off the shelves Fall 2011 Volume 26 Number 3 A Fond Farewell After 23 years and 9 months, also had input into the over- the former Metropolitan the Library’s much-loved all design of the building. Library System to feature a children’s librarian, Meb Under Meb’s direction, the “Read to the Dogs” program, board report Ingold (aka Marion Eleanor children’s area has become now a wildly popular staple Benesch), will retire. She has a fun, colorful, friendly, and of our library. been an immeasurable asset busy place. to our library and everyone “The kids love it. And it is By Laurie Whitman, will miss her spirit and love As the head of the Chil- not only for beginning read- Board member of children and books. dren’s Department, Meb ers: we have 3rd and 4th grade kids who read to the dogs. Graduating from Grinnell We had 2 dogs and 12 College with an American kids at the last session.” Studies major and educa- There are usually three tion minor, Meb began dogs in attendance and her professional career both dogs and readers teaching first, second, love the sessions. and third grade in the states of Hawaii, , Meb is currently serving Ohio, and Florida. She her first year of a three- retired from education year term on the Rebecca to become a full-time Caudill Young Reader’s mom. When her Book Award committee. daughter was in kin- This annual award, given dergarten, Meb began in honor of Rebecca Cau- volunteering at the school buys books, dill, who lived and wrote in library. Before coming to our plans Story Times, and Urbana, Illinois for 50 years, In this issue... library, she spent five years oversees general operations. is presented to a book voted working at the La Grange She attributes the success of as best by Illinois students 2 Trees, Trees, Trees! Library in the children’s de- the department to her hard- in grades 4 through 8. The partment. Meb started library working and imaginative committee is comprised of 4 Live Well, Be Well school shortly before joining staff. librarians and teachers of our library. young readers who read all “I am blessed with a won- 5 Books Alive continued on page 2... derful staff,” says Meb. “We For those of us who have been here long enough, Meb have grown together and 6 Library Card Sign-Up Month began working at the Li- become a mighty unit.” There will be an open house brary when it was located in honoring Meb on Sunday, 7 Computer & Technology the basement of the Forest Staff members include Debra August 28 from 2- 4pm. The Classes Road School East Building. Holmes, Kathy Houcek, and public is invited to wish her well She helped to design the Jeri Murguia, Kathy’s daugh- as she begins a new chapter in children’s department in our ter. her life. The party will feature current building. With her punch, refreshments, and experience and knowledge of Under the leadership of Meb, musical entertainment. both children and books, she the Library was the first in Story Times Books and Brownies programs for Fall Story Times will begin Monday, September 12 and con- Mondays, September 12, tinue through October 28. October 3, and children November 7 at 4pm Preschool Story Times, for children ages 3 through 5, will Books and Brownies will be be held on Monday mornings at 10:15am, Tuesday mornings held on the first Monday of at 10:15am, and Tuesday afternoons at 1pm. Each 30-minute each month at 4pm. Students Summer Reading Thanks st th story time includes stories, songs, fingerplays, and a short in 1 through 4 grade will Children who reached their video story. stir up a batch of brown- reading goals this summer ies. As the brownies bake, a received a generous array of Story Times for Toddlers, for children ages 2 through 3½, chapter book will be read. prizes. These rewards in- will be held on Wednesday mornings at 10:15am. Each Once the brownies have cluded a certificate for a free 20-minute story time will include stories, songs, fingerplays, cooled enough, everyone movie at Classic Cinemas and activities designed for little ones with short attention gets a warm, luscious treat theaters, a free pass to the spans. to enjoy as the last chapter DuPage Children’s Museum, is read. Registration begins a free session at Flying High Special Story Times are planned for day-care providers who one week in advance of each Gyms, $15 in game tokens look after a number of children. These sessions are appro- session. at Enchanted Castle, and a priate for children ages 2 through 5, and will take place on free ticket to a Kane County Fridays at 10:15am. Cougars baseball game. Our wonderful Friends of the Registration for Fall Story Times will begin on Tuesday, Sep- Library were the support- tember 6. Parents may register in the Children’s Department ers of our craft activities and or by calling the Library at 352-0100. the end of Summer Reading party which featured Mys- Football Fun tic Drums. Thanks much to Monday, September 19 at 4pm these wonderful supporters Football fans in 1st through of our children’s Summer Trees, Trees, Trees! 6th grades are invited to a Monday, October 17 at 4pm Reading program! football extravaganza just in A tree-mendous time will be had by all at this special pro- st th time for the start of the sea- gram. Participants in 1 through 6 grades will learn all about son. Make a banner for your trees, the wonderful natural resource Holiday Story Times favorite team! Games, con- right in their neighborhoods. Kari- tests, and football trivia are A 4-week series of Holiday lynn Stachowicz will provide the field Story Times is planned for also in store. Please register guides necessary to help students beginning September 12. November 21 through De- identify tress by using the beautiful cember 16. Watch for more leaves they drop. Registration will information in November. begin on October 10.

