Kidding Around

And the Winner Is . . .

2012-01-27T09:00:00.006-06:00

Every year I challenge myself to see if I can predict the winner for several of the book awards presented by the American Library Association. I limit my contest with myself to just five of the twenty different media awards. I have listed those special five in alphabetical order, by last name, so you won't think I have a favorite (even though I do).

The Pura Belpré Award is presented to a Latino/Latina writer and illustrator whose work best portrays, affirms, and celebrates the Latino cultural experience in an outstanding work of literature for children and youth.

The Randolph Caldecott Medal is awarded annually to the artist of the most distinguished American picture book for children.

The Coretta Scott King Book Award recognizes outstanding books for young adults and children by African American authors and illustrators that reflect the African American experience.

The John Newbery Medal is awarded annually to the author of the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children.

The Robert F. Sibert Award honors the most distinguished informational book published in English in the preceding year for its significant contribution to children’s literature.

The winners for this year were announced at the annual ALA Midwinter Meeting. They include :

Pura Belpré (Author) Award: Under the Mesquite by Guadalupe Garcia McCall

Randolph Caldecott Medal: A Ball for Daisy illustrated and written by Chris Raschka

Coretta Scott King (Author) Book Award: Heart and Soul: The Story of America and African Americans by Kadir Nelson

John Newbery Medal: Dead End in Norvelt by Jack Gantos

Robert F. Sibert Award: Balloons over Broadway: The True Story of the Puppeteer of Macy’s Parade by Melissa Sweet

This year I was successful in predicting that Heart and Soul would win an award. It is a beautiful and fascinating book. Let me know if you enjoy it as much as I did.

Family Meeting

2012-01-20T09:00:00.000-06:00

Regular gatherings to talk about the family can also can be a helpful way to strengthen the family unit and keep communication open. As with family activities, scheduling regular family meetings once a week or once a month can help your family avoid missing the important details. Meal times or times after a meal may be a good time for your family to meet.

During these meeting, ask open-ended questions so your child will respond with more than "yes or no." (For example: "What did you learn at school today?")

Some topics for discussion are:
*Good news acknowledging your child's school, athletic, or artistic performance
*News bringing changes to the family : job changes, new baby, special circumstances
*Family planning: vacations, family activities, school drop-off and pick-up
*Events of the past week: appointments, events at school
*Concerns or frustrations: child's struggle at school or with friends, family chores

Check out our Parent Collection for other topics that might be of interest too you.

J Parent Collection 306.85 HIG

"Baseballs" Building Nests

2012-01-13T09:00:00.013-06:00

This is a great time of year to go out looking for "baseballs". I don't mean the kind you hope to catch at Wrigley Field. I'm talking about our national symbol, the bald eagle. "Baseballs" are what some eagle watchers call these magnificent birds because that is what their white heads look like from a distance.

Eagles along Illinois waterways are building nests to get ready to lay their eggs. According to baldeagleinfo.com nests are five or more feet in diameter and are home for up to three eggs.

The Bald Eagle Watch Weekend on January 28-29 is just one opportunity to see and learn about eagles. The Illinois Audobon Society has many activities planned at the Illinois Waterway Visitors Center, across the river from nearby Starved Rock State Park.

Last year the famous Decorah eagles laid their first egg on February 23. The egg hatched on April 2, to the joy of thousands of observers who watched this eagle family through an internet webcam. If you want to watch them this year, you can find nest camera links at the Raptor Resource Project.

Of course, the library has some great print resources as well.

The Bald Eagle by Karen Latchana Kenney describes the bald eagle as an emblem of the United States.

A Bald Eagle's World by Caroline Arnold is great illustrated book for the youngest readers.

E xplori n g the W orld of Eagles by Tracy C. Read includes great photo illustrations.

Eagles by Tom Warhol and Chris Reiter goes more in depth for older readers.

I hope you have success if you go looking for bald eagles. Don't forget your binoculars!

New Parenting Books

2012-01-06T09:00:00.001-06:00

How to Choose the Best Preschool for Your Child
Presents a guide to finding, getting into,
and preparing for Preschool.
J Parent Collection 372.21 WAN

You, Raising Your Child
A map to safely navigate the
waters of your baby's life from day one and
will give you all the tools you need to steer
the best possible course.
J Parent Collection 618.92 ROI

Nanny 911
Regain control of your children with simple,
direct, nanny-tested measures!
J Parent Collection 649.1 CAR

Sensory Parenting
From newborns to toddlers learn ways
to make everything easier when
your child's senses are happy.
J Parent Collection649.1 COL

Active Parenting of Teens
Provides the guidance and support you
need to turn the challenges of raising
a teenager in opportunities for growth.
J Parent Collection 649.125 POP

The Way of Boys
Ideal for parents eager to
understand what is going on in the
minds and bodies of their young sons.
J Parent Collection 649.132 RAO

How to Photograph your Baby
Learn to create stunning photographs of the
babies you love with a minimum of
effort and fancy equipment.
J Parent Collection 778.925 KEL

That's a WRAP!

2011-12-30T09:00:00.008-06:00

2011 was a year of great gifts for the Des Plaines Public Library Youth Services Department. We were able to do some moving, some rearranging, some purchasing of new furniture; all to help make your visits to the Youth Services Department more accessible and enjoyable. Many of our collections have been consolidated, expanded, or moved to new locations to better serve you and we have some exciting new things we hope you will enjoy.

Some of these new developments you can see for yourself. The first thing you may notice when you next visit the 2nd floor is the new wall of magazines on display. Where this wall used to hold only the most current issue of your favorite kids magazines, now all the issues are right there, ready to go home with you. Each magazine has its own container so they are easy to locate. Magazines are great for trips to the grocery store, rides in the car, or any time.

Make sure you check out the new and improved Holiday collection. What does it mean if there is no shadow on Groundhog Day? Want to make a great Hanukkah potato latke? Need a good story to share with your child's class at the Chinese New Year? It's so easy to find the answers with newly arranged shelves that are clearly labeled and books identified with holiday stickers.

We got some new chairs! They are bright, sturdy, attractive, and mobile. Both adults and children who have had an opportunity to sit in them comment on how nice and comfortable they are.

When asked if they liked the new chairs, this group of boys answered, "Yeah."

Another addition is our beautiful new LEGO table

outfitted with duplo blocks, perfect for little hands and big imaginations. Imaginative play is an essential part of building early literacy skills. Come play at the table with your young children and create buildings or animals or anything you wish. This memorial table was made possible in part by a generous gift from the family of former library staff and Youth Services team member Judy Reiss, who passed away in 2010.

There is a new section just for Graphic Novels, new shelving for movies and music in the Foreign Language collection, the audio books on CD have moved and expanded, and there's so much more!

We give many thanks to the pages of the Circulation Department who planned and plotted and dusted and measured and moved so many items. We also give many thanks to the Technical Services Department staff who re-moved, re-cataloged, and re-stickered so much of our collection. And I want to thank the staff of the Youth Services Department who worked hard, organized projects, communicated with other departments, waited (mostly) patiently, and celebrated the gifts we were given this year.

Please come and visit us at the library soon to see the many additions and changes that have come to the department in 2011. Have a happy New Year, and we will look forward to seeing you and dreaming up more new projects for the library in 2012.

The True Spirit of the Season

2011-12-23T09:00:00.013-06:00

Last week, as I was casually glancing through the headlines showing on CNN, I noticed the name Irving Berlin. Now, a quick history of my family will allow you to understand my infatuation with Irving Berlin, the composer of the songs from the movie/musical White Christmas. My family celebrates Christmas, and the beginning of our Christmas season begins Thanksgiving night... with the viewing of and singing along with White Christmas. Boys, girls, old, young... it doesn't matter. The 36 of us - aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents - sit and watch it together every year.

This year is the first Christmas I will spend with my new husband, and we watched it last weekend (for the second time in just these few weeks). My husband declared, "You don't have to celebrate Christmas to love this movie," and as someone who is celebrating his first Christmas this year (he's Jewish), he is right. The next day I got texts from two cousins informing me that the movie was on AMC and the quoting texts ensued... "Mutual I'm sure" followed by a "Let's just say we're doing it for a pal in the Army".

So, when I saw the article come up, I just had to read it... and was surprised to find that the first line of the article is: Who walks away from $10 million? The answer - Irving Berlin.

Irving Berlin was a Jewish Immigrant who came to the United States from Russia when he was 5 years old. Although many of the songs he is famous for are showcased in White Christmas (yes, you heard that right... a Jewish man wrote the song White Christmas), his most famous song is perhaps one you don't associate with him directly. That song is God Bless America.

Whether you celebrate Christmas or Hanukkah, Kwanzaa or Diwali... the spirit of this time of year is giving, and Irving Berlin gave a whopper. In 1938, he was asked to write a song for a CBS radio program, and he delivered with a song that provided an outlet for his love of America, and brought a nation on the brink of war to a patriotic high.

Now, where does the $10 million come in? As it turns out, when Berlin wrote the song, he wanted to make sure that because he wrote it for America, that America got the reward. He set up a fund so that every penny earned from the song would be given to make America's future bright. Every cent went to needy troops of the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts of America. This would explain why God Bless America is on the list of Boy and Girl Scout songs. Now, 73 years later, we are still reaping the benefits of this beautiful song... and hearing the message loud and clear. This is the true meaning of the season.

You can read the initial article here, and for more information on Irving Berlin and the history behind God Bless America, click here. We can learn a lot from Irving Berlin, the first lesson being that no matter what you celebrate, we can all celebrate this wonderful country we are blessed to call home.

2011 Graphic Novel Wrap Up

2011-12-16T09:00:00.000-06:00

Here at the library we love graphic novels! In fact, we recently started a new section just for juvenile graphic novels. This way kids can easily find these popular materials. 2011 has been a strong year for graphic novels. As an avid reader of the genre there are many I would recommend. Here are my top choices for the year. Drumroll please!

J Graphic Novels

Squish by Jennifer Holm and Matt Holm (ages 7-9)
From the creators of Babymouse comes a funny new character. Squish was introduced in Babymouse: Mad Scientist when Babymouse discovered a new kind of amoeba. Squish is just your regular amoeba. He reads graphic novels starring his favorite super hero Super Amoeba. He's late to school. His best friend mooches his lunch money every day. And Squish has a problem with the school bully. If he doesn't let the bully cheat off his test the bully will hurt one of Squish's friends. What's an amoeba to do?

Lunch Lady and the Field Trip Fiasco by Jarrett Krosoczka (grades 3-4)
The Lunch Lady graphic novels is hands down one of my favorite series. This is an imaginative take on what if the school's lunch ladies were crime busters and their inventive food related items actually helped them with their crime fighting abilities. Only the Breakfast Bunch gang knows their secret. In the latest addition to the series Lunch Lady fills in as a chaperone for the field trip to the art museum. However she's so excited to see how the fantastic works of art that she's oblivious to the fact that something is suspicious about the museum. Can the Breakfast Bunch figure out what's going on and wake Lunch Lady up to the misdoings at the museum?

Sidekicks by Dan Santat (ages 8-12)
Sidekicks is my pick for older J Graphic Novel readers. Captain Amazing decides that since he's getting older it's time for a sidekick. His dog, hamster, and chameleon decide that want the job. While out working on their training that run into Captain Amazing's old sidekick, Static Cat. Static Cat agrees to help train them. Which sidekick will Captain Amazing choose? Will he defeat the villain Dr. Havoc? Older readers will enjoy this superhero comic with plenty of heart and adventures.

YA Graphic Novels

Stickman Odyssey: An Epic Doodle by Christopher Ford (grades 5-8)
Once this graphic novel starts the action never stops. It's a clever retelling of The Odyssey. Zozimos is the King of Sticathia and he's trying to make his way back to his kingdom. The figures are all cleverly done in stick figure style and there's lots of sly humor mixed with potty jokes ("By Zeus' butt!") which is perfect for middle school boys (and girls).

Astronaut Academy by Dave Roman (ages 10-14)
Author Dave Roman takes the drama and fun of middle school and sets it in a futuristic space academy that includes a panda as an instructor. Hakata Soy is new transfer to the school. Starting a new school is challenging and it's about to get even worse for Hakata when his enemy creates a duplicate robot version of Hakata and sends it to the school to destroy him. Ah, the joys of middle school.

Next time you're at the library stop by to check out one of these titles for your child or feel free to ask a librarian for more great suggestions. If your child loves graphic novels please tell them to come to the desk and tell us about their favorites! We always love to hear what they enjoy reading.

Celebrate the Winter Holidays with a Museum Pass

2011-12-09T09:00:00.013-06:00

Looking for ideas for day trips with your family during the December holidays that don't require heading to downtown Chicago? Why not check out a Museum Adventure Pass with your Des Plaines Library card, bundle up the kids, and head to one of the major suburban outdoor parks for a holiday stroll? Each park is hosting amazing light shows and special day/evening events all through the month! Discounted admission with the Museum Pass is a real money-saver, and since each pass is good for one week, you can be flexible about what day you choose to visit and then come back and check out a pass for another wonderful place the following week.

What are the parks' special winter events ?

Brookfield Zoo evenings bring Holiday Magic, a wonderland of laser lights, wild animals, carolers, live music, costumed characters, a talking tree, holiday foods and gifts, plus photos with Santa or a real reindeer. Santa breakfasts or brunches weekends.

Cantigny Park (Winfield) is lit by community Christmas trees, and hosts a free LEGO Train Show this weekend, December 10-11. Of course, kids can always climb on the tanks, and parents would enjoy the McCormick house holiday decorations.

Chicago Botanic Garden (Glencoe) showcases the Wonderland Express, a miniature train moving over bridges and waterfalls past 80 Chicago landmarks, plus drop-in activities on Saturdays and Sundays, such as a visit with Mrs. Claus for hot chocolate and cookies.

Cuneo Museum and Gardens (Vernon Hills) features a drive-your-car-through-the-estate holiday light show, an Open House with Santa on December 16th, and a play, The Velveteen Rabbit.

We hope your family will enjoy one of these participating parks' festivities. Please check the link to each park's website for detailed information on program dates, times and fees.

Happy Holidays from the Des Plaines Public Library's Museum Adventure Pass Program!

Mrs. Liz's Top Picture Books of 2011 That You Needed to Read Yesterday!

