jacobson has had a wide-ranging career in both academia and management consulting. Now working primarily as an executive coach, Ms. Jacobson has taught at both UIC’s and Loyola’s MBA programs and consulted for retail, manufacturing, healthcare, legal, and financial organizations and for government entities.

The following night - Thursday, June 13th at 7:30 p.m. - please join us for George Rosen, the author of The Immanence of God in the Tropics, a 2012 collection of short stories. Former local Rosen (New Trier ’64) now lives and writes in Gloucester, Massachusetts. His short stories have appeared in Harper’s, the Yale Review, the Harvard Review, and in a Harcourt Brace anthology of crime fiction, A Matter of Crime. He has reported on West Africa for The Atlantic Monthly, on Mexico for the Boston Globe, and worked as a radio commentator and political speechwriter.

Chicago as Seen From the River

Join us on Tuesday, June 11, at 7:30 p.m. for our Chicago as Seen From the River program as we cruise down the Chicago River without leaving the library! Learn all about the landmark buildings that line the river banks with architectural docent Hy Speck. Some of Chicago’s most famous historic and modern buildings will be discussed, including Navy Pier, the Wrigley building, Tribune Tower, the Merchandise Mart, the Lyric Opera, 333 W. Wacker, Marina City, and Aqua Tower. This program was originally scheduled for February 26 but canceled because of a snowstorm.

Summer Reading Club

Summer is right around the corner which means that our Summer Reading Club is here as well! Starting June 7th, you can sign up for our adult, young adult and children's summer reading clubs and earn great prizes while you enjoy your favorite hobby! The theme of the adult program is As Time Goes By... and it will feature books that you enjoyed reading many years ago or ones that you somehow missed. The theme for the young adults is What's Hot For Summer and the children will be packing their bags for Have Book Will Travel! You can sign up anytime before the club ends during the first weekend of August but you'll want to get started early to make sure that you earn your movie rental coupons and myriad other prizes! As always, we thank the Friends of the Library for sponsoring this much loved program!

Used Book Sale

The Friends of the Library have been collecting books, DVDs and other materials and they're ready to offer them to you at their used book sale! The sale will run from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 8th, 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 9th (with everything half price) and 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon on Monday, June 10th ($3 per bag sale). Members of the Friends can attend the preview on Friday, June 7th from 6:00 to 8:00. ALL PROCEEDS BENEFIT THE LIBRARY!

Study Break Lounge Begins

Looking to take a break from studying for finals? Stop by our legendary Study Break Lounge for free snacks and socializing. The Lounge will be open 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 1; from 1:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, June 2; and 10:00 a.m. - 8:30 p.m. on Monday, June 3 and Tuesday, June 4. Good luck with finals!

New Excerpts Now Available Online

It's going to be a great summer at the library as you can now see for yourself in the new edition of Excerpts! With author appearances, programs on art, Chicago and college admissions and a potpourri of educational and entertaining children's programs, we've got everything you need to beat the heat. Plus, we've got details about our summer reading club, our monthly book groups, Monday Night at the Movies, America's Musical Theater Legends, Technology Tuesday and more! You'll be receiving Excerpts in the mail sometime in the next week but in the meantime you can access it online.

Memorial Day

We will be closed on Sunday, May 26th and Monday, May 27th for the Memorial Day weekend. We will reopen on Tuesday, May 28th. Also, please note that we will be closed on Sundays in the summer starting June 9th.

You can always access our catalog and databases from our website and mobile app. You can also return any materials to the slot on the west side of the building. Have a great three-day weekend!

Please Welcome Our New Board and Thank the Departing Trustees!

Every two years, the library must say goodbye to retiring trustees and welcome new ones. This April, Glencoe residents elected three new trustees to succeed John Tuohy who has provided outstanding service in planning and facilities during his nine years on the Library Board, Barbara Breakstone who served three terms as Library Board President during her eight-year tenure, and Stephanie Pearce who helped to enhance the library’s marketing plan while serving her four-year term. We are glad to have Joel Shoolin returning to the Library Board after having been off for a couple of years. Dr. Shoolin combines technology expertise with his practice as a physician. Kathy Doyle brings her own professional librarian experience to the Board, having started her career as a school librarian and now manages her own marketing research firm. Michelle Gooze-Miller grew up in Glencoe and is now raising her own family here while practicing as an attorney. Also, please remember that all board meetings are open to the public!

