Adult Services News and Events

Novels with Parallel Narratives

2010-09-13T15:46:00.011-05:00

This month's mini-display is "Parallel Narratives--One Novel, Two Time Periods" Typically, one story is set in the present, and the other in a different historical era. "Possession" by A.S. Byatt is an early example of this type of structure with her present-day scholars, Maud Bailey and Roland Mitchell, falling in love and discovering evidence of a romantic relationship between their respective research subjects--Victorian poets Christabel LaMotte and R.H. Ash, whose story is told in the second narrative.

Other novels with similar structures are:

Dream of Scipio by Iain Pears (5th century, 14th century and 20th century Provence)

Keeping the House by Ellen Baker (1950s Midwest and present)

The Last Templar by Raymond Khoury (1291 Jerusalem and present)

People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks (1480 Seville, 1492 Barcelona, 1609 Venice, 1894 Vienna and 1940 Yugoslavia as well as present day)

9/11/01 Remember them...

2010-09-11T11:33:00.048-05:00

Titles not to forget. September 11, 2001.

A Widow's Walk by Marian Fontana Call# BIOG FONTANA

Among the Heroes: United Flight 93 and the passengers and crew who fought back, by Jere Longman Call #974.897 LON

The World Trade Center : A tribute by Bill Harris Call #974.7 HAR

Faces of Ground Zero : Portraits of the Heroes of September 11, 2001 Photographs by Joe McNally Call #974.7 MCN

Your Father's Voice : letters for Emmy about life with Jeremy -- and without him after 9/11 by Liz Glick and Dan Zegart Call #973.931 GLI

102 Minutes : The untold story of the fight to survive inside the Twin Towers by Jim Dwyer and Kevin Flynn Call #974.7

Nine Months at Ground Zero : the story of the brotherhood of workers who took on a job like no other by Glenn Stout, Charles Vitchers and Robert Gray Call #974.7 STO

Refined by Fire : a families triumph oflove and faith : a soldier of 9/11 by Brian & Mel Birdwell with Ginger Kolbaba Call #BIOG BIRDWELL

Beauty Beyond the Ashes : choosing hope after crisis by Cheryl McGuinness with Lois Rabey Call #248.86 MCG

Never Forget : An oral history of September 11, 2001 by Mitchell Fink Call #974.7 FIN

Middletown America : one town's passage from trauma to hope by Gail Sheehy Call #974.7 SHE

Brotherhood by Tony Hendra, Introduction by Frank McCourt Call #363.37 BRO

Poetry after 9/11 : an anthology of New York Poets Call #811.608 POE

Afterwords : stories and reports from 9/1 and beyond compiled by the editors of Salon.com. Call #974.7 AFT

Women At Ground Zero : stories of courage and compassion by Susan Hagan and Mary Carouba Call #974.7 HAG

More titles under call #'s 974.7

International Update Your Resume Month!

2010-09-04T10:23:00.038-05:00

Career Directors International (CDI) has made September the International Update Your Resume Month. Your library has so many tools that can help you develop and eye catching resume. From books, to DVD's, to websites, we can find the assistance you need to give your resume a makeover. For more information about CDI, see their website at: http://www.careerdirectors.com/

Here are just a few titles for books the library carries. We also have resume books that are geared toward certain professions such as teaching, business, nursing, federal jobs, etc.

The general call number for these resources is 650.14 which is located on the northeast side of the library in the Adult Services Deptartment.

Gallery of Best Resumes by David F. Noble. #650.14 NOB
The Resume Handbook by Arthur D. Rosenburg. #650.14 ROS

The Resume Makover by John J. Marcus. #650.14 MAR

175 High-Impact Resumes by Richard Beaty. #650.14 BEA

Knock em Dead Resumes by Martin John Yate. #650.14 YAT
New Resume New Career by Catherine Jewell. #650.14 JEW
Nail the Resume! by Ronald L. Krannich. #650.14 KRA

Recommended Websites for Resume Writing

10 Minute Resume http://www.pongoresume.com/

Resume Planet http://www.resumesplanet.com/

Rockport Intsitute http://www.rockportinstitute.com/resumes.html

About.com Resume Writing http://jobsearch.about.com/od/resumes/Resumes.htm

Try googling "resume writing" to find more websites that have helpful tips and examples.

Local Resume Writing Services

W.R.I.T.E Resume Services http://www.findajobresume.com/

Expert Career Services https://execareers.com/

Community Career Center http://www.communitycareercenter.org/

Resume Mayday http://resumayday.com/

Labor Day

2010-09-01T12:07:00.005-05:00

The library will be open on Saturday, Sept. 4, from 9 am. -5 pm. We will be closed on Sunday, Sept. 5 and Monday, Sept. 6 for the Labor Day holiday weekend.

In the meantime, check out these books about the Working Life.

"How Starbucks Saved My Life" by Michael Gill (647.95/Gil)

After being downsized from his six-figure job at a New York ad agency, Gill goes from drinking coffee at Starbucks to working there.

"Nickel and Dimed" by Barbara Ehrenreich (305.569/Ehr)

Ehrenreich worked as a waitress, a house cleaner and in retail at Walmart to get first-hand material for her book, considered a modern classic.

"Then We Came to the End" by Joshua Ferris (Fic/Fer)

A group of employees at a Chicago ad agency face downsizing at the end of the nineties.

"Working in the Shadows" by Gabriel Thompson (331.62/Tho)

Thompson spent a year doing the jobs most people don't want to do.

ALLDATA

2010-08-30T16:35:00.006-05:00

AllData is an auto repair database which will replace our Ebsco Auto Repair Center.
It will be available for in-library use only. AllData has far superior and much more detailed information than our previous database. AllData is used by auto repair shops across the nation and contains manufacturers' manuals and diagrams. Come in and see what AllData can do for you!

Lyric Opera Lectures

2010-08-27T14:15:00.003-05:00

Lyric Opera Lectures

Learn more about the operas of the 2010-2011 Lyric Opera season at free programs presented by members of the Lyric Opera Lecture Corps. Lectures are Thursdays from 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.
September 30 Macbeth. Register to attend.
October 14 Carmen. Register to attend.
October 28 A Midsummer Night's Dream. Register to attend.
November 11 A Masked Ball. Register to attend.
December 2 The Mikado. Register to attend.
February 10 Lohengrin. Register to attend.

