Teen Scavenger Hunt

Hey 6th through 12th graders -  come to the library on Saturday, January 3rd to test your book, movie and music knowledge at our Second Annual Teen Scavenger Hunt. Find clues scattered throughout the library that will lead you to great prizes including free books, DVD rental coupons, snacks, and a chance to win a free gift certificate to Books on Vernon. Stop by the Readers’ Services desk anytime between 10:00 am and 3:30 pm on the 3rd to pick up the rules and get started. Happy hunting!

Holiday Hours

The library will close at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, 24, and remain closed through Thursday, December 25. The library will also close at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 31, and remain closed through Thursday, January 1. We are always open through our website!

'Tis the Season for Winter Reading

It seems like Summer Reading Club ended only yesterday but our young adult and children's reading programs are right around the corner! 6th to 12th graders can come to the library beginning Wednesday, December 17th and join YA Winter Reading Club. Teens can set their own goal for the number of books they think they can read during the program. If they reach their goal by February 23rd, they can get a free paperback book of their own choosing.

Meanwhile bring the little ones to the children's department starting Friday, December 19th to pick up their reading log, after which they earn brag tags and books for reading and participating in fun winter activities! Adults will have to be patient as their reading club will not begin until Saturday, January 10th (details to come).

Phil Passen on the Hammered Dulcimer

Come join us on Sunday, December 14th at 2:00 for some musical holiday cheer when hammered dulcimer virtuoso Phil Passen visits the library! Mr. Passen will be in the Young Adult room (at the back of the main floor) of the library performing a variety of traditional numbers, including Celtic, Hanukkah and other seasonal favorites.

Booknews at Books On Vernon

Glencoe Public Library staffers Nancy Buehler, Sara Lifson, Liz McClain and executive director Juli Janovicz return for another session of morning coffee and lots of book news at Books on Vernon, 664 Vernon Avenue on Monday, December 8th at 10:00. They’ll provide reviews of new and forthcoming books that may be just the thing for your book group or your next favorite read.

De-Stress for the Holidays With Instant Islands of Calm

We all know how stressful the holidays can be. On Sunday, December 7th at 1:30 you can come to the library and learn four 90-second mindfulness exercises which promote instant calm. These exercises are taught at Harvard's prestigious Benson-Henry Institute got Mind-Body Medicine. Each will help you center and calm yourself in the midst of holiday stress and "overdrive". A brief description will be followed by practicing the technique. Interested participants can remain after the one-hour class for an optional 30-minute discussion of mindfulness, including Q and A.

The Splendors of Byzantine Art: A Special Exhibit Preview Lecture

Over the fall and winter of 2014-15 a collection of Byzantine icons, jewelry, and sculpture from Greece will be on display at the Art Institute of Chicago for a special exhibition. The exhibit features many objects that have never traveled outside Greece. Art historian Dr. Michelle Paluch-Mishur returns to the library on Tuesday, December 2nd at 7:00 for this slide lecture about artwork produced during a thousand years of Byzantine history. Please arrive early to insure a place as seating is limited!

Thanksgiving Hours

Image used under Creative Commons
from Andrea Westmoreland.

The library will close at 5:00 on Wednesday, November 26th and will remain closed on Thursday, November 27th for Thanksgiving. It will reopen on Friday, November 28th at 9:00. The library is always open online through its website and online catalog!

New Excerpts Available Online

What's happening at the library this winter? More than you would believe! We've got meditation programs to get you through the holidays, author visits to inspire you, cooking programs to tease your taste buds and another Frank Lloyd Wright program to celebrate your village! All of these are available in the newest Excerpts, as are the usual great selection of children's programs, book groups, film screenings, technology programs and more! Excerpts will be arriving at your door soon but you can access it online right now!

Frank Lloyd Wright's Ravine Bluffs sculptures

One hundred years ago, Sherman and Elizabeth Booth, created the area in Glencoe, Illinois we now call Ravine Bluffs. Sherman Booth was a friend and attorney of noted architect Frank Lloyd Wright. At Booth’s request, Wright designed seven homes, three concrete street markers and a bridge for this area of Glencoe. When combined with the two additional existing Wright homes in the village, our community is the home to the third largest concentration of Frank Lloyd Wright designed structures in the world.

To honor the centennial of this community treasure, the Glencoe Historical Society has planned a yearlong celebration commemorating 100 years of Frank Lloyd Wright in Glencoe. As part of that celebration, GHS has planned a public art project similar to the famous Chicago Cows on Parade but featuring a fiberglass replica of our own Ravine Bluffs street markers. The prototype for this project is currently on display at the Glencoe Public Library. GHS will be seeking sponsors and artists for the project. The finished markers will be displayed throughout the village next summer. Further details will be released on December 1st at www.wrightinglencoe.org a new website devoted exclusively to the Ravine Bluffs Centennial Celebration. In the meantime, email info@glencoehistory.org to obtain more information about this exciting project!

Author Visit: Nancy Krulik

Meet children's author Nancy Krulik, writer of series Katie Kazoo and George Brown, Class Clown, on Thursday, November 13th at 4:00. Nancy will be signing books and her books will be available to purchase, courtesy of The Bookstall at Chestnut Court.

Write Through Chicago: A Writing Workshop for Young Adults

Tell Chicago’s history in your own words at this mini writing workshop! Students in 5th–8th grades are invited to stretch their creativity by writing about such events as Lincoln’s Chicago funeral, the Columbian Exposition, the first McDonald’s burger, and the Haymarket Riot. The workshop will be taught by Bob Boone and Mark Henry Larson, former teachers and authors of the recently published writing program and book Write Through Chicago: Learn About a City by Writing About a City. The workshop takes place at 1:00 on Friday, November 14th. Registration is required; please sign up at the Reference Desk by November 13.

Understanding Medicare

Your transition to Medicare doesn't have to be difficult! Join us on Tuesday, November 11 at 7:00 and learn about how to enroll in Medicare, what Medicare does and doesn't cover, and how much you can control your out-of-pocket costs. This program will be presented by Lisa Waichunas of Physicians Mutual Insurance.