A Reception in Honor of Peggy Hamil

On Sunday, May 19 from 4:00 to 5:30, all Glencoe residents are invited to join Glencoe Public Library's board of trustees for a special reception for outgoing executive director Peggy Hamil. This is Glencoe's opportunity to mark Peggy's retirement and recall her contributions to the Glencoe community, which she has served since 1994. We will miss you, Peggy!

Please note that the library will close at 3:30 to set up for the party and will reopen at 4:00. Regular library services will not be available during the party.

Learn to Draw Pokémon!

Calling young artists and Pokémon lovers! Our How to Draw Pokémon program on Saturday, May 11, at 2:00 p.m. will teach you how to become an expert at drawing the Pokémon of your choice! Children in grades 2–6 will learn to draw with local artist and art instructor Christine Thornton. Study some of your favorite Pokémon characters from an artist’s point of view, and you'll be able to draw the same character at different stages of evolution. Please contact the children's department to register for this unique program!

Rising From the Ashes Program

In the face of unbearable conditions, many people still have an astonishing urge to create. Our Rising From the Ashes program on Tuesday May 7th at 7:30pm will explore human creativity in the shadow of cruelty, including examples of art produced in the Nazi death camps, African-American spirituals, and artistic responses to the Cambodian genocide. The program will be presented by Glencoe resident Barbara Javore, who has a Ph.D in religious education from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary and is director of children’s and youth ministry at North Shore United Methodist Church.

Annual Report Now Available

Did you know that nearly 8000 people attended library programs in our last fiscal year that ended on February 28th? We also loaned over 210,000 books, DVDs and CDs, and answered over 45,000 reference questions (5.2 per resident). These facts and more can be found in our newly published Annual Report, available online or in print at the library. Thanks to everyone for making it a busy year!

The Interurban Trains of Glencoe

Fifty years ago, the last train on the North Shore Line rolled through town, leaving only the Northwestern line to serve Glencoe. Train and local history enthusiasts will want to be sure to attend our Sunday, April 28th at 2pm program about the formation of both lines and how they served Glencoe, with emphasis on the North Shore Line. Maps, timetables, and photographs of the trains will be part of the discussion. Co-sponsored with the Glencoe Historical Society, this program will be presented by interurban train buff and GHS board member Barney Berlin.

Please Welcome the Next Executive Director - Juli Janovicz

The Glencoe Public Library Board of Trustees is pleased to announce the appointment of Juliann Janovicz as Executive Director.  Juli’s 24 years of experience at the Winnetka-Northfield Public Library District provides the background of experience needed for her new position. She has worked in public service, programming, automation, and collection development and represented the library in community events.

After earning her MLIS degree at UW-Milwaukee in 1985, Juli began her career at the Kenosha Public Library, followed by two years of experience as Public Services Librarian at Zion-Benton Public Library.  

Juli began work as Head of Reference at the Winnetka-Northfield Library in 1989, becoming Head of Adult Services in 1998. In 2011, she was named Assistant Director.  Juli has also served as Interim Director of the Library in 2011 and 2012.

Juli will start work here on Monday, June 3, 2013, overlapping with current Executive Director Peggy Hamil for a week, just to facilitate transition. Peggy’s last day will be Friday, June 7th.

New Conference Room Now Open to the Public

You're probably noticed the construction that has been going on in the library for the last couple of months. For years we have not had any kind of small private meeting space for Glencoe residents to utilize. But now we're excited to announce that the brand new Hamil Conference Room is now open for business! Located on the lower level, the conference room seats up to six people for those who need a private work or meeting area. Usage is limited to groups that include at least one Glencoe resident, who can book one reservation at a time for up to two hours per week. Full guidelines to the rooms use as a well as an application are available here.