2011-12-02T09:00:00.006-06:00

Sometimes, it's the simple "out of the box" idea that captures my interest and heart. This year, I've read several books that did just that and took me on an adventure.

These titles draw the reader into the story and encourage imagination and some even have the reader interact with the book to animate the story. I'll put these gems on any gift list for young children. Let's start with my top pick!

Press Here by Tullet Herve
Who thought a simple yellow dot on the cover could take you on a interactive journey in a printed book? Children will delight in tilting the page, turning it upside down and even blowing on the page all for the magical journey of that simple dot.

Perfect Square by Michael Hall

Something perfect just doesn't last or does it? A perfect square is snipped, torn, crumpled and manipulated in various ways that lead the geometric shape into an adventure of transformation. The way this happy square embraces changes and continues to be happy is inspiring.

We Are in a Book! by Mo Williams
Elephant (named Gerald) and Piggy are best friends and have that special something that instantly bonds the reader as their best friends too! In the latest edition of their adventures, they realize that someone is watching them and not just anyone but a READER! Their adventure with this new realization of their world is full of laughter and cleverness as they have the reader enjoy reading!

I couldn't stop at three. Here's one more for those children who love scavenger hunts and puzzles:

Look! A Book! by Bob Staake
Rhyming text excitedly invites readers to seek and find objects. But there are deeper levels in this book, such as cut out circles highlighting interesting details in elaborate illustrations. And when you are finished with your first read through adventure, start again with the pull out pages which continues the fun.

How about you? Please share any books that move you!

A Little Holiday Cheer

2011-11-25T09:00:00.022-06:00

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...

2011-11-18T09:00:00.002-06:00

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!

2011-11-11T09:00:00.002-06:00

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

2011-11-04T09:00:00.001-05:00

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.

Halloween

2011-10-26T17:23:00.000-05:00

Looking for information on what is going on this Halloween? Look here for information from the City of Des Plaines, their rules and regulations for trick-or-treating, and safety tips. Don't forget to head to downtown Des Plaines this Saturday to check out the annual Halloween Hooplah celebration. Not only will there be festivities and trick-or-treating with the businesses, the Des Plaines Park District is hosting a craft on the 2nd floor of the library from 1-3pm, and the library will finish off the entire celebration with Wild and Wacky Magic by Randy at 3pm in our first floor meeting rooms.

Don't miss out on all of the fun!

Meet Author Kevin Henkes

2011-10-18T09:00:00.001-05:00

Autumn is upon us and so is a season of reading. Summer offers outdoor activities, travels, and many more fun sports. Now, days are getting shorter and the weather gets cooler, so you tend to stay inside longer. It is a perfect time to restart good reading habit. Kevin Henkes is one of the most popular children's authors and illustrators. His books are known for their emotions that resonate with readers of all ages, as well as for their expressive and lively illustrations. Many of Kevin Henkes' characters are mice. They have loving, supportive, understanding parents, teachers, and other adults. They face common childhood problems, and emotions ----being bullied, feeling not secure, giving up blankets, getting lost---- Kevin Henkes was a junior in high school when he decided to write and illustrate children's books. He said "I remember drawing at a very early age. I loved it. And my parents and teachers told me I was good at it --that made me love it all the more." His first book was published when he was nineteen years old. He has won numerous awards, including the Caldecott Medal and the Newbery Honor.

In his first book, Little White Rabbit is always wondering about everything: what would it be like to be tall, or green, or to flutter through the air. Kitten's First Full Moon won the Caldecott Medal, Olive's Ocean won the Newbery Honor.

Some of other titles are:

Lily's Big Day, Wemberly Worried, Julius the Baby of the World, Chester's Way, and Lily's Purple Plastic Purse.

Moving

2011-10-14T09:00:00.012-05:00

As a person who moved just last month, I know that moving is a hard process both physically and mentally. Moves just down the street or to a nearby town are equally as difficult and tiring as moves across the country. I’ve done both in the last two years and it was and still is hectic trying to adjust to new surroundings and new routines. What makes a move many times more difficult is moving with children. Children need routines and familiar surroundings much more than adults do. Having a cozy surrounding with familiar toys and the same routine throughout the move is a great at helping children adapt to their new surroundings. You can also help your child adapt more quickly by reading books or watching DVDs about moving and new places before, during, and after the move:

Picture Books:

Lauren’s Moving Day by Sarah, Duchess of York

Even though Lauren is excited about her family's new house and having her own bedroom for the first time, she is anxious about the move and worried about changes. Includes ten hints for parents to help children move to a new home.

The Berenstain Bears' Moving Day by Stan Berenstain

The Bear family decides it is time to move to a larger house.

Big Ernie’s New Home by Teresa M artin

A cat named Big Ernie wakes up one day to find his boy, Little Henry, packing boxes and preparing them for a move from the big city to Sante Fe, Arizona. Big Ernie is confused, misses familiar smells and weather, and feels sad. With gentle assurances and understanding from Little Henry and by engaging in familiar routines, Big Ernie learns to deal with being worried, mad, and a little sad about being uprooted and moved. He begins to feel at home in his new house, and soon he is ready for any new adventure.

Chapter Books:

Jack Adrift: Fourth Grade without A Clue by Jack Gantos

When his father rejoins the Navy and moves the family to Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, ten-year-old Jack becomes confused by a crush on his teacher, contradictory advice from his parents, and a very strange neighbor.

Piper Reed, Navy Brat by Ki mberly Willis Holt

Piper is sad about leaving her home and friends behind when her father, a Navy aircraft mechanic, is transferred yet again, but with help from her often-annoying sisters and a surprise from their parents, she finds happiness in their new home in Pensacola, Florida.

Moving Day by Meg Cabot

Nine-year-old Allie Finkle has rules for everything and is even writing her own rule book, but her world is turned upside-down when she learns that her family is moving across town, which will mean a new house, school, best friend, and plenty of new rules.

For Parents:

Moving with Kids by Lori Collins Burgan

Thirteen million children in the U.S. each year leave behind familiar people and places to move to new homes across town and across the country. Moving can be hard for parents too, as they not must not only prepare themselves but also help their children cope with the changes. In Moving with Kids, social worker and mother of three Lori Collins Burgan offers 25 practical, action-oriented tips for parents before, during, and after a move.

DVDs:

Berenstain Bears Always Look on the Bright Side

Let’s Get A Move On!

2 Weeks Till Halloween!

2011-10-11T09:00:00.000-05:00

Halloween is only two weeks away! It's exciting to think that soon kids will be getting dressed up in their costumes, going trick or treat around the neighborhood, and telling each other spooky stories.

What if your child doesn't have a costume yet? Never fear, the library is here to rescue you! We have lots of good books to get your creative juices going and help you create an amazing costume for your child.

Ecocrafts: Creative Costumes had lots of great ideas and uses materials that most likely you have around the house. For instance you can make a mermaid costume out of plastic bags! Other cool creative ideas include a knight, dragon, and pirate.

Disney's Face-Painting and Costume Book has many different costume ideas. What I loved about a lot of these costumes was that they incorporated sweatshirts and sweatpants or a long t-shirt as the base of the costume. There are many cute ideas like Tiger, Cinderella, and Captain Hook. The book also gives detailed information about how to do the face painting for each costume as well as a close up picture of the face so you can clearly see what the final image is supposed to look like.

If your child thinks they just want their face painted for Halloween we have several videos for you to check out! The series Create Faces has several titles: Animal Faces, Halloween Horror, and Halloween Classics. Some face painting examples are vampire, mummy, zombie, alien, superhero, cat, monkey, and dog.

I've got some ideas for my Halloween costume! Come in to the library today and look for these books and movies, as well as others that we have on this topic.

Ecocrafts: Creative Costumes
Disney's Face-Painting and Costume Book
Create Faces: Animal Faces
Create Faces: Halloween Classics
Create Faces: Halloween Horror

Teaching Children about Holidays

2011-10-07T09:00:00.011-05:00

The holiday season is upon us...Whether you celebrate or not it's impossible to avoid songs, decorations, and "season's greeting" that appear around this time of year. Learning the stories and customs behind various holidays is an excellent activity for you and your children. For holidays you do celebrate, this will strengthen your children's connection to their cultural or religious heritage. For those you don't celebrate, it will help both you and your children to gain a better appreciation for the world we live in.

In addition to learning about diverse holidays, it's important for families to create their own rituals (whether they are religious in nature or not). If you would like to learn more about holidays and rituals we recommend checking out books in our diverse Holiday collection. Each book there has a sticker to correspond with the holiday.

Happy holidays to all of you!

Fall Drop-In Storytimes

2011-10-04T11:59:00.000-05:00

Many of us eagerly wait for the fall lineup of our favorite television programs. Why not check out our exciting new fall storytime listings instead? All sessions will be presented the first three weeks of October and November, and will not be held the fourth week of each month.

In addition to the Tuesday and Thursday morning programs at 10:30 am for 2 year olds with parent or caregiver, and the Wednesday afternoon 2:00 and Thursday morning 9:30 for 3-5 year olds, we are now offering three evening family storytimes, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday nights at 7 pm.

Monday night highlights our new Spanish-English language program, Tuesday night (formerly Monday) continues our themed storytimes, and Wednesday evening explores Polish-English language stories. Please pick up a flyer on the second floor of the library for a more complete listing of all these wonderful opportunities. No registration is necessary, just join us in the Storytime Room for the fun!

Banned Books Week

2011-09-30T09:00:00.007-05:00

CELEBRATE
the Freedom
to Read

Excerpted from the American Library Association's web site:

Since its inception in 1982, Banned Books Week has reminded us that while not every book is intended for every reader, each of us has the right to decide for ourselves what to read, listen to, or view.

American libraries are the cornerstones of our democracy. Libraries are for everyone, everywhere. Because libraries provide free access to a world of information, they bring opportunity to all people. Now, more than ever, celebrate the freedom to read @ your library! Elect to read an old favorite or a new banned book this week.

For more information, and ways to participate in this year's Virtual Read-Out, click here.

A Video Game Did What?

2011-09-27T09:00:00.001-05:00

Just last week I read an interesting article about a video game, but not just any ordinary video game. By playing this game, players were able to build an accurate model of an enzyme. Not just any enzyme--an enzyme the structure of which has puzzled scientists for 10 years! This enzyme, monomeric protease, is important because it is part of the family of diseases which includes HIV, and in order to understand the cause of diseases and create drugs to stop them, scientists need to understand the structure of the parts.

There are a couple of wonderful quotes in this article that I'd like to share with you. Firas Khatib, of the University of Washington's biochemistry lab said "the ingenuity of game players is a formidable force that, if properly directed, can be used to solve a wide range of scientific problems."

The last two are from one of the creators of this game, Seth Cooper. In regards to why gamers were able to solve the problem that computers could not, he said "people have spatial reasoning skills, something computers are not yet good at." He also said "games provide a framework for bringing together the strengths of computers and humans. The results in this week's paper show that gaming, science and computation can be combined to make advances that were not possible before."

The players solved the 'protein puzzle' in only 3 weeks. Ingenuity and spatial reasoning. It's amazing what video games can help with. While they are not the be-all and end-all of your child's education, maybe the next time your child wants to spend a little extra time with that video game you'll remember this story. Perhaps your child will grow up to solve and work towards curing diseases!

Want to find out what video games the library carries? Please click on the links below. We carry games for XBOX 360, Wii, and Playstation 3.

If you would like to read the article that I did, here it is.

Online Gamers Crack AIDS Enzyme Puzzle

Here is the link to the game.

Fold It

3rd Annual FAMILY SCIENCE EXPO

2011-09-23T09:00:00.007-05:00

Blinded by science? No way!
The Des Plaines Public Library's 3rd annual Family Science Expo is this Saturday, September 24. The event is open house, so come any time between noon and 4 p.m. to see exhibits, demonstrations, robotics, science experiments in action, and to try your own hand at construction challenges and generating electricity. This event is geared toward children in grades 2-8, but will be fun for the entire family.

A dozen different science organizations and engineering associations will be on hand to talk to you and your kids about what they do and how they do it. Our guest exhibitors include structural, civil, and chemical engineers; young, budding scientists from Des Plaines; the Civil Air Patrol, and others.

New this year, bring your old, unwanted bicycles to the library during this event for donation to Working Bikes Cooperative, a non-profit organization that recycles old bikes and delivers them to developing countries to be used as tools of empowerment.

Also new this year, ChiBots, the Chicago Area Robotics Group, will be demonstrating some of their latest robot creations.

Last year over 400 kids and parents visited the Expo. Don't miss out on this fabulously fun, free, and educational activity.

THE INTERNET AND THE BEYOND: HOMESCHOOLING FOR THE 21ST CENTURY

2011-09-20T14:45:00.004-05:00

All the school age children's parents are invited to join this workshop and lecture. Mrs. Kathy Wentz will be our guest speaker on the subject of current-age issues that most families deal with. Learn how we are going to lead and teach our children to utilize extremely fast moving information technology. She is an experienced Homeschooling parent, teacher, lecturer, and a
public speaker. She is well known and well respected among area Homeschooling circle. She will cover a wide variety of learning styles: movies, classic literatures, computer resources, field trips, and many more resources to create a custom curriculum. Even if you are not Homeschooling parents, you may be able learn some ideas to mix various learning methods to fit your child's needs. Nowadays, children's education is more challenging than any other time. A deluge of information resources become huge challenge to us beyond our excitement.
Please bring your questions to the program. The seminar is on Monday, October 10, at
7 p.m. at the Des Plaines Public Library, Meeting Room C.

Reading on a Screen

2011-09-16T12:00:00.013-05:00

Next time you're on the Internet with your family, visit our website and give our electronic books a try. On the go? As long as you can connect to the Internet and are a Des Plaines Library card holder, you can read books on a smart phone, tablet, e-book reader or computer screen anytime! I'll bet you'll love what you see and read! Here is a selection to start you off.

Tumblebooks

An online library of animated taking storybooks, including French, Chinese, Spanish and Russian and bilingual titles. Includes word by world highlighting feature as the story is read. There are also games, puzzles and other activities to continue the reading experience.

BookFlix

Offers fictional video storybooks from Weston Woods with nonfiction e-books from Scholastic. Includes word by world highlighting feature as the story is read. Also includes Spanish titles. Educations games and websites are also available.

