Library News
When John Mazurek, a member of local knitting club that meets weekly at the library, moved away last December, his leaving inspired the group to become crafty in more ways than one.
“We wanted to stay in touch with John, and we knew the library offers all types of technology classes, " says Margaret Balazs, one of fifteen women who make up the remainder of the class. “So on a whim I called and asked, ‘Can you teach us how to Skype?’”
The answer was “yes.” Through a new library service called Tech à la Carte, Digital Services
It's official! Arlington Heights won WGN-TV's first Battle of the 'Burbs, edging out Mount Prospect, 4-3, in a wacky games showdown featured on the Morning News, Thursday, February 19.
Hosted by WGN's Ana Belaval, Team Arlington Heights included the library’s Executive Director Jason Kuhl along with Mayor Tom Hayes, Arlington Park Bugler Monica Benson, SALUTE Founder Will Beiersdorf, and Chicago AAA Insurance Agent Matthew Staley. Mount Prospect's team included Mayor Arlene Juracek along with four other local leaders and business owners.
The competition played out throughout the morning broadcast and included a series of zaney events ranging
The library celebrated all things Harry Potter on Thursday, February 5 and more than 200 people turned out for an evening of fun fit for a wizard. Wearing costumes and signature Harry styles, participants soaked in the magic and rolled up their sleeves for Hogwarts-themed activities in the Marketplace, the Hub and Kids' World: a potions class, owl examinations, a chance to make a Golden Snitch and the opportunity to don the Sorting Hat. Awards were given for best costumes and both wizards and Muggles alike enjoyed Harry Potter-inspired treats.
Harry Potter Book Night was a first time
Congresswoman Tammy Duckworth visited the library on February 22 to talk about the importance of STEM education (Science,Technology,Engineering and Math) and to promote the House App Challenge, the first nationwide STEM academic competition open to high school students. Joining Duckworth on a panel were, left to right, the library's Teen Services Manager Tom Spicer, Kids' World Manager Amber Creger, Jeremiah Nelson of Motorola Solutions and Jennifer Kopach of Science Olympiad. Also attending were community leaders, parents, students and educators, including members of the WildStang Robotics team and their leader, Rolling Meadows High
How do you take an existing product and make it better? Just ask the 29 eighth graders at Thomas Middle School who recently completed a new, 9-week elective focused on three-dimensional printing, research and design. Titled 3D RD, the first-time course challenged the students to create or redesign every day products using 3D technology resources available both at school and at the library including Tinkercad, an online design application, and the Hub’s MakerBot 3D printer.
The course culminated on January 20 when the students presented their final 3D projects before an audience of some 50 parents and teachers. Thomas
In recognition of the library's recent five-star rating, Illinois State Representative David Harris delivered a special congratulatory message direct from Springfield to the Library Board of Trustees. Speaking at their monthly meeting on January 20, Harris presented the Illinois House of Representatives Certificate of Recognition to Board President Kerry Pearson and Executive Director Jason Kuhl. The certificate reads:
"The 98th General Assembly, House of Representatives, acknowledges Arlington Heights Memorial Library in recognition of receiving a five star rating in Library Journal's national rating of public libraries for seven years in a row."
The library was one
You can now listen to eAudiobooks through the 3M Cloud Library service, using the updated iOS, Android or PC/Mac app. The eAudiobooks play within the app and can be borrowed for two weeks, just like regular eBooks. Simply look for the “Introducing Audiobooks” shelves on the “Featured” tab of the app. You can also customize your search results to only show eBooks or eAudiobooks.
Come explore our re-designed digital media lab, the Studio, and get creative. Interested in making your own movie or music video, or maybe you would like to touch up some old family photos? Make a reservation for up to two hours at a time or drop in. If you need help with your project, you can make an appointment for one-to-one assistance. Learn more about the Studio. Funded by the Friends of the Library.
Available for Arlington Heights residents ages 12 and older, business cardholders and local high school students.
Oculus Rift, the future of 3D virtual reality and interactive video gaming, has arrived at the library. On Saturday, December 13 more than 115 customers, of all ages, dropped by the Marketplace for a hands-on demonstration of the head-mounted virtual reality device. Resembling a pair of ski goggles, the Oculus Rift headset displays a 3D experience that makes you feel like you're part of the game. Nearly 40 people had the opportunity to try it out first-hand. Here are some of their reactions:
“IT WAS AWESOME!!!”
“It was very nice being able to experience this piece of technology
For the seventh consecutive time, Arlington Heights Memorial Library has received a five-star rating in Library Journal's national rating of public libraries. Five stars is the highest rating that a library can receive, and we are one of only 21 libraries in the nation to have earned five stars for each of the past seven years. Star ratings are based on the annual number of library visits, circulation, program attendance and public Internet computer use.
This is an honor for not only our staff and the Library Board of Trustees, but also for you, our customers. Thank you