Healthy Cooking with Michael Maddox

Spend the evening of Tuesday, April 16th with Chef Michael Maddox and add some recipes to your family favorites. Michael will make some delicious and healthy alternatives including smoothies, snacks, Asian shrimp slaw salad and nut crusted pork tenderloin. A 2009 James Beard nominee for Midwest Best Chef of the Year, Mr. Maddox served as chef de la cuisine of Le Titi de Paris from 1993–2012. The program begins at 7:00 - reservations are not required!

Sensory Storytime

We've got another great sensory storytime coming up on Saturday, April 13th at 10:45 am. Children of all abilities and their siblings are invited to join us for this inclusive storytime program.  Led by two play specialists, families can join us for an hour-long program filled with stories, music, rhymes, and playtime. Registration is required so please call and guarantee your spot! The program is for children ages 3-8 with parent or caregiver.

Classical Music Concert

The Friends of the Library are once again sponsoring a fantastic classical music concert at the library. The concert takes place on Sunday, April 14th and features the Guadagnini String Quartet (David Taylor, Cornelius Chiu, Violins; Rami Solomonow Viola; Gary Stucka Cello). The library will close at 4:00 and will reopen at 4:30 for concert seating. As always, the concert is free.

Works to be performed are:

Mozart  String Quartet in G KV 387
Allegro vivace assai 
Menuetto Allegro
Andante cantabile
Molto Allegro

Hugo Wolf  Italian Serenade

Beethoven  String Quartet Op. 18 No. 1 in F Major
Allegro con brio
Adagio: Affettuoso et appassionato
Scherzo
Allegro

Memoir-writing Workshop

Interested in writing memoir - for family, friends, a larger audience, or just yourself? Award winning writers Sharon and Steve Fiffer will lead four This Is Your Life workshops in April to help you get started or to shape and refine a current endeavor. Each of the 90-minute sessions will focus on a different aspect of writing memoir: memory, context, perspective, and style. In-class activities will include writing and workshopping in a safe, supportive environment and critiques with the Fiffers. This is not a how to-get published workshop, but the Fiffers will share their experiences in the publishing world. The program will meet at 7:00 on Mondays from April 8 - April 29 and you should sign up by Friday, April 5th.

Registration is required; please call the library at (847) 835-5056 to sign up. If the number of registrants exceeds class capacity, priority will be given to Glencoe residents.

Astronomy for Everyone!

Come to the library on Thursday, April  4th at 7:00 pm and escape the cares of your earth-bound existence by spending an evening amongst the stars! Award-winning astrophysicist Kevin Manning, a former consultant with NASA, will present an educational and entertaining exploration of the universe, the stars, and other celestial wonders for curious people ages 10 and up. His presentation will feature hands-on activities, gorgeous images, and—weather permitting, of course—a trip outside to view the rings of Saturn and other jewels of the night sky through a powerful telescope.

Closed on Easter Sunday

The library will be closed on Easter Sunday, March 31st and will reopen on Monday, April 1st.

Spring Break Fun for Kids

It may feel a little chilly for spring but no matter what the weather is like, we'll have some great activities for kids over spring break. We'll start with a day devoted to creativity as our Make and Take Craft Day runs from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm on Tuesday, March 26th. Kids of all ages can drop in and make a seasonal craft to take him with them! On Wednesday, March 27th children can dress in their pjs and bring their blanket or special stuffed friend to our 7:00 pajama storytime. Kids ages 3 and up (with caregiver) will want to bring their stuffed animals back on Thursday, March 28th at 11:00 pm for our Teddy Bear Picnic. Steve Beno will blend live music with puppets, stories and movement, perfectly paced for preschoolers.

Pick up a Museum Adventure Pass!

Have you picked up a Museum Adventure Pass from the library yet? Museum Adventure Passes offer free admission, discounted parking and more to some great museums and other institutions in the Chicagoland area. Legoland Discovery Center in Schaumburg is new to the program, offering one free admission to the center. Passes are also available for discounted parking at the Chicago Botanic Garden, free admission to the Brookfield Zoo and more. Passes are checked out at the reference desk or the children's department and can be used once in the week following checkout.

