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

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.

St. Patrick's Day

It may have something to do with the fact that I am practically all Irish, or that my last name starts with O', or the fact that my birthday is the day after it, but for whatever reason, St. Patrick's Day (March 17th) is my favorite holiday of the year. It is a day of celebration - not only is the weather getting nicer, but the great food and general cheer are the way of people on this day, and in Chicagoland, everyone is Irish on St. Patrick's Day.

At 10:45 am on March 13th of this year, the Chicago River will be inundated with 40 pounds of green dye for the annual dying of the river in honor of the St. Patrick's Day parade. Interestingly enough, the phrase 'The road to Chicago is marked in green' comes from this annual dying. From the Chicago River, to the Illinois River. to the Mississippi River, the green travels along, finally entering the Gulf of Mexico and being transported over the Atlantic Ocean in the Gulf Stream. You can see the beautiful green color the entire way, clearly marking the way from Chicago to Ireland.

The City of Chicago may not have a lot of money, for celebration but they are still having their annual St. Patrick's Day parade at noon on Saturday, March 13th. See the river dyed, and then get yourself to Grant Park for their shortened, but none-the-less exciting parade culminating in the presence of our 2010 Queen of St. Patrick's Day, Kerry Ann Brennan of Orland Park. Gather up your whole family, pack a lunch of corned beef sandwiches, and make sure to bring lots of warm clothing. For more information visit www.chicagostpatsparade.com.

When you are back from the parade, be sure to stop in the library to check out our display of St. Patrick's Day books on the 2nd floor so you can answer all of your children's questions about this festive and exciting day.

Sláinte! (an Irish greeting or toast, pronounced SLAWN-chuh meaning "health" in Gaelic)

Boy Scouts of America Turn 100!

February 8, 2010 marks 100 years since the founding of the Boy Scouts of America. Congratulations to the many members and leaders that helped to form and to those who actively make the Boy Scouts what it is today.

The Boy Scout slogan, which all involved strive to achieve, is "to do a good turn daily."

For 100 years boys have been taught character, merit, leadership, and service. Locally, for anyone who wants to learn more about Boy Scouts, the Northwest Suburban Council website is an excellent resource. There, I found a poem called The Scouting Trail by Norman Rockwell:

"This is the Trail that the Scout shall know
Where Knightly qualities thrive and grow;
The trail of honor and truth and worth....."

Please visit the new Boy Scout handbook and merit badge resources that the library has to offer, look for this special display to be highlighted in the Youth Services department beginning February 15.

Our library has been the recipient of many visiting Cub Scout/Boy Scout troops throughout the past years. The resources and meeting spaces here have proven valuable to leaders as they present project components to their members. If you lead a Boy Scout troop or have a scout in your family, you are invited to explore the possibilities of utilizing the library while traveling "the Scouting Trail."

Happy 100th Birthday to the Boy Scouts of America. Here's to the next 100!

Ready.....Set.....Back To School!

Whether your child is just beginning school or a returning student, the new school year is likely to bring with it feelings of anticipation, excitement, and nervousness!

With the start of school, the lazy, hazy days of summer automatically give way to the activities of acquiring school supplies, clothing, and shoes. Also included in the back to school buzz are packing nutritious lunches, carpool schedules, after school lessons, additional trips to the grocery store and of course spending more money.

Wait! Are you feeling overwhelmed? Take some time out to share some back-to-school stories together. Check out the great back to school display we have at the library, and take a look at our newly created bibliographies (lists of appropriate books for your child's grade level). Among the many excellent choices at the library are Will I have a friend? by Miriam Cohen, and Mrs. Watson Wants Your Teeth by Alison McGhee.

Back to School Resources is a helpful website for the new school year. Good Luck!