MyMediaMall

Offers down-loadable audio books and e-books available 24 hours/ 7 days a week. Download the free app for your device. Download and enjoy on many audio and e-book devices including your computer, iPod, iPad, Sony Reader, Droid, Blackberry, Barnes & Noble Nook readers, and more.

Child ID Theft

2011-09-13T09:00:00.001-05:00

With all the things parents have to worry about when it comes to protecting our children, it just doesn't seem right that we should have to worry about someone stealing our child's identity. Unfortunately, we do need to be on the look out for this possible problem.

A recent study on child identity theft by Carnegie Mellon University Cylab found a child only five months old that was a victim of identity theft. What a horrible surprise years later for that child to have problems getting a student loan or job because of a credit rating ruined by a stranger!

What can you do to try to protect your children from this problem? One free resource is AnnualCreditReport.com, the official site to help consumers to obtain their free credit report. Don't be fooled by websites with similar names that sound free, but actually charge a fee.

A new website IDTheftinfo.org also has helpful information and links. It was created by the Consumer Federation of America to help you learn how to reduce the chances of becoming a victim, detect identity theft quickly if it does happen, and deal with the consequences.

Click here for a link to resources at the Des Plaines Public Library.

New LEGO books at DPPL!

2011-09-09T13:19:00.001-05:00

Do your kids love playing with LEGOs? That probably sounds like a silly question! Children all over the world have been fueling their imaginations with the brilliant colors of LEGO bricks for more than 70 years! Even in today’s digitally packed world, kids are just as excited about LEGOs as ever, and the youth collection is happy to supply all the coolest new books the world of LEGO has to offer.

Lego Harry Potter, Building the Magical World: This title gives your kids an up close look at all the unique LEGO pieces that were created in order to reconstruct J.K. Rowling’s magical world.

Lego Star Wars, the Visual Dictionary : Without a doubt the most requested title in our LEGO collection, this book covers the entire LEGO Star Wars galaxy with hundreds of full color photos.

The LEGO Book: From its humble beginnings in a small Denmark workshop, this title explores the history of LEGOs and their meteoric rise to an international brand today. With fascinating tidbits and full color photos, this book is so appealing that it is included in both the children’s and adult collections here at DPPL.

Be sure to check out some of these exciting new titles during your next visit!

Do you like convenience and great service at your library? Check out the all new MyCatalog search tool on our website. Log in and start searching for your favorite Books, Movies, and Music. With just one click, your selections can be placed on hold, after that, our staff will take care of the rest. The next time those items are available, we will put them in our lobby pickup area and hold them up to 3 days. We'll even give you a courtesy phone call (or email if you'd prefer) to let you know as soon as they are ready.

Get Your Teen Involved @ DPPL!

2011-09-06T09:00:00.001-05:00

Is your teenage child (grades 6th-12th) looking to do some volunteer hours this year? Talk to them about volunteering at the library! During the school year the library accepts volunteers from grades 6th-12th. All they have to do is fill out an application and commit to doing at least 8 hours of volunteer work. I have a lot of kids ask me, and no, it's not 8 hours in a single day! They can spread out those 8 hours during the school year.

Volunteers do lots of different tasks for us. They might be able to assist during a program like Family Game Night, put together a craft sample, or make necklaces for storytimes. Or it could be refilling displays and dusting the shelves. The tasks they do depend on what we need done for that day. We always appreciate everything that the volunteers do for us. Your child can pick up an application on the 2nd floor.

Another way older students, grades 7th-12th, can make a difference at the library is through our Teen Advisory Board. The Teen Advisory Board (TAB) gets together once a month to talk about what programs teens want to have at the library and make sure the library is purchasing materials teens want to read and listen to. TAB even picked out the colors for the Teen Lounge on the third floor and designed how it should look. Meetings are only 1 hour long AND come with snacks. Have your teen stop by the next meeting so they can get involved. The next TAB meeting is September 29 from 4-5. Bonus: teens also get a community service credit hour for each meeting they come to.

Whether being a volunteer or joining TAB, there are lots of ways for teens to make a difference at the Des Plaines Library. Have them stop by the library to find out more information.

New Parenting Books

2011-09-02T09:00:00.000-05:00

Cyber Safe
Protecting and empowering kids in the digital
world of texting, gaming and social media.
J Parent Collection 004.67 OKE

Confessions of a Former Bully
Nine-year-old Katie's punishment for bullying
classmates includes making up for the hurt she
has caused, so she decides to write a book
about bullying, why it is not okay and how
to start being a better friend.
J Parent Collection 371.58 LUD

How to Maximize Your Child's Learning Ability
Offers hundreds of practical ways to influence,
encourage, your preschooler or a high school
teenager to master almost any skill. This
book will show you how.
J Parent Collection 372.133 BRA

Late, Lost and Unprepared
A Parent's guide to helping children with
learning executive functioning skills.
J Parent Collection 649.15 COO

Helping Your Child to Excel at Reading
An essential guide to help parents know more
about how to achieve real reading success.
J Parent Collection 372.4 BAT

Smart but Scattered
Learn easy-to-follow steps to identify your
child's strengths and weaknesses using
activities and techniques proven to boost
specific skills, and problems-solve daily routines.
J Parent Collection 649.1 DAW

Starting Kids Off Right
Parents will learn how to start kids off right with
healthy relationship-building skills, as well as
how to help their children become more
confident in using those skills.
J Parent Collection 649.7 NOW

tweet tweet - I am not a bird.

2011-08-30T09:00:00.000-05:00

Have you noticed something new? On the right side of the page, you might notice our 'News from YS' column. This is directly fed from our newest twitter account. Anything from a great book we read, to an event in the community, to happenings or general announcements from the library... you will find it all there. You can look at the last 10 tweets every time you read the blog OR for more up-to-the-minute updates, you can follow us with your own twitter account by clicking on the 'follow me' blue bird.

Whatever you do, make sure you stay informed!

Good News! Museum Adventure Passes Extended

2011-08-26T09:00:00.006-05:00

Very good news for families who loved using the Museum Adventure Pass Program this summer. We have received word that so far 12 participating museums have agreed to extend their discounted admissions to library patrons until October 31st! Please visit us in person at Youth Services desk on the second floor for details about the participating museums and their hours, and to learn which passes are available when. Discounted admissions do vary by museum, but we will be happy to explain these to you as well. Remember, you must use a Des Plaines library card to reserve with us, and only one pass can be checked out per family per week. After a busy week at school, your family deserves a relaxing "field trip" to one of these fine museums!

August is National Inventor's Month

2011-08-23T09:00:00.012-05:00

August is a special month for the poeple who involved in the world of inventing: It's National Inventors Month, dedicates a whole month to honor and celebrate their accomplishment. The inventors are the people who have enriched our world with their discoveries from everyday conveniences to modern miracles, and their inventions change the way people live. Inventors are innovative and entrepreneurial. Thousands of inventors have helped to shape the world into what it is today and choosing the best one is no easy task. Computers, microwaves, antibiotics, and vaccinations are routinely listed among the best inventions of all time. While their importance is indiputable, the everyday inventions that make our lives eaiser often get overlooked. As proof that great inventions do not always have to be complicated: The inventions of Kleenex, zipper, wheel, so on so forth. By the time we celebrate National Inventor's Month next year, who knows how many more amazing inventions will make life better for all of us. You could be the one of them in near future.

Some books in our library you may want to read.

Accidents May Happen: Fifty Inventions Discovered by Mistake by Charlotte Jones

Imaginative Inventions: The Who, What, Where, When, Why of Roller Skates, Potato Chips, Marbles, and Pie and More, by Charise Mericle Harper

House Inventions: from Toilets to Toasters, by Natalie Lunis

Falling for Joey

2011-08-19T09:00:00.003-05:00

How many times in your life have you sat down with a book (sometimes thinking you might not like it), and fell in love with its characters? It happens to me quite a bit - but then again, I have made a life out of reading.... and I get the chance to read tons of really great books. Did it happen with Charlotte in Charlotte's Web or Laura in Little House in the Big Woods or even Aslan in The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardobe?

This most recently occurred for me while reading the 1984 novel from Michael Morpurgo, War Horse. I was forced to read the book because it was nominated for an Illinois state book award and was not looking forward to it, but almost immediately fell in love with the story's main character, a horse named Joey.

Last week, while describing the plot to a coworker in the lunch room, I broke down crying at the absolute beauty of the story. I tell everyone I meet about how wonderful this book is. It was while describing this novel to a patron that I was informed that a similar story was coming out as a movie in December. I immediately ran to my computer to look it up and sure enough - War Horse is being made into a movie, coming to theaters on December 28th. Not only do the pictures from the promotional materials look absolutely stunning (way more interesting than the cover of the book), but I was pleased to see that Steven Spielberg himself is directing the film.

With the amount of movies being made each year, it is sometimes hard to know when something good is coming out - something with a great moral and a good heart. This one is not to be missed, but you still have plenty of time before the movie comes out to read the book with your family.... it is an incredible story of courage, love, and understanding in a time of war. I highly encourage you to check it out and read it together with your family and just like me, fall for Joey.

Happy 100th Birthday

2011-08-16T09:00:00.009-05:00

On March 12, 1912, Juliet Gordon Low created the first Girl Scout Troop. She was born in 1860 in Savannah Georgia to a mother whose own family played a part in creating the city of Chicago. Being deaf in one ear from birth and deaf in the other from an accident with a grain of 'good luck' rice at her wedding, she searched for a way to make a difference in her community. In 1911, her friend Sir Robert Baden-Powell, who some of you might know as the founder of the Boy Scouts, encouraged her to take scouting from England to America. She began her first troop the next year. Today, there are 3.2 Million members of the Girl Scouts.

As adults, sometimes we look around and think 'there are so many things I'd like to do to change the way my kids are growing up... change the world in which they live' and the Girl Scouts is an easy and fun way to do that. Does your school have a troop already formed? If not, you could become the leader. Contact GSUSA (the Girls Scouts of America) and see what you can do. Create a better life for your kids and the kids around you.

In the meantime, we have a whole collection of Girl Scout and Boy Scout books in the library. Take a few out and see what the fuss is all about. The Boy Scout books just got updated, and the new Girl Scout books are just being released and will be on shelf shortly. Take a few minutes to look through them... compare them to what they looked like when you were young (they are way different than what I remember). Get involved in your community - young or old, volunteer and make a difference.

Potty Time!

2011-08-12T11:00:00.000-05:00

We did it! My daughter has crossed over from diapers to real underwear adorned with princesses! Phew! I was beginning to think it wouldn't happen.
I've welcomed any advice during the frustrating period of time and thought to share our family's story with any of you who will relate.

Disclaimer: there are many ways to approach this milestone and many factors such as knowing when your child is emotionally or physically ready to the personality of your child. These tips come from my personal experience with one of my children that I hope might be helpful for you.

How our family did it:

Both parents getting to that moment of it's all or nothing: After more than 6 months of modeling, occasional weekend training, and carrying potty books wherever we went , I literally said to my daughter, "oh oh, no more diapers left." Then had to explain we couldn't go to the store today to buy more so it's time to keep trying to go potty all day. After that, there is no turning back- so be prepared!

An incentive: My daughter needed that gentle push in the right direction into embracing the all or nothing approach. In addition to PLENTY of high-fives and hugs and calling someone almost every time she went potty, we started giving her 1 M&M for recognizing it's time to potty and telling us and another M&M for completing the job. It only took about 4 days of M&Ms! (note: we are so excited still that we continue the high fives and hugs:)
Trust: This is hard, especially if you have other children to look after. Did she really go potty- it doesn't look like it, or questioning incessantly that she must need to go now since it's been a couple of hours. I have been there, take a breath and trust your child. If you show her you do, she'll develop good confidence and self-esteem.

Patience/body language: If you model patience, your child will have less stress and pressure. At some point your child will want to learn because his or her friends or cousins have graduated from diapers to underwear. Accidents? Well they happen, it's a part of learning. Praise her for her effort in trying to go and remind her were to go potty or teach her about what happened and how she can recognize to use her muscles down there to hold the pee until she makes its to the bathroom. It's a team effort and empathy, patience, positive reaction go a long way.

REAL cotton underwear: what can i say- there is nothing like feeling wet to get the message through. We've found that using the disposable training pants did not work for us...she never felt wet and thought it was a diaper. They did come in handy for overnight though.

Books (and sometimes video to reinforce): We are a bilingual house so any potty books for girls in the Polish language were golden.

I would say it can be summarized by this formula:

Successful potty training = Preparing ahead of time with reading books/ asking others to help you develop your own approach with each unique child + reading books with your child to introduce potty time and then reinforce your modeling + patience and understanding
+ potty supplies!

Here are some resources to get you started:
Stress-Free Potty Training: A Commonsense Guide to Finding the Right Approach for Your Child by Sara Au and Peter L. Stavinoha, Ph.D.

Once Upon a Potty by Alona Frankel Editions available for girls and boys and Spanish and Polish languages.

The Potty Book for Girls by Alyssa Satin Capucilli Editions available for girls and boys.

Danny is Done with Diapers: A Potty ABC by Rebecca O'Connell

On Your Potty, Little Rabbit by Kathleen Amant

First Day of Kindergarten

2011-08-09T09:00:00.003-05:00

The first day of kindergarten is approaching quickly and for many children the first day of school, particularly kindergarten is a cause of anxiety. Here are a few books to read with your soon-to-be kindergartner that may help ease them into the hustle and bustle of school:

Ready for Kindergarten, Stinky Face? by Lisa McCourt

A mother reassures her son when he imagines increasingly silly things that might go wrong on his first day of kindergarten.

Is your Buffalo Ready for Kindergarten? by Audrey Vernick

Although kindergarten provides unique challenges for a young buffalo, one who follows the rules and tries his best will get along fine.

I Love School! by Philemon Sturges

A brother and sister describe the things they love to do during their day at kindergarten.

Kindergarten Dia ry by Antoinette Portis

Annalina's diary entries reflect her feelings and experiences as she goes from being afraid to go to kindergarten to loving it during her first month of school.

Welcome to Ki ndergarten by Anne F. Rockwell

A boy visits the classroom where he will attend kindergarten the following fall and finds out what is in store for him.