of the nominated books and As far as retirement goes, her son or daughter. She narrow the field to 20. As Meb will join the bell choir feels equally fortunate when a committee member, Meb at her church, continue to do a “kid” in his 20s comes and has to complete 50 titles by docent work at the Brookfield tells her how much he loved September 1. Zoo, and possibly begin vol- story time. A Fond Farewell unteering with the Commu- ...continued from page 1 Certainly anyone who imag- nity Nurse Health Associa- Co-workers will also long ined that Meb would spend tion in downtown La Grange. remember Meb’s generosity years sharing her love of She will also continue with and spirit. Sam, the Library’s children’s books to everyone her stitching and embroidery Young Adult librarian, says, she meets was correct. Some to ensure that her “creative “She was one of my first pro- feel that she may drift over to juices get used.” fessional mentors, and I will read some adult books, but always be grateful that she is sure to return to children’s In Meb’s own words, she con- was such a spectacular one.” books eventually. Of course, siders herself a “book push- such people are of the opin- er.” It is often that a parent ion that children’s books are of a young child will thank 2 inherently superior. her for making a reader of young adult Teen Read Week – Picture It October 16-22, 2011 Anime Club Mondays, September 12, programs October 10, and November 14 Campfire Telestrations Picture It Movie Night at 4:30pm Wednesday, October 19 Saturday, October 22 at 7pm We’re still looking for a club at 6:30pm On the last night of Teen name! Eat pocky, watch an- In celebration of Teen Read Read Week, we’ll watch Scott ime, and have fun! Week, let’s eat s’mores while Pilgrim vs. the World. As this is playing Telestrations around an after-hours program, you a campfire. Since we’ll be must sign up by Wednesday, National Gaming Day hanging out on the back October 19. Saturday, November 12, 2011 patio, make sure you have Join us for our third straight something comfy on which year of 6 straight hours to sit. of table, board, and video games! Snacks and pizzas will be served.

Check out some of the YA Department’s eagerly awaited titles Teen’s Top Ten Don’t forget to stop by the Library between August 22 and September 16 to vote Books in the Teens’ Top Ten poll Crossed – Ally Condie (November) – goody bags will be given Every You, Every Me – David Levithan (September) out! The tallied vote will be Inheritance – Christopher Paolini (November) announced during Teen Read Week. Video Games Batman: Arkham City (October) Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception (November) Pixel Club With three laptops, an XBOX For a complete list of new materials, visit www.lplibrary.org/ 360, a Wii, a PS3, and an teens/whatsnew.php or stop by the Young Adult Department iPad 2, there’s always some- for a print copy. Updated monthly. thing for everyone at our after-hours gaming club. Since this club meets on alternate Fridays after the Li- Don’t have time to stop by the brary closes, you must have a Young Adult Department? Visit online instead. permission slip to join. 1. Library website – www.lplibrary.org/teens

2. Instant Messenger – screen name “lpplya”

3. Facebook – www.facebook.com/lagrangeparklibrary

4. Twitter – for micro-updates related to all things YA. twitter.com/lpplya

5. YouTube – for fun videos of previous and current YA pro- Thank you to the gramming. www.youtube.com/user/lplibrary Friends of the Library All programs are for for sponsoring grades 7-12. 6. Shelfari – www.shelfari.com/lpplya You Are Here!, Please sign up with the Young Adult Summer 7. Goodreads – www.goodreads.com/lpplya Sam at the reading program! reference desk. 3 Where to Start – adult The Basics of Good Genealogy Research Presented by Jane Haldeman, It’s Relative Take Charge of programs Monday, October 3 at 7pm Your Health: Do you want to know about your family’s history but don’t Live Well, Be Well know how to get started? This lecture will teach you about Fridays, September 16 to the first steps for gathering information about your family October 21 (6 weeks) and how to record that information. You will learn about the from 10:30am to 1pm many records and resources available and where to begin Older adults are invited to looking. This program is sponsored by the La Grange Park join a series of free classes Friends of the Library. to help them learn to thrive, not simply survive, with chronic health conditions. Defensive Driving Class The Art of Marc Chagall: Take Charge of Your Health Monday, October 10 and Paintings, Mosaics, is a six week interactive Tuesday, October 11 Stained Glass series of workshops spon- from 12-4pm Presented by Dr. Michelle sored by AgeOptions (the If you are 50 years of age Paluch-Mishur Area Agency on Aging of Beach or older, you will want to Monday, October 17 at 7pm Suburban Cook County) freshen up your driving skills Last year the famous “Cha- and made possible through Towns by attending this two-day, gall Windows” returned a grant from the US Admin- Presented by Nancy McCully eight-hour class presented by to the galleries of the Art istration of Aging and the Monday, September 19 at 7pm the AARP. Many automobile Institute of after Illinois Department of Public insurance companies offer a five-year absence. This Health. Participants will Warm sandy beaches, blue discounted rates to those program marks the occa- learn about coping with the water, sailboats, towering who have the certificate sion by examining the career fatigue, frustration, pain, and sand dunes, sunsets and earned by taking this class. of Marc Chagall, one of the isolation that may be related lighthouses... you will find There is a cost of $14.00 per world’s most beloved artists. to ongoing health conditions; all these things in the beach person for materials ($12.00 Art historian and professor exercising to maintain and towns of Western Michigan. per person for AARP mem- Dr. Michelle Paluch-Mishur improve strength, flexibility, You will also find John Jacob bers). We need a minimum discusses Chagall’s distinc- and endurance; using medi- Astor and the fur traders, of 10 people to offer the class tive style and his major cations; communicating with Joliet and Marquette, Na- and we have a maximum of themes. Going beyond the family, friends, and health tive American villages, 19th 20 spaces. Please call the Li- “Windows,” Dr. Paluch-Mi- professionals; practicing Century forts, and lumber brary at 352-0100 to register. shur presents many impor- good nutrition; evaluating camps. Join us as we ex- tant paintings and projects new treatment options; and plore the longest continuous Chagall completed, including problem-solving around stretch of freshwater beach another Chicago favorite – ongoing health conditions. in the world. This program is Vintage Holiday The Four Seasons mosaic. This The free class sessions meet sponsored by the La Grange program is sponsored by the 2 ½ hours per week for six Cookbooks weeks. Park Friends of the Library. Presented by Amy Alessio La Grange Park Friends of Sunday, November 6 at 2pm the Library. Everyone remembers recipes from beloved family mem- bers, especially ones from the Soul of the Navajo Nation holiday season. Cookbook Presented by Bill Helmuth collector and librarian Amy Monday, November 7 at 7pm In order to provide ample seating Alessio will share photos and Born of an 1868 treaty with the U.S. Government, the Navajo and refreshments, we ask that stories of cookbooks from Nation, centered mainly in New Mexico and Arizona, is still a you register for our programs. 1940-1980 that evoke deli- mystery to most Americans. Come with Bill Helmuth on this cious memories from many amazing journey into the heart and soul of the Nation as you Visit www.lplibrary.org, cultures. She will also have visit its homes, schools, and trading posts. You will also see stop by, or give us a call at some treats and recipes for Navajo ceremonies, meet Navajo rug makers, and discover 352-0100 to register. you. This program is spon- new meaning in the remarkable scenery of Shiprock, Mesa sored by the La Grange Park Verde, and Monument Valley. This program is sponsored by Friends of the Library. the La Grange Park Friends of the Library. 4 The Library’s book discussion group meets in the second The Green Corner floor Conference room on the Get Your Garden Ready for Next Spring third Tuesday of every month at 2pm. Please join us as we share some laughs, make new Now that we’re harvesting the last vegetables from our gar- friends, and read great books. Copies of the book are avail- dens, it is a great time to prepare for next year. The following able at the Circulation desk one month before the meeting. tips might make gardening next spring a little easier:

The settings of our Fall selections include a barrier island off In vegetable gardens, remove old plants and put them in your the coast of North Carolina, rural Norway, and various kitch- compost pile. Do a final weeding and mulch with chopped ens across Europe and America. leaves or grass clippings. These mulches can be turned into the soil in the spring. Think about crop rotation. September 20 The Watery Part of the World by Michael Parks In this novel, two parallel stories unfold. In the first, set in In perennial gardens, weed and put down a good layer of the 1800s, Vice President Aaron Burr’s beloved daughter mulch. Theodosia disappears off North Carolina’s coast after her ship is attacked by pirates. In the second, set 150 years later, the When you mow your lawn for the last time this year and three remaining residents of a tiny Outer Banks island pre- you’re bagging the clippings, remember your gardens or com- pare to leave their home for the mainland. Is there a connec- post pile. If you’re mulching, this will be great for your grass. tion between these two events? Picking up fruit from the ground helps reduce the chance October 18 He Who Fears the Wolf by Karin Fossum that pests will overwinter and cause problems for you next This police procedural will be our group’s first foray in to year. the wildly popular genre of Scandinavian noir, first brought to our attention by Stieg Larsson’s Millennium Trilogy. Fos- Bring in pots that may crack in the cold weather. This in- sum, often called Norway’s queen of crime, has written a cludes pots made of materials such as ceramic, terra cotta, book where the strangeness of the crimes are matched by the and certain plastics. strangeness of the criminals. Now’s the time to prepare new garden beds for next year. November 15 Blood, Bones & Butter: the inadvertent education of Cover grassy areas with five layers of newspaper. Soak the a reluctant chef by Gabrielle Hamilton newspapers with water and then cover with mulch. In the This memoir is written by the chef and owner of ’s spring, the grass will have decomposed and you’ll be ready to acclaimed restaurant Prune. It follows her 20-year journey work the soil and plant. through numerous kitchens as she strives to find meaning and purpose in her life. Doing these chores in the fall will save you time in the spring!

“The richest person in the world - in fact all the riches You can find more information on fall gardening in these in the world - couldn’t provide you with anything like the books and magazines: Chicagoland Gardening, Fine Gardening, and Organic Garden- endless, incredible loot available at your local library. ing can be found on our magazine shelves. – Malcolm Forbes Complete Compost Gardening Guide by Barbara Pleasant (631.875/Ple) First Monday Movies Continuous Bloom by Pam Duthie (635.932/Dut) 10:30am in the Community Room Gardening Basics for Dummies by Steven A. Frowine First Monday movies are older movies you probably haven’t (635/Fro) seen in many years. At the Library you’ll be able to view them Gardening Month by Month in Illinois by William Aldrich on a large screen – not quite as large as a theater, but larger (635/Ald) than television. Join us to relive these classic movies. And for the dead of winter, these books will tide you over September 5 – No movie. Library closed for Labor Day until you can get back in your garden: 1001 Gardens You Must See Before You Die (712/One) October 3 – Dial M for Murder The Gardener’s Bedside Reader (635/Gar) Starring Ray Milland and Grace Kelly The Literary Garden (635/Lit) My Favorite Plant: writers and gardeners on the plants they love November 7 – Brigadoon (635/My) Starring Gene Kelly, Van Johnson, and Cyd Charisse 5 Friends of the Library Film Discussion Group Help the Friends Celebrate Join the Film Discussion Group on alternate Fridays at 7pm National Friends of the Library Week, October 16-22 for presentations of films on our large screen, followed by brief discussions. The Friends of the Library is a volunteer group which pro- vides financial support to the Library. This is accomplished September 9 Win Win (2011, dir. Tom McCarthy; 106 min.) through yearly membership dues and proceeds from the From McCarthy, writer/director of Film Discussion Group Friends’ bookshop, which is stocked with a variety of donat- favorites The Station Agent and The Visitor, comes this charm- ed materials. Friends of the Library members give support to ing film that concerns the relationship of a slightly crooked the Library by attending meetings and staffing the bookshop. lawyer-cum-wrestling coach and his unexpected teenage protégé. Our membership is always growing and we invite you to join. Membership dues are available at a variety of levels, includ- September 23 13 Assassins (2010, dir. Takashi Miike; 126 ing Senior Friend ($5), Good Friend ($10), Family Friend min.) This rip-roaring, hugely entertaining Samurai adven- ($25), Best Friend ($50), and Lifetime Friend ($200). ture is like the Japanese stepchild of Home Alone and The Wild Bunch. It’s a (relatively) restrained film from startlingly The Friends hold meetings at 7pm on the second Tuesday prolific schlockmeister Miike. of the months of January, March, May, July, September, and November. Everyone is welcome to attend. October 7, October 21, and November 4 Carlos (2010, dir. Olivier Assayas; 330 min.) In this three-part film, Édgar If you are interested in becoming a Friend of the Library, Ramírez plays Carlos “The Jackal,” arguably the most infa- applications are available and the annual dues are tax deduct- mous terrorist of the 1970s and ‘80s. Ramírez’s masterful per- ible to the maximum extent allowable by law. Also, if you formance anchors this electrifying movie. Due to the length would like to donate your gently used books, magazines, of this film, it will be shown over three evenings. CDs, or movies on DVD or VHS, we will gladly accept them. If needed, arrangements can be made for pickup. Call the November 18 Meek’s Cutoff (2011, dir. Kelly Reichardt; 104 Friends at 708-352-0100 or email [email protected]. min) Reichardt follows her acclaimed drama Wendy and Lucy with this hardscrabble, meditative Western. As in Wendy and Lucy, Michelle Williams turns in a stunning performance. Visit the Friends’ Book Shop September is Library Card Sign-Up Month In the Library Enriching Your Wallet Each September, libraries across the nation reach out to Donated Books, Magazines, CDs, DVDs, members of the community and encourage them to sign up for a library card. Your library card is the smartest card in and Tapes are for sale at low prices! your wallet. If you don’t have one already, get one today. In these tough economic times, your library card gives you free access to books, CDs, DVDs, and much more. Proceeds help support Library programs and special services It’s easy to get a card. Fill out an application and present it along with a picture I.D. and a second item with your current address (utility bill, mail addressed to you, etc.). Children Hours: under 18 must bring a parent or guardian to get a card. To re- new a card all you need is a photo I.D. If you lose your card, Monday - Thursday 10 am - 9 pm the replacement charge is $1. Friday and Saturday 10 am - 5 pm During the month of September, the Library and the La Sunday 1 - 5 pm Grange Park Business Association have teamed up to offer library card incentives. Show your La Grange Park Public Li- Located on the first floor (directly behind the elevator). brary card at participating businesses and receive a bonus. A For more information: 708-352-0100 list of these special offers will be available at the Library and on our website at www.lplibrary.org. 6 Downloadable Books Now Available! Computer and Technology Classes The Library now offers best-selling and classic audiobooks, eBooks, music, and video 24/7 from www.mediaondemand. org. You can browse the collection, check out with your Computer Basics library card, and download to PC, Mac, and many mobile Thursdays, September 1 and 8 at 6pm devices. To get started, you will need to install free software. Tuesdays, September 6 and 13 at 11am For audiobooks, music, and video, download OverDrive® This hands-on class is designed to introduce essential com- Media Console™; for eBooks, you’ll need Adobe® Digital Edi- puter skills to those who may not have used a PC in several tions. Titles can be enjoyed immediately or transferred to a years (or ever). If you jump on a kitchen chair when con- variety of devices. Titles automatically expire at the end of fronted with a mouse or don’t know a computer icon from a a one or two-week lending period. The collection contains religious painting, we’ll be able to help you out. Each class thousands of popular fiction and non-fiction titles for chil- will consist of 2 90-minute sessions. 5 spaces are available for dren, teens, and adults, and is guaranteed to have something each class, and registration is required. Priority for this class for everyone. If you have questions, please contact the Refer- will be given to La Grange Park residents. ence Desk.

Email Essentials Tuesdays, September 27 and October 4 at 11am Deutsch für Kinder Thursdays, October 13 and 20 at 6pm Sundays, October 2 – November 27 at 2pm If you’re familiar with how to wield a mouse and navigate a Learning German at an early age fosters intellectual growth computer, but want to learn how to use email more effective- and a better understanding of other cultures and languages. It ly, this hands-on class is for you. We’ll focus on how to use is personally satisfying and helps to build confidence. web-based email services to send, receive, and manage mail. German is the most widely spoken language of the European Each class will consist of 2 90-minute sessions. 5 spaces are Union. Over 90 million people use German as their first available for each class, and registration is required. Priority language. German is still the leading language of science, lit- for this class will be given to La Grange Park residents. erature, art, philosophy, and history. Give your child the op- portunity to develop enthusiasm for a foreign language. This Internet Fundamentals fall, the La Grange Park Library will offer German classes for Tuesday, October 18 at 11am children ages 6 through 12. We provide a fun and easy learn- Thursday, October 27 at 6pm ing experience which includes games and videos. Thursday, November 10 at 6pm Tuesday, November 15 at 11am Whether you want to use the internet to get directions, find travel deals, or watch silly puppy videos, this hands-on class Books Recently Added to Our Fiction Collection will help you. Special emphasis will be placed on search strategies and electronic safety. 5 spaces are available for each The Arrivals by Meg Mitchell Moore class, and registration is required. Priority for this class will be given to La Grange Park residents. Dead Reckoning by Charlaine Harris

Cell Phone Q&A Delta Solution by Patrick Robinson Thursday, September 15 at 7pm In this program, our expert staff will be on hand to answer Folly Beach by Dorothea Benton Frank any questions you might have about using your mobile phone, whether it’s a powerful smart phone or a plain old Miss New India by Bharati Mukherjee “dumb” phone. We’ll also demonstrate some of the cool things you can do with smart phones and tablets. No registra- Now You See Her by James Patterson tion is necessary for this session; feel free to just drop in. Queen of Kings by Maria Dahvana Headley

Quinn by Iris Johansen “When I got my library card, Spider Web by Earlene Fowler that’s when my life began.” Then Came You by Jennifer Weiner – Rita Mae Brown 7 Non-Profit Organization La Grange Park Friends of the Library U.S. POSTAGE 555 N. La Grange Road PAID Permit No. 612 La Grange Park, IL 60526-5644 La Grange, IL 60525

Postal Customer La Grange Park, IL 60526

Off the Shelves is a quarterly publication of the La Grange Park Public Library District Homebound Service 555 North La Grange Road If you are a La Grange Park resident temporarily or perma- La Grange Park, IL 60526-5644 nently confined to your home, the Library can deliver books and other materials to you. All you have to do is let us know Library Hours Monday through Thursday 10am - 9pm what you’d like to borrow, and our friendly volunteers will Friday and Saturday 10am - 5pm deliver items to you every other Thursday. For more informa- Sunday 1pm - 5pm tion or to sign up, please call the Library at 352-0100. Phone 708-352-0100 • Fax 708-352-1606 • TDD 708-352-1970 E-mail: [email protected] • www.lplibrary.org

Library Board meetings are held on the fourth Tuesday of each month Long Range Plan at 7pm. Visitors are welcome. The Library’s Strategic Plan of Service for 2011-2014 was ap- proved by the Board of Trustees in June. The process of devel- Board of Library Trustees: Cathy Foster, President; James Seguin, Vice oping this plan began with a community survey in September President; Ann Lee, Secretary; Mary Dominguez, Treasurer; Susan Fagan, Mary Lou Hurley, and Laurie Whitman, Members. 2009 and also included staff meetings and focus groups. To view the plan, please visit www.lplibrary.org. We would once Dixie Conkis, Executive Director again like to thank all those who participated in the survey Joan Lux, President, La Grange Park Friends of the Library and focus groups. Gabe Oppenheim, Copy Editor Andrea Barnish, Red Street Studio, Newsletter design

Bequests: Those who wish to help assure the continuation and growth of our programs, collections and services by means and mention in your will should contact the Executive Director for more information. Library Closings September 5 – Labor Day Disability Accommodation: If you or your child needs an accommodation November 25 – Thanksgiving for a disability to attend any program, please phone the Library at least five working days prior to the scheduled program.