Alsip-Merrionette Park Public Library Newsletter

Fall 2010 Vol. 26, No. 4

Back to School = Back to Homework Food and

'RQ·WZRUU\ is here to help! Toy Drive

Our ninth annual food and toy Need help with homework or a school assignment? Your own drive begins November 15th. personal tutor is only a few mouse clicks away! Brainfuse offers live, on-demand online tutoring for students in grades four through college Please bring new unwrapped toys, level. Students can get instant academic assistance from expert tutors non-perishable food items, or throughout the week. monetary donations to the library. To use brainfuse, VWDUWDWWKHOLEUDU\¶V³YLUWXDO´EUDQFK alsiplibrary.info, Worth Township will distribute and click Use Research Databases. Type in your library card barcode these items to area families in need. number, then click on brainfuse. 2QFH\RX¶YHUHJLVWHUHGVLPSO\ORJ in, go to your own personal page, The Haunting choose a subject for instruction, and A Thrilling Night of Supernatural Theatre for teens and adults enter a virtual tutoring room. In Do you remember turning off the lights, huddling under a blanket addition to our instant academic and watching some spooky, scary old black and white monster movies? assistance service, students can sign :LOOLDP3DFNZLOOFUHDWHWKDWVDPHVSLQHWLQJOLQJ³OLJKWVRXW´H[SHULHQFH up for pre-arranged sessions, as well here at the library on Wednesday, October 13th at 7 p.m. ,I\RX¶G as a variety of other services. So take like to join us for this unique spooky, scary, suspense show, the worry and frustration out of call the Adult Service Department to register. homework; help is as close as your WARNING: Ghosts sometimes leave the stage computer! and sit with you in the audience.

State of Illinois budget shortfall How will it affect the library?

The Alsip-Merrionette Park Public Library is funded largely from local property taxes. This means that the State of Illinois budget cuts do not directly impact our budget. However, library systems receive their funding directly from the State of Illinois. Our library is part of the Metropolitan Library System (MLS). When you request a book, CD or DVD from another library, MLS delivers the materials. Loss of state tax monies to fund MLS may impact this service. Loss of funding may DOVRPHDQFKDQJHVWRVSHFLDOSURJUDPVVXFKDVWKH0DF\¶V0XVHXP$GYHQWXUH3DVVSURJUDP:HZLOOGRDOO we can to keep you informed of any changes that will occur at the system that may affect service to you. While we all hope to see the State of Illinois and our economy recover from this downturn, with support from local property taxes, we will continue to provide our residents with the same materials and services that they have come to expect from the Alsip-Merrionette Park Public Library. Serving the communities of Alsip, Merrionette Park, and Garden Homes Adult Services Book, Please! Back to School Fall Registration by Jenny Cutshall Registration is required for all programs. Adult Services Librarian

Call the Adult Services Department at 708-371-5666 (ext. 108) for details. If all of the back-to-school fanfare has you missing your own school days, Free Health Care Alsip Library Antique assign yourself some homework! Try out a book or two from this list of for Kids in Illinois Show 2010 stories in academic settings and visit Wednesday, September 22 7 P.M. Wednesday, November 10 7 P.M. the classroom again, if only for an Do you know a child without If you have always wondered how afternoon. healthcare coverage? Come to the much your treasured antique is library to learn about ALL KIDS, worth, this is your chance to find Evening Class by Maeve Binchy Schoolteacher Aidan Dunne organizes ,OOLQRLV¶QRFRVWRUORZ-cost health out! Rex Newell of 5H[¶V$QWLTXHV an evening class in Italian with the insurance for kids. Come learn will be at the library to give you the help of Nora O'Donoghue, an Irish- more about ALL KIDS and get help answer. The first 40 people to sign woman returning home after 26 years enrolling. in at the reference desk after 6 P.M. in Sicily. When the somewhat on the day of the program can have squashed-by-life denizens of the Laughter, Meditation one item appraised. While a limited surrounding neighborhood take the and Gratitude number of items can be appraised, unexpected step of enrolling in the all are welcome to attend. class, they find their lives Wednesday, September 29 7 P.M. transformed. (F/BINCHY and LT/F/BIN) Om Jahari will talk about the Goddesses My Latest Grievance health, psychological and spiritual The Power of the Divine Feminine by Elinor Lipman benefits of laughter. He will discuss Wednesday, December 1 7 P.M. what meditation is, how to meditate Frederica Hatch describes her life Angel Therapy Practitioner®, and why people should meditate. growing up living on a college campus Denise Sutherland returns with her He will conclude by relating in the dorms with her professor new program. The Divine Feminine meditation to gratitude which can parents. (F/LIPMAN) is the unique wisdom and strength lead to being happy all the time. many women possess in abundance; Straight Man by Richard Russo