I'm Telling You, Dex, Kindergarten Rocks! by Katie Davis

Dexter knows everything there is to know about kindergarten and is not at all scared about his first day there, but his stuffed dog, Rufus, is very nervous.

Discover more of our favorite first day of school books here.

Check It Out: How'd They Build That? Fire Truck

2011-08-05T09:00:00.000-05:00

How'd They Build That? is a series of videos that looks at how one company builds and puts together school buses, concrete trucks, or in the case of the video I watched, fire trucks. This video looks at the Seagrave Fire Apparatus company which builds fire trucks and fire engines in Wisconsin.

Fire Truck is full of action shots of firefighters, fire trucks, and fire engines. Did you know that there is a difference between fire trucks and fire engines? I didn't before, but I do now! Fire trucks and engines are also marked on the front and side with either a T for truck or E for engine followed by the company number that the vehicle belongs too.

While it was fun watching all the trucks and seeing them get put together, the video is geared towards a 2nd-4th grade level. There is some background information about how the Seagrave company got started and I think that's where a lot of viewers might wander away from the TV. They do show some neat pictures of what fire engines used to look like.

During the video a narrator talks about the different parts and how they might be built. The video covers the cab, hoses, ladders, the base, and the inside. When the narrator isn't talking light rock guitar music plays in the background while different shots are shown. When the video transitions from one part of the truck to another (for example from ladder to cab) Fun Facts come up on the screen. One fun fact let me know that it takes about 1500 to 3500 hours to build just a single truck.

Kids are going to love watching all the different trucks and seeing what they look like as they're being built. Even if they're not interested in learning about the company that can easily be fast forwarded past it. One of my favorite parts was seeing that fire trucks don't have to be red, they can be any color.

If your child is interested in how fire trucks are put together make sure to check out How'd They Build That? Fire Truck. And be sure to look for other How'd They Build That? DVDs in the library.

How'd They Build That? Fire Truck

Check It Out blog posts take a look at DVDs in the Youth Services collection that you might not know about. Look for more Check It Out segments in the future.

Read Aloud to your children

2011-08-02T09:00:00.001-05:00

Reading aloud to children is one of the best ways to help them discover the joy of reading.

It's never too-early-or too late-to start. All children, even infants, can benefit from listening to you read aloud.

Reading aloud can be done anywhere, anytime, with almost any book.

A few quick tips!

*Take books everywhere (the car, bus, doctor office and vacation.)

*Read everyday items, food labels, maps, menus, cereal boxes, road signs, catalogs and newpapers.
*Come to the Des Plaines Public Library. We will help you find books that meet your child's interest and needs.

*Set up a home library area. A few books on a special shelf is a great start. Find books at our Friends Book Sales, garage sales, bookstore sales, and flea markets that children will treasure for years.

Last Chance for Museum Adventures !

2011-07-29T09:00:00.000-05:00

Summer may be halfway through, but there's still time to enjoy a museum adventure or two !

The Museum Adventure Pass Program at the libraries expires this August 31st.

You still have five weeks to sign up in the Youth Services department for a weekly discounted pass to visit one of seventeen wonderful local suburban museums and parks. All you need is your Des Plaines library card! Four passes are available for each museum each week on a first-come first-served basis. Passes are good for one full week from the issue date, and you can select your favorite destination again in the weeks that follow.

So why not take a mini-vacation on us (and Macy's) to share with your children the wonders of Brookfield Zoo's animals, Cantigny Park's tanks, Chicago Botanic Garden's Japanese islands, Morton Arboretum's children's playland, or Mitchell Museum's Native American artifacts to name a few. A complete description of the participating museums including their web addresses is available at the Youth Services desk to help you with your selection.

To those families who have made use of the Museum Adventure Pass Program over the past year, a special thank you for using your Des Plaines library card to expand your children's world and to enrich their lives in this unique way.

MYCatalog

2011-07-26T09:00:00.010-05:00

If you have not tried it yet, you simply must check out the newest version of our online library catalog known as mycatalog. This new system enables you to register your library card and have access to your entire library record (items checked out, contact information, holds) as well as giving you the ability to participate in a world of other activities at the library, at home, or on the go. You can place your own holds, create virtual shelves of books you have already read or would like to read, create lists to share of books you recommend or on a particular topic...you can use it any way you see fit. In addition you can write reviews, see others' recommendations, and be involved in the virtual library community.

Getting yourself registered is pretty simple. Be sure to have your library card at the ready.

To begin, you can link to mycatalog from the left side of the library's home page at dppl.org.

Once you're there, click on the MY DPPL tab.

Type in your library card number (without spaces between the numbers) and your password.
If you have never changed your password, it should still be the word patron. If this does not work for you, try using the "Forgot you Password?" feature.

Once you get logged in, the system will ask you to create a username. This could be your first name, a nickname, a combination of letters and numbers, but something that will maintain your privacy. This will be the screen name that displays if you write comments or share lists.

The process is simple, but please don't hesitate to call or stop in the library if you have any difficulty getting youself or your child registered. We are very excited about this wonderful new resource and can't wait to get you on board! We hope you will find mycatalog as refreshing and helpful as we do.

Looking for a little Summer Fling?

2011-07-22T09:00:00.001-05:00

If the absence of the Taste of Des Plaines from the Library Plaza at the beginning of June left you feeling disappointed, then get yourself ready for the Des Plaines Summer Fling. Beginning yesterday, June 21, and running through Sunday you can join in the fun in Downtown Des Plaines. Bring your entire family for fun, food, and entertainment.

For more information on the Summer Fling, look no further than the Special Events site for the City of Des Plaines here.

Harry Potter Mania

2011-07-19T09:00:00.015-05:00

For those of you who slept through the weekend, you may not have heard stats like 'Harry Potter 7.2 beat the record for best Thursday night opening with 45 million dollars', or 'Harry Potter 7.2 has the biggest weekend opener ever, making $168.6 million'. I know you are thinking: "I'm sorry - did you just say that the last of 8 Harry Potter films made 168.6 million dollars... in one weekend?" And yes, it is true.

Before you start getting upset about how the country is most likely in a double-dip recession and some production company just made 16% of a Billion dollars, think about how important a lesson just occurred. I heard the stats and I cried. I cried? What kind of a response is that? My husband looked at me and said, "What are you crying about? You are talking about sales statistics?" Well, let me tell you...

I cried for several reasons - not the least of which is that I cry at every book's ending. A cathartic response to saying goodbye to characters I have loved for 250 - 500 pages, I cry at the end of almost every book I read. If I don't cry - then I didn't really like the book at all, and while my plans to see the movie don't occur until this upcoming weekend, I know I won't be disappointed (I take no shame in crying in public).

But the biggest reason I cried is probably the most important. I sat there in the car, listened to the statistics, and began talking about a set of books that defined an entire generation, a set of books that were meant for children, but read and loved by old and young alike, a set of books that has been translated into more than 26 languages and crossed cultures and country borders, a set of books that required crowd control at the release of its 7th and final installment. As if that weren't enough, it is my opinion that Harry Potter brought boys back to reading. The boys who already read, they don't need a good story with a large amount of hype to pick a book up off of the shelf, but most do... and in 1998, Harry Potter delivered.

Yes.... I am crying even writing this.

The movies have made the books even bigger, but it hasn't been since STAR Wars that a series of movies or books defined a generation so broadly. The way my dad talks about taking my brother to see STAR Wars when he was young is the way you might talk about taking your kids to see the Harry Potter movies when they are older. If you haven't read any of the books yet, don't hesitate to pick them up and begin. Taking a long car trip? Check out the audio versions of the books... they are most wonderful (and Tony award winning). Read them already? You know you want to read them again.

Most people who already read the entire series when they first came out read them multiple times. Every time a new movie came out, mysteriously all copies of Harry Potter books were gone in an instant... people come back again and again wanting the comfort of an old friend. And yes, in these hard and sometimes harsh economic times, it might seem a little frivolous of us to spend 168.6 Million dollars in a weekend, but it is in these times that people reach for something to comfort them, and this weekend, we all reached for a little magic in the hand of Harry Potter.

Check It Out: We are...The Laurie Berkner Band

2011-07-15T09:00:00.002-05:00

Dreading long drives with the family this summer? Looking for something to play on your car's DVD player that will keep the kids entertained AND not drive you crazy while you drive? Check out We are....The Laurie Berkner Band!

This DVD features 11 music videos for some of The Laurie Berkner Band's most popular songs. Each song is introduced by kids saying the title of the song. Then the music video starts. Some of the songs are performed on a simpler background of colored lights on the walls. Others have a more elaborate setup, for example "Under a Shady Tree" looks like the band is at the beach.

Kids are involved in most of the songs. They pretend to act like bees in "Bumblebee" or marching, eating, and sleeping during "We Are the Dinosaurs." In "O Susannah" a trio of girls sings along in the microphone and plays instruments. The kids are energetic and look like they're having lots of fun. The band looks like they're having a great time too and it comes through in their energetic performance and music.

You can play the DVD from start to finish, or just select which songs to play. Unfortunately it doesn't seem like you can skip ahead during the play all feature to get to the next song. These catchy songs made me want to get up and dance (as well as roar like a dinosaur). The entire DVD lasts 31 minutes, which went by very quick. Kids will be asking to watch it again, and the music is so poppy you'll want to listen to it again too.

There are a couple of bonus features on the DVD: behind the scenes, and two extra songs. The DVD also comes with a bonus CD so you can always play that in the car (or just dance around to it at home).

Next time you're in the library make sure you stop at the desk and see if We are...The Laurie Berkner Band is in!

We are...The Laurie Berkner Band

Check It Out blog posts take a look at DVDs in the Youth Services collection that you might not know about. Look for more Check It Out segments in the future.

Miss Cinderella?

2011-07-12T09:00:00.013-05:00

Did you miss our Cinderella programs? We made our own fairy wings, and you can too! The most fun part is that they are extremely inexpensive to make and could be made with things you would find in your home like: duct tape, wire hangers from the dry cleaners, and knee-high stockings. We had our version of how to make and decorate them, but for the most part, it was similar to this one: here.

If you have any questions or want more crafty ideas, don't hesitate to stop by the Youth Services department.

Are your children getting excited?!?

2011-07-08T14:04:00.000-05:00

With the release of the newest and final Harry Potter movie, and its British premiere yesterday, your children are probably getting excited. You may have sat with your children as your family read the first Harry Potter books aloud, or listened to them on a long car trip to a family vacation, or you may just know them through the movies. Whatever the way you became familiar with Mr. Potter, there is no denying it... there is something about that kid.

If your family is getting as excited about movie 7.2, bring them in to the library on Tuesday, July 12th. From 5:30 to 8:30 in the evening, we are having our Harry Potter Party where they can decorate their own wand, finger knit a house scarf, play in our Quidditch cup relay races, and enter the raffle to win one of our awesome wand making books. During the party, the program Hidden Harry Potter will be going on in Friends rooms B and C on the first floor for adults and families with children 10 and up. Movie expert Steven Frenzel will take you through the movies of Harry Potter to show you the hidden meaning behind the sets, lines, and what you can't see 'behind the scenes'.

While you are in, check out one of the books or Tony Award winning Audiobooks and share them with your family. Start your own Harry Potter family tradition if it hasn't already been started.

Boys' Toys

2011-07-05T09:00:00.001-05:00

"Little boys like little (inexpensive) toys, big boys like big (expensive) toys." These were words of wisdom (warning) to me from my father when my son was young. I don't have any brothers, so my father was always a little worried that I wouldn't quite know what to do with a son.

Unfortunately, my father was correct my son's case. A youthful interest in toy cars gave way to an interest in the real thing. Fortunately, there are local opportunities to see some great cars, without having to buy one.

The Bluesmobile Cruise Nights are just up Northwest Highway from the Des Plaines Public Library on Saturday nights from 6-9 p.m. They are held in the Metra parking lot at Route 83 and Northwest Highway in Mount Prospect. Each week features a different theme , so there are always new cars to see. (Don't tell the "boys" at my house that Corvette Night is August 27. That is a way too expensive toy for us. We'll stick to reading Corvette by Michael Bradley.)

The Des Plaines Fall Fest at Lake Park will also include a car show on Sept 17 and 18.

Do you know of any other local Cruise nights or car shows? Let me know so I can drive on over.

4th of July Fun!

2011-06-30T09:00:00.002-05:00

If your family is bummed by the fact that the downtown fireworks are no longer going to happen in Chicago AND Des Plaines isn't going to have them either, don't fret. There are still tons of fun things to do right in the Des Plaines community. Not only is Arlington Park hosting the July 2nd fireworks so you can enjoy some 'night-before-night-before' excitement (closer to home), but there are other communities hosting fireworks as well including Park Ridge and Mount Prospect.

Here in Des Plaines, we also have our very own festivities going on. The 4th of July parade will begin at 10am at Oakton and Center streets and follow the red, white, and blue stars to the history center. Your family can sit anywhere along the parade route to catch a glimpse of your library staff dressed in their Summer Reading Club best (there is also candy involved!).

Looking for more great stuff to do? Check out Arlington Heights' Frontier Days, and Park Ridge's Annual Celebration (fireworks on 3rd) or Mount Prospect's Village Fair (fireworks on 4th).

For a list of all local celebrations, look here.

Miss the Preschool Fair?

2011-06-28T09:00:00.001-05:00

If you missed the Annual Preschool Fair here at the Des Plaines Public Library in January and can't wait until next year's fair, don't fret... we compile our Preschool Resource Guide straight from the information gathered at the fair. Stop in at the desk and ask to see it - you can copy anything you need.

If you want a better look at the area preschools, feel free to contact their director. Many schools and day cares have Open Houses during the summer to show parents what their child's day will be like. Any school or day care that doesn't have an Open House in the summer will be happy to show you around any time and let you observe a class.

If you would like a list of preschools in the Des Plaines area, you can stop in to the library or take a look at our website here.

Check Out An Award Winning Book!

2011-06-24T09:00:00.000-05:00

The Boston Globe-Horn Book Awards were just announced! This years winners range from a book of nursery rhymes, a look at Benedict Arnold, and a gritty story for high school students about teens on the run.

The books receiving the Boston Globe-Horn Book Honor books sound just as amazing. If you're looking for books for your child, consider checking out some of these books and see if your child thinks they deserve the award!