Classical Music Concert

Join us for an afternoon concert on Sunday November 9, 2014 at 5:00 pm.

The Guadagnini String Quartet, featuring David Taylor and members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra will perform the following works:
Beethoven: Op. 18 No. 3 in D Major
Allegro
Andante con moto
Allegro
Presto

Mendelssohn: Op. 13 in A Minor
Adagio; Allegro vivace
Adagio non lento
Intermezzo: Allegretto con moto; Allegro di molto
Presto; adagio non lento

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. Once again we are grateful for the sponsorship of the Friends of the Glencoe Public Library!

Easy Holiday Appetizers

Start getting ready for the holidays on Monday, November 3rd at 7:30 when Blair Carothers - chef, caterer and Glencoe native - demonstrates simple but festive appetizers for all of your holiday gatherings, from planned parties to last-minute guests. Sampling is encouraged and recipes will be available to take home.

Ravine Bluffs: Historic Structures in a Changing Community

What’s so great about Ravine Bluffs? Is it really better to have nine Frank Lloyd Wright homes rather than just one or two? Historic preservation expert Nan Greenough, known for her activities both at the state level and in her hometown of Winnetka, will visit the library on Sunday, November 2nd at 5:00 to discuss the importance of protecting our treasured landmarks and why, in our new-is-better world, we need to give more respect to our architectural elder statesmen. Nan will explain why everyone should care about what happens to these - and other - historic structures in our community.

The Glencoe Historical Society Ravine Bluffs Centennial Committee will also unveil more exciting details on this yearlong community Frank Lloyd Wright celebration! Please note: the library will close at 4:00 and reopen at 4:30 for this program's seating.

European Art at the Time of the Great War

Art historian Jeff Mishur returns for an interactive slide lecture about European art during the time of World War I on Wednesday, October 29th at 7:00. The second decade of the 20th century was tumultuous both in history and art history. Artists in France, Italy and Germany competed for leadership in the modernist art movement. Displaying great variety and creativity, Picasso, Kandinsky, Duchamp, Boccioni and others established the dominant paths their successors would follow for a century.

Enterprise Update

The recent rollout of the Enterprise catalog has been a major disappointment to us all. It has frustrated patrons’ efforts to conduct basic library business such as searching for materials, placing holds and paying fines. We want to assure you that CCS (the regional public library consortium that coordinates the catalog) is making every effort to work towards the reestablishment of reliable, easy access to our shared catalog. Detailed information about these efforts is available here in communications from Richard Shurman, Executive Director of CCS, and from Bill Davison, CEO of SirsiDynix. As part of this effort, the catalog will be unavailable beginning Thursday, October 23 at 11:00 p.m. through approximately 4:00 a.m. on Friday, October 24 while software that should improve Enterprise’s performance is installed.

We apologize for the frustration and inconvenience this situation has caused. We know you expect better of us and we expect better of ourselves. Should you have difficulty with the catalog, please call the Reference Desk at 847-835-5056. We're happy to help. If  you want to discuss the situation, please contact Executive Director Juli Janovicz at jjanovicz@glencoelibrary.org.

Author Event: Dale Laackman

Come to the library on Wednesday, October 22nd at 7:30 and learn about the brilliant publicists who used their talents to promote the Ku Klux Klan. Wilmette author Dale Laackman will read from and discuss his book For the Kingdom and the Power: The Big Money Swindle that Spread Hate Across America. Copies will be available at the event for purchase and signing.

Fines for Food

Square up with the library and help someone at the same time! All library fines collected Monday, October 20, through Sunday, November 2 will be donated by the library to the New Trier Township Pantry. You may pay your fines at the check-out desk or online. Payments for lost materials are not included in the Fines for Food event.

Author Event: Rich Cohen

We are very excited to host Rich Cohen on Sunday, October 19 at 2:00 pm. Mr. Cohen is the bestselling author of such lively and varied works as Sweet and Low, The Fish that Ate the Whale, Tough Jews, Israel Is Real, and Lake Effect, a memoir about growing up in Glencoe. He is also a contributing editor to Vanity Fair and Rolling Stone. Mr. Cohen will read from his latest book, Monsters: The 1985 Chicago Bears and the Wild Heart of Football. He’ll also speak about his many interests, Glencoe roots, and field questions from the audience. Copies of his books will be available for purchase and signing courtesy of The Book Stall.

Used Book Sale

The Friends of the Library's next used book sale is coming up on October 18–20. As always, the sale will feature not only thousands of gently used books but also audiobooks, DVDs, and CDs - at low prices. Sale hours are:

• Saturday, October 18, from 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
• Sunday, October 19, from 1:00–5:00 p.m. (everything half price)
• Monday, October 20, from 9:00 a.m.–12:00 noon ($3/bag sale)

Glencoe residents who are members of the Friends are invited to a members only pre-sale on Friday, October 17, from 6:00–8:00 p.m. You may join at the door if you like. All proceeds go towards the library's resources and services!

Lyric Opera Lectures: Il Trovatore

Enrich your operagoing experience with our series of Lyric Opera lectures! Jeffrey Sherman of the Lyric’s lecture corps will present a program on Il Trovatore on Tuesday, October 14th at 1:00 - just in time for opening night. Later in the season, we’ll feature Anna Bolena (on December 2) and The Passenger (on February 17).

Page to Screen: Teen Movie Double Feature

In town for Columbus Day (Monday, October 13th) and looking for something fun to do?  We have just the ticket: screenings of Divergent and The Fault in Our Stars, both based on popular YA novels! We’re kicking things off with Divergent at 4:00, followed immediately by pizza and TFIOS at 6:30. Join us for one movie (or two) or just pizza.  See you at the movies at the library!  Please note that this program is only for those in 6th - 12th grade and that both movies are rated PG-13.

A History of Service - The First Hundred Years of Family Service of Glencoe

Glencoe has always been a caring community and nothing demonstrates that better than the founding and development of Family Service of Glencoe. FSG partners with the Glencoe Public Library and the Glencoe Historical Society to present a special program on Sunday, October 5 at 2:00 on the evolution of this treasured Glencoe resource. Don’t miss it!