Curl up with some classic King

2010-08-21T09:27:00.027-05:00

Fall is right around the corner and it will be time to curl up in a blanket and read some good books! Stephen King has published over 150 written works. He started writing in 1967 and continues to be a best-selling author. Many of his books have also been turned into feature or made for tv films. With fall looming, and the Halloween season approaching, give yourself a good scare and read one of King's classics!

Carrie (1974)
Carrie White has been teased and ridiculed throughout all of her schooling years by her peers. At home life isn't much better with a domineering religious mother that only adds to Carrie's repressed torment. Slowly realizing that odd things happen around her, Carrie finds that she possesses a strong telekinetic power. The people that have harmed her will come to find that Carrie has a terrifying power...and is seeking revenge.

Salem's Lot (1975)
A town taken over by vampires! Ben Mears, an author, returns home to his home town to face his demons that stemmed from a bad childhood experience at the haunting Marsten Mansion. Along with his arrival, a new and dangerous stranger in town begins tranforming the entire town into vampires. With friends and special loved one, Ben tries to fight back against vampires to claim the town again. He will face seeing loved ones becoming monsters, what will he need to do in order to stay alive?

The Shining (1977)
Jack Torrence, an aspiring writer and alcoholic husband and father, takes a job being the winter caretaker for the Overlook Hotel. The family believes it will be a new beginning for them as Jack wants to write plays and quit drinking. Unfortunately, the hotel has other plans for the Torrence family. The Overlook has a dark and violent past. Danny has special psychic powers and the hotel's evil forces would like to possess Danny to use his power for it's own will. Danny is strong and the hotel eventually turns to the weaker family member...Jack. The Overlook Hotel has plans for Danny...and his father will be the pawn in obtaining the boy for evil doings.

See more titles in the library! Call number: Fiction KIN

Famous Authors as Detectives

2010-08-17T13:39:00.004-05:00

I've noticed a recent trend in mysteries--the use of a famous historical author as the sleuth. One of the best new series in this subgenre features British crime writer and playwright Josephine Tey. In the first book, "An Expert in Murder" by Nicola Upson, Tey becomes a fictional detective when one of her fans and fellow passenger is murdered on a train to London in 1934. Her most recent outing, published this summer and entitled "Angel with Two Faces," takes place in Cornwall at the former estate of her Scotland Yard boyfriend Archie Penrose and involves the murder of the young local curate.

Another excellent new series features hard-living and drinking author Ernest Hemingway as the amateur detective. The first book, "Hemingway Deadlights" by Michael Atkiinson begins in 1956 at the author's home in Key West and winds up in pre-Castro Cuba after Hemingway's friend dies under suspicious circumstances. The sequel, "Hemingway Cutthroat," journeys back in time to 1937 during the Spanish Civil War and finds Hemingway looking for the murderer of Jose Robles, a leading official of the Spanish Republic.

And finally, a long-awaited new installment in the Jane Austen mystery series by Stephanie Barron. "Jane and the Madness of Lord Byron" will be published at the end of September.

Royalty in Fiction

2010-08-06T12:46:00.007-05:00

Ever since the publication of "The Other Boleyn Girl" in 2002, historical novels about the royals and their associates have enjoyed a great resurgence in popularity that shows no signs of slowing. Author Philippa Gregory, having finished with the Tudors, has just published a novel in her new series "The Cousins War", i.e., the fifteenth century War of the Roses. "The Red Queen" is the story of Margaret Beaufort of the House of Lancaster who is determined to put her son on the English throne and conspires to see that he is eventually established as Henry VII, thus founding the Tudor dynasty.

Alison Weir, another well-regarded novelist of royalty, has recently published "The Captive Queen," the fictionalized life of Eleanor of Aquitaine. Eleanor, the wife of Henry II and also the subject of Weir's bestselling biography, was imprisoned by her husband for plotting against him along with his sons.

For other historical novels of royal lives, check out the current mini-display, Royalty in Fiction.

August Artist of the Month - Don Meyer

2010-08-06T10:29:00.017-05:00

Don Meyer, our current artist on display in Adult Services, is a long time interior designer who took up painting in recent years with great creative flair. He says "My philosophy of painting is evolving with each canvas. I believe that I am developing a style when something unusual emanates from the brush and I am off in a new direction...!"

Don is a part of a group of artists called IArtists who donate their work to the citizens of New Orleans who are rebuilding their homes after the huricane Katrina.
Come by this month and see the versatile display of paintings by Don Meyer located at the top of the stairs in adult services.

The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo Read-a-likes!

2010-07-31T11:31:00.006-05:00

Waiting for your hold for The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo or other Stieg Larsson books?? Here are some books that are similar that you can check out while you wait!

Fiction/Kellerman, Jonathan
Compulsion: an Alex Delaware novel

Fiction/Theorin, Johan
The darkets room: a novel

Fiction/Howard, Linda
Death Angel: a novel

Fiction/Thomas Harris
Red Dragon
Silence of the Lambs
Hannibal
Hannibal Rising

Fiction/Henning, Mankell
Before the Frost: a Linda Wallander mystery

Fiction/Eriksson, Kjell
The Cruel Stars of Night

Fiction/Eriksson, Kjell
The Princess of Burundi

Fiction/Theorin, Johan
Echoes from the dead

Fiction/Nesser, Hakan
Mind's eye: an Inspector Van Veeteren Mystery

Fiction/Mankell, Henning
The man who smiled

2010-07-27T10:47:00.003-05:00

We have a new scanner on the second floor that can send a document to your email and can save a document to a USB drive. There is no cost for sending a document with the scanner. You can also make a regular photocopy with the scanner by sending a print job to the printer and releasing the job with your library card. Photocopy prints are 10 cents each for black and white and 50 cents for color copies. Come try out the new machine!

Beach Bag Books

2010-07-23T11:12:00.003-05:00

FIC/Holton, Cathy
Beach Trip: a Novel
Four fortyish college buddies reunite at a North Carolina beach house. Only when they
let go of their secrets can the healing begin. Poignant and darkly comic.

FIC/Thayer, Nancy
Summer House
The high and mighty Wheelwright clan meet every summer in Nantucket to gossip, squabble
and compare personal success stories. A humanizing look at lives of privilege.