Boston Globe-Horn Book Award Winners

Picture Book
Pocketful of Posies: A Treasury of Nursery Rhymes by Salley Mavor

Fiction
Blink & Caution by Tim Wynne-Jones

Non-fiction
The Notorious Benedict Arnold: A True Story of Adventure, Heroism, & Treachery by Steve Sheinkin

Boston Globe-Horn Book Honor Books

Picture Book
Dark Emperor and Other Poems of the Night by Joyce Sidman, illustrated by Rick Allen
Pecan Pie Baby by Jacqueline Woodson, illustrated by Sophie Blackall

Fiction
Chime by Franny Billingsley
Anna Hibiscus by Atinuke

Nonfiction
Into the Unknown: How Great Explorers Find Their Way by Land, Sea, and Air by Steward Ross, illustrated by Stephen Biesty
Can We Save the Tiger? by Martin Jenkins, illustrated by Vicky White

Visit the Horn Book website by clicking here to read more. If you or your child has read one of these books, please comment and let us know what you think!

Getting Closer!

2011-06-22T13:14:00.000-05:00

Yesterday started the first day that kids could start coming in for Summer Reading Club prizes! It's been wonderful watching them get so excited about reading. In case you haven't signed up yet, stop in to register your child or children.

As your child reads, they can get a medieval scroll filled with all kinds of coupons for: Mexico Restaurant, Auntie Annie's Pretzels, Game Works, Kane County Cougars, and many more (for kids over 3), or a rubber ducky dressed as a knight, princess, dragon, or king (for kids under 3).

Stop in and join in on the fun - and grab our program guide so you can plan out your summer filled with Medieval Fun!

Get Sync'd This Summer!

2011-06-17T09:00:00.000-05:00

Just like last year, Audiofile will be offering free downloadable audiobooks each week. They combine a classic title with a modern one that's a fitting companion. Some titles that popular with YAs right now that will be offered are Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater and The Last Apprentice: Revenge of the Witch by Joseph Delaney.

Here are all the titles available this summer and when.

June 23-June 29
Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater
Romeo & Juliet by William Shakespeare

June 30-July 6
Little Brother by Cory Doctorow
The Trial by Franz Kafka

July 7-July 13
Where the Streets Had a Name by Randa Abdel-Fattah
A Passage to India by E. M. Forster

July 14-July 20
The Last Apprentice: Year of the Witch by Joseph Delaney
Beowulf by Francis B. Gummere

July 21-July 27
Chanda's Secrets by Allan Stratton
Tess of the D'Urbervilles by Thomas Hardy

July 28-August 3
Ashes, Ashes by Jo Treggiari
Rescue: Stories of Survival From Land and Sea by Dorcas S. Miller (ed.)

August 4-August 10
Immortal by Gillian Shields
Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte

August 11-August 17
Storm Runners by Roland Smith
The Cay by Theodore Taylor

All you need to do to download the books is click on the link below and enter your name and email address. When your teen is looking for some good books for their summer reading have them check out the Sync titles! It's also perfect for them to listen to in the car during those long family car trips. Post us a comment and let us know which book your teen liked best.

http://audiobooksync.com/

Bees and Almonds

2011-06-14T09:00:00.004-05:00

Summer is here and the bees are buzzing. I am glad to hear bees, because almonds are my favorite nut. What do bees and almonds have to do with each other? According to Beespotter, one hundred percent of the almond crop is pollinated by bees. That means if there are no bees, there will be no almonds. What would my Hershey's with Almonds be without the almonds? Not nearly as good, that's for sure.

Beespotter is a website created by University of Illinois researchers to encourage citizen-scientists (in other words, you and me) to collect information about the bee population. Taking pictures of bees, instead of using the pin and display board of my childhood, allows preservation of living bee diversity. Here is an example of a bee spotted on June 3, 2011 in Chicago.

The Great Sunflower Project is also gathering information for a bee census. This site includes a list of flowers, including sunflowers, zinnias and other easy to grow flowers that you can plant to attract bees to add the project's map of bee sightings.

The Feral Bee Project is collecting information as well. The project hopes to encourage beekeepers and citizens to enter the locations of wild honey bee hives. The site includes information on beelining, which is a way to find wild bee colonies.

The Hive Detectives by Loree Griffin Burns is an awarding winning book with lots of fascinating photos. The author writes about a real-life mystery, Colony Collapse Disorder, which threatens the honey bee population.

So the next time you hear an ominous buzz, run for your camera to help advance this scientific project. Let us know what you learn.

College is a Wast of Time pt. 2

2011-06-10T09:00:00.003-05:00

So, with all of my questions surrounding the last post about College students thinking that their time (and your money) is being wasted, I thought perhaps we might get a few responses... but surprisingly, my questions about whether or not all College students think their time is being wasted were answered in the form of another article on CNN. The article, A College Education is Your Best Bet, can be read here.

What are your thoughts? Are they both right? Can college be worth your money and their time, but still not be giving kids all that they need in order to fit into real world situations? The article describes how one man gave kids $100,000 to drop out of college and pursue their entrepreneurial ideas (one of those kids is the author of the article in our previous blog post). He wanted to see if a college education would really make a difference, or if these students would be able to make it simply based on their abilities and merit without a college education - if college was stifling their abilities.

While Stephens seems to think that he was correct, there is direct evidence to the contrary. Read the article and share what you think. College is definitely not for everyone, and everyone has their own strengths. Are the kids who feel college is wasting their time actually wasting their time?

College is a Waste of Time?!?

2011-06-07T09:00:00.037-05:00

I'm sure you have never heard those words before - I know I hadn't, and I was disheartened to read the headline as I have barely put a dent into the student loans I took out to finance that 'waste of time'. As a parent, I am sure you might be surprised to hear that some people think that College is a waste of time... even some students who are still in school are expressing that opinion.

An article on CNN outlines the grievances here, but what I found most surprising - is that students are demanding more of a collaborative environment. They want to make failures into learning experiences and work together with others instead of strictly competing with them. They say they aren't getting the experiences they need to be able to work and learn with others in real-world environments.

With college tuition on the rise, it is very concerning to hear students complain that it is a waste of their time... and a waste of their parents (your) money. What do you think? Will this type of attitude trickle down into high schools and middle schools?

With all of the pressure on teachers today to get kids to perform on national and state-wide examinations, it is hard to make sure kids get the well-rounded education they need. Perhaps, along with piano lessons, soccer leagues, and art classes, you can supplement your child's education with experiences that encourage learning from mistakes and failures outside of school.

Is this just a passing fad or a few very vocal and concerned students? Thoughts?

Summer Reading Club has ARRIVED!

2011-06-03T09:00:00.003-05:00

The Medieval Madness begins this Saturday, June 4 from 1-4 p.m. It's your first opportunity to sign up for A Midsummer Knight's Read Summer Reading Club and get first crack at all the wonderful programs we have going on this summer. Be sure to take a look at our calendar now so you can arrange your calendar for the next two months worth of summer fun!

We will be featuring Games and Magic, Crafts and Cinderella Stories, Shakespeare and author Shelley Moore Thomas, Wizarding and Wild Times! Join us for some Medieval Madness this summer!

Summer Camp Survival Guide

2011-05-30T09:00:00.002-05:00

Is your child headed to Summer Camp this summer? For some kids, this will be their first year going away to camp, for some - they head to the camp they go to every summer. Recently, a book came into the library for just those occasions, The Summer Camp Survival Guide. This book addresses all of the major issues involved with summer camp. From picking which camp to go to and figuring out what to pack, to how to say goodbye to your new friends and stay in touch, this book has it all.

Broken up into chapters, this book is easily accessible and contains loads of advice, gives suggestions of games and word puzzles, and even codes to write home in. If your child is hesitant about heading to camp and you want to get him or her geared up for the adventure, be sure to take this book home.

Pokémon at the Library...Fun and Educational!

2011-05-27T09:00:00.010-05:00

The word Pokémon may be completely unfamiliar to you, but chances are if you’re the relative of a Pokémon fan you’ve heard about these delightful little creatures more than a few times.

Over the past 10 years, children in more than 30 countries have been enjoying the world of Pokémon creatures, which now includes a TV cartoon, movies, toys, books, videogames, and a collectible trading card game. Parents seem especially fond of the card game, as it promotes literacy skills, strategic thinking, and quick mental math. In addition, the Pokémon organized play program puts a strong emphasis on sportsmanship and respect towards others, while awarding (among other prizes) over $100,000 in scholarships annually.

The Youth Services department, in our continuing efforts to bring free, quality children’s programs to the library, recently began running a program called Pokémon League, much to the delight of Des Plaines’ many young Pokémon enthusiasts. Pokémon League happens every Sunday from 2pm to 4pm now through July 31, and during the first three weeks alone more than 75 children ages 6 to17 have participated. The program is a place for local Pokémon fans to get together with their favorite Pokémon cards or Nintendo DS system and have fun together.

Pokémon League focuses on the kids interacting and learning with each other in a fun, non-competitive environment. While they play, the kids have the opportunity to earn neat prizes, which are supplied to the library free of charge. League is supported by the Pokémon organized play system, which awards academic scholarships in the more competitive tournaments that take place throughout the year.

If you know a young Pokémon fan, be sure to let them know about this wonderful program that happens every Sunday afternoon at the Des Plaines Public Library. For more information contact Adam Vernola, DPPL's Pokémon Professor, at 847-376-2838.

In addition, the library collection offers a wide variety of Pokémon items you can check out and enjoy at home, including early reader books, magazines, graphic novels, DVD cartoon episodes, and full length movie DVDs.

Homeschooling Flea Market

2011-05-23T14:44:00.010-05:00

Homeschooling may be the fastest growing form of education in the United States and is also a growing trend around the world in many nations. A recent boom in the number of homeschooled students winning admissions to selective colleges demonstrates the growth and effectiveness of homeschooling. An estimated 1.9 to 2.4 million children (in grade K-12) were home educated during 2005-2006 in the United States.

We have a special section for Homeschooling materials in our library which includes curriculum guides and lesson plan ideas. It is being utilized heavily by non-homeschooling families and homeschooling families alike. Recently Singapore Math is a new series added to the collection.

Once a year, our library hosts a Homeschooling Flea Market. At this event, you may browse various resources used by other families, swap, sell, and buy used materials for your homeschooling needs.

Please come and browse materials on Thursday, May 26 from 6-8 p.m. in Room B/C at the Des Plaines Public Library. Registration is not required. If you have questions, please call
847-376-2804.

A Midsummer Knight's Read: Summer Reading Club 2011

2011-05-20T09:00:00.002-05:00

Lords! Ladies!

Welcome the dawn of a new Summer Reading Club!

Registration begins June 4, 2011.

What a great opportunity to exercise your brain. During a time of year when we take for granted the physical activity we give our bodies...biking, swimming, all kinds of outdoor play...sometimes we neglect to exercise the most important part of our body - our BRAIN! Bring your children to sign up beginning June 4th to participate. They can read by themselves or be read to and earn great prizes along the way.

The Summer Reading Club comes in two parts. Reading is it's own reward, but there are also tons of fun programs happening at the library this summer. This year's theme, A Midsummer Knight's Read, will explore both the facts and the fantasy of the medieval world. We will learn about kings, queens, princes, and princesses. We will make catapults and fairy wings. We will talk and dress like they did in the days of Shakespeare. It's going to be a summer of Medieval Madness!

We will be kicking off the Summer Reading Club on June 4th with a Marvelous Medieval Faire. Join us for this open house between 1-4 p.m. where there will be crafts, entertainment, treats, music, and more. After the fun is done here at the library, head over to Potbelly in Metropolitan Square for dinner to take part in our fundraiser! The library will receive a portion of the proceeds from all purchases made between the hours of 4 and 7 p.m.

Deadline Extended!

2011-05-17T09:00:00.000-05:00

The deadline for your teen to sign up to be a volunteer this summer with the library's Summer Reading Club has been extended!

If your child is entering grades 7-12 and you know they'll be needing community service credit hours for school, National Junior Honor Society, religious education classes, college applications, etc.--now is the time for them to fill out an application!

Being a volunteer during the summer is a lot of fun. Volunteers receive a t-shirt, get to hand out prizes to readers, and help out at fun programs like Pokemon League Games or Not Your Little Sister's Cinderella. They also get to enter a weekly raffle to win a delicious treat from Potbelly's and at the end of SRC there's a great party to thank our wonderful volunteers!

Stop by the Youth Services desk on the 2nd floor to fill out an application today. Volunteer positions are filling up fast!

Wedding Excitement!

2011-05-13T09:00:00.001-05:00

One of our own is getting married! Today our Preschool Liaison librarian, Courtney, is tying the knot. While she's been excited about getting married for a while now, one of the things she might be happiest about is having her two nieces play flower girl.

Are your children going to be standing up in a wedding or attending a wedding this summer? Consider checking out some of the following titles to help them get used to what they can expect during the big day!

The Reluctant Flower Girl by Lynne Barasch
Flower Girl by Kathy Furgang
Flower Girl Butterflies by Elizabeth Fitzgerald Howard
The Ring Bear: A Rascally Wedding Adventure by David Michael Slater
Snapshots from the Wedding by Gary Soto
Lettice: The Flower Girl by Mandy Stanley
Milly's Wedding by Kate Summers

New Parenting Books

2011-05-06T12:54:00.000-05:00

Baby Signing 1-2-3
The easy-to-use illustrated guide for every stage and every age.
J Parent Collection 419.7 CAD

Practical Behavior Management Solutions for Children and Teens with Autism

Outlines a framework for behavior intervention. Includes many practical examples and useful tips.
J Parent Collection 618.9285882 MIL

Better Food for Kids
Information and a essential guide to nutrition for all children from age 2 to 10.
J Parent Collection 641.5622 SAA

Active Parenting of Teens

Provides the guidance and support you need to turn the challenges of raising a teenager into opportunities for growth.

J Parent Collection 649.125 POP

The Way of Boys

The ideal book for parents eager to understand what is going on in the mind and bodies of their young sons.

J Parent Collection 649.132 RAO

Toilet Training In Less Than A Day

A tested method for teaching your child quickly and happily!

J Parent Collection 649.62 AZR

How to Photograph Your Baby

This book is for people who want to create stunning photographs of the babies they love with a minimum of effort and fancy equipment.

