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All are invited to join in two very special community conversations this month, sponsored by the Barrington Area Library and taking place at The Garlands of Barrington.
Sam Oliver has been a resident of the Barrington area since 1968, raising four children here with her husband Bob. The Olivers loved the area right away for its natural, open spaces, so it's not surprising she has devoted herself to local organization Citizens for Conservation, serving as staff director since 1984. In addition, she has started or served in any number of organizations, focusing on the environment, health and education.
Meet this inspirational Barrington resident on Monday, November 18, 7 PM, at The Garlands of Barrington Surround Sound Theater. "I think this community is a good example of one in which people see a need and come together to make it better for as many people as possible,” says Oliver. If you've ever wondered what it takes to turn an idea or concern into a practical solution, you'll enjoy the opportunity to chat with our own Sam Oliver. Register, seating is limited.
Eileen Gold Kushner struggled with learning disabilities as a child. Told that she simply wasn't "trying hard enough," it wasn't until she was a married adult raising three children that she was finally diagnosed with dyslexia. Understanding the problem gave her a new opportunity to realize her many strengths, and Kushner and her husband are now successful franchise owners.
Hear her story, as told in the book Smart On The Inside - A True Story About Succeeding In Spite of Learning Disabilities, on Thursday, November 21, 7 PM, at The Garlands of Barrington Performing Arts Center. Kushner is committed to helping children and adults with disabilities realize their full potential, but her story holds lessons for all of us. Register for this special evening. Books available for purchase and signing after the discussion.
These events are open to the public and are free of charge.
The Garlands of Barrington is located at 1000 Garlands Lane, Barrington, IL. The entrance to The Garlands is just southeast of the Barrington Area Library on Northwest Highway (Route 14). For more information on these and other events, see the library's web site: balibrary.org
(With special thanks to Kelly Stachura, Agatha Christie, Edward Bulwer-Lytton and Snoopy...)
Creative writers: using one of the two prompts below, write a short story to help us celebrate October, the month of mystery and mayhem. You might win a gift certificate to Anna Shea Chocolates in South Barrington. Entries accepted between October 1-31, 2013. Entries may be up to 2,000 words in length.
The Body In The Library...
A. It was a dark and stormy night. Inside the Barrington Area Library, a lively crowd gathered to fete the artist whose works were on exhibit in the Gallery. More visitors waited in the lobby for a Second Fridays concert to begin. The librarian at the Popular Materials Desk had just answered a patron's questions about making taffy apples (after all, Halloween was just around the corner) when a thud was heard. There on the floor, between the DVD shelves, lay a body!
To be continued by you, Gentle Reader, on the library's Facebook page. Post your own ending to this scary saga!
B. Submit a short story based on "The Body in the Library," starting with that famous first line, "It was a dark and stormy night..." The best short story wins! Submit entries to the library's Facebook page or email entries to rfaber(at)balibrary.org.
Update: July 26, 2013: Miss Becky has fired up the popcorn machine! Come up to the second floor before 5 PM today and enjoy a free, hot and yummy bag of popcorn, to celebrate all your hard work in Summer Library Club this year!
The Barrington Area Library's Summer Library Club is drawing to a close for 2013. This year's theme was "Have Book, Will Travel" so we've decorated the library with lots of travel-themed imagery. One very unique feature is our Popcorn Challenge School Map, located in the Youth Services department. The map features 10 Barrington Area schools on a winding path. Every time Barrington Area kids log in another 2,000 summer library club activities, the library van begins to move around the map, visiting each school on its delivery route, from North Barrington to Barbara Rose.
If 20,000 library club activities are logged in by Friday, July 26, 2013, we'll celebrate by providing free, fresh, hot popcorn to all visitors on that day!
So come on, kids - get your activities logged in before it's too late and Summer Library Club is over for another year! The club for Preschoolers and Students officially ends on Sunday, July 28.
It's no secret that a great read can really take you on a journey of heart, mind and spirit - so we're been celebrating the transportive power of reading with this year's Summer Library Club, "Have Book, Will Travel!"
Summer Library Club for kids is now over.
Teens and adults, your club ends on August 16.
For Young Adults (entering grades 9-12)
June 3 - August 16
Take a reading adventure this summer and earn prizes on your journey! Choose a free book at the reference desk just for signing up. Read and review seven books on the library Web site throughout the summer to be eligible for the grand prize. We’ll also give away weekly prizes to keep you revved up and reading.
For Adults
June 3 - August 16
Pack your bag with books and an e-reader and join us on the road to summer reading fun. Register on the library’s Web site (balibrary.org), by phone or in person. Keep an online log of what you’re reading, whether you’re poolside, jet-setting around the globe or just enjoying the sweet life here in Barrington. Log in your audiobooks, too! Then visit the library to collect your rewards. All participants receive free books and Ravinia lawn tickets, while supplies last. To make it even more fun, we’ll have semi-monthly drawings and a grand prize for those who read six or more titles.
Sometimes you don't need a whole class - you just want to sit down with a friendly, knowledgeable person and get your tech questions answered.
And you don't want a sale pitch! That's why we offer our convenient drop-in sessions. You don't need to register and we can focus on your specific questions. Here's what we're offering in the next few weeks.
Petting Zoo: iPads, Tablets, E-Readers
Tuesday, June 4, 10 AM - Noon
Stop by our table in the lobby every Tuesday between 10 AM and noon to check out the latest devices. Bring your questions about devices, apps, and downloading too!
Appy Hour
Tuesday, June 4, 4-6 PM
Librarians Gwyn and Liz will chat about a variety of fun and interesting new apps. This month, they will feature Mango Languages and Freegal Music.
VHS to DVD Transfer Demonstration
Thursday, June 6, 10-11:30 AM
You've got great memories on those VHS tapes. Now you can transfer them to DVD in our Media Lab. Librarian Gwyneth will demonstrate the easy-to-use equipment, then set up some time in the lab to try it yourself.
Check out our June/July events calendar for even more drop-in tech help sessions!