Welcome to the Woodridge Public Library's monthly e-newsletter, highlighting selected programs, collections, and happenings. For details on upcoming events see the WPL online calendar or open the Winter edition of Library Leaves. Newsletter editor Patti Naisbitt welcomes comments and can be reached by replying to this e-mail.
Woodridge Public Library
Library Announcements
  • January 2 - 31Chicago Wolves Read to Succeed program, co-sponsored by the Children's Department, registration begins January 2
  • January 12 - March 5Winter Session for Preschool Story Programs, registration begins January 3 at 9 a.m. 
  • Friday, January 16: Library closed all day for Staff In-Service (Book drops will be open) Please note: Downers Grove Public Library is also closed January 16. Other local libraries such as Fountaindale Library in Bolingbrook and Indian Prairie Library in Darien will be open. 
From the Library Administrator
new-year-header.jpg

The Library will be closed Friday, January 16 for a Staff In-Service. We are looking forward to this day of training in preparation for the SWAN catalog upgrade taking place in April. Staff will also be preparing Library offices and departments for the renovation work taking place this spring and summer. Our plans to conduct the renovation in phases means we can keep the Library building open throughout the construction process with minimal interruption to the community. Watch for updates on these catalog and building changes throughout the year. 
 
The Woodridge Friends of the Library have asked us to help spread the word about their New Year's Resolution: to increase their membership in 2015. The Friends is run independently of the Library, has a non-profit status and supports the Library through:
  • operating the Friends Book Sale (located in the Library lobby), 
  • publicly advocating for the Library, and 
  • funding efforts that are not traditionally covered by our Public Library budget.
Throughout 2015 the Friends will be rewarding old and new members alike with small incentives including; coupons for the book sale, a behind the scenes tour of the Library, friendly bookmarks, and opportunities for members to share their thoughts and ideas related to the Library. 

Make your New Year's resolution to join the Friends of the Library. Fill out, and mail in or drop off, your Friends membership application today. Questions or comments for the Friends can be sent to the e-news editor. 

green-blue-balloons.jpgI'm proud to share that one of the Library's good friends, recently retired PR/Program Coordinator Kay Kohut, was awarded a Public Employee of the Year Award during the Village of Woodridge's Community Recognition Program in December. Kay, a Woodridge resident, was recognized for her excellent service to the public and her pursuit of quality library programming for the Woodridge community. Congratulations Kay!

The new year brings a new focus to The Big Read program, now called ReDiscover. Over the past decade Woodridge Public Library joined our neighboring libraries in offering programs and book discussions with a focus on one book. In 2015 we will focus our joint programming on one big theme. "ReDiscover: Celebrating Home".
Throughout March and April we will partner with Clarendon Hills, Downers Grove, Hinsdale, Indian Prairie, La Grange, La Grange Park, Lisle and Thomas Ford public libraries in hosting book discussions and presenting programs on a wide range of topics related to "Celebrating Home". The ReDiscover programming guide, packed with fresh and exciting opportunities, will be available in February.  

Wishing you a new year filled with new friends and new discoveries,

Susan McNeil-Marshall
January Events
Children's Programs
To see all available Children's programs, and to register, use this link: 

Preschool Story Programs: Winter Session January 12 - March 5

Our preschool programs will warm your heart and engage your little one as we share stories, sing, perform finger plays, move and play. Preschool programs include: 

Baby Lapsit for ages 3 - 11 months (never too early!), 

Baby Lapsit II for ages 12-24 months,

Toddler Time for age 2,

Storytime for ages 3-5, and

Spanish Stories and Songs for preschool children to age 6.


We are offering many sessions, including drop-in times! All dates and times are on our Children's Calendar. Register online, in person, or by phone. 

Chicago Wolves Read to Succeed - Fri.Jan. 2 - Sat., Jan. 31
International Family Storytime: Lithuanian - Sat., Jan. 3, 10 a.m. 
Krafty Kidz - Fri., Jan. 23, 7 p.m. Register by noon on Wed., Jan. 21. 

Please make a note: Book Magic Registration for grades K - 3 starts Mon., Jan. 26.