Attention and Executive Functioning in the Classroom

Join us on Wednesday, October 1st at 7:30 when Drs. Jennifer Edidin and Dorit Raviv, of the Evaluation Center for Learning in Northfield, will speak to parents about attention and executive functioning in school-aged children. They will discuss associated disorders, assessment, ideas for intervention, and school accommodations.

100th Anniversary Celebration of Ravine Bluffs Begins

A century ago, a remarkable Glencoe family hired two giants of design - Frank Lloyd Wright and Jens Jensen - to envision homes and a landscape for their rolling, ravine-cut property near the bluffs of Lake Michigan. The result, the Ravine Bluffs enclave, was and still is a source of pride for our community. It contains six homes, three poured concrete planters, and a bridge designed by Wright; with the two additional Wright homes in the village, little Glencoe is home to the third highest concentration of Wright-designed structures in the world.

To celebrate the centennial of Ravine Bluffs, the Glencoe Historical Society is partnering with the library and other community institutions for a year of special events. Opening the series on Sunday, September 28, at 5:00 p.m., will be Glencoe resident and noted architectural historian Gwen Summers-Yant, who will present a slide program on Frank Lloyd Wright in Glencoe. Held in the library’s Johnson Room, the lecture will trace the development of Ravine Bluffs, discuss its architectural distinctions, and explore some of the fascinating personal aspects of the Booth family (who founded the subdivision) and their relationship with Wright. Please note that the library will close at 4:00 and will reopen at 4:30 for seating. Please stay tuned for other Frank Lloyd Wright-related programs in the library and the village, including our Sunday, November 2nd program where an architectural historian will take an in-depth look at one of the Wright-designed Glencoe homes.

Moments of Peace: Mindfulness Program

Create moments of peace throughout the day. How? Easy. Just by seeing things mindfully. In this class we will experience five different ways of seeing the world mindfully, so that you can cool down and become calm almost anywhere…anytime! This class will be taught by Xianyang Carl Jerome of the North Shore Meditation and Dharma Center of Highland Park, and Glencoe resident Caren Deane Thomas, a consultant who incorporates mindful awareness in her practice. The class will take place in the Hammond Room on Sunday, September 28th at 1:00 and will repeat on Thursday, October 16th at 1:00.

College Admissions 101

Not sure where to begin your college search process? Stressed out by the amount of information on the 'best' colleges to attend? On Tuesday, September 23rd at 7:30, Thomas Jaworski of Quest College Consulting will host a one-hour interactive program (bring your smart device) that will provide tips on identifying the best academic, social and financial fit for all families. This program is for both students and parents.

Booknews at Books on Vernon

Glencoe library staffers Nancy Buehler, Sara Lifson and Liz McClain and Executive Director Juli Janovicz return on Monday, September 22nd at 10:30 for another session of morning coffee and lots of book news at Books on Vernon, 664 Vernon Avenue. Join them at Glencoe’s wonderful independent bookstore for lots of book news and reviews of new and forthcoming books that may be just the thing for your book group or your next favorite read.

Books on the Chopping Block

Get behind your right to read freely and celebrate Banned Books Week! City Lit Theater Company will return to the library on Sunday, September 21st at 2:00 to present a fun concert reading of excerpts from the top ten most frequently challenged books of 2013. 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.

Learn about Hoopla!

Have you had a chance to play with Hoopla, our new service for streaming videos, audiobooks and music? Come to our Technology Tuesdays program at 1:00 on September 16th to learn all about Hoopla and other online video products and services, like Apple TV, Roku and Netflix!

Library Closed Friday September 12th

The library will be closed this Friday the 12th for staff development. We will reopen on Saturday the 13th. Please visit us online at our website to access the catalog and other library resources!

Astronomy for Everyone: Size and Scale of the Universe

Astrophysicist Kevin Manning, a former NASA consultant, will return to the library on September 11th at 7:00, where he will present an educational and entertaining exploration of the universe for curious people ages 10 and up. If weather permits, participants will be invited to tour the night sky through a powerful telescope.

Our New Online Catalog: Enterprise

We will officially launch our new online catalog, Enterprise, on Wednesday, September 10th. Just like Bibliocommons, Enterprise will allow you to find materials, place holds, renew items and pay fines. It's also got some great new features like a list of your previous two years of checked out items, the ability to target nearby libraries in your searches and a way to text your search results to your mobile phone. Soon you'll even be able to download ebooks directly from Enterprise.

Bibliocommons will disappear on September 15th so if you'd like more information about what's going to be changing please attend our September 13th Enterprise Open House. Come by the library from 9 to 1 on Saturday and learn about everything that Enterprise offers!

Library Open Sundays

Now that Labor Day has passed, the library will reopen on Sundays from 1 to 5. We look forward to seeing you here!

Now Available: Video Tutorials Through Lynda.com

Trying to pick up a new skill for work or school, or just looking for a way to keep your existing talents from getting rusty? Give Lynda.com a try! Lynda.com offers nearly 3000 in-depth video tutorials from assorted experts on a variety of topics, from computer technology to business skills to video production. Call the library to find out how to get a 14 day pass in order to experience all the knowledge that Lynda.com has to offer!

Library Closed for Labor Day

The library will be closed on Monday, September 1st in celebration of Labor Day. We will reopen on Tuesday the 2nd. You can always access our databases and online catalog through our website or our app!

New Excerpts Available Online

Our new Excerpts newsletter is so full of exciting events for the whole family that we nearly had to build a whole new internet to house it! Learn about the beginning of a year-long Frank Lloyd Wright celebration being launched by the Glencoe Historical Society, as well as exciting new programs on everything from opera to your money to finding inner peace. There are more author readings, as well as our usual round of great programs for kids, book groups, movie screenings, technology classes and fun and useful new resources. There's even another delicious cooking program! Excerpts will be coming to your door soon but in the meantime you can read it online.

Introducing Hoopla: Downloadable Movies, Music and Audiobooks

We've got a great new resource available for everyone who loves watching movies, listening to hit music or enjoying audiobooks on their computers or mobile devices. Hoopla lets you check out up to 10 items a month of any combination of movies, albums or audiobooks, which you can then enjoy for up to 3 days for movies, 7 days for music and 21 days for audiobooks. There are lots of new and classic titles available and there is no charge for accessing them.