FIC/Hilderbran, Elin
The Blue Bistro
Perennial loser-at-love Adrienne finds work at an upscale Nantucket restaurant owned by the
charming Thatcher Smith. Things look promising but what’s going on with the mysterious
lady chef ? Good story, plus a view into the restaurant biz.

FIC/Hilderbran, Elin
Summer People
Newly widowed Beth can barely cope with her loss, but decides to take her teenaged twins to
Nantucket for the summer as usual. Instead of the customary peace and fun, all three
discover turbulent new passions and dangerous old secrets.

FIC/Center, Katherine
Get Lucky
Sarah sends a lethal email to her entire company and gets herself fired. She takes refuge with her childless sister Maxie and offers herself as a surrogate. Instead of bringing the sisters
closer, the pregnancy strains their relationship, especially as Sarah finds herself powerfully
drawn to her brother-in-law!

FIC/Leclaw, Holly
The Swimming Pool
Seven summers ago in Cape Cod, Marcella fell in love with Cecil, a married father of two. On the same night their affair abruptly ended, Cecil’s wife was found murdered. Now Marcella
has returned to the Cape only to fall for Cecil’s son. For readers wanting a little more heft.

FIC/Green, Jane
The Beach House
Heartwarming tale of how a cash-poor, land-rich 65-year old widow saves her Nantucket home
by taking in summer boarders.

FIC/Cook, Claire
Summer Blowout
A string of Italian beauty salons run by a lovably insane Boston Irish family is the backdrop for
this hilarious, rambunctious novel that is full of juicy conflict and unconditional love.

Forthcoming Biographies--the Rich, the Famous and the Notorious

2010-07-20T14:46:00.004-05:00

"Angelina: An Unauthorized Biography"
Andrew Morton, famous biographer of the late Princess Diana, takes on Angelina Jolie. August publication.

"A Journey: My Political Life"
Autobiography of former British prime minister Tony Blair. September publication.

"Life"
Autobiography of Rolling Stones guitarist and songwriter Keith Richards. October publication.

2010-07-12T11:21:00.008-05:00

A replica of the Library was recently built to be part of the Glen Ellyn Safety Village. Thank you to the Library Foundation and the Friends of the Library for making the Safety Village Library Building possible! The replica was finished in time to be in the 4th of July parade. More photos can be seen on the library's Flickr page.

Artist of the Month - Rose Palma

2010-07-08T15:25:00.007-05:00

Don't miss the lovely art exhibit this month that Rose Palma, a Glen Ellyn resident, is sharing with the Glen Ellyn Public Library Adult Services. The display is at the top of the stairs on the second floor. Rose has shown her work since the 1990's at various libraries and schools in the western suburbs including the College of DuPage. She also did a painting of Mayor Daley when he won his first mayoral election in 1989.

Rose Palma's love of painting began when she visited the Art Institute with her children. She became enamored of Vincent Van Gogh and other Impressionists, such as Renoir, Monet, and Pissaro. In the 1970's she began painting many of their famous works. We are very happy to have her paintings here to share with you and hope you will take time to come by and enjoy her work through the month of July!

The Anniversary of Lennon and McCartney

2010-07-06T18:55:00.004-05:00

Attention Beatles Fans: Did you know that on July 6, 1957, 15-year-old Paul McCartney met 16-year-old John Lennon in Liverpool, England at a local concert? The "rest was history" after this moment. The two teens soon created one of the most popular musical groups of all time. Come celebrate the anniversary of this important meeting by checking out a Beatles book, a Lennon or McCartney biography, a musical CD, DVD, or even sheet music! We have all of them available to you in our Adult Services Collection.

July: Family Reunion & Picnic Time

2010-07-03T13:54:00.015-05:00

There is so much fun to be had in July, especially with many families hosting their traditional family reunions and picnics. Take your family by surprise with some extra special touches--games, recipes, or unique ideas for this year's big event. Our library collection holds a number of books to help you make your plans.

Family Reunion Handbook: A Complete Guide for Reunion Planners.

Family Reunion Sourcebook.

Family Reunions and Clan Gatherings.

Reunions for Fun-loving Families.

Fun & Games for Family Gatherings: With a Focus on Reunions.

365 Unplugged Family Fun Activities: A Year's Worth of Ideas for TV-Free, Video-Free, & Computer Game-Free Entertainment.

Picnics: Delicious Recipes for Outdoor Entertaining.

Festive Picnics: Recipes, Crafts, & Decorations for Outdoor Occasions.

Picnic: 125 Recipes with 29 Seasonal Menus.

4th of July Holiday Hours

2010-07-02T10:30:00.005-05:00

The library will be open its usual hours on Saturday, July 3, from 9 am - 5 pm. We will be closed on Sunday, July 4, and open from 9 am-9 pm. on Monday, July 5.

Check out our display "The Birth of America" featuring fiction, nonfiction and dvds about the formation of our country and the Founding Fathers.

Bookfest

2010-07-01T11:33:00.002-05:00

There are many new photos posted on our Flickr page including these of BookFest which was held on June 19. Enjoy the photos.

Family-Friendly Books on CD

2010-06-26T14:50:00.005-05:00

"Are we there yet?"

Ah, the plaintive query heard by thousands of parents driving to summer destinations!
This year distract the little darlings, and yourselves, with books on cd that the whole family can enjoy.

CD(BK)/FIC/ALLSTON
Star Wars: Backlash, by Aaron Allston

CD(BK)/FIC/GOLDEN
Star Wars: Omen, by Christine Golden

CD(BK)/FIC/HARRIS
A Touch of Dead: Sookie Stackhouse: The Complete Stories, by Charlaine Harris

CD(BK)/FIC/SMITH
101 Dalmatians, by Dodie Smith

CD(BK)/FIC/CHRISTIE
Five Little Pigs, by Agatha Christie

CD(BK)/FIC/CHRISTIE
Death on the Nile, by Agatha Christie

CD(BK)/FIC/DOYLE
A Study in Scarlet, by Arthur Conan Doyle

CD(BK)/FIC/CARROLL
Alice through the Looking Glass, by Lewis Carroll

CD(BK)/796.332092/CHE
The Blind Side, by Michael Lewis

CD(BK)/791.4472/SHA
The Shadow: Knight of Darkness

CD(BK)/791.4467/HOR
Horror in the Air

CD(BK)/791.4475/ABB
Abbott and Costello: Masters of Comedy

LearningExpress Library

2010-06-25T11:31:00.001-05:00

Try out the LearningExpress Library Database. It offers practice tests, exercises and information to help achieve success at school, at work, or in life. Topics include math and reading skills for elementary, middle and high school; college preparation tests such as the ACT and SAT; computer skills, GED preparation, job search skills, U.S. citizenship and more. Register for a free account with your Glen Ellyn Library card.