Teen Programs

Free Act Practice Test - Sat., Jan. 10, 12:45 arrival. Registration required.
ISAC: College Financial Aid Process - Thurs., Jan. 15, 7 p.m.
Parents and teens welcome.

Adult Programs

Tablet Basics: iPad - Wed., Jan. 7, 7 p.m.
Bring your iPad and have your questions answered. 
Resolve to get organized!
Attention seniors: Travel the world ... or just the Midwest. 
Tablet Basics: Android - Wed., Jan 14, 7 p.m.
Bring your tablet and have your questions answered.
Books you can listen to on your tablet, e-reader, computer, or smartphone.

Dennis Stroughmatt et L'Esprit Creole - Sun., Jan. 18, 2 p.m.
Celebrated fiddler and vocalist Dennis Stroughmatt takes listeners on a Creole and Cajun musical journey. Dennis, a Kennedy Center veteran and Illinois Arts Council Fellow, will explore the French Creole heritage found in southern Illinois and the Missouri Ozarks. Don't miss this jaw dropping, foot stomping good time!

Taxes are Everyone's Business - Tues., Jan. 27, 7 p.m.
Local expert Judi Stauss answers your tax questions.
Walt Disney World 101 - Thurs., Jan. 29, 7 p.m.
Travel tips and money saving ideas.
Introducing Lynda.com - Sat., Jan. 31, 10 a.m.
Learn the latest technology and business skills with this online tool.
January Computer Classes
To see all available computer classes, and to register, use this link:  Computer Classes Calendar
 
January's computer classes will focus on Microsoft Word, Excel and Powerpoint. Seats are currently available in all classes.  Register today!
Microsoft Word - Essential word processing application
Microsoft Excel - Worksheet program used to sort data and perform calculations
Microsoft Powerpoint - Presentation program used to create digital slideshows
Book Discussions
To see all upcoming book discussions, and to register, use this link: Book Discussion Calendar
Evening Book Discussion: Ordinary GraceTues., Jan. 20, 7 p.m.  

Crime Readers: A Beautiful Place to Die - Thurs., Jan. 15, 7 p.m.
Co-sponsored by Indian Prairie Library, this discussion is held at Home Run Inn Pizza in Darien.
January's Recommended Resource
Google Chromebooks
NEW! Starting January 15 Chromebooks will be available for In-Library use. Chromebooks are unique laptops that use Google Chrome as a browser and operating system. Ready to use as soon as you turn them on, each Chromebook's anti-virus and other installed software programs update automatically making them easy to maintain. Chromebooks rely on a connection to the Internet to access updates, software, apps, and cloud storage. 

Woodridge School District #68 has implemented the use of Chromebooks across all grade levels (even Kindergarten!). They are a low cost technology option for the community and a powerful learning and collaboration tool for students. 

Software related to Chromebooks, including Google Drive, is available online for free and can be used not only with Chromebooks but also with Windows, iOS or even Android operating systems. The use of these tools is quickly becoming a desired workplace technology skill. The Library is offering computer classes on Google Drive in February.

We invite you to check out a Chromebook and explore the technology and software that Google Chrome has to offer.

Please call the Adult/YA Reference Desk at 630-487-2577 or email [email protected] for more information.
Art Gallery Showing
Featured Artist: Kate Zdenek
Grand Canyon
Woodridge resident Kate Zdenek is a prolific digital photographer and the Woodridge Library Gallery's January featured artist. Kate shared the following about the humble beginnings of her life-long passion: "My love of photography was passed down from my father.  He always had a camera in his hands. In high school I had a class and then bought my first SLR camera. Other than that one class, I'm self taught and while I started out taking nature pictures (and that's still my first love) I've recently started taking pictures of city life. I guess I'll photograph just about anything if it looks interesting."
Around the Library
We packed a lot of reindeer into our December 16 Winter Magic story program!
Fun and studious, these DGN & DGS teens hit the Library on December 29 to prepare for finals.

Keep In Touch
Library Hours
Monday - Friday: 9 AM - 9 PM
Saturday: 9 AM - 5 PM
Sunday: 1 PM - 5 PM 
630-964-7899
[email protected]
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