J Parent Collection 778.925 KEL

Looking for Something? Try a Garage Sale

2011-05-03T09:00:00.004-05:00

Between the dismal economy and the focus on being green, Garage Sales are the perfect solution to your summer fun. Instead of spending countless weekends driving around aimlessly, take time to visit the many garage sales in the Community Wide Garage Sale. Next weekend, Friday - Sunday (May 13 - 15), many homes in zip code 60016 will be participating in the garage sale, and for those in zip code 60018, it will be the next weekend (May 20 - 22).

Don't have a garage? On May 14, the Mountain View Adventure Center on Algonquin Road is opening up their parking lot for one huge garage sale; spaces are $25 to rent and are the size of an actual parking space. From 8:30am - 2:00pm, hundreds of families and visitors will be able to shop at your tables (just make sure to bring a table to put your items on).

Hopefully the weather will hold so you can get out there and have some fun walking around. Take your kids to pick out their 'new' toys and games from someone's outgrown items. Is there a child soon to be arriving? Look for those expensive baby items that might be able to be reused from someone else.

Looking for a map of the garage sales? Look no further than the City of Des Plaines webpage. The map will be up on May 12.

Tornado Safety

2011-04-29T09:00:00.003-05:00

With the recent outbreak of devastating tornadoes that hit the South, your children might be wondering about tornadoes: how do they form, could this happen here, and what they should do during a tornado.

According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), here are some facts about tornadoes:

Peak season in the southern states is March to May
Peak season for northern states is late spring to early summer
Average speed is 30 MPH, but can vary between 0 and 70 MPH
The path of a tornado can reach over a mile wide and 50 miles longs
Come from strong, powerful thunderstorms
It's possible for every state to be affected by tornadoes

They also have information on their website about what to do before and during a tornado.

BEFORE

Pay attention to weather signs that indicate dangerous weather
Dark, usually greenish sky
Large hail
Large, dark, low-lying cloud
Loud roar (like a train)
Listen to radio or news--if they mention storms approaching be prepared to act fast. Have a plan in place so your children know what to do (There's a reason we practice tornado and fire drills.)

DURING

The FEMA website lists what to do depending on what you're in at the time. If you're in a building, go to the lowest level like a basement. If a basement isn't available go to an inside room on the lowest possible level. Stay away from corners, windows, doors, and outside walls. Get under a table and protect your head and neck with your arms.

If you're outside or in a vehicle, try to get into the nearest building. If that's not possible lie flat in the lowest possible area around, like a ditch. Don't seek shelter under an overpass or bridge.

FEMA has more information available on their site about what to do after a disaster and helping a child coping with distress. Even children who haven't lived through the experience but seen it on TV might experience distress.

If your child would like to learn more about tornadoes, check out these books at our library:

Have Your Teen Volunteer This Summer!

2011-04-26T09:00:00.003-05:00

Is your child in 7th-12th grade? Are they friendly and enjoy working with others? Then they might enjoy being a volunteer for our Summer Reading Club!

One of the reasons our Summer Reading Club is so successful is because of our wonderful teen volunteers. They help sign up children into the Club, hand out prizes, get supplies ready, and help out at programs.

In return they get a head start on their volunteer hours for the school year, a super cute volunteer t-shirt, chances to win prizes with the weekly raffle, and a volunteer party at the end of the Summer Reading Club!

Our Summer Reading Club Volunteer Applications just went out. If your teen is interested, please encourage them to come into the library and pick up an application to fill out. Applications are due by May 16th. We'd love for them to be part of our team!

Great Shakeout 2011

2011-04-22T09:00:00.013-05:00

Earthquakes in Japan have been in the news lately, but did you know that April is Earthquake Preparedness Month here in Illinois? You have probably heard the saying "Stop, Drop and Roll" for fire, but for earthquakes you are supposed to "Drop, Cover and Hold On". This slogan is a reminder to "Drop" down to the floor, take "Cover" under a sturdy desk, table, or other furniture, and "Hold On" to the furniture item and be prepared to move with it until the shaking stops.

Next Thursday, April 28 at 10:15 a.m. is the 2011 Shakeout Drill. You and your family can plan what you will do now to prepare, so that if you are ever in an earthquake you will be able to protect yourself and then recover quickly.

When you register to participate in the drill at www.shakeout.org/centralus you can receive additional information about the drill and earthquake preparedness. For example, you can find a link to play Beat the Quake. (I didn't do so well, but it was fun to play.)

Young children might enjoy reading Earthquakes by Mari Schuh.

Earthquakes: The Science Behind Seismic Shocks a nd Tsunamis is an interesting book for older children.

Remembering the Early Days of Des Plaines

2011-04-20T20:10:00.001-05:00

Who was here before we were here? As part of our "Work, Learn, Play, Remember" theme, we will be hosting a joint program with the Des Plaines History Center this Saturday, April 23. Register at the Youth Services desk or at dppl.org. We'll hear stories, learn a bit of history, AND make a mess fashioning our own arrowheads out of all natural materials!

The Importance of Keeping an Eye on Your Child

2011-04-15T09:00:00.000-05:00

Although they rarely make national headlines, as people who work in the library system, we often hear the horror stories of what can happen when children are left in the library unattended. But the truth is, it doesn't take leaving your child alone in the library for something awful to happen. Recently, at Gail Borden Library in Elgin, a child walked away from a mom who was helping her other child. It took an hour for police to find him, during which the library was in lock-down, but when they eventually picked him up, he had walked a mile away.

You can read more about it here, but the truth of the matter is... here at the library we keep policies about keeping children under 8 near you for a reason. It isn't that we think this is an unsafe area in which to live, but accidents can happen anywhere. There are sliding glass doors that move when there is motion, and although we do our best to keep an eye on the library, there are always moments where we are helping others and can't see every person or child that leaves the library.

We hope that you are understanding of our policies, but most of all, we hope that all children stay safe while they are in our library.

Remember the Civil War?

2011-04-12T09:00:00.010-05:00

My children think I am old enough to remember the Civil War. For the record, I am not. However, I do know that the Civil War began exactly 150 years ago today. I am looking forward to learning more about this historic time period as we begin the Sesquicentennial. (I love fun words, don't you? In case you've forgotten, sesquicentennial means 150th anniversary.)

I was excited to discover the Illinois Civil War Sesquicentennial website. Since it represents the work of Save Illinois History and the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency, the information is reliable and extensive. Downloadable articles and curriculum materials for teachers are included.

This online resource also has a comprehensive calendar of events related to the Civil War Sesquicentennial, including activities at the Lake County Discovery Museum. Free general admission passes are available for Des Plaines Public Library cardholders through the Museum Adventure Pas s program.

One of the dates included in the website's detailed timeline is April 12, 1861. That is the day that Confederate troops fired on Fort Sumter in Charleston, South Carolina. (That's how I knew that the Civil War began 150 years ago today.) The timeline extends through the end of the War in 1865, so there is plenty of time to explore.

You can also explore the books here at the library. Great Civil War Projects You Can Build Yourself has great projects for hands-on learning.

You Wouldn't Want to Be a Civil War Soldier! is a catchy name for a book. I was absolutely convinced of the truth of that title when I read that soldiers often brought their wives along to cook, wash clothes and take care of the sick.

I plan to learn more about this important time in our history throughout the Sesquicentennial. Let me know if you have any good resources to suggest.

April is National Autism Awareness Month

2011-04-08T09:00:00.000-05:00

Did you know that April is National Autism Awareness Month? It was started in the 1970s to bring awareness to Autism.

The Autism Society defines autism as a "complex neurodevelopmental disability" that usual appears in a child's first 2 years. It affects their ability to interact and communicate with others. Autism is a "spectrum disorder" which means that it affects people differently and to different levels. Currently 1 in 110 Americans are being diagnosed as being on the autism spectrum.

You might not be aware that the Des Plaines Library has several resources for parents and caregivers needing information or support. We have a large collection of books for parents needing information or help dealing with particular issues relating to autism. The books are located within our Parenting Collection on the 2nd floor. Here are some selected titles from the collection: Visual Supports for People with Autism, The Official Autism 101 Manual, and Autism Heroes: Portraits of Families Meeting the Challenge.

Also in the Parenting Collection are adapted books for children on the spectrum. These are traditional books that have modified with picture communication added for children to have been understanding of what's happening in the story. The pages are laminated and in a binder to make it easier for them to hold, and there are textured foam "fluffers" that separate the pages to make it easier for them to turn the pages.

The library also maintain the Autism Resource Center, which is a wiki that the library started. This is a site for parents or caregivers where you can find links for local resources such as dentists, family support, or therapists. You can find the link to the wiki here.

Finally, the library runs a monthly program with Rainbow Animal Assisted Therapy where trained therapy dogs help children work on motor skills, interaction, and communication. The children interact with the wonderful aides and dog handlers, while their parents get a chance to check out the library's collection.

If you are a parent of a child who has autism and want to suggest a book for our collection or an area resource for our wiki, please feel free to email us, call us at 847.376.2839, or stop by and talk to us at the 2nd floor information desk the next time you're in.

National Poetry Month and Contest

2011-04-05T11:32:00.000-05:00

Have you been in the library lately? If so, you may have noticed colorful 81/2x11 sheets of paper adorning the walls of the 2nd floor. It is our 2nd annual Poetry Scavenger Hunt funded by the Friends of the Library.

This two part scavenger hunt asks children to find 24 poems scattered throughout the floor, followed by finding 12 poems specifically about subjects listed on the scavenger hunt list. After finishing the first part, children are given a pen (with which to write their own poems) made out of 100% biodegradable materials, and they are given a matching notebook (with which to write their own poems) after finishing the second part.

Bring your kids in to participate today, and while you are here, check out the great poetry books we have in our poetry corner (you know... near the Poet Tree...). They have all month to finish, so if they don't finish while you are here, come back anytime before the end of the month to find all of the poems!

April Fools Anyone?

2011-04-01T09:01:00.000-05:00

How many of you woke up this morning with toothpaste all over your face? How many came downstairs at what you thought was the right time only to find out the clocks had been moved forward an hour or two? Anyone told by their children they saw the school bus go by before it actually did?

Today is April Fools Day, A day that dates back to 1582 in France. King Charles IX introduced the Georgian Calendar, moving the New Year from March 25-April1 (new year's week) to January 1. Because the mail and telephone system were non-existent in those times, news traveled slowly and some people didn't find out about the change for several years, and some refused to make the change, continuing to celebrate on April 1st. Those who continued to celebrate were labeled "fools" and jokes were played on them; invitations to fake parties were sent, they were sent on "fool's errands", all kinds of practical jokes were played.

In that tradition, we still celebrate April Fool's Day in the united states, mostly with kids playing tricks on their parents. More information can be found here about April Fool's Day and how it is celebrated in other countries, but we also have lots of joke books and April Fool's Day books in the collection. Stop in and check one out, but be careful.... you don't want to give your kids ammunition for next year!

Getting Good Deals

2011-03-29T16:00:00.000-05:00

How money-savvy are your kids? I remember my father telling a story he heard from a colleague. The man's son had gone off to college with a checkbook in hand. The young student assumed that as long as there were checks left in the checkbook, there was still money in the account. You can imagine how that turned out. Teens make up an enormous chunk of the consuming public these days. Advertisers bombard teens with products and services clearly designed for their tastes and interests, and sometimes pushing them in directions they didn't even know they wanted to go. Help your teen be a conscientious consumer. The Des Plaines Public Library is once again a partner with the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago for Money Smart Week 2011, April 2-9. The library is hosting three Money Smart programs in April, one of which is Getting a Good Buy: A Money Smart Week Program for Teens. Professor Helen Roberts of the University of Illinois at Chicago Center for Economic Education will present a workshop of educational games and information for students in grades 7-12. Participants will take an active part in learning why the items we want to buy sometimes cost so much more at one store than they do at another, why buying things like smartphone plans and computers makes you feel like you're comparing apples and oranges. In this workshop we will work on taking the frustration and mystery out of getting the best deal.

Countdown to Earth Hour

2011-03-25T09:00:00.004-05:00

If you notice the lights around you going out on Saturday at 8:30 p.m., don't panic. Join millions of people and businesses around the world, and turn yours off, too!

We can all be a part of Earth Hour 2011 on Saturday, March 26 from 8:30 until 9:30 p.m. Lights will be turned off around the world to take a stand against climate change. The WWF (World Wildlife Fund) Australia started Earth Hour in 2007, and it has quickly spread around the world. Last year people in 128 countries and territories participated.

When I turn my lights off tomorrow, I will also be thinking of the people in Japan who have experienced rolling blackouts during this difficult time in their history. Perhaps you and your family will want to turn off your lights, crank up your "green" flashlight, and read a book about Japan. One book you might enjoy is Welcome to Japan. It touches on lots of topics and includes many photos.

Go to http://www.earthhour.org/Homepage.aspx?intro=no for more information about Earth Hour and ideas for fun activities for your family.

Grandparents are VIPs

2011-03-18T09:00:00.002-05:00

Our grandparents are one of a kind! Celebrate them by registering your child (ages 4 - 8 years old) and their grandpa, grandma, or both for the upcoming program, Grandpa, Grandma & Me Time on Saturday, March 26th from 10:30 a.m. - noon. If you are a grandparent, we'd love to see you there with your grandchildren! Register at the Youth Services Desk, 847-376-2839 or register online at www.dppl.org. Click on Events and follow directions.

It'll be a "grand" time for all with stories, refreshments, activities and a special photo craft to take home.

Get your children thinking about how special their grandparents are by reading books from the library's collection. Laura Numeroff's book, What Grandpas do Best : What Grandmas do Best is a tribute to the everyday things our grandparents do. Start with Grandpa and when you read halfway, flip the book upside down to start reading about Grandma!

Let's honor and recognize our loving grandparents for who they are to our families!

Preschoolers and the Television

2011-03-15T09:43:00.000-05:00

The TV: for adults, although it wastes our time, it can create hours of entertainment.... but for kids, and their still developing brains, it can be detrimental. Most parents know this, but what they don't know - is how much TV exposure their children are getting when they aren't there.

This past fall, I read an article about how much television children in the United States are exposed to.... two-thirds of them are exposed to more than the recommended two hours per day. I found the article incredibly eye opening. Some caregivers aren't aware that there are even guidelines about television exposure for kids. Make sure that whomever is taking care of your children, they know what YOUR guidelines are for what you want your children to experience. If you want to read the article, check here.