Gaming for Older Adults

2010-06-22T12:29:00.001-05:00

Play golf and tennis at the library—the Nintendo Wii versions, that is. You can also play cards or board games. This Thursday, June 24 from 2-4 pm. in the Meeting Room on the first floor.

Check out a Summer Blockbuster at GEPL

2010-06-12T14:28:00.025-05:00

What was the first "summer blockbuster film?" In 1975, Steven Spielberg wowed audiences with his action-packed movie about the vicious great white shark that terrorized a community. Ever since this movie was released, Hollywood has decided to impress summer audiences with as much action, suspense, and (sometimes) humor as possible. With the 2010 blockbuster movie season officially underway, it might be fun to revisit some favorites from the past. Come visit the Adult Services department to make tonight a "Summer Blockbuster Night" at your home!

The Shining (1980)

Caddyshack (1980)

E.T. (1982)

Indiana Jones & The Temple of Doom (1984)

Do The Right Thing (1989)

The Fugitive (1993)

Mission Impossible (1996)
The Sixth Sense (1999)
Ocean's Eleven (2001)
Spider Man (2002)
Bourne Identity (2002)
Pirates of the Caribbean:The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003)
Wedding Crashers (2005)
The Dark Knight (2008)
G.I. Joe: The Rise of the Cobra (2009)

June art at the library

2010-06-11T11:05:00.009-05:00

On the art wall, at the top of the stairs in Adult Services, are some unique ink and watercolor drawings by Jacob Swearson. Some of them are drawings and posters that he created for his Chicago-based indie-rock band AktarAktar.

We also have up some artistic and intriguing photographs taken by Katie Tumavich on the wall above the magazines.

Stop by and enjoy!

And you thought your family was strange. .

2010-06-07T13:54:00.005-05:00

This month’s mini-display is “Dysfunctional Families.” Leo Tolstoy said, “All happy families resemble on another; every unhappy family is unhappy in its own way.” And so we are fascinated to read about Jeanette Wall’s wildly unsuitable parents in “The Glass Castle," Alexandra Fuller’s dangerous childhood growing up amidst the Rhodesian civil war in “Don’t Let’s Go to the Dogs Tonight” and most recently, Wendy Burden’s rich, Vanderbilt-descended family in “Dead End Gene Pool”

On display—biographies and some fiction.

Summer Reading

2010-05-28T13:41:00.002-05:00

The Summer Reading programs begin Wednesday, June 2. Adults, teens and children may register at the library or online beginning Wednesday. View our flyer for more details.

2010-05-26T11:47:00.003-05:00

This year will mark the 50th anniversary of To Kill a Mockingbird and fans across the country are organizing special events to celebrate the occasion. In Santa Cruz, California volunteers will re-enact every word and movement in the famous courtroom scene. Residents of Monroeville, Alabama will dress in 1930s clothes and read aloud from memorable passages. In Rhinebeck, New York a local bookstore will host a party with "mocktails" and the music of indie band the "Boo Radleys."

The famously elusive Harper Lee is 84 and very much alive. What she would make of all the hoopla is anyone's guess. She has shunned celebrity, commenting that one's books should speak for themselves. Perhaps the best tribute to Ms. Lee is rereading the book, seeing the movie again or both. Happy Anniversary, Scout!

Library closed May 30 & 31 for Memorial Day Weekend

2010-05-24T15:26:00.004-05:00

The Glen Ellyn Library will be open on Saturday, May 29 from 9 am.-5 pm. and closed on Sunday and Monday, May 30 & 31.

We will re-open on Tuesday, June 1 at 9 am. Wednesday, June 2nd marks the first day to sign up for Youth, Young Adult and Adult summer reading clubs. The Adult Dept will again be distributing free tickets to the Ravinia Musical Festival on a first-come, first-serve basis to those joining the Adult summer reading program.

2010-05-21T10:53:00.002-05:00

Click here to view the tutorial for our new Discovery Catalog

New CDs Shelved Together

2010-05-17T15:40:00.002-05:00

New cds are now shelved together at the beginning of the Pop-Vocal section of music cds. Come see what's new in the music cd collection on the second floor.

Library Book Discussion Group

2010-05-13T18:54:00.004-05:00

Last night we discussed a book which we universally esteemed (not always the case!)--"Out Stealing Horses" by Norwegian author Per Petterson. Members admired the spare, but riveting style of the author. Themes of grief and loss are revealed gradually during the course of the novel as we learn about sixty-seven-year-old Trond Sander who has left Oslo to live alone in a small cabin in the forest near the Swedish border.

Next month's selection is "Fault Lines" by Nancy Huston. A bestseller in France, this novel traces the history of one family from present-day California back to Germany in the 1940s, uncovering a secret responsible for the family's dysfunction.

You can pick up a copy of this book to check out at the Reference Desk on the second floor. The discussion meeting will be Wednesday, June 9th at 7:30 pm in the first floor meeting room.

Artist of the Month in Adult Services

2010-05-10T14:52:00.025-05:00

Each month in Adult Services we try to have a different local artist's work here to share with our patrons. Jeanne Monch Gould is the artist for the month of May. Come in and see the lovely, versatile, and intriguing collection of paintings that are being displayed at the top of the stairs in Adult Services. Don't miss it!

You can contact the artist at jeannegenie@wideopenwest.com.

Building News

2010-05-10T11:31:00.002-05:00

Work on the Library building began today on the east side next to Prospect Avenue. Please pardon the noise and dust. The work will continue throughout the summer but should not result in any closings. For more information on the building repairs see the front page on our web site.

If You Like The Help, try...

2010-05-04T14:37:00.018-05:00

The Help by Kathryn Stockett continues to be popular and in high demand at the library. If you enjoyed the book or are still waiting your turn on the reserve list you might like some similar titles. Click here for a list of readalikes.