Picasso: Painting, Sculpture, Collage

The Picasso & Chicago exhibit at the Art Institute is getting rave reviews. To coincide with this exhibition - the first large-scale exhibition of Picasso’s work at the Art Institute of Chicago in over 30 years - art historian Jeff Mishur will return on Tuesday March 19th at 7:00pm to present a slide lecture. He will look at selected works from Picasso’s long career within their historic context, including the monumental sculpture in Chicago’s Daley Plaza. Mr. Mishur's programs are always popular so make sure you mark this one on your calendar!

Meet Our New Junior High Fiction Collection!

Come up to the second floor of the library and check out the brand new Junior High Fiction collection! Whether you read sci-fi, chick lit, fantasy, realistic fiction, or mystery, Junior High Fiction has it all. These reads are perfect for kids transitioning from elementary school to high school. Just look for the books with the green labels or browse the collection online. To celebrate the launch of this new collection, kids in 5th, 6th, or 7th grade are eligible to enter a drawing to WIN A FREE BOOK of their choice! Stop by the Junior High collection during the month of March and try your luck.

Gardening Up and Down

Vertical gardens that create green "living art" are becoming wildly popular in public spaces. On Thursday, March 14th at 7:30 pm local landscape design professionals Phyllis Cheskin and Cathy Litrofsky will show you how you can use this technique in your own yard - near the entrance, on a wall or on a free-standing structure. The program will cover the construction and design of vertical gardens using a hydroponic system, followed by a question-and-answer session. Forget about the snow...spring is almost here and after this program you'll be making that thumb greener in no time!

Closing Today (Tuesday) at 4:00

Due to deteriorating weather conditions we will be closing today, Tuesday, March 5th, at 4:00. Unfortunately our 7:00 Dr. Seuss program will be cancelled. We expect to be open normal hours tomorrow.

New Excerpts Now Available!

As sure a sign of spring as bulbs starting to bloom is the publication of our March issue of Excerpts! The next three months promise to be chock full of educational and entertaining library events, with programs on trains, gardening, art, astronomy and much much more! Excerpts also lists all of our upcoming children's programs, film screenings, concerts, book groups, technology programs and all the rest of the quality events that you've grown to expect from your library. You'll soon receive Excerpts in your mailbox at home but it's also available online right now.

Library Closing at 4:00

Due to the weather, the library will be closing at 4:00 today, Tuesday, February 26th. All programming for this afternoon and tonight has been cancelled. We expect to reopen tomorrow at 9:00 am. We apologize for the inconvenience.

Sensory Storytime

We've got another wonderful Sensory Storytime this weekend, on Saturday, March 2 at 10:45am. Children of all abilities and their siblings are invited to join us for this inclusive storytime program. Led by two play specialists, families can join us for an hour-long program filled with stories, music, rhymes, and playtime. Registration is required.

Winter Reading Club Ends

It looks like winter is not going to go away quietly. Adult Winter Reading Club, however, is coming to an end on March 1st no matter what the weather is like! Please make sure that you record your six titles so that you can pick up your final prize. Also, remember that every book your read beyond your six counts for double movie coupons. Thanks to everyone who helped make our Winter Reading Club such a huge success!

Chicago as Seen From the River

Among Glencoe's many wonderful traits is its proximity to Chicago. Our Chicago, As Seen From the River program, which takes place on Tuesday, February 26th at 7:00, will allow you to cruise down the Chicago River without leaving the library! Architectural docent Hy Speck will talk about the landmark buildings that line the river bank. Some of Chicago’s most famous historic and modern buildings will be discussed, including Willis Tower, Navy Pier, the Wrigley building, Tribune Tower, the Merchandise Mart, the Lyric Opera, 333 W. Wacker, Marina City, and Aqua Tower. This is a must for local architecture and history buffs!

Friends of the Library Book Sale

The next Friends of the Library book sale will begin on Saturday, February 23rd and and run through the morning of the 25th. Besides tons of great books the book sale always has cds, dvds and lots of surprises! And don't forget that if you join the Friends of the Library you can have access to the Friday night preview as well. All proceeds from the book sale go towards our programming and services.