To take advantage of Hoopla, visit their site and sign up for an account. Mobile users can get in on the action by downloading the app from the Apple iTunes store or the Google Play store (for Android users). You can also come to our September 16th Technology Tuesday class at 1:00 to learn more about Hoopla and other commercial streaming video services and products. Don't forget to let us know what you think of this new offering!

Upcoming Programs for Kids

There are still some fun kids programs happening at the library before they have to head back to school! You'll want to take advantage of the last of the good weather for another Stories in the Park event on Friday, August 22nd at 11:30 at Friends Park. We've got a drop-in pet-themed craft program from 10:30 to 2:00 on Saturday the 23rd. And don't forget about our annual Kindergarten Kickoff programs on August 26 at 10:30 and 2:30. Registration is required for Kindergarten Kickoff so be sure to let us know as soon as possible!

Monday Night at the Movies Venue Change

Due to the upcoming demolition of the Women's Library Club building, all of our Monday Night at the Movies screenings have been moved to the Hammond Room of the library. This change of venue will begin with our August 18th screening of Finding Vivian Maier. We will continue to screen Monday Night at the Movies films at 1:00 and 7:00 and, as always, all our of films are free of charge and open to everyone.

Downloadable Reads for Your Trip!

Headed off on vacation over the next couple of weeks? Be sure to download eBooks, eAudiobooks and magazines from the library before you go!

Overdrive lets you download up to five eBooks and/or eAudiobooks at a time to your iPad, iPhone, Kindle or other device. You can borrow them for two weeks and you don't even have to worry about late fees! There's great beach reading by the likes of Daniel Silva, Janet Evanovich, Nora Roberts and many, many more. Simply download the app for iOS or Android or visit the MyMediaMall site for other devices.

Don't forget your downloadable magazines through Zinio. We've got great titles like Chicago, Bloomberg Businessweek, Esquire and Martha Stewart Living, and once you check out a magazine it remains in your library until you decide to delete it. Back issues are available as well. Bon voyage and happy reading!

Adult Summer Reading Club Ends

All good things must come to an end and Adult Summer Reading Club counts as one of those things. This Saturday, August 2nd, is the last day for you to record books that you've read and to pick up your final prize. Don't forget that even if you've already read your six books you should still be recording your books with us so you can get double movie rental coupons. Thank you to everyone who participated as well as the Friends of the Library for their continued support!

Summer Reading Club Pizza Party

Kids who are participating in the Paws to Read Summer Reading Club are invited to celebrate another successful summer of reading. On Saturday, August 2nd at 12:00 noon, kids can join us at the library for pizza and fun! If kids haven't finished their books for Paws to Read Summer Reading Club then they should have no fear since they've got two more weeks to do so, as Paws to Read Summer Reading Club won't end until Saturday, August 16th.

The Essential Great Chicago Fire

It started in a barn and in two days nearly destroyed a city! On  Wednesday, July 30th at 7:00 p.m., presenter William Pack will weave together technical details of the fire with vivid, firsthand accounts from those who lived through the conflagration of 1871. This entertaining, multimedia storytelling event is suitable for adults, teens, and families with older children.

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 29th at 7:30 pm 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. Both students and parents are welcome.

Blockbuster Teen Movies Monday

Join us for our first-ever blockbuster double feature as we screen Thor: The Dark World and The Hunger Games: Catching Fire in the movie lounge of the library (aka the Hammond Room) on Monday, July 28th. Thor starts at 3:00, pizza will be served at 5:00, and Catching Fire shows promptly at 5:30. Please note that both movies are rated PG-13 and that this program is ONLY for those in 6th–12th grades. Enjoy the show(s)!

Come Meet Our New Head of Children's Services!

We are excited to welcome Ann Finstad as the new Head of Children's Services at the library! Ann comes to us from the Morton Grove Public Library and previous to that she worked right down Green Bay Road at the Winnetka-Northfield Public Library. Please give Ann a big welcome the next time you come to visit!

Hot Diggity Dog and Sassafras: A Family Concert

The library welcomes back Plum Crazy Puppets on Saturday, July 12 at 11:00 am. Families will enjoy music, movement, and stories in this interactive show for children of all ages. Your entire family will sing along to old and new favorites, as colorful and engaging puppets accompany every song. Registration is NOT required. We hope to see you there!

The Surrealist World of René Magritte

The paintings of Belgian Surrealist René Magritte have long fascinated viewers. Many find Magritte's works as intellectually challenging as they are visually appealing. Art historian Jeff Mishur returns to the library on Monday, July 7 at 7:00 to discuss Magritte's relationship to the Surrealist movement and places his work in an appropriate historic context. Jeff's slide lectures are always popular and informative!

Library Closed July 4th

The library will be closed on Friday, July 4th and will reopen on Saturday the 5th. Our website is always open for holds, renewals, downloadables and more!!! Have a great Independence Day!

Ravinia tickets available

We have a very limited number of Ravinia lawn seats available for specific dates for Glencoe residents only. All of the seats are lawn and are for Chicago Symphony Orchestra or Martin Theatre performances. Please stop by the Reference Desk to see exactly what shows are available. We will hand out one pair of tickets per household. Big thanks to Ravinia for their donation!

Chef and Author Ina Pinkney

Come meet The Breakfast Queen on Wednesday, June 25 at 7:00 pm!  Restaurateur Ina Pinkney, chef and owner until a few months ago of Ina’s in the West Loop, will read from her 2013 memoir and cookbook Taste Memories: Recipes for Life and Breakfast and will bring samples of one of her most popular recipes. Ms. Pinkney was awarded the Golden Whisk Award from the Women Chefs and Restaurateurs Organization, was a leader in getting smoking banned from Chicago restaurants, was a co-recipient of Chicago magazine’s 2011 Green Award, and was named the Small Business Association’s 2008 Woman in Business Champion. Copies of Taste Memories will be available for purchase and signing.