Check It Out: Grammar Tips for Students

2011-03-11T08:00:00.000-06:00

Grammar Tips for Students is a DVD series that goes over the rules of English grammar. There are eight separate discs that discuss different aspects of grammar. Instead of playing like a traditional DVD (straight through) you choose what chapters you want to watch. This way you can pick and choose which lessons are ones your child/student needs to watch instead of advancing through chapters or making them sit through all segments. Each segment is between 2 and 4 minutes long and covers a specific grammar lesson.

For example in the DVD Using Capitalization & Punctuation, there were chapters about "Capitalizing Proper Nouns and Proper Adjectives" and "Using Colons." These segments gave easy to understand examples of what proper nouns and proper adjectives are (Even I learned about proper adjectives. Did you know they're formed from proper nouns? Proper nouns can also function as proper adjectives--pretty cool!) as well as colons. The hosts (a boy and girl, roughly 17-20 years old) cheerfully explain what each item is and how you can use it.

The DVDs say that the series is for grades 5-12 and it definitely is. The hosts explain things in detail, but they move quickly through each item. While I liked that they were able to succinctly explain information in under 4 minutes, it moves too fast for younger viewers. If any parents are looking for a refresher to better their proofreading skills for school papers this is the set to check out. I know I'll be checking them out for myself!

You can find these DVDs in our Nonfiction DVD section. Click on the titles below to see more information about the item in the library catalog. Feel free to stop by the desk for other recommendations as well.

Using Verbs
Using Nouns and Pronouns
Using End Marks and Commas
Using Clauses and Phrases
Using Capitalization and Punctuation
Using Adjectives, Adverbs, and other Modifiers
Sentence Structure
Common Usage Errors

Check It Out blog posts take a look at DVDs in the Youth Services collection that you might not know about. Look for more Check It Out segments in the future.

Biography

2011-03-08T09:59:00.000-06:00

I recently read a wonderful biography for children that made me think about children reading good biographies. Imaginative as children are, there are times when they prefer to turn to facts. I find that facts are the essence of biographies, revealing the truth of history with more drama than it is possible to convey in most other nonfiction books.

Biographies tell of real people and real events, and may encourage imitation while depicting the difficulties and achievements of others. Because of their reality, biographies can help clarify and focus youthful ambition.

When my son was in 4th or 5th grade, he read the 'Gerrard Discovery Biography' series during his summer vacation. They were interesting and well written. Each volume gave a different impression and a new perspective on a famous person's life.

One biography or memoir I recommend often is 'My Thirteenth Winter', by Samantha Abeel. Samantha Abeel tells her own story of being diagnosed and living with a learning disability in spite of being incredibly gifted in most other areas like creative writing and poerty. I would like to recommend this book for 5th grade or older students.

We have impressive BIOGRAPHY collection that offers titles from social reformers and presidents to inventors and more. Please check the area and find someone your child might like to read about. If you don't find what you are looking for, feel free to ask!

Remember the Ladies

2011-03-04T09:00:00.032-06:00

The nation celebrates National Women's History Month during the month of March! The achievements and contributions of women to the world throughout history is certainly interesting and inspirational to us all.

While, most of us recognize the names of Amelia Earhart, Emily Dickinson, Marie Curie, Helen Keller, Sacagawea, Susan B. Anthony, Jane Addams, Frida Kahlo and Rosa Parks, there are many others that have made their mark in history, challenged society, fought for equal rights, advanced medicine and technology, achieved greatness, and changed our lives.

Here are some recommendations of books, a program opportunity and a electronic resource that might open a window of insight and inspiration for today's generation:

Join us for HANDS ON SCIENCE - THIS SATURDAY, March 5, 2011

Make your own contribution to science! Enjoy a fun filled workshop honoring the contributions of famous women in science. You'll make a chemical cold pack, change protein molecules and make a model Saturn planet to take home. Be inspirered by learning about these oustanding scientists: Marie Curie, Rosalind Franklin and Sally Ride. Registration is required. Register at the Youth Services Desk, 847-376-2839 or resiter online. Click on Events and follow the directions.

Almost Astronauts; 13 Women who Dared to Dream By Tanya Lee Stone. Winner of the Siebert Award (for the most distinguished informational book published each year)

What to Do About Alice?: How Alice Roosevelt Broke the Rules, Charmed the World, and Drove her Father Teddy Crazy!

Michelle Obama: Mom-in-Chief

Amelia to Zora: Twenty-Six Women Who Changed the World

For additional information, browse the "Notable Women" section in Biography In Context, an online library resource you can access from home with your Des Plaines library card or utilize while at the library. This database is a great source for any inquiry as it contains over a million biographical entries.

See if you can "Remember the Ladies" by making your own top 10 list. Who is important to you and your family? Who will make your list and why?

Friends of the Library Book Sale

2011-03-01T09:00:00.009-06:00

It may not feel like spring, but the change of season is definitely on its way. Get a head start on some of your spring cleaning ambitions by donating your used books and other media to the Friends of the Library Book Sale, coming this April 1-3. Half the battle of cleaning house is knowing there is a place to deposit the items you discard. Most organizing experts say that it's best to start with three piles: 1) items that may be recycled, 2)items that may be for the trash, and 3) items that may be of use to others and so donated to a place that can redistribute your belongings. The Friends are happy to redistribute your items that were once loved, but are now just taking up space that could work harder for you than acting as receptacle for your read-once books and now uploaded CD's.

The Friends are a generous provider of funds that allow our Youth Services department to bring great entertainers to the library, to offer support for our programs such as Winter Reading Club and Summer Reading Club, and to assist us in providing ease of use to services like our Book Bags for Teachers.

April 1 is a members only chance to get first crack at the great deals the sale has to offer on used books and other materials. You can become a member at the door: $5 for individuals, $10 for families. The sale is open to the general public on Saturday April 2 and Sunday April 3.

See you there! I'm still enjoying the several cookbooks and exercise dvd's I picked up at last fall's event. You never know what kind of gems you might find...

"Peanuts... Get Your Peanuts!!!"

2011-02-25T09:00:00.001-06:00

For most people, the thought of a man walking up and down stairs screaming this at the top of his lungs brings back fond memories of family trips to ball games and circuses, but for some parents, it can be a nightmare.

Between 4 and 8% of children have allergic reactions to foods, but of all of them, the most dangerous is a peanut allergy, which afflicts 1% of children. While that might sound like a lot of children, parents can sometimes feel isolated by their child's condition and it can cause a fear of public places if the allergy is severe. If you, like many other parents, have a child in your family with a peanut allergy, the website www.peanutallergy.com is a great resource for information including prevention, treatments, and foods to avoid as well as food brands that are 100% peanut free.

Annoyed Yet?

2011-02-22T09:00:00.001-06:00

You have seen it... and I know you have heard it.... you probably have given another parent an understanding and sympathetic look during it. The tantrum.

There is good news coming out of new research on the developing human brain and why kids ages 18months - 4 years throw tantrums. According to this research, it isn't their fault, and better yet - it isn't yours. For more information and tips on how to cope mid-tantrum with your bundle of joy, read Why Toddlers Throw Temper Tantrums, and then go get yourself a bowl of ice cream... because you deserve it after a hard day.

Picking a Perfect Pet

2011-02-18T09:00:00.004-06:00

Do you remember having a pet when you were young? Children often develop a very strong attachment to a special pet, but the adults in the household know that pets are a big responsibility. If your child manages to persuade you that a pet is a good idea for your home, it pays to do your research.

Of course, the library is the best place to begin. Animals in the House: A History of Pets and People is an interesting overview of many different kinds of pets, but we have many other books and magazines as well. I love looking at the photographs in Bird Talk, Cat Fancy, and Dog Fancy, available in the magazine collection.

A family field trip is also a great opportunity to learn about possible pets. Many area clubs for pet lovers have annual shows that you can attend. Members of these clubs are a great source of information and are very enthusiastic about their animals.

If you are considering a dog, the International Kennel Club of Chicago has their annual show February 26 & 27 at McCormick Place. This is a benched show, so the animals stay in the exhibit hall for you to look at.

If you think you are a cat person, you might prefer the Lincoln State Cat Club show, also February 26 & 27. The event will include up to 225 cats, and will be held at Harper College in Palatine.

The Greater Chicago Bird Club holds their spring show on Saturday, March 5 at the DuPage County Fairgrounds in Wheaton. The event includes adoption birds, in addition to all sorts of equipment and supplies for pet birds.

Parenting Tips

2011-02-15T09:00:00.001-06:00

Raising children is hard, and no one can do it alone. There are many ways to get good parenting advice. The library would like to be a place for advice through the books we have in a designated section called, "Parenting Collection", where you can browse and take home a book or magazine to read.

You can also look online for our Kidding Around blog where we occasionally list our New Parenting booklists. We have books on issues like discipline, potty training, eating problems, bedtime and many more other books on a concern you might have.

*Show your Love. Everyday, tell your children: "I love you. You're special to me." Give lots of hugs and kisses.
*Listen when your children talk. Listening to your children tells them that you think they're important and that you're interested in what they have to say.

*Make your children feel safe. Comfort them when they're scared. Show them you've taken steps to protect them.

*Praise your children. When your children learn something new or behave well, tell them you're proud of them.

*Criticize the behavior, not the child. When your child makes a mistake, don't say, "You were bad." Instead, explain what the child did wrong.

*Be consistent. Your rules don't have to be the same ones as other parents have, but they do need to be clear and consistent to everyone that comes into your home.

*Spend time with your children. Do things together, such as reading, walking, playing and cleaning the house. What children want most is your attention. Bad behavior is usually an attempt to get your attention.

Looking for a place to start? Our Parenting Collection is on display through the end of the month. Stop by the 2nd floor and take a look.

Love Your Library: just in time for Valentine's Day

2011-02-11T09:00:00.007-06:00

We love our patrons. You are the reason we present programs. You are the reason we purchase materials. You are the reason we greet you at the reference desk and answer your questions.

How can you love us back this Valentine's Day (or any day for that matter)?

Let me count the ways:

Come to our programs. Bring your family. Invite a neighbor. The more people that attend our programs, the more likely we are to be able to bring you more programs in the future.

Check our materials out of the library. Take them home and share them with your family. The more materials you check out of the library, the more likely it is that we are able to provide you with more materials in the future.

Think you have too many books at home as it is? Get some fresh ones by visiting the library and checking out some great NEW books. And as for the books that you've had enough of?...bring them to the Friends of the Library to be sold in their book sales. Those funds then directly help the library bring you exciting programs and services like our big holiday extravaganza programs and Friends & Family Sundays.

Can't find what you're looking for or don't know where to start? Ask your librarian a question. Encourage your children to get to know us and feel comfortable approaching us. The more questions you ask, the more we know about what you're looking for and why. We can then better serve you by providing you with the most useful materials and tools.

We love the library and we know you do too. Spread the word...and the LOVE!

Suburban Mosaic 2010-2011

2011-02-08T09:00:00.006-06:00

Valentine's Day is almost here, and no doubt your children are busy making little gifts and cards for family members and classmates. Maybe they are cutting and pasting little pieces of brightly colored paper into a collage or mosaic heart to show you how much they love you. In the loving spirit of this holiday, I'd like to call your attention to Suburban Mosaic, a Cook and Lake County oriented community reading program, and its very special "mosaic" of books for children and adults.

The books that were chosen illustrate how caring people make a difference in diverse multicultural communities such as ours. This month, participating northwest suburban libraries, school districts, and colleges are highlighting six sensitive books through read-alouds, book discussions, and making copies of the books available to you to read on your own. Suburban Mosaic hopes that offering such outstanding book choices to your family will foster cultural understanding and a coming together between neighbors of many different racial, ethnic, and religious backgrounds.

This year's selections are:

Pre-K: How to Mend a Broken Wing by Bob Graham

Grades K-3: Listen to the Wind by Greg Mortensen

Grades 4-5: Notes from the Dog by Gary Paulsen

Middle School: Back Home by Julia Keller

High School: Carbon Diaries 2015 by Saci Lloyd

Adult: The Help by Kathryn Stockett

Suburban Mosaic has been selecting books such as these for your family since 2004. Information about participating libraries and schools, as well as a complete list of past titles is available on the Suburban Mosaic website. I hope that your family will have the opportunity to share and enjoy one of these exceptional books.

Missed the Preschool Fair?

2011-02-04T09:00:00.002-06:00

If you weren't one of the 45 families that made it out to our annual Preschool Fair, have no fear. Each year, we compile one copy of the information each preschool and child care facility gives out and keep it in a binder at the Youth Services Desk.

You can stop by the desk to see a list of the schools that participated in the fair, browse through the book, and copy any materials that might be helpful. If you don't have time to stop in, you can always check out the website for the library to look at the list of preschools in Des Plaines here.

Let us know how we can help you, and make sure to come to next year's fair, January 14, 2012.

Vaccines

2011-02-01T09:00:00.008-06:00

With all the discussion about vaccines and their link or their lack of link to Autism, you might be confused. Recently, there was an article about Dr. Wakefield who conducted the research on the link between Autism and vaccines and how the research was not done correctly. You can find that article here.

If you are concerned about your child's health and want to be sure to get all of the information available, there are several websites to check out. If you can't find the information you are looking for in the links listed, feel free to stop by the Youth Services department where we house the Parenting Collection of materials. We just may have the information you are looking for on our shelves, but if not, we can certainly help you find the information in our many health databases such as WebMD.

