News from Libraries

  • Clara Kessler: To Be a Reader, One Must Be a Writer

    Monday, February 26th, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. Clara Louise Kessler was an author, a teacher, and a librarian who had a lifelong interest in books, poetry, songs, and children. She began her career working with children as a kindergarten teacher first, and then embarked on a 33-year long position as the...

  • Growing Teen Services programs are filling a need at the Roselle Public Library

    At the Roselle Public Library, teens are finding a space just for them: one where they can come together, create, have fun and socialize for free. The library hosts monthly teen hangouts aimed at giving middle school students a safe place to call their own. And the program is resonating: three dozen...

  • Oak Park celebrates legacy of local Black scientist Percy Julian and family

    Through March 4, visitors to the Oak Park Public Library's Idea Box can learn about the legacy of local scientist Dr. Percy Julian and his wife Dr. Anna Julian, including their academic achievements, professional contributions, humanitarian endeavors, and family life. Percy Julian, one of the first...

  • Homer Township Library Executive Director Retiring After 24 Years

    After 24 years as head of the much-beloved Homer Township Public Library District, Executive Director Sheree Kozel-La Ha will retire on March 29, 2024. “Serving my home community, where I raised my family, has been my honor and joy. It has truly been a privilege to lead this exceptional Library,”...

  • Lake Bluff Library Receives $84,474 in PPRT Payments from Village

    On Friday, January 26, the Village of Lake Bluff disbursed $84,474 to the Lake Bluff Public Library for its share of Personal Property Replacement Taxes (PPRT) going back to 1980. As Library Board President Bonnie Shaul states, “The Village Board showed tremendous commitment in swiftly correcting...

  • Lake Villa District Library Receives OSLAD Grant

    Lake Villa District Library is one of the distinguished recipients of the 2024 Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) Grants, awarded by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. This prestigious grant marks a significant achievement, as LVDL becomes the first public library ever...

  • Kids' World gets a makeover at the Arlington Heights Memorial Library

    It’s a brand-new day in Kids' World at the Arlington Heights Memorial Library (AHML)! Step inside and come discover new ways to play and learn as AHML begins 2024 with a totally reimagined and refreshed Kids’ World space designed to meet the growing needs of its youngest customers, their families...

  • Morton Grove Public Library's New Year's Luminaria

    The Morton Grove Public Library kicked off the new year with a luminaria display. Over 125 lanterns lit the path and stairs leading to the library’s main entrance. The lanterns were decorated by patrons with their wishes for the new year. Patrons of all ages came to view the display and were treated...

  • RAILS Welcomes Horizon Science Academy - McKinley Park

    Please join RAILS in welcoming a new member library, Horizon Science Academy - McKinley Park. Horizon Science Academy - McKinley Park is a K-12 charter school located in the McKinley Park neighborhood of Chicago. The school has a total enrollment of 866 students. The school will now have access to...

  • Attend Oak Park's Restorative Practices Conference in January

    The 5th Annual Restorative Practices Conference, January 19-20, at the Oak Park Public Library, will delve into the transformative power of restorative practices in building compassionate and inclusive communities. All are welcome to join us for shared learning, collaboration, and personal growth...