Sign up for Wordplaygrounds

Do you enjoy writing poems, stories, and creative nonfiction? Have fun exploring the world - and the worlds of your imagination - through language this summer. Our popular Wordplaygrounds creative writing workshop for students ages 13-19 returns to the library this summer on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 7:00-8:30 pm, from June 24 through July 17. Taught by author and New Trier English teacher John O’Connor, this fun, interactive workshop will feature guest artists, chances for publication, and a open mic reading as well. Back by popular demand for its third year, this program is funded by the Friends of the Glencoe Public Library. If you would like to be part of the Wordplaygrounds workshop, please call the library to sign up by Friday, June 20. Glencoe teens will be given priority if the workshop fills up.

Chicago's Outdoor Public Sculpture

Take an indoor walking tour of Chicago’s outdoor art on Tuesday, June 17 at 7:00 pm with Susan Musich, the primary lecturer for Chicago’s Museum of Contemporary Art. Beginning with the Picasso in Daley Plaza and ending with the works in Millennium Park, Ms. Musich will reveal how contemporary artists are changing the face of our city and our ideas about what public sculpture can and should be. Her spring program on contemporary art was very well received - don’t miss this one!

Library Closed on Sundays

The library will be closed on Sundays this summer through Labor Day Weekend. We are always open online or through our app (available for iOS and Android) for renewals, holds, ebooks and more!

Summer Reading Begins!

That moment that you've been waiting for ever since Winter Reading Club ended is finally here! Life’s a Beach is this summer's adult Summer Reading Club theme. Please join us on Saturday, June 7 as we begin signing people up. You may sign up at any time during the eight weeks of the program in person or by email (radesk@glencoepubliclibrary.org). You'll get a prize for signing up and then another one after reading six books. Remember to enter our drawings for weekly prizes. We’ll be giving out our popular free DVD rental coupons for every book read, and they will double once you’ve completed six books! Two grand prizes will be awarded at the close of the program, which is August 2nd.

Of course, we've got a great program going on for kids too! During Paws to Read, kids can keep track of how much time they read this summer and earn prizes along the way. After completing 15 hours of reading, participants earn a paperback book of their choice. New this year is Baby Summer Reading Club, in which children birth to 24 months can earn a free board book by completing fun early literacy activities designed especially for pre-readers and their caregivers. YA Reading Club is already chugging along, so we will have reading clubs for everyone this summer!

Study Break Lounge

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 7, 1:00 p.m.-4:30 p.m. on Sunday June 8, and 9:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m. on Monday-Wednesday June 9-11. Check in with library staff for the exact location of the lounge. Good luck with finals!

Used Book Sale

The Friends of the Library's popular used book sale returns this weekend to the library! If you're looking for tons of great books, DVDs, CDs and more then you'll want to stop by. All proceeds benefit the library's programming and facilities. And don't forget that the Friends accept donations all year round! You can leave your books and more in the bins inside the front doors of the library.

The hours of the book sale are as follows:

Saturday June 7, 9 to 5

Sunday June 8, 1 to 5 (everything half off)

Monday June 9, 9 to 12 ($3 per bag sale)

YA Summer Reading Begins

What’s hot for summer? The Young Adult Summer Reading Club, of course! Once again we will have lists filled with suggestions of the latest and greatest books for summer. Sign up in person at the Readers’ Services desk any time starting Wednesday, May 28 or sign up by email (radesk@glencoepubliclibrary.org). We have lots of incentives for you, including a paperback book of your choice when you finish the program and chances to win gift certificates to our favorite local bookstore, Books on Vernon. The YA Summer Reading Club is for students entering sixth grade and up. Adult and kids Summer Reading Clubs will begin on Saturday, June 7.

New Excerpts available

The June issue of our new Excerpts is now available! In this issue you're going to find more of our incredible programs including a visit from chef and author Ina Pinkney, a new look at the Great Chicago Fire, art and architecture programs and information about our eagerly anticipated Summer Reading Club. We'll also give you up-to-date info about all of our kids programs, book discussions, film series, technology discussions and more! Excerpts will be coming to your door very soon or you can access it online right now!

Library closed on Sunday and Monday

The library will be closed on Sunday, May 25 and Monday, May 26. We will reopen on Tuesday the 27th. You can always place holds and renew books through our online catalog and mobile app!

The Chicago White Sox and the Pennant of 1959

Join Glencoe author and baseball historian Charles Billington on Tuesday, May 20 at 7:30 pm in a celebration of the Go-Go 1959 White Sox. This colorful team, a unique blend of remarkable pitching, fielding and speed but not much offense, brought an American League pennant to the South Side for the first time in 40 years. Billington will analyze the season and show rare film footage and will also talk about the behind-the-scenes front office conflicts, the economic climate of baseball in that era, and the impact and social implications the White Sox had on the fabric of the city.

Write Through Chicago program cancelled

Our Write Through Chicago program has been cancelled and will be rescheduled for the fall.

Early Emergent Literacy Workshop

Do you have a Pre-School, Kindergarten, or 1st grade child that knows their letters and sounds, and can answer questions asked about books but has become frustrated with the next steps in reading? Join Glencoe resident Dr. Erika Burton, education expert and founder of Stepping Stones Together, at 7:00 pm on Thursday, May 8 for a hands-on workshop to empower you with the seamless tools to help your child with beginning and emergent literacy.

Surviving Standardized Testing

PSAT, ACT, SAT. High schoolers face an alphabet soup of standardized testing that can determine where they get into college. College admissions consultant Hanna Stotland will be at the library on Tuesday May 6 at 7:30 pm to explain why these tests became so important, how colleges use them, and how to choose the right test preparation for you. Master the testing system and maximize your score!

Meet Chicago Quarterly Review

Do you know about Chicago Quarterly Review? Here's your chance to get up close and personal with this nonprofit, independent literary journal that publishes short stories, poems, translations and essays by emerging and established writers. Volume 17 (The Chicago Issue) of CQR has just been published. It features the talents of 54 writers and visual artists who demonstrate Chicago's deep well of literary and artistic vitality. On Monday, May 5 at 7 pm, the library will host several contributors to The Chicago Issue as well as one of the CQR's editors. They'll show, read from, and talk about their work. Copies of The Chicago Issue will also be available for purchase at the event from Books on Vernon, a longtime partner of CQR.