Ask Us!

2010-04-28T12:29:00.004-05:00

Did you know that the Glen Ellyn Public Library welcomes requests for book purchases? If the book has been published recently and if it seems to be an appropriate choice for our collection, most likely we will add it.
We also appreciate suggestions for books on cd, playaways, music cds, and dvds.

You can use the suggestion box at the Reference desk, email us, or just come upstairs and tell us your idea.

We want to hear from you!

"Ready for Dessert"

2010-04-26T13:39:00.012-05:00

Former Chez Panisse pastry chef David Lebovitz has just published a collection of his best recipes called "Ready for Dessert" Included in the over 170 recipes are his three favorites--Fresh Ginger Cake; Champagne Gelee with Kumquats, Grapefruits and Blood Oranges; and his chunky Chocolate Chip Cookies. Lebovitz is well known for his blog, "David Lebovitz: Living the Sweet Life in Paris" and his book, "The Sweet Life in Paris", an hilarious account of his missteps in adapting to life in the sometimes infuriating and perplexing city of Paris.

Vincent Gordon is the April Artist at the Library

2010-04-15T12:20:00.014-05:00

Vincent Gordon, 27, has a very unique, energetic and compelling style that he calls a character-based cartoon collage. His paintings are fun and creative with a message, in his words, of "unity, peace, love, understanding, discipline, self-awareness, creativity, personal and social responsibility...". His goal is to project a positive image for youth using art as a tool. He is especially active in working with kids with disabilities. He grew up in Wheaton and currently makes his home in California.

Come in and view this interesting collection during the month of April in the Adult Services area at the top of the stairs on the second floor. The artist can be contacted at vgartpeace@gmail.com and his work viewed at http://theinfusionproject.com/sandiego/artists/vincent-gordon/.

New HOT PICKS Collection!!

2010-04-15T12:15:00.002-05:00

Did you just hear about a popular book? Do you wish the item you have on reserve would come faster? You may find these items in our new Hot Picks collection on the second floor of the library. Additional copies of popular books and dvds are available for Glen Ellyn Public Library cardholders. Glen Ellyn residents may check out 2 items at a time. Sorry, no renewals, and no reserves may be placed on these items. Stop on the second floor to browse our new collection.

Book Discussion at the Library

2010-04-13T17:32:00.064-05:00

Join a fun and diverse group of booklovers on the second Wednesday of every month! We discuss all sorts of books -- biographies, histories, fiction. We've even read plays and poetry together. There's no committment necessary. (Though please read the book). If a book looks interesting, drop in for that session. The book selection is available at the Reference Desk on the second floor a month before the date of the discussion. Below you'll find the titles coming up. Hope to see you there!

May
Out Stealing Horses by Per Petterson.

June
Fault Lines by Nancy Huston.

July
Luncheon of the Boating Party by Susan Vreeland.

August
Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguri.

This Thursday is April 15th

2010-04-12T09:43:00.003-05:00

The library still has some tax forms available, but no 1040s for either the federal or state government. We are happy to print copies for you for 10 cents a page.

We will be open until 9 pm. on Thursday, the 15th, but closed all day on Friday, April 16th for a staff inservice. Weekend hours are as usual, 9 am.-5 pm. on Saturday and 1-5 pm. on Sunday.

2010-04-10T09:29:00.010-05:00

April is National Poetry Month!

In 1996 the Academy of American Poets began the month long celebration of National Poetry Month. This is the largest literary celebration in the world! It is a great time to celebrate your current love and appreciation of poetry, but also a perfect time to give poetry a try!

Our city of Chicago has a full month of events planned which can be viewed at:

2010 National Poetry Month's events in Chicago

You can also celebrate all on your own! Here are some suggestions from the Academy of American Poets:

*Read a book of poetry*

*Memorize a poem*

*Attend a poetry reading*

*Google a new poem*

*Start a poetry reading group*

(view more at 30 Ways to Celebrate)

Of course your very own Glen Ellyn Public Library has a large selection of poetry. Here are a couple poetry collections that we have, just to get you started. Come and check them out today!

ten poems to last a lifetime by Roger Housden

100 Best Love Poems of All Time edited by Leslie Pockell

Best American Poetry 2009 edited by David Wagoner

Committed to Memory: 100 Best Poems to Memorize edited by John Hollander

Essential pleasures: a new anthology of poems to read aloud edited by Robert Pinksy

In the heart of the beat: the poetry of rap by Alexs Pate

100 Essential American Poems edited by Leslie M. Pockell

************************************************************************

*Informative Websites*

http://www.poetry.net/

http://www.poets.org/

http://www.poemhunter.com

http://www.poetryarchive.org/

http://www.chicagopoetry.com

***********************************************************************

Roses are red

Violets are blue

Novels are great!

But poems are too!

Books on the Air

2010-04-09T13:22:00.024-05:00

These are just three of the books that were discussed in the media this past week.

Be sure to visit this page for all the latest information.
http://library.booksite.com/7121/nl/?list=NLAIR

Kill - A - Watt Device Now Available

2010-04-05T09:51:00.002-05:00

Kill A Watt can be used to measure how efficient your current household appliances are, as well as televisions and other major consumers of energy in your home. Identifying the 'energy abusers" in your home can help you become a smarter energy consumer. Check one out for 3 weeks to see how your appliances measure up.

2010-04-02T15:17:00.021-05:00

Books on the Air:

http://library.booksite.com/7121/nl/?list=NLAIR

Be sure to check out this section on our web site for The Week Ending April 2, 2010.

Find out about all the exciting new titles that people are talking about.

A little magic with that, please!

2010-03-31T15:39:00.024-05:00

If you love a little magic in your fiction but are tired of vampires and werewolves, check out Sarah Addison Allen's lovely stories. She manages to weave a light and gentle breeze of the magical into everyday life with characters you could meet in any small southern town.

Garden Spells

The Sugar Queen

The Girl Who Chased the Moon : a novel

2010-03-29T15:02:00.000-05:00

Where Do All Those Books Come From?

