A Little Holiday Cheer

Looking for a little holiday cheer?  The Des Plaines Park District and the City of Des Plaines are providing... in a big way.

The weekend of December 2, 3, and 4, the downtown area of Des Plaines will be brightened with the annual lighting of the holiday tree.  Beginning at 4pm on Friday, December 2nd, students from area schools will decorate trees.  From 4 - 6pm join in on the festivities including the arrival of Santa.  Immediately following the lighting, the Des Plaines Theater will be showing a family friendly holiday flick.  For more information on this event, check here.

If your family hasn't gotten enough holiday cheer, join the Des Plaines Park District is having their annual Winter Wonderland celebration on Saturday and Sunday, December 3rd and 4th.   In addition to taking a picture with Ronald McDonald, munching on roasted nuts, and watching Irish step dancers perform, you will catch a member of the Des Plaines Public Library staff reading books every 20 minutes throughout the day.  For more information on this event, check here.

If you have time in your busy weekend schedule, we also have programs running in the library.  On Sunday at 2pm, stop in to catch Sideswipe, an America's Got Talent finalist and exciting performance group.  They will keep your blood pumping as they use Martial Arts moves correographed to contemporary music to amaze you.

On Being Thankful...

We are living in hard times.

Recognizing that I state the obvious here, think about the things you may be thankful for during these hard times. Maybe it's your loving family, maybe it's that you've managed to keep your job when many around you are losing theirs. Maybe it's just that day after day you wake up and are part of the world.

I am especially thankful that I am an employee of the Des Plaines Public Library. This beautiful library with its friendly and welcoming staff have made my first year here delightful. The books, movies, music, games, and all else are offered in abundant variety and in a timely manner. There are plenty of places to be and things to do...there is something here for everyone.

During the holiday season, the library is an excellent place to take a break from the chaos, relax with a book, sit for a minute and regroup. As the madness of the holiday season escalates in the next few weeks, think of the library as your peaceful oasis. It's a place you can be thankful for a soft chair and a few moments of peace.

The Des Plaines Public Library will be closed on Thursday, November 24, 2011 in celebration of the Thanksgiving holiday, and will also be closed on Friday, November 25, 2011 as the entire staff of the Des Plaines Public Library takes a furlough day arranged to help the library meet its budget constraints during hard times. We hope you enjoy the time you spend with your family over the holiday and we look forward to seeing you back at the library starting Saturday, November 26, 2011 at 9:00 a.m. We'll save you a comfy chair.

Get Ready, Get Set--National Gaming Day is Nearly Here!

The library will be THE place to be tomorrow, Saturday November 12. Why? It's National Gaming Day! Last year was the first year the library participated in National Gaming Day and this year is bigger and better. We'll have lots of gaming action for every age. Love Bingo? We'll have that! Your child interested in the Xbox Kinect? We've got that too! We'll also have Wii gaming, our popular Pokemon League, as well as lots of board games.

This will be the 4th annual National Gaming Day, which was developed by the American Library Association to bring communities together through their libraries via the social, educational, and fun medium of all different kinds of games. Over 1,800 libraries will be participating. Gaming is a great way for kids to challenge themselves, have fun with their family, and meet new friends! Please check out more information about National Gaming Day here.The library is excited to once again be participating in this annual event. We're also grateful for the financial support of our Friends of the Library who are funding this event.

The program will run from 10-3. Here is the breakdown of the schedule:
Bingo from 10-11:30 and 1:30-3 in Room A on 1st floor
Pokemon League from 10-12 in Program Room on 2nd floor
Wii from 10-1 (Wii Bowling) and 1:45-3 (Sports Resort) in Room B/C on 1st floor
Xbox Kinect from 10-12 (Kinect Joy Ride) and 12:45-3 (Kinect Adventures) in Room B/C on 1st floor
Board Games 10-3 on 2nd floor (check out at 2nd floor information desk)

Hope to see you there!

Thank a Veteran

Friday, November 11th is Veteran's Day.  This year, as in last year, we are hosting a letter writing campaign.  Stop in anytime on Friday to write a letter to a soldier and have your child decorate and write a message to a soldier as well.  All year, the library has a collection bin on the first floor for items to be sent to soldiers.  Feel free to bring these items in when you come to write your letter.  Every little bit helps.

You can also come in to meet a veteran, get his or her autograph after you create your autograph book, and try on old military uniforms.

To give everyone in the United States a gift this year, the National Park Service has declared Veterans Day to be a 'free day' of admission.  I know what you are thinking.... there isn't a National Park in Illinois, so.... Why am I telling you about it?  Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore just over the border from Illinois into Indiana is included in the 393 Parks offered for free admission.  Head there for a great adventure on your kids' day off.  Bring a picnic lunch and have a great time.

Don't have time to go or have other plans for this Veteran's Day?  The National Park Service also offers other 'free days' of admission.  Look here for more information, and get planning your summer vacation in the National Parks.  While you are there, you can learn about the important role Veterans have had in creating the National Parks.  Remember to thank a veteran.