Crawl Into 5 Plays!

Imagine being able to crawl into someone else’s mind and experience an entirely different world! How much fun would that be? That is just what we’re going to be doing as we read and digest five different plays. We'll poke around in the mind of the playwright, morph into the play’s characters, explore the scenery and setting and, ultimately, be the critical audience. And instead of just watching the five plays, we will become the plays! Along the way, we will discover the beauty and power of the language and come to appreciate artists who manage to say exactly what they want to say and still make us understand. Michael Kamen, a Glencoe resident with many years of experience as a film producer and college faculty member, will lead these sessions. This program is jointly sponsored by the Glencoe Public Library and the Glencoe Park District and will take place at the Takiff Center, 999 Green Bay Road. It will run on Thursdays; May 8, 15, 22, 29, and June 5, 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. Registration is required: call (847) 835-5056 to register.

Booknews at Books on Vernon

Take some time out of your morning and join library staffers Nancy Buehler, Sara Lifson and Liz McClain and Executive Director Juli Janovicz for morning coffee and lots of book news at Books on Vernon, Glencoe’s wonderful independent bookstore. We’ll provide news and reviews of recent and forthcoming books that may be just the thing for your book group, for a Mother’s Day or graduation gift or for your next favorite read. We will be at Books on Vernon, located at 664 Vernon Ave., on Tuesday, April 29 from 10:30 - 11:30.

Classical Music Concert by The Dorel Ensemble

Join us for an afternoon concert with the Dorel Ensemble (Liba Shacht on violin, Carol Cook on viola and John Sharp on cello) on Sunday April 27, 2014 at 5:00 pm. Works performed will be:

Mozart: Divertimento in E-flat major for Violin, Viola and Violoncello KV 563
Ernst von Dohnanyi: Serenade in C major op 10 for Violin, Viola and Cello

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. This concert is brought to you by the Friends of the Glencoe Public Library.

Catch the Moment: Mathematical Literacy for Young Children

Do you want to encourage your child's early mathematical literacy through creative, informal experiences? Early Childhood Educator and Consultant, Linda Semel, will visit the library on the night of Wednesday the 23rd at 7:00 to help parents and caregivers identify daily opportunities to extend thinking and learning through developmentally appropriate activities for young children. Participants will explore unexpected moments to integrate mathematical concepts through play and experiential learning.

Meet Food Writer Leah Eskin

Leah Eskin, Pulitzer Prize nominee and author of the Chicago Tribune’s Home on the Range cooking column for the past ten years, will be at the library on Wednesday, April 23 at 7:30 pm to share her witty and delicious new book Slices of Life: A Food Writer Cooks through Many a Conundrum. Slices of Life is both an enchanting memoir and a cookbook, with more than 200 recipes that have taken the author from the simple birthday cake of her daughter’s one-year-old dreams and Best-Friend (of the canine variety) Biscuits to Post-Cancer Paella and everyone’s go-to Emergency Pasta. Come meet Leah, savor a treat she’ll make for the event, and hear her read from her book, copies of which will be available for purchase from The Book Stall. Please note that the date listed in our printed Excerpts newsletter is incorrect.

Library Closed Sunday the 20th

The library will be closed this Sunday the 20th. We will reopen on Monday the 21st. Our website, online catalog and mobile app are always open!

Now Available: Downloadable Magazines Through Zinio

Do you love to coming to the library to thumb through magazines? You can now enjoy some of your favorite titles on your computer, smartphone or tablet with Zinio! Zinio gives you access to the most recent issues of popular magazines, such as Chicago, Esquire, O and Us in full color digital format, with many back issues available as well. Simply follow this link, sign up for an account and start downloading! If you'd like to read on your mobile device then go to either the Apple App Store or the Google Play store for Android and download the Zinio app. There's no limit to downloads so you can stock up on Zinio magazines for your commute, vacation or for just laying around the house, without having to load up your coffee table.

Roth IRA Conversion Strategies

Come to the library on Monday, April 7 at 7:30 pm to learn about the benefits of Roth IRAs and how to convert your existing IRAs into Roths. Presented by Personal Financial Strategies, this program is part of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago’s Money Smart Week, a public awareness campaign designed to help consumers better manage their personal finances.  

The Monuments Men: Saving Europe's Treasures

The compelling story of how art historians, museum professionals and military personnel worked to protect Europe's cultural treasures and repatriate stolen objects during and after World War II has inspired numerous books and films. Join us on Wednesday, April 2 at 7:00 pm when art historian Jeff Mishur returns for this slide lecture, which deals with some of the major players associated with the Monuments, Fine Arts, and Archives program and why their efforts were so urgently needed.

YA Movie Marathon

Stuck in town for spring break and looking for something fun to do? 6th to 12th graders can join us on Monday, March 31 starting at 1:30 pm for our first-ever movie marathon! We’re kicking off with Warm Bodies, a zombie version of Romeo and Juliet that finds Zombie R falling hard for a very much alive Julie. Next, The Way Way Back, our second feature starting at 3:30 pm, is the touching yet comic story of fourteen-year-old Duncan’s summer vacation with his mom, her obnoxious boyfriend, an appealing girl next door, and an unexpected friend made at Water Wizz, the local water park. Closing out the evening at 6:00 pm, we’re pleased to show Gravity, a movie that will have you on the edge of your seat rooting for a medical engineer to survive a series of disasters in space. Popcorn will be on hand for all showings. Show up for your favorite movie or stay for all three! Please note: All of the movies are rated PG-13.

Check out a Kid's Kindle!

Are you and your family traveling during spring break, but don’t want to worry about carrying a bunch of books? Check one of our new Kindle or Kindle Paperwhite ereaders preloaded with kids’ favorite books. Glencoe residents can use their library cards to check out an ereader for two weeks. For more information, stop by the Children’s Desk and ask your friendly children’s librarians! And don't forget that you can also download ebooks to your own iPads, iPhones and Kindles by using My Media Mall.

The Glencoe Ten: A Fresh Look

On February 18, 1868, ten men entered into an investment agreement that ultimately created the Village of Glencoe. Who were these men? Where did they live? What did they bring to the community? Our Glencoe Ten: A Fresh Look at the Founders of Our Community program, which takes place on Sunday, March 23 at 2:00, will introduce you to the group that took a chance on some undeveloped land north of Chicago near the lake. After 145 years, we know the investment was successful for us - but was it successful for them? Every Glencoe resident should know this story, which will be presented by members of the Glencoe Historical Society.

Wild About Mo Willems!

Are your kids crazy for Knuffle Bunny, Pigeon, Gerald & Piggie, and all the rest? Come celebrate them and their creator at our carnival-style Wild About Mo Willems program! Stop by on Saturday, March 22 anytime between 11 am -1 pm for games, crafts, and loads of fun for the whole family. This program is for kids of all ages with parent or caregiver.

Dr. Seuss Celebration

Enter the wonderful world of Dr. Seuss! On Tuesday, March 18 at 4:15, kids can listen to some of their favorite Seussian stories, play fun games, and make Seusstastic crafts to take home. This program is for children in grades K-2 and registration is required.

Find us at the Family Fun Fest!

Family Service of Glencoe along with the Glencoe Park District will be hosting Family Fun Fest this Sunday the 16th at the Takiff Center from 1:30 to 4:00 and we will be there too. There will be games in the gym, arts and crafts activities, Quick Start Tennis demonstrations, kids ceramics and a pottery demonstration, health and wellness resources, a Zumba class, a family yoga class, and more! In addition, we will have health and fitness books and DVDs for you to borrow as well as information on all of our services including our library app, downloadable ebooks and some new surprises. Be sure to drop by our table and say hi!

Who's Afraid of Contemporary Art?

How often have you looked at a piece of contemporary art and wondered "What does this mean?" The Museum of Contemporary Art’s primary lecturer, Susan Musich, will come to the library on March 11 at 7:00 pm to discuss some of the themes, materials, and subjects explored by artists over the past 50 years. Her slideshow program will include a comparison of contemporary works with the Mona Lisa.

Cook County Matters

The primary elections for Cook County are coming up on March 18. Cynthia Schilsky of the League of Women Voters of Cook County will join us on Thursday, March 6 at 7:00 pm to discuss the county’s $3.5 billion budget, where that money comes from, and hot topics that voters should be watching for over the next year.

Friends of the Library Used Book Sale

The next used book sale begins Saturday, March 1st and runs through Monday, March 3rd. The Friends of the Library will be selling books, CDs and DVDs with all proceeds benefiting the library. Members of the Friends can attend the Friday night preview. For more information about becoming a Friend, give them a call at (847) 835-7467 or email them at friends@glencoepubliclibrary.org. The hours of the sale are as follows:

Saturday March 1st, 9 to 5
Sunday March 2nd, 1 to 5 (everything half price)
Monday March 3rd, 9 to 12 ($3 per bag sale)

Winter Reading Club is Ending Soon

All good things must come to an end and Adult Winter Reading Club is no exception. You've got until Saturday, March 1st to record your six books and get the final prize. Don't forget that even if you've already read your six books you can still record more books through Saturday in order to get double movie coupons and entries to our drawing. Thanks to everyone who has participated!

New Excerpts Available Online

Your favorite quarterly newsletter is out and available online! The March issue of Excerpts will bring you up-to-date on the next three months of activity at the library, with information about our special programming that includes a visit with Glencoe's founders, a guide to contemporary art, a look back at the White Sox team that won the 1959 pennant, financial programs, literary programs and more! And if that's not enough, the newsletter is a guide to all of our upcoming children's programming, book groups, film screenings and technology classes. Glencoe residents will be receiving the new Excerpts at their mailbox very soon but in the meantime you can access it online.

New Blog: Kid Lit Picks

Would you like to stay on top of the latest and greatest in children's books? If so, sign up for our new Kid Lit Picks Blog. You'll get one or two emails a week with recommendations from your friendly children's librarians about must-read books. You can sign up here to receive this and other library newsletters, such as Staff Picks and Flick Picks, by email.

YA Pizza Party

Hey 6th to 12th graders! We'll be having a pizza party on Monday, February 17th at 1:30 to celebrate the end of Winter Reading! Whether or not you participated in the YA Winter Reading Program, you're invited  to its wrap up party. Bring some friends, munch on pizza and talk about some of your favorite books you read this winter. No sign-up is necessary.

College on the Horizon: What 8th - 11th Graders Need to Know

Long before you fill out actual college applications, you lay the groundwork for what your applications can contain. Sandra Gilbert and Pat Cannon of Ravinia College Consulting will be here on Wednesday, February 12 at 7:30 pm to present for students looking to take a strategic, long view of the admissions process. Subjects covered will include the importance of knowing one’s strengths and weaknesses, academic balance, and the extra-curricular activities, work and/or family obligations that demonstrate commitment and leadership. Year-by-year suggestions for the best way to prepare for college, what colleges are looking for, and examples of pitfalls to avoid will be included. Both students and parents are welcome!

Valentine's Day Make and Take Crafts

Our first Make and Take program this year is a special Valentine's Day one taking place on Sunday, February 9 from 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm. Come to the library and create a unique craft to celebrate this heart-filled holiday. The whole family will enjoy this drop-in program!

Houdini: His Life and Legend

Prepare yourself for the true stories of master magician Harry Houdini - the American self-liberator and the world's handcuff king. On Saturday, February 8 at 11:00 am, author/magician William Pack goes beyond the myths and the legend to bring to life the true story of this American icon. This program is appropriate for both adults and children grades 4 and up!

The Detroit Institute of Art: A World-Class Collection With an Uncertain Future

The recent bankruptcy of the city of Detroit has put the art holdings of its great museum in a precarious position. Come to the library on Thursday, February 6 at 7:00 pm and learn about the situation in detail and view highlights of this great museum’s collection with art historian Jeff Mishur.

Chicago's Movers and Shakers

Chicago's history is rife with characters whose quirks and foibles - and genuine accomplishments - are still legendary. Join historian and tour guide Hy Speck as he returns to the library for a lively, two-part presentation on the larger-than-life "movers and shakers" who made Chicago Chicago. He will fill you in on the exploits of The Colonel, Bertha, the Everleigh Sisters, and Hizzoner and give you the inside scoop on Mies van der Rohe and his romance with Dr. Edith Farnsworth; the assassination of Mayor Anton Cermak; the rise and fall of Chicago’s first billionaire, Samuel Insull; America’s favorite bank robber, John Dillinger; and Sally Rand, whose famous fan dance shocked and delighted our 'toddlin' town." This is a two-part series. Part 1 is on January 30 and part 2 is on February 27, both at 7:00 pm.

Library Closing Early Today and Tomorrow

The library will close at 5:30 pm today (Monday) and tomorrow (Tuesday) due to the extreme weather conditions. The first in our series of Tech Talk programs tomorrow night has been rescheduled to February 25 at 7 pm. Stay warm!

Tech Talk: Parent Workshop Series

Please join us for a four-week series of evening workshops designed for parents and caregivers about in-demand technology topics. Programs will be presented by knowledgeable speakers from various organizations. All programs take place on Tuesday nights at 7:00. The list of programs and dates are as follows:

• Tuesday, January 28 - Learning Tech Through Play: Developing Digital Literacy through Hands-On Exploration: Amanda Armstrong of the Erikson Institute will show new ways that technology can be used to intentionally and appropriately enhance your child’s learning. This presentation will provide parents with a framework for using digital tools, and explore will new technological devices and apps in a playful, hands on, highly interactive format.
• Tuesday, February 4 - eResources for eKids at the Library: Ever wondered how to find and download children’s eBooks? Want to learn more about what resources are available at the library to support your child’s homework needs? Librarians Mike & Renee will show you how to access the library’s immense virtual library of resources for you and your child.
• Tuesday, February 11 - Is There An App For That? Using iPads with Children with Special Needs: Tamara Kaldor of Chicago Play Project will help you learn about strategies for using iPads to enhance communication and social-emotional relationships for children with special needs. Apps that support handwriting, language development, early literacy, regulation, play and learning will be demonstrated.
• Tuesday, February 18 - Computer and Online Safety: Glencoe’s own Officer Joe Friedman from Glencoe Public Safety will share tips and strategies for keeping children and content safe while using computers and mobile devices. This presentation will teach you how to be a smart user of the Internet, while maintaining your family’s privacy.

The Civil War Through the Eyes of Glencoe Veterans

Come and learn about the Civil War through the writings and reminiscences of two prominent Glencoe residents on Sunday, January 26 at 2 pm. Charles H. Howard and Marcellus W. Darling served the entire war in many of the biggest battles - one as an officer and the other as an enlisted man. This entire program was written more than 150 years ago by these two men, who later became leaders of the Glencoe community. You don’t want to miss their unique and moving perspective on the bloodiest conflict in American history. Presented by the Glencoe Historical Society.

YA Study Break Lounge Begins

Looking to take a break while studying for finals? Study Break Lounge is the perfect place for free snacks and a little socializing. Lounge hours this winter are 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. on Saturday, January 18; 1:30-4:30 p.m. on Sunday, January 19; and 9:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m. on Monday, January 20, through Thursday, January 22. Keep your stress level down and have fun at the same time. Good luck with finals!

Author Program: Chris Abani

Acclaimed mystery writer Chris Abani will discuss his newly published novel The Secret History of Las Vegas on Monday, January 13 at 7:00 pm. Copies will be available for purchase at the event from the Book Stall. Mr. Abani is the author of GraceLand and The Virgin of Flames. He is the recipient of a Guggenheim Fellowship, the PEN/Hemingway Award and a Lannan Literary Fellowship. Born in Nigeria, he is currently a Board of Trustees Professor of English at Northwestern University.

"Chris Abani might be the most courageous writer working right now. There is no subject matter he finds daunting, no challenge he fears. Aside from that, he's stunningly prolific and writes like an angel. If you want to get at the molten heart of contemporary fiction, Abani is the starting point." - Dave Eggers

Adult Winter Reading Club kickoff

Now that the weather has shifted from "polar vortex" back to its normal "really, really cold" you should have no excuse to not come out for our Adult Winter Reading Club kickoff. It’s not always easy to find another book that captures the magic of plot, character, setting, dialogue, style and all the other details that make a book great for you so in this Winter Reading Club we’ll try to help you find that next great book. We’re focusing on readalikes - books that have enough in common that they may just satisfy the craving for “another one just like that!”

The kickoff party will be on Saturday, January 11, from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon. We’ll welcome you with treats and lots of booklists (also available online) and displays with suggestions to satisfy every reader and listener. As always there will be sign-up prizes, weekly prizes and prizes when you finish six books. If you can’t be here on January 11, sign up at the Readers’ Services desk at your convenience or join by emailing radesk@glencoelibrary.org. If you’ll be away for a while this winter, you can still participate by taking advantage of six-week vacation loans available on all but our newest books.

Tangled snowflakes program

Children ages 8 and up can learn about tangling and make beautiful snowflake tangles with artist Christine Thornton's on Saturday, January 11 at 11:00 am. Registration is required. Also this week, Tales for Tots (Thursdays at 10:30) and Book Babies (Fridays at 10:30) are back in action!

We are open today!

We are open regular hours. Come beat the cold!

Library to Close Early on Monday the 6th

On Monday the 6th, the library will close at 4:00 due to extreme weather conditions. Please stay warm and safe!

Teen Scavenger Hunt

Hey teens - looking for something fund and different to do at the library this weekend? If you're in 6th through 12th grades you'll be able to test your book, movie and music knowledge at our first-ever teen scavenger hunt! You will find clues scattered throughout the library that will lead you to great prizes including free books, DVD rental coupons, snacks and a gift certificate to Books on Vernon. Stop by the Readers’ Services desk on Saturday, January 4th between 10:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. to get started. Happy hunting!