The Dupage Library Service van delivers materials from other libraries every weekday. If we don't have the item you are looking for, we order it and the DLS van brings it to our door, usually within a few days. It is a cooperative effort between the Glen Ellyn Library, the DuPage Library System and the state-wide delivery system. In 2009 DLS saved YOU almost $2.8 million dollars in transporting materials. The cost per item was $0.128 versus $1.90 if we used USPS to deliver the material. We work together to serve you quickly, efficiently and economically.

Learn about Online Travel Bargains

2010-03-29T13:38:00.000-05:00

From how to book the best seat on an airplane to how to determine what type of plug you need for your electrical devices in a foreign country, there is a wealth of travel information on the internet. Find out how to access this in our "Online Travel Bargains" class on Tuesday evening, April 20th at 7 pm.

To sign up, simply go to www.gepl.org and click on the "Calendar" tab in the upper left-hand corner or call the Adult Department at 630/790-6630.

2010-03-26T16:19:00.000-05:00

Did you know you can download books to your computer or a device. To help you get started, please take a guided tour. In just a few minutes, you can learn how to browse, check out, and download the titles available at the eMediaLibrary! Please note that some of the formats mentioned during the tour might not be available. To learn about the formats available, click here. To learn about the lending policies in place, click here. This tour requires Flash; if Flash is not installed on your computer, your browser should prompt you to install it when you attempt to play the tour.

Genealogy Made Easy

2010-03-23T12:36:00.000-05:00

Want to know more about your background? Sign up for our free, hands-on "Genealogy On-line" class. It will be held this Thursday, March 25 at 2:00 p.m. We will look at our genealogy databases, Ancestry and HeritageQuest. Look at census forms, birth and death records, marriages and more. It's a fascinating and addicting hobby. Find out more on our web page at http://www.gepl.org/ or call 630-790-6630 to register.

St Patrick's Day is Wednesday, March 17th

2010-03-15T12:41:00.000-05:00

Check out our mini-display on the second floor. We are displaying Irish music CDs, feature films, Irish travel guides, and Irish-themed fiction.

2010-03-12T13:22:00.000-06:00

It is now possible to download books to your Sony Reader. Take a look at the eMediaLibrary Quick Start Guide for information and instructions on how to download.

2010-03-11T16:10:00.000-06:00

Practice your English with other English language learners. The English Conversation Group meets this Saturday the 13th from 10:00 a.m. to noon in a small meeting room on the second floor. For all levels. Volunteer tutors from Literacy DuPage facilitate the conversation. No registration necessary.

March is....

2010-03-07T16:20:00.000-06:00

National Women's History Month!

Women's history month was started by the school district of Sonoma California as a week long celebration of women's contributions to culture, history and society. The celebration quickly spread across the country and in 1981 U.S. Congress made it an official celebration. With growing popularity and importance, the week long celebration turned into an entire month celebration within 6 years.

Here are some great materials to choose from in order to learn more about how great women contributed to our history:

Mother Tereas: come be my light: the private writings of the "Saint of Calcutta"

by Teresa

Elizabeth Cady Stanton : an American life

by Lori D. Ginzberg

From Pocahontas to power suits: everything you need to know about women's history in America

by Kay Mills

Harriet Tubman: imagining a life
by Beverly Lowry

Joan: the mysterious life of the heretic who became a saint

by Donald Spoto

They fought like demons: women soldiers in the American Civil War

by DeAnne Blanton

To Tell The Truth Freely: The Life of Ida B. Wells

by Mia Bay

Come in to see ALL we have to offer for learning about Women in History!

The Price is Right

2010-03-05T09:03:00.000-06:00

The second annual Magazine Giveaway will be held on Friday, March 12 and Saturday, March 13 in the Meeting Room from 9 am. to 5 pm. each day. Help yourself to free issues of older magazines.

The following weekend is the Friends of the Library Book Sale, Saturday, March 20 from 9 am. to 5 pm. and on Sunday, March 21 from 1 pm. to 4 pm. The sale will be held in the basement of the library. On Sunday, bags of books will be sold for $5.00.

New Artist of the Month

2010-03-04T09:10:00.000-06:00

Stop by Adult Services during the month of March and see Don Stuffelbeam's breezy seaside and landscape paintings.

Black History Month - February 2010

2010-02-16T19:06:00.000-06:00

In honor of Black History Month, don't miss these insightful new books just published in 2010.

The making of African America : the four great migrations by Ira Berlin.

Post Black : how a new generation is redefining African American identity by Ytasha L. Womack.

New Alexander McCall Smith series to be published in July

2010-02-16T13:39:00.000-06:00

Having just finished "The Unbearable Lightness of Scones," the fifth book in McCall Smith's 44 Scotland Street series, I was delighted to learn that the first book in a similar series, set in contemporary London rather than Edinburgh, will be published here in July. Entitled "Corduroy Mansions" after a crumbling mansion block in London's Pimlico neighborhood, this series will feature the quirky, but endearing characters for which McCall Smith is known as well as his trademark gentle humor.

The Beatles Appear on "The Ed Sullivan Show": Anniversary - February 9, 1964

2010-02-09T09:19:00.000-06:00

British pop phenomenon the Beatles began the "British Invasion" of America with their appearance on America's top television variety show. They performed five songs before a screaming studio audience of 728. The estimated viewership for that night's show was 73 million people -- making it the most viewed US TV program in history up to that time.

(Information from Chase's Calendar of Events 2010)

Check out our web site for books, music, and more.

www.linc.lib.il.us/web2/tramp2.exe/log_out/A19dugnu.000

Senior Community Service Employment Program

2010-02-08T20:20:00.000-06:00

The following information was taken from Illinois Department on Aging Brochure and can be found at www.state.il.us/aging in the "News and Publications" section.

Are you 55 or older and looking for a job?
Employers value the skills and experience older workers bring to the workplace, so they are looking for people like you. If you’re 55 or older with a low income, local organizations are ready to help you refresh your job skills and re-enter the workforce.

What is SCSEP?
The Senior Community Service Employment Program, sponsored by the Illinois Department on Aging, is a training program designed to assist the mature worker (age 55+) in re-entering the job market. It operates under a grant from the U.S. Department of Labor under Title V of the Older Americans Act.

