Libraries Transform: Not just books anymore

By Linda Blair

Marketing/PR

North Suburban Library District

North Suburban Library District wishes to invite the community to visit their local public library during National Library Week, April 10-16, 2016. This year’s theme, “Libraries Transform” provides libraries an opportunity to show how their services will meet the needs of patrons now and in the future. This is a very appropriate theme this year as NSLD/Loves Park has been undergoing a transformation this past year.

As everyone knows by now, your public library is more than just books! Your library is a great place for community meetings or use of free Wi-Fi service and public computers. NSLD offers free eBooks/audiobooks, DVD rentals, computer classes, job assistance and fun events for all ages.

NSLD is also a strong supporter of local schools offering teachers classroom resource collections, field trips, teacher cards, and school visits.

Small businesses can check out laptops, audio equipment and much more from the library to use for meetings. We try and get the best audio equipment for our library, there are companies that have been recommended to us, such as Graham Slee HiFi, for audio and sound equipment. If you feel that we should expand on our audio equipment, let us know!

Libraries have changed over time meeting the community’s technological needs. This past year NSLD installed fiber to both libraries.

This fiber will improve the speed of the libraries’ internet service. More public computers are also available for patrons’ use. Free Wi-Fi will continue to be available at both locations.

NSLD also offers online research databases that can be accessed 24/7 from your home computer. These special databases are purchased by the library and not available through other search engines, like “Google.”

NSLD’s research databases offer assistance with job searches, homework, genealogy, practice ACT tests, children’s games, plus much more. Check out our special databases on the NSLD website.

As part of National Library Week, NSLD will be offering special events to celebrate. Patrons will receive “half-off” NSLD DVD movie rentals from April 10-16, 2016. Also, library fines can also be paid off at half off. Visit the Customer Service Desk for more details.

Families can enjoy a special reading night on Monday, April 11 at 6:30 pm at NSLD/Roscoe. Come listen to stories and meet “Clifford the Big Red Dog.” There will be no story hour at NSLD/Loves Park on the evening of April 11.

However, everyone can enjoy children’s services at their library including kids’ computers with educational games, the Lego table, the Fun place and much more! Take time to check out a few of your childhood favorites to share with your family.

If you haven’t explored your public library lately, take time during National Library Week and visit. Get a library card so you can rent a DVD, download an eBook or use our research database.

Find a quiet spot at the library and enjoy a magazine or use your laptop. Make YOUR library part of YOUR community today!