The Importance of Summer Reading

You hear us say it all the time up here on the 2nd floor of the library, "You have to read over the summer, you might as well get prizes for it!" 

 

There is a certain level of enthusiasm that comes along with Summer Reading Club each year on the part of the staff here, but it isn't just because we love putting together the booklists, programs, and picking out prizes... it is because we know just how important reading over the summer is, and we know that our excitement rubs off on the children who come to the library.

 

As your child's school year winds down, take the time to read this article by Julie Wood, a literacy expert.  Studies show that children who read over the summer do better in school than those who don't, something most of use knew already.  But did you know that by middle school, children who don't read over the summer have already lost a total of two full years of reading?  That is a lot of time to be behind in a key skill of education. 

 

Julie gives some great tips on how to help your child be ready to read wherever he or she might be and how to get them excited for exercising their 'reading muscle' over the summer.  I especially love that she suggests joining a library's summer reading program to encourage your child to read. 

 

We here at DPPL hope that you bring your enthusiasm for summer and reading during it as well.  As the person that your child looks to for guidance, it is most important for you to set an example - let your children know how important it is to practice reading (and hey, YOU can get prizes too by joining the adult summer reading club).

 

We hope to see you in here over the summer, check back for more information on the upcoming Summer Reading Club, Have Book, Will Travel, next week!

Damaged Items at the Library

Icky Sticky Books and Scratched DVDs, Oh My!

Have you ever checked out a DVD only to bring it home and find out it is so scratched it won't play?  Every started to read a picture book to your family only to get to the last page and see that half of it has been torn off or scribbled on with crayon?

As materials are returned, we can't always see if something is scratched, scribbled on, or torn.  That is why we count on you to tell us when something is wrong.  There are several ways you can help us keep the collections great.  After all, the library's collection belongs to everyone.

One way is by filling out a 'damaged slip' in our CDs and DVDs when you come across a scratched item.  If you bring something home and it doesn't work, we want you to tell us.  Otherwise, it will go back on the shelf and someone else will end up taking it home and being frustrated.  Taped inside of each CD or DVD case you will find a 'damaged slip' with space to let us know if you come across something that doesn't work.  If we know it is damaged, we can either try to repair or replace it.

Another way you can help is by bringing a damaged material to the desk.  This most often would happen with a book or magazine.  If you come across a book that has been scribbled in or torn, instead of just putting it in the drop bins in the parking garage or sticking it in the slots in the library, let a library staff member know.  If we know a book is damaged, we can either try to repair or replace it.

If you bring something in that is damaged, we can even put the item on hold for you so that you can either get another copy, or a new copy when it arrives.  We won't automatically think you ruined our book and charge you for it, we appreciate your efforts in helping to keep our collection clean for everyone. 

We try our best to keep the collection neat, but sometimes things slip by us.  We are counting on you to help let us know when there is something that needs our attention.  We know it is frustrating to bring something home that is damaged and not be able to use what you check out.  Thanks for all of your help!

Stay (Library) Informed

Did you know you can receive a weekly e-mail straight to your inbox that will keep you informed of the goings-on around the library? Des Plaines Public Library's e-newsletter, eForward, gives you the week's library news in a nutshell. You will know about current and coming library events, learn about new products available to you either in the library or at home via your library card, be informed of things like holiday closings and special hours, and much more. Bonus...you will also be among the first to know about exciting library happenings such as the news that Des Plaines Public Library has been named a *star library* by Library Journal!

Take a look at the most current issue of eForward here. You can see that it previews some of our upcoming programs, and allows you to register on-the-spot for programs that interest you and may require registration. It is also a quick one-stop-shopping place to see all of the library's blogs and social media outlets. Finished reading Kidding Around? Check out PlainTalk with just a click of the mouse.

Enter your e-mail address and follow the instructions to become part of the eForward mailing list here. You'll be glad you did!

Your Family's Sun Screen Adventure Begins!

A Cautionary Tale:

Two years ago, on a vacation to San Diego, I broke out in an incredibly itchy rash.  As someone who's skin sometimes reacts weirdly to different lotions, I thought perhaps I used the hotel shampoo or body wash and was having some sort of allergic reaction (although honestly... I was already taking two allergy medications a day!).  After several trips to the drug store, and several frantic calls to my family pharmacist, I took some Benedryl and it calmed down.  I was back home anyway, and the reaction stopped.

As it wasn't the first time I had reacted to various lotions/beauty products, I went to have my allergies re-tested and the results came back that I wasn't allergic to any chemicals.  So, I forgot about it.  I made it through a whole summer without a reaction.

One year ago, on a vacation to Ft. Myers, Florida, I broke out in the exact same rash.... still very itchy all over my body.  So bad that I actually broke the skin while scratching.  By this time my mother (a nurse) was fairly concerned.  I already had an appointment with a dermatologist and while there, I asked about my reaction.  I thought I had done the right thing in already talking to the allergist, but thought since they are experts in skin issues, I might as well ask.  I couldn't believe what she told me.

As it turns out - it was SUNSCREEN that was the culprit.  My reaction: 'I am the palest person I have ever met! I can't live without sunscreen, and I use it all summer long.  I was tested for chemical allergies and had none.  How is it possible that I could be allergic to sunscreen?' 

And that is when she explained about sunscreen allergies.  As it turns out, you can have two different types of allergies to sunscreen.  One is just a plain old reaction to the chemical you are allergic to.  No matter where or when you use it, you will react to it.  The other kind of allergy (the kind that I have) is a little more complicated.  It is an allergy that is 'photosensitive', and the reaction only occurs when activated by the sun.  This type of allergy normally shows up when you get closer to the equator (hence the reaction in San Diego and Flordia, but no reaction here at home).

Today, I read an article about protecting your family from some sunscreens that can contain harmful ingredients.  You can see the article for yourself here.  It also contains a link a website where you can research the sunscreen you are currently using and see how its active ingredients work. 

As Summer begins, don't neglect your family's skin.  Make sure to have plenty of sunscreen on hand.  Also, make sure to keep in mind that when you travel on whatever vacation plans you have this summer, your family's sun screen needs may change.  Keep your kids safe this summer, and have fun on your own adventures!  Have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend, and remember that the library is closed on Sunday and Monday, May 28th and 29th. 

Kindergarten Registration and Preschool Information

I know it is tough to think about.... the class of 2021?  But the class of 2021 is actually registering for Kindergarten right now.  If you life within the district 62 boundaries, are not sending your child to a parochial school, and have a child who will be 5 by September 1, 2012, you should be registering your child for Kindergarten now.  Find out more information here.  If you live within the district 59 boundaries, are not sending your child to a parochial school, and have a child who will be 5 by September 1, 2012, your Kindergarten registration starts on February 22nd.   Find out more information here.

Your child not going to be 5 by September 1, 2012?  Think about sending your child to one of the fantastic area preschools to get them ready for Kindergarten.  Every year, we have the Preschool Fair for Parents in January, which allows parents to meet representatives from area preschools and help them determine which school is right for their family.  If you missed the fair, we keep an up-to-date binder at the Youth Services Desk with the information from each school at the fair.  Feel free to stop and ask about it. You can copy any of the information in the binder and we hope that you find it informative.  As always, if you have any questions, feel free to ask.

The True Spirit of the Season

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.

tweet tweet - I am not a bird.

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!

MYCatalog

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.

Miss the Preschool Fair?

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.

College is a Waste of Time pt. 2

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?!?

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?

Preschoolers and the Television

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.

Friends of the Library Book Sale

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!!!"

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?

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.

Free Preschool Fair for Parents

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?

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

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)

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

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!