The hours are as follows:

• Saturday, February 23rd from 9 to 5
• Sunday, February 24th from 1 to 5 (everything half price)
• Monday, February 25th from 9 to 12 ($3 per bag sale)

February Children's Programs

For a short month, February can seem awfully long. Luckily we've got some great children's programs to help you survive the cold! Celebrate Musical Merriment with Joel Frankel on Saturday, February 16 at 11 am. This is a drop-in music program for the whole family. We've got Pajama Storytime on Tuesday, February 19 at 7 pm, a drop-in evening storytime for the whole family. Finally, there's Musikgarten on Friday, February 22 at 10:30 am for children ages zero to 5, with parents. This class includes singing, dancing, and playing musical instruments and requires registration.

Also, please note that our Children's Reading Program will end on Saturday, February 16th. Make sure you pop in to the library to claim your prizes by then!

Celebrating the Year of the Snake: A Glimpse Into Chinese Culture

On the day the Chinese New Year begins - Sunday, February 10th at 2:00 - the library’s program room will be transformed into a Chinese cultural festival! A tea tasting, a calligraphy demonstration, and a lecture on the Shen Yun performing arts exhibition will draw you into this ancient culture. The event is presented by Shen Yun Show Chicago, a non-profit organization that seeks to revive traditional Chinese culture. This program is appropriate for adults and for children in approximately sixth grade and up.

Sensory Storytime for Children of All Abilities

We will be hosting a special sensory storytime for children of all abilities on Saturday, February 9 at 10:45 am. Children with special needs and their siblings are invited for a special storytime filled with stories, music, and play especially designed for an inclusive audience. This sensory storytime requires registration so please let us know if you'll be attending!

Georgia O'Keeffe: An American Master

Georgia O’Keeffe was one of the most popular American artists of the 20th century. Still misunderstood and misinterpreted even in the 21st century, her work is crucial to the history of modernism in America. Art historian Jeff Mishur returns to the library on Wednesday, February 6th at 7:00 for this program in which he will discuss a full range of Georgia O’Keeffe’s art, from her daring and innovative abstractions of the 1910s and 1920s to her elegant investigations of various subject matter, such as architecture, landscapes, and flowers

Winter Reading Programs for All Ages

Even though we're now well into winter we have books for all seasons, which coincidentally is the theme of our 2013 Adult and YA Winter Reading Program! As in the past, adults need to read 6 books in order to complete the program. You'll get a prize for signing up, a prize for completing, movie coupons for each book that you finish and a chance to win a weekly drawing. We even provide lots of reading lists to help you choose! YAs (grades 6 - 12) only need to read 3 books in order to win a paperback of their choice. The Winter Reading Program runs through March 1st but if you show up between 9 am and noon on January 12th - the program's kickoff day - then we'll also be handing out treats! The YA program is already running so YAs should come by and sign up whenever they can.

January 12th is also the kickoff for the Family Winter Reading Program. In this program, the whole family can contribute to the family's winter reading goal. To celebrate, we'll be hosting entertainer Chris Fascione at 2:00. Come to the children's department to sign up!

Study Break Lounge Returns

Studying for finals? You’ll need to take a break! Stop in at the Study Break Lounge for FREE snacks and socializing to fuel your body and your brain. The Lounge will be in the Hammond Room on the mezzanine and/or the YA/Media Room on the first floor; check with library staff for the Lounge location. Good luck with finals!

Hours are:
Saturday the 12th: 10:00 am – 4:30 pm
Sunday the 13th: 1:30 – 4:30 pm
Monday the 14th through Thursday the 17th: 4:00 – 8:30 pm
Friday the 18th: 10:00 am – 3:00 pm

Sensory Storytime With Lekotek!

On Saturday, January 19th at 10:45, children with special needs and their siblings are invited for a morning of stories, music, and play led by two Lekotek leaders. Lekotek is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting the benefits of play and the inclusion of children with special needs into family and community life. This program is for ages 6 - 8.

Improve Your Memory

The ability to remember well is critical to success in almost everything we do. Come to the library on Sunday, January 13th at 2:00 when Dr. Burton L. Fischman will present an interactive, fun program that will help you retain and retrieve information more readily, including numbers, names, and faces. You'll be able to achieve your potential and boost your confidence by learning memory improvement strategies!