How does the program work?
Eligible individuals are enrolled, usually for 20 hours a week at minimum wage, in non-profit agencies where they receive:

• Skill Acquisition or skill enhancement opportunities
• Personal and employment-related counseling
• Assistance in the transition to unsubsidized employment

What are the goals of the program?
• Achieve permanent employment
• Provide paid training to enhance opportunities
• Enhance services to the community as a whole by placing the program participants in community service agencies
• Serve as an advocate for all older workers seeking employment
• Serve as a link between employers seeking to hire older employees and the older worker

Types of Community Services:
The program provides temporary training that contributes to the general welfare of the community. Typically, SCSEP participants are offered training in:
• Schools
• Hospitals
• Senior Citizen Centers
• Literacy Instruction
• Nutrition Programs
• Beautification Projects
• Conservation Projects
• Day Care Centers
• Other Opportunities

Who is eligible?
• Age 55 years or older
• Unemployed
• Capable of performing tasks involved in the proposed community service assignment
• Anyone who has an annual family income of less than 125% of the established federal poverty level

What benefits are offered?
• Annual physical exam
• Job-related counseling
• Paid training experience

For More Information, please contact:
Northeastern Illinois AAA, Kankakee or West Chicago,
Phone: 1-800-528-2000

Snapshot of a Day in the Life of Your Library, Coming February 10

2010-02-04T10:21:00.000-06:00

New Artist for the Month of February

2010-02-03T16:37:00.000-06:00

Each month in Adult Services there is a new artist diplaying their work on the south wall at the top of the stairs. Judith Laczo's lovely pastel landscapes and still lifes are on display through the month of February. She is a Hungarian born artist and some of her paintings are of local scenes and some from France and Italy. Judith spent 6 years in South America where she taught art and art history in Paraguay to English speaking students. She is affiliated with the West Chicago Art League and has shown her work in their Gallery 200.

A Cure for Cabin Fever

2010-02-01T14:53:00.000-06:00

Take in one of the upcoming, free programs at the library. This Thursday, Feb 4th at 7 pm., John Lynn will recount the chaos of 600 miles of mountain biking from Jackson Hole, Wyoming to West Glacier, Montana in “Mayhem in the National Parks.” Then on Thursday, Feb 11th, also at 7 pm., learn about “Winter Birds of North America” from eagles along the Fox River to finches at the feeder.

English Conversation Group

2010-01-29T14:05:00.000-06:00

Practice your English with other English language learners. The English Conversation Group meets on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of the month, 10:00 a.m. to noon in a small meeting room on the second floor. For all levels. Volunteer tutors from Literacy DuPage facilitate the conversation. No registration necessary.

Fax Machine

2010-01-26T09:17:00.000-06:00

A public Fax machine is now avilable on the second floor near the Adult Services Reference Desk. You will be able to send faxes, not receive them. The cost if $1.50 for the first page and $1.00 for each additional page. It takes Debit or Credit cards. To send international faxes the fee is $4.95 for the 1st page and $3.45 each additional page.

For Your Health and Well-Being in the New Year

2010-01-21T09:58:00.000-06:00

Why our health matters : a vision of medicine that can transform our future by Andrew Weil

The daily fix : your guide to healthy habits for good nutrition by Alexa L. Fishback.

The full plate diet : slim down, look great, be healthy! by Stuart A. Seale.

Haiti--in the News and in the Library

2010-01-20T16:22:00.000-06:00

Long before the devastation of the recent earthquake, Haiti has experienced a tumultuous history. For a straightforward nonfiction account, including the American occupation of Haiti in the mid-twentieth century, try “The History of Haiti” by Steeve Coupeau.

“Mountains Beyond Mountains” by Tracy Kidder is an inspirational account of the humanitarian work Dr. Paul Farmer has done for impoverished Haitians over the last twenty years in what is one of the poorest regions of one of the poorest countries of the world.

The award-winning American, Haitian-born writer Edwidge Danticat writes about the country of her birth in her novels and biographies. Her first novel, "Breath, Eyes, Memory" tells the story of a young girl, Sophie Caco, who is summoned to America from her Haitian village.

Author Robert Parker Dies

2010-01-20T09:42:00.000-06:00

American crime author Robert Parker died at home on January 18. His novels featured Spenser, wise-cracking Boston detective. In the 37 book series, Spenser, a former boxer and and state police officer, is a gourmet cook who has a complex relationship with his female companion, a black alter ego and a foster son. He received numerous myster writers awards and was one of the 10 best-selling authors in the world.

Two of this most recents books are:

Family ties are murder in this newest Jesse Stone novel to be published in February. The body in the trunk was local mobster Reggie Galen, who was enjoying his "retirement" with beautiful wife, Elizabeth. But living next door is Knocko Moyihan and his wife, Robbie, who just happens to be Rebecca's twin. It initally appears to be a low profile mob hit until a high ranking figure is found dead nearby.

In the 37th Spenser novel, Parker delves deeper into the relationship with Susan Silverman and friend and bodyguard Hawk. Spenser takes on a group of married women fend off extortion attempts by their former lover, Gary Eisenhower. The husband of one of the women takes matters into his own hand by hiring a killer to take care of the matter.

2010-01-15T09:53:00.000-06:00

Martin Luther King, Jr. was born on this day in 1929. A holiday to celebrate his birthday was signed into law in 1983 and was first observed in 1986. This year the birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. will be honored on Monday, January 18.

The library has a number of biographies and other books in the adult and youth departments. Here are some titles from the adult collection.

The Autobiography of Martin Luther King, Jr. by Martin Luther King, Jr.

The Dream: Martin Luther King, Jr., and the Speech that Inspired a Nation by Drew W. Hansen

Martin Luther King, Jr. by Marshall Frady

King: the Photobiography of Martin Luther King, Jr. by Chalres Richard Johnson

The Glen Ellyn Public Library... Makes House Calls!

2010-01-14T16:14:00.000-06:00

Have books and other library materials delivered to you!

The Glen Ellyn Public Library offers FREE delivery to Glen Ellyn residents who are homebound or unable to visit the library because of a long-term illness or physical limitations. Short-term recovery periods after surgery or illness would also qualify.

To be eligible for home delivery of library materials, a patron must:

1. Reside in the Village of Glen Ellyn.

2. Be unable to get to the library due to health or lack of transportation.

3. Be a caregiver to a person requiring continuous care.

If you or someone you know is interested in our Homebound Service, please call Beth at the Glen Ellyn Public Library, 630-790-6745.

