What's Up at the Library?

weird_food-21Event date and time:  Wednesday, June 24, 12:30–1:30 p.m. Location:  Hendrickson Room North Come to the library in June for a one-of-a-kind program on the strange foods people actually eat ... and enjoy! You will even get to taste some of these odd foods as a local restaurant, Clementi's, will provide the chow and some insight into these bizarre foods. For ages 11–18. Register

appt_librarianHave you ever wanted to start your own business or change your career? Or maybe you want to check out investment options or find medical information. Set up an appointment with the information specialists at the library, and let them help. Not only can they can point you in the right direction, but they can save you a lot of time. No need to search on your own, let our specialists be your guide. We work with individuals or with groups. The service is limited to Arlington Heights residents and businesses only. Click here to request an appointment. You will be contacted within two business days to set it up. Or call the Reference Desk at 847-506-2634. To visit the What's Up at the Library blog homepage, click here.

tom_spicerThe facts about Tom He grew up and went to high school in nearby Barrington, Illinois, where he was in a really awful rock and roll band. He can not sing. He went to library school at Indiana University and is one of seven kids. His favorite meal is Lod Nar, which is a Thai dish that features wide noodles, ginger, broccoli, gravy and hot sauce. He is very excited to be working with the Teen Advisory Group. They are busy thinking up programs, laughing, eating pizza and, of course, talking about books! He is passionate about reading “One of the most important ways to get someone to want to read for their own personal enjoyment is to allow them the freedom to choose what they read. This may sound simple, but letting them make the choice engages their interests, curiosities and needs. The freedom to explore books will allow them to see that there are books out there seemingly written just for them. When readers are connected to the right book, there is a good chance that this experience will lead them down the path of lifelong reading.” Some really great books for high school students Learn more about these books on the teen page The Power of One by Bryce Courtenay Rule of the Bone by Russell Banks Blankets by Craig Thompson The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie Maus by Art Spiegelman Graceling by Kristin Cashore If you are ever looking for suggestions for a good book to read or have any questions at all, you can email Tom at teenlibrarian@ahml.info. To visit the What's Up at the Library blog homepage, click here.

Arlington Heights Memorial Library is given the highest rating – 5 Stars – in a national ranking called “America’s Star Libraries” released by the Library Journal Index of Public Library Service. Only 1.1% of public libraries in the nation were given this distinctive 5-star rating. The top libraries in each category—grouped by operating expenditures—get five-, four-, and three-star ratings. The ratings were determined by four reliable statistics that libraries provide to their states to illustrate how each library is used in these service areas: • How many times a year did the average person take out a book, audiobook, DVD or other item from the library? • How many times did they come to the library? • How many times did they attend a program? • How often did they use a public-access computer? “America’s Star Libraries index is based on the only kind of performance that matters: what services a library delivers to its users,” says Paula Moore, library director of AHML, where she has worked since 1991. “We are very proud to be the only single-facilty library in Illinois to receive the prestigious 5-star rating,” Moore adds. “It’s a tribute to the longstanding commitment of the library board, our outstanding staff, and the residents who value and visit the library. The people of Arlington Heights love their library and have made it the community treasure it is. This rating affirms our passion for providing unparalled customer service and adding value to the lives of our residents.” Other Illinois public libraries also named as 5-star libraries were the Schaumburg Township and Naperville District Libraries, which serve larger populations with their branch library systems. Receving a 4-star rating was Skokie Public Library, and receiving a 3-star rating were the Barrington District and Des Plaines Public Libraries. See the index of all 7,115 national libraries rated. To visit the What's Up at the Library blog homepage, click here.

Drop by the library during March and April to view a traveling exhibit about the debates that eventually propelled Abraham Lincoln to the White House. Funded in part by a grant from the Illinois Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission, the exhibit contains information about the debates, the political climate of the time, and the 1858 senatorial election results. Although Douglas defeated Lincoln in that 1858 election, Lincoln later defeated him, and others, for the presidency.

Historians from the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum helped to develop the exhibit's content, text and graphics.

Want to learn more about our 16th president? Check out this program coming up in March:

The Roads That Lead to LincolnMarch 17

To visit the What's Up at the Library blog homepage, click here.

Friday, May 8, 10 a.m.–noon / Hendrickson Room North

Do you have Swedish ancestors? Representatives from Genline North America will be available to help you with your Swedish research using Genline’s Swedish Church records database. Come with your research questions to learn more about your Swedish heritage. Register online or at the Reception Desk, 847-392-0100. To visit the What's Up at the Library blog homepage, click here.

Friday, May 8, 10 a.m.–noon / Hendrickson Room swedishRepresentatives from Genline Sweden will show you how to find your Swedish roots using Genline’s Swedish Church Records archive. They will also demonstrate Bygdeband, Genline’s new heritage online service which makes available detailed information about places including maps, pictures, documents and video files. Register online or at the Reception Desk on the second level, 847-392-0100. To visit the What's Up at the Library blog homepage, click here.

Wednesday, May 6, 7 p.m. / Hendrickson Room Human resources expert Bob Podgorski will give job seekers tips on saving money and stretching income. Handouts include a communications tool for the home front, budget sheets, credit check tools and a how-to handout. Register online or at the Reception Desk on the second level, 847-390100. To visit the What's Up at the Library blog homepage, click here.

Tuesday, May 12, 7 p.m. / Hendrickson Room

Learn why Elderhostel has become the world's largest travel and educational opportunity for adults 55 and over, offering economical adventures that include in-depth lectures, fascinating field trips and cultural excursions. Register online or at the Reception Desk, 847-392-0100. To visit the What's Up at the Library blog homepage, click here.

Tuesday, May 12, 1–3:30 p.m. / Lindsey Room If you are homeschooling your children or considering homeschooling, drop by to see what new materials the library has to offer and learn about programs that may be of interest to you. Network with other homeschooling parents as well. Children welcome. To visit the What's Up at the Library blog homepage, click here.

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