“Together Again” was the theme of the Arlington Heights Memorial Library’s Volunteer Recognition Celebration and Concert, which honored the library’s more than 450 volunteers who contributed more than 19,000 hours of service in 2022. After a three-year hiatus, this year the celebration returned in-person in the library’s Hendrickson Room. 

“As I began to reflect on this year’s theme, I asked myself ‘What things go together?’ Peanut butter and jelly, of course. Macaroni and cheese, yum! And most importantly, volunteers and the library,” said Volunteer Coordinator Jennifer Begich to the large gathering of volunteers on Tuesday, April 18. 

The afternoon served

Library volunteers help in departments all across the library to serve the Arlington Heights community, and it’s because of their contributions that the library is able to provide services that would otherwise not be possible. Carol Rech, the library’s 2022 Volunteer of the Year, believes that volunteering is as simple as “giving back or stepping in to help where help is needed.” 

Rech has done just that; contributing 636 hours of service this past year, achieving both the 1,500 and 2,000 hours of service milestones.  

Volunteering is something that has always been a part of Rech’s life – as a

National Volunteer Week is an opportunity to celebrate volunteers everywhere who lend their time, talent and voices to build stronger communities.

At the Arlington Heights Memorial Library, we have many reasons to celebrate volunteerism. In 2022, 458 volunteers contributed more than 19,000 hours of service, up from the previous year as many volunteers returned to the library. Library volunteers represent many ages, with 250+ active adult volunteers and more than 200 teens and tweens who volunteered at the library in 2022. Some 100 teens and tweens gave of their time during summer break and completed more than 1,000 hours of service

Heidi Croatt, Ph.D., founder of parenting education program Beyond Birds & Bees, will share information with parents and caregivers on how to successfully communicate with your child on topics related to sex and sexual development. Each scheduled program will share content that is specific to that age group based on research on child and teen development. The goal in every session is to help parents feel more confident communicating with their children about topics that are often taboo or uncomfortable. For caregivers and parents.Dates and times: Tuesdays in April, 6:30-8 p.m.Location: Live on ZoomClick below to register

The library is proud to offer Explore More Illinois and Museum Adventure Passes, two ways for Arlington Heights Memorial Library cardholders to obtain discounted or free museum and attraction passes.

How do I get a Pass?
Get started at Explore More Illinois Login.  Select the Arlington Heights Memorial Library from the drop-down menu and enter your library card number. Browse for passes and available offers for the upcoming three months. You can also search for offers by date, attraction name or location. 

For Museum Adventure Passes find Arlington Heights Memorial Library to see which passes are currently available. Most passes

Each March, The National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities seeks to raise awareness about the inclusion of people with developmental disabilities in all facets of community life, as well as awareness of the barriers that people with disabilities still sometimes face in connecting to the communities in which they live. In recognition of Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, library staff have created a reading list with books from Demystifying Disability: What to Know, What to Say, and How to Be an Ally by Emily Ladau to I Live a Life Like Yours by Jan Grue. Click here to check it

Do you work for a nonprofit organization? Are you currently in need of volunteers? The Arlington Heights Memorial Library is currently planning a Volunteer Fair, which will be an exciting and convenient way for residents who are interested in volunteering to learn more about a variety of local organizations and nonprofits all in one place.

If you have a nonprofit or are an organization looking to recruit volunteers, and would like to join us as a participant on Sunday, May 7, 1-4 p.m., please fill out our AHML Volunteer Fair Nonprofit Application: https://bit.ly/VolunteerFair23_Apply.

While the library aims to include

March is Women's History Month, dedicated to the study, observance and celebration of the vital role of women in American history. Our programs and booklist this year celebrate Women Who Tell Our Stories.

Click here to view the library's booklist for Women's History Month 2023. We hope you feel inspired by these stories about women who stood up, spoke out, struggled through and soared.

Looking for a book that is available anytime, without any wait? The library's hoopla collection contains many titles on Women's History, including five specific booklists on this topic. Visit ahml.info/borrow/ebooks to view our eBook and downloadable

Applications are now being accepted by the Arlington Heights Memorial Library Foundation which will award three $2,500 Scholarships for the Trades this spring to individuals interested in pursuing a career in the trades in areas such as plumbing, carpentry, electrical, HVAC, fabrication, welding and more. 

Eligible candidates will:

• Reside within the Village of Arlington Heights
• Be on track to graduate in the spring of 2023 or are a recent high school graduate, ages 17-25
• Be interested in a profession in the trades that requires advanced training other then a four year degree 

Interested candidates must complete the AHML Foundation Scholarship Application Form available online. The application requires a letter of recommendation

The AARP Foundation Tax-Aide program offers free tax preparation help to anyone, with special attention to those over the age of 50, who cannot afford a tax preparation service. Appointments are required and run from early February through mid-April.
Schedule your appointment in person at the Info Desk, Second Floor Desk, online or call 847-392-0100. If you have brokerage statements, please make your appointments for late March or early April. All returns will be e-filed, and you will receive a paper copy of your return. If filing a joint return, both spouses must be present, or bring a signed Power