a quality so powerful it can only be William Henry Devereaux, Jr., the Cupcake Decorating called divine. For thousands of reluctant chairman of the English department of a badly underfunded Wednesday, October 27 7 P.M. years around the world, the Divine college in the Pennsylvania rust belt, Feminine has been honored in the Come join Sue Peltzer for an struggles with problems both at home evening of family fun learning new form of goddesses. In this lecture, and at work. (F/RUSSO) ways to decorate cupcakes. Sue and Denise will introduce the Goddesses her husband are the owners of in order that you may embody their Prep: a novel Delicious Creations in Hickory Hills. unique qualities within yourself. by Curtis Sittenfeld Lee Fiora is a South Bend teenager who receives a scholarship to a prestigious Book Boston boarding school and struggles Meetings begin at 7 P.M. Discussion with coming-of-age issues in an If you are interested in joining, please call unfamiliar place. (F/SITTENFELD) Group or stop by the Adult Services Department. White Teeth by Zadie Smith The story of an interracial family living in September 2 October 7 the university town of Wellington, Massachusetts, whose misadventures Then We Came to the End Broken for You in the culture wars²on both sides of by Joshua Ferris by Stephanie Kallos the Atlantic²serve to skewer everything from family life to political November 4 December 2 correctness to the combustive collision between the personal and the political. Tender Bar Elegance of the Hedgehog ~Amazon.com by J. R. Moehringer by Muriel Barbery (F/SMITH and TEEN/F/SMITH) Registration is required for all programs unless otherwise noted.

Tale Time Tuesdays 3:45³4:15 P.M.

Kindergarteners, 1st and 2nd graders will jump into the fall Mother Goose Time season with activities, games, songs, Mondays 10³10:30 A.M. and crafts to encourage reading and language development. This program is designed for babies, ages birth through 23 months, and a Travel Club caregiver. It provides an introduc- Toddler Art Wednesdays 3:45³4:15 P.M. tion to the library through stories, Thursdays 10³10:30 A.M. Kindergarten through 5th graders music, nursery rhymes, and unstructured play. Come join us with your 2²3 year old can learn about different travel for a story, songs, and a process- destinations around the world. Baby and Toddler oriented art project. Be sure to :H¶OOPDNHDFUDIWDQGVDPSOHIRRG dress to get a little messy! from other countries! Music Class Fridays 11³11:30 A.M. Story Soup Kidzread Book Club November 8th³December 10 Wednesdays 10:30³11:15 A.M. Thursdays 3:45³4:15 P.M. Each week babies and toddlers Preschoolers (2²5 year olds) will Attention 3rd, 4th and 5th graders! (6 months ² 36 months) and their enjoy tasty stories and learn easy Join us as we mix books, games, caregivers will sing a storybook, play cooking skills while preparing a crafts and other hands-on activities games, and enjoy a variety of small simple snack. each week. instruments while the instructor sings and plays guitar. Story Time Scrapbooking Tuesdays 2³2:30 P.M. Mondays 3:45³4:15 P.M.

Toddler Time Preschoolers (independent 3²5 year Each week kids from 9 years old Tuesdays 10³10:30 A.M. olds) can enhance pre-reading and through 8th grade will bring their Toddlers ages 2²3 years and their social skills as they enjoy stories, photos and their imagination to caregivers are invited to share music, and simple crafts. create a 12 x 12 scrapbook page. books, songs, fingerplays, and sensorimotor activities. Art Class Wednesdays 6³6:45 P.M.

Kids in grades 5 and up can learn Share the drawing, cartooning, and more in Warmth this fun class for kids. of the Season Bring your Please bring warm friends and hats, mittens, gloves, and enjoy a scarves to our Youth Service Fridays 3:45 - 4:30 P.M. Movie movie Department for area children September 24, October 8 & 22, November 19 and December 3 Madness at the in need. All donations will be library! given to Worth Township for Kindergarten³5th Graders distribution to area families. are invited to come and Saturdays, 10:30 A.M. nd th play BINGO at the library! October 2 and 16 Tickets are given 30 minutes before each show Youth Services unless otherwise noted. Fall & Holiday BMX Show Emerald City Theater School Registrations presents

ALL registration begins Peter Pan F Saturday, September 4, for residents of Alsip, Merrionette Park, and Garden

Saturday, Sept. 25 at 2:00P.M. Homes. Open registration begins Saturday, September 11. BMX Champion, Matt Wilhelm, will be at the library to perform amazing HOLIDAY registration begins stunts while speaking about Monday, November 8 at 7:00P.M. Saturday, October 23, for character building topics. Neverland beckons as Peter Pan and library district residents. Open

Wendy encounter fairies, mermaids registration begins Saturday, Dennis Watkins and pirates. October 30. Family Magic Show Melikin Puppets PLEASE NOTE: Children must have Monday, October 18 presents a valid library card to register. A fee at 7P.M. Night Before Christmas will be charged to all non-residents.