Bringing the Library to You!

Some Facinating Read-Alikes for those who enjoyed The Lost Symbol, by Dan Brown.

2010-01-07T16:22:00.000-06:00

Dan Brown's The Lost Symbol is number one on the New York Times Best Sellers list. If you enjoy his suspenseful and atmospheric style including lots of details relating to art, science, religion and history, here are a few other authors and books that may appeal to you:

(click on the title links below to find catalog description of each book)

The Eighth Day : a novel by John Case

Prey : a novel by Michael Crichton

The Confessor by Daniel Silva

Mary, called Magdalene by Margaret George.

The Prophetess : a novel by Barbara Wood.

The Eight by Katherine Neville.

Plan Your Escape

2010-01-05T14:00:00.001-06:00

Dreaming of warmer climes or your summer vacation? Find out how to do it on a budget with our "Online Travel Bargains" class on Tuesday, January 26th at 7 pm. There are many bargains and a wealth of information from how to get the best seat on an airplane to what plug is needed for your hair dryer in a foreign country.

Call the Reference Desk at 630/790-6630 to register for this program.

New York Times Best of 2009

2009-12-27T13:44:00.000-06:00

Nonfiction:

Age of Wonder: How the Romantic Generation Discovered the Beauty and Terror of Science, by
Richard Holmes
The Good Soldiers, by David Finkel

Lit: A Memior, by Mary Karr

Lords of Finance: The Bankers Who Broke the World, by Liaquat Ahamed

Raymond Carver: A Writer's Life, by Carol Sklenicka

Fiction:

Both Ways Is The Only Way I Want It, by Maile Meloy

Chronic City, by Jonathan Lethem

A Gate At The Stairs, by Lorrie Moore

Half Broke Horses, by Jeannette Walls

A Short History of Women, by Kate Walbert

New Movies on DVD!

2009-12-22T19:44:00.000-06:00

Once you are through with the bustling and want to relax over the holidays, here is a list of the new movies on DVD at the library. If you do not find them on the shelf, add yourself to the reserve list either online or with the help of someone at the reference desk. Here they are:

Aliens in the Attic

Ally McBeal: Seasons 1 - 6

Anvil

Audition

The Big Bang Theory: Seasons 1 & 2

Battlestar Galactica: The Plan

Cheri

A Christmas Tale

Dexter: Season 3

District 9

The Exonerated

Four Christmases

The Goods

The Hangover

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs

Inglourious Basterds

It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia: It's a Very Sunny Christmas

Julie and Julia

Katyn

Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian

No.1 Ladies' Detective Agency

Nothing Like the Holidays

Paper Heart

The Proposal

Public Enemies

Shorts

Sons of Anarchy: Season 1

Terminator Salvation

Star Trek

Taking Woodstock

Tourchwood

Year One

Holiday Displays of Books, Dvds, Cds

2009-12-21T10:07:00.000-06:00

For a respite from the holiday festivities, check out some quieter entertainment from our two mini displays this month on the lower shelving by the New Book area. Christmas dvds and musical cds are featured in one display while the other features books about Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa. In the lobby, "Have a Classic Christmas" displays classic fiction.

The library will be closed on December 24th and 25th, reopening on Saturday, the 26th at 9 am. We will also be open on Sunday, December 27th from 1-5 pm.

History of Hanukkah

2009-12-18T11:40:00.000-06:00

Hanukkah (also known as Chanukah, Hanukah, Hannuka and the Festival of Lights) is an eight-day Jewish holiday that usually takes place between late November and late December. It commemorates the victory of the Maccabees, a Jewish rebel army, over the Syrians in 165 B.C.E., as well as the subsequent rededication of the holy Temple in Jerusalem. Jews around the world celebrate with eight nights of merriment. Traditions include lighting the menorah, exchanging gifts and enjoying treats cooked in oil.

Source: http://www.history.com/content/hanukkah

The Many Names of Santa

2009-12-17T11:54:00.000-06:00

The jolly old elf is known as Santa Claus in the United States, but did you ever wonder what other countries call him?

Here are some examples:

- Afghanistan: Baba Chaghaloo
- Albania: Babadimri(Grandfather Winter),Babagjyshi i Krishtlindjeve(Grandfather Christmas)
- Armenia: Dzmer Papik (Grandfather Winter), Gaghant Baba
- Austria: Christkind (Christ Child)
- Belgium: Pere Noel
- Bosnia & Herzegovina: Deda Mraz (Ded Moroz,Grandfather Frost)
- Brazil: Papai Noel
- Bulgaria: Dyado Koleda
- Canada: Santa Claus; Pere Noel (Father Christmas)
- Chile: Viejo Pascuero (Old Man Christmas)
- China: Dun Che Lao Ren (Christmas Old Man)
- Croatia: Djed Mraz (Grandfather Frost) or Djed Bozicnjak (Grandfather Christmas)
- Czech Republic: Svaty Mikulas (Saint Nicholas), Jezisek (Child Jesus)
- Denmark: Julemanden
- Estonia: Jouluvana
- Faroe Islands: Jolamaourin
- Finland: Joulupukki
- France: Pere Noel (Father Christmas)
- Germany: Weihnachtsmann (Christmas Man), Christkind (Christ Child) in Southern Germany
- Hungary: Mikulas (Nicholas); Telapo(Old Man Winter); Jezuska or Kis Jezus (Child Jesus)
- Iceland: Jolasveinn (Yule Man)
- Republic of Ireland: Santa Claus, Santy or Daidi na Nollag (Father Christmas)
- Italy: Babbo Natale (Father Christmas); La Befana; Santa Lucia;Gesu Bambino(Child Jesus)
- Lithuania: Senis Saltis (Old Man Frost) or Kaledu Senelis (Christmas Grandfather)
- Netherlands & Flanders: Kerstman (Christmas Man)
- Macedonia: Dedo Mraz
- Norway: Julenissen
- Poland: Swiety Mikolaj/Mikolaj (Saint Nicholas); Gwiazdor in some regions
- Portugal: Pai Natal
- Romania: Moldova; Mos Craciun (Father Christmas); Mos Niculae (Father Nicholas)
- Russia: Ded Moroz (Grandfather Frost)
- Serbia: Deda Mraz (Grandfather Frost)
- