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!