Dennis Watkins brings his award Monday, December 6 at 7:00P.M. winning combination of comedy and Join us for two special plays magic to our library. This is one that celebrate the holidays! performer that is not to be missed! The Shoemaker and the Elves tells the classic tale of a poor Bump in the Night shoemaker who is helped

Monday, October 25 at 7P.M. by elves to make it a Saturday, December 11 Join us for a fun program starring Merry Christmas for all! 3 P.M. 5HLG0LOOHU

Drop In Parents who do not wish their children Craft (under age 18) to have access to the Internet at our library may Tuesdays 6³9 P.M. OR Mondays 7³7:30 P.M. Fridays all day long sign a form to that effect and the FKLOG¶V,QWHUQHWDFFHVVZLOOEH Come join us each Monday night Stop by the Youth Services blocked. The forms can be as we present a different activity, department and pick up a craft to obtained in the Youth Services theme, or event that everyone in make on your own in the library² Department on the lower level of the family can enjoy. while supplies last. the library. Books ‡ Music ‡ Movies

September Books October Books November Books

M.C. Beaton Busy Body Clive Cussler Lost Empire David Baldacci +HOO¶V&RUQHU Barbara Taylor Playing the Game 7KH(PSHURU¶V Bradford Steve Berry Janet Evanovich Wicked Appetite Tomb George W. Bush Decision Points Lois Bujold Cryoburn Christine Feehan Dark Peril Lee Child Worth Dying For Patricia Cornwell Post Mortuary Michael Connelly The Reversal Ken Follett Fall of Giants The Valcourt Clive Cussler Crescent Dawn Catherine Coulter Heiress Sara Paretsky Body Work Jeffery Deaver Edge Vince Flynn American Assassin Robert Jordan Towers of Midnight John Grisham The Confession James Patterson 'RQ¶W%OLQN Iris Johansen Chasing the Night Stephen King Full Dark, No Stars John Sanford Bad Blood In the Company Jan Karon Dennis Lehane Moonlight Mile of Others Robert B. Parker Xmas Spenser Nicholas Sparks Safe Haven John Le Carre Our Kind of Traitor Elmore Leonard Djibouti James Patterson Cross Fire Danielle Steel Legacy Robert B. Parker Painted Ladies Anne Rice Of Love and Evil A Christmas Stuart Woods Santa Fe Edge Anne Perry Odyssey J.D. Robb Indulgence in Death

New Music New Music New DVDs

Christina Aguilera Bionic Natalie Merchant Leave Your Sleep x%URRNO\Q¶V)LQHVW

Bon Jovi The Circle Kylie Minogue Aphrodite xChloe

Jim Brickman Never Alone Tom Petty and xDate Night Major the Heartbreakers Eminem Recovery Glee: The Music, xDeath at a Funeral Soundtrack the Power of Melissa Etheridge Fearless Love Madonna xFurry Vengeance

Glee: The Music, Alan Jackson Freight Train Soundtrack xThe Ghostwriter V. 3 Showstoppers Live At the xGirl With the Dragon Tattoo Carole King The Twilight Sage: Troubadour Soundtrack Eclipse xThe Joneses The Laws of Sarah McLachlan Illusion Straight No Chaser With a Twist xThe Last Song Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID

Alsip-Merrionette Park Blue Island, IL Public Library District Permit No. 135

11960 S. Pulaski, Alsip, IL 60803 Phone: 708-371-5666 www.alsiplibrary.info

Library Hours Monday ² Thursday 9 A.M.² 9 P.M. Friday & Saturday 9 A.M.² 5 P.M. Drive-up book return open 24 hours

Library Closed Labor Day Postal Patron Monday, September 6, 2010 Thanksgiving Day Alsip, IL 60803 Thursday, November 25, 2010

Library Board Mary E. McKendree, President Judy Buergel, Vice President Mary Jane Schneider, Secretary Sandy Cerretto, Treasurer Marilyn Engelbrecht, Trustee Kevin Pickar, Trustee John Woodville, Trustee

Ruthann Swanson, Library Director

Library Board meetings are held the second Tuesday of at 7:30 P.M., each month. Minutes and agendas are posted on WKHOLEUDU\¶VZHEVLWH/LEUDU\%RDUGPHPEHUVDUHHOHFWHGE\ Any individual who needs a special accommodation for a program should residents of Alsip, Merrionette Park and Garden Homes. All call the library (708-371-5666) at least 5 days in advance. library board positions are unpaid. The public is welcome.

Library Card Fall Computer Classes Sign-up Month Computer instructor John Hojek will be back again to teach beginning computer, Internet, and email classes beginning in September. All classes are on Fridays from 10 A.M. until 2 P.M.

x Beginning Computers - September 17 x Beginning Internet - October 15 x Beginning Email - November 19

Classes are offered on a first-come, first served basis and cost $10. The first 15 people to register at the Adult Reference Desk on the day of the class will attend.

Alsip Mayor Patrick Kitching, Congratulations to our readers who Library Director Ruthann Swanson, and Librarian Maritza Ruiz want to achieved new levels! Sidney Adams remind everyone that September is read 25 books and received a mug. Library Card Sign-Up Month. If you Barbara Bell, Sherrie Jankowski ĚŽŶ͛ƚĂůƌĞĂĚLJŚĂǀĞLJŽƵƌůŝďƌĂƌLJ and Nancy Swistowicz all read 100 books and received tote bags. card, sign-up and receive a coupon Remember all library district residents age eighteen and over are invited for a free DVD rental plus a chance to win our gift card drawing! to become Society members. Just stop by the Reference Desk to sign up.