A Parent's Guide to Kids' Vaccines

CDC Vaccinations Homepage

Concerns About Autism

Refusing Kids' Vaccine More Common Among Parents

New Parenting Books

2011-01-28T09:00:00.005-06:00

Bringing Up Girls
This book will equip parents to face the challenges of raising your daughters to become healthy, happy, and successful women.
J Parent Collection 248.845 DOB

The Secret Lives of Teen Girls
What your mother wouldn't talk about but your daughters need to know.
J Parent Collection 613.955 RES

Mommy, Mommy, What In Your Tummy?
A lift the flap book to see as the children guess what it could possibly be.
J Parent Collection 618.24 SIM

Short Term Play Therapy for Children
This book is full of very helpful and creative play therapy interventions.
J Parent Collection 618.92891653 SHO

Help My Kid Is Driving Me Crazy
Read about the 17 ways kids manipulate their parents, and what you can do about it.
J Parent Collection 649.1 SWA

Potty Training Boys the Easy Way
Provides a guide that includes advice on way to help your son reach this important milestone calmly and confidently.
J Parent Collection 649.62.FER

Raising an Athlete
How to instill confidence, build skills and inspire a love of sports.
J Parent Collection 796.083 PER

Black History Month

2011-01-25T09:00:00.001-06:00

Every year, the month of February is devoted Black History Month. Help your children to understand how the history of African Americans is a part of American history. If you are wondering how February became Black History Month and who created it, stop by the YS desk and we can help you find a book about Carter G. Woodson, an African American historian who created what would become Black History Month in 1920 (then it was known as Negro Week). African American didn't have the right to vote at the time, and lynching and other inhumane treatments were not uncommon, so Dr. Woodson began Black History Month because the contributions of African American were not well-known enough or not known at all. He chose February for the celebration because it is the birth month of Frederick Douglass (well known black social reformer, writer, and orator) and President Abraham Lincoln.

Get Fit!

2011-01-21T09:00:00.001-06:00

Has your New Year's resolution for you and your family to get (or stay) in shape already winding down? Don't let the cold weather stop you! The Center for Disease Control and Prevention says that children need 60 minutes of physical activity a day (click here). The majority of the 60 minutes should be an aerobic activity, meaning a good heart pumping activity like fast walking or running. Push-ups or other muscle strengthening moves should be done at least 3 times a week as part of the 60 minutes. Other exercises to include are things like jumping rope which help to strengthen bones. These moves also count towards the 60 minutes, and like muscle strengthening, should be done at least 3 times a week.

While all this sounds like a lot, it's really not! Kids run around all time, getting exercise during gym and recess at school. It's important to continue physical activity at home by encouraging kids to get off the couch and go to the park or participate in sports.

Adults, we're not off the hook either! The CDC reports from the 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans that adults need both aerobic exercise and muscle strengthening. There are several ways you can do this.

2.5 hours of moderate aerobic activity every week (like brisk walking) combined with working all your major muscle groups by doing strengthening moves two days a week
or 1 hour and 15 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity each week (like jogging/running) combined with working all major muscle groups via strengthening moves twice a week
or an equal mix of moderate and vigorous activity along with doing the strength training twice a week

Why doesn't the family exercise together? Go for a walk outside, play tag, or have a contest to see how many sit-ups everyone can do. Give out rewards like stickers or mini trophies. Show that you're having a good time being fit and moving around so that they'll be excited to join you. Give positive encouragement so that they feel like they can do it. Pretty soon everyone will be having so much fun they won't realize they're getting healthy while they're doing it.

What happens when the frigid temperature comes and it's too cold to be outside? Then turn on some music and have a family dance party! Or, for the older kids, consider getting a Wii Fit to help everyone stay active. The library has lots of exercise videos for kids as well. Stop by and pick up a title and everyone can try it out together. Not only will you have fun spending time together as a family, but you'll be stronger and fitter too.

Videos to try out:

Alphabet Fitness
Get Fit America for Kids
Tae Bo Kicks
YogaKids: Silly to Calm

Free Museum Admission

2011-01-18T09:00:00.007-06:00

Many of you enjoy using our Museum Adventure Pass program for free admission or discounts to museums and cultural institutions throughout the Chicago suburbs. Sometimes we run out of passes, or receive requests for museums that aren't part of the program. I am excited to let you know that several of those museums are currently offering discounted admission days.

Shedd Aquarium has Community Discount Days every Monday and Tuesday in January. Community Discount Weeks are January 16-21 and February 20-24.

The Museum of Science and Industry offers free general admission on weekdays throughout January, as well as February 1, 8, 14, 15 and 22.

The Field Museum has free admission days on January 18, 19, 24, 26 and 31 and February 2, 3, 8, 9, 14, 15 and 17.

The Art Institute of Chicago has free winter weekdays through February 4. Free general admission from 5 to 8 p.m. on Thursday evenings continues through May 26.

Brookfield Zoo offers free general admission on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays through February.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

2011-01-14T09:00:00.013-06:00

Monday, January 17, 2011 is the 25th anniversary of the federal Martin Luther King, Jr. Day observance. Signed into law by President Ronald Regan in 1983 and first observed in 1986, the day is encouraged as a day of service to others in recognition and in honor of Rev. Dr. King's contributions to community action.

So many wonderful books for children have been written about Martin Luther King, Jr. Some standouts you won't want to miss are

Martin's Big Words: the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by Doreen Rappaport

and My Dream of Martin Luther King by Faith Ringgold.

The Corporation for National and Community Service is a federal organization that offers suggestions for individuals, groups, or families looking for service opportunities. Check out their web page that focuses specifically on service projects for MLK Day at MLKDay.gov.

Free Preschool Fair for Parents

2011-01-13T13:30:00.000-06:00

Finding the right preschool fit for your child can be a daunting task, especially with so many options available these days. Parents are invited to learn more about area preschools at the Des Plaines Public Library's Annual Preschool Fair, Saturday January 22 from 11am to 12:30pm. This fair is free and the first 40 families to attend will receive a DPPL tote bag and a copy of the 2010 Monarch Illinois Readers' Choice Award winning picture book, Scaredy Squirrel by Melanie Watt, compliments of the Friends of the Library.

Representatives from 26 schools located in Des Plaines and the surrounding area will be on hand to answer your questions, including:

Alexander Graham Bell Montessori School (Wheeling)
Brentwood Christian Academy (Des Plaines)
Bright Beginnings, Niles Park District (Niles)
Bright Horizons (Mount Prospect)
Children's Choice at Holy Family (Des Plaines)
Embers Elementary (Park Ridge)
First Congregational Preschool (Des Plaines)
Guardian Angel Day School (Des Plaines)
Illinois Action for Children (Chicago)
Immanuel Lutheran Preschool (Des Plaines)
Lattof YMCA (Des Plaines)
Little Lamb Preschool (Des Plaines)
Mary, Seat of Wisdom (Park Ridge)
Montessori Academy of Illinois (Park Ridge)
Mount Prospect Child Care, Inc. (Mount Prospect)
Oakton College Early Childhood Center (Des Plaines)
One Hope United Child Development Center (Des Plaines)
Our Lady of Destiny Preschool (Des Plaines)
Safari Daycare (Mount Prospect)
Saint John Brebeuf Preschool (Niles)
Saint Mark Preschool and Child Care (Mount Prospect)
Saint Zachary Catholic School (Des Plaines)
Science and Arts Academy (Des Plaines)
SPARK Preschool at Terrace School (Des Plaines)
STAR Preschool in District 62 (Des Plaines)
Trinity Preschool (Mount Prospect)

Stop in and explore your options!

Got Holiday Junk?

2011-01-07T09:00:00.024-06:00

Most people remember to recycle some of the more obvious holiday trash items... the gift boxes, wrapping paper rolls, tissue paper, and toy boxes... but there are few of us who remember that there are other items from the holidays that can be recycled as well; items such as stringed lights and evergreen trees. To help in the reduction of our city's carbon footprint, the city has put together tree pick-up and light drop-offs to recycle the decorations.

You should have already had your tree picked up if you left it at the curb this week, and now you can do more by recycling your lights... you can look HERE for more information on the recycling program. Make sure to take part in this recycling exercise, and don't miss out on this teaching moment and share it with your kids. Need help explaining why recycling is important? Stop by the library where we have plenty of materials on recycling!

New Year...New Storytime

2011-01-04T09:00:00.014-06:00

Some minor changes are coming to the storytime schedule in the new year. We have heard your voices and are adding an afternoon program to our offerings for those of you who have expressed interested in joining us for storytimes, but your children are in morning school or programming elsewhere. Thursday morning program times have changed slightly to ease the transition period from one program into the next. We hope you will enjoy this season's offerings.

The schedule will be as follows for January-April, 2011:

Family Storytime, first and third Mondays 7:00 p.m.
for families with children ages 2-8
January 3 and 17
February 7 and 21
March 7 and 21
April 4 and 18

Toddler Twos Storytime, Thursdays 10:30-10:50
For 2 year-olds accompanied by a parent or caregiver
January 13, 20, 27
February 10, 17, 24
March 10, 27, 24
April 7, 14, 21

Afternoon Preschool Storytime, Wednesdays 2:00-2:30
For 3-5 year-olds
January 12, 19, 26
February 9, 16, 23
March 9, 16, 23
April 6, 13, 20

Morning Preschool Storytime, Thursdays 9:30-10:00
January 13, 20, 27
February 10, 17, 24
March 10, 17, 24
April 7, 14, 21

We look forward to the new and improved schedule and hope you will join us for whichever program suits your needs best. Feel free to write us a comment card or talk to one of the Youth Services Department staff and let us know how the changes are working out for you.

New Beginnings (a.k.a. The End of a Tough Year)

2010-12-31T09:00:00.016-06:00

Through all of the rough-going we've endured here at the library in the last six months or so, it's nice to know that in difficult times your Des Plaines Public Library is OPEN FOR BUSINESS.

We are a wonderful respite for you and your children in the middle of a busy day of shopping.

Work together as a family to select a great book to share, plop yourselves down in a comfy chair or beanbag or on the floor and get lost in a story.

Relax with a good book or catch up on your correspondence while your kids are close-by enjoying our collection of materials or educational computer games.

Looking for some new music? Some of the lesser used parts of our CD collection are on display during this time of year. Discover a new favorite.

You can come and browse, check out, or print delicious and healthy recipes to share with family and friends.

Select a few DVDs to take home. Snuggle the whole family on the sofa during the coldest of January nights and share a movie and a bowl of popcorn.

Books, music, movies, computers, programs - it's all free - every day. That is something for which I am VERY thankful.

Think About Someone Else

2010-12-28T09:00:00.000-06:00

Now that this year is coming to an end... did your family do enough to help others this year? If you are thinking 'sort of, but we probably could have done more', start the year off right and participate in the 14th annual Kohl's Step Up for Kids... You and your family can walk up the 80 floors of the Aon Center, one of Chicago's tallest buildings, and make a difference in another family's life.

By going to their website here, you can sign up to participate and then gather pledges from family and friends to get them to their goal of $600,000. All proceeds will benefit the Family Services department of the hospital through their K.I.D.S.S. for Kids organization. This will provide services for children who might not otherwise afford them and provide housing for families needing to stay near their child during their stay. You can individually participate and be a great example for your kids, or start a team and get your whole family involved!

Remember that there are plenty of volunteer opportunities throughout the community, so if this one doesn't suite you or your family's needs.... find another!

Always Open @ www.dppl.org

2010-12-24T09:00:00.004-06:00

The Youth Services Department staff is very much looking forward to spending some time with family and friends this holiday season. Even though our doors may be closed for a day or two, you can access the library's web resources 24 hours a day at http://www.dppl.org/.

The library will be closed on the following days:

Friday, December 24, 2010

Saturday, December 25, 2010

Friday, December 31, 2010

Saturday, January 1, 2011

Happy Holidays to all from the Youth Services Department staff of the Des Plaines Public Library.

There's a Nonfiction DVD collection on the 2nd Floor??!

2010-12-21T09:00:00.000-06:00

Our nonfiction DVDs just don't get as much recognition as our Family or Children DVDs. Yes, factual DVDs are a useful tool to help teach information to your child or classroom but are they catchy enough to hold their attention?

Yes! At our library we have many wonderful nonfiction DVDs that you might not know about. Every month I'd like to highlight a different nonfiction DVD series that you should check out. This month's I wanted to draw your attention to a series of awesome science DVDs aimed at older viewers, grades 5-8. This series is The Science of Disney Imagineering. What does Disney know about science you're asking? Let's take a look!

The extremely personable host, Asa, is a Disney Imagineer. What's a Disney Imagineer? Disney Imagineers are the people who come up with and create Disney experiences like cruise ships, resorts, and especially theme parks and rides. Asa explains concepts like magnetism, electricity, energy, and gravity and demonstrates how it is applied in Disney attractions.

While the DVDs may seem to an adult like advertising for Disney parks, to the kids watching it's a fun show, but one that's teaching at the same time it is entertaining. In watching the DVD on Magnetism I learned that magnets can be permanent magnets, which means that they are always "on"-always repulsing and attracting. Then there are magnets that are electromagnetic. These magnets are only magnetic when electricity is running through it. Asa showed examples of each of these magnets-name tags for permanent magnets and a crowd control gate for electromagnetic. Then he showed an example of the two working together. One particular Disney coaster uses both kinds of magnets to push the roller coast car up to 60 MPH in 2.8 seconds. Amazing!

Next time you're looking for interesting DVDs that are educational, check out the Science of Disney Imagineering series. Who says science is boring?!

Click here to see the catalog records for Science of Disney Imagineering.

Electricity

Friction

Animal Adaptions: Communication

Energy

Design and Models

Magnetism

Newton's 3 Laws of Motion

Fluids

Trajectory

Levers and Pulleys

Gravity

Make Your Holiday Magic

2010-12-17T09:00:00.005-06:00

After you have hung the lights and trimmed the tree at home, why not light up your winter holidays with a trip to the zoo?

Brookfield Zoo is celebrating its 29th annual Holiday Magic Festival of Lights nightly December 26-31 and January 1 from 4:00-9:00 pm.

Costumed characters meet you at the gates, dancers, choirs, and musicians entertain you in the Holly Jolly Theater, and you can watch ice carvers work their special magic. As you walk the mall past hundreds of decorated trees, you will see an amazing animated light display of penguins, giraffes, and even the Abominable Snowman. In addition, you can sing carols to the bison and big cats, see swimming polar bears and grizzlies, check out model trains, take a train ride, or enjoy a Dolphin show !

Most animal buildings, including the new Great Bear Wilderness, will be open each evening, as will the Children's Zoo where you can have your picture taken with a real reindeer, and the Hamill Family Play Zoo where you can make a holiday craft. Of course there are also gift shops for last minute purchases, and yummy holiday treats like cookies, hot chocolate, cider and more at the zoo's many restaurants and food stands.

For more information and a daily schedule of events call (708) 688-8000 or go online to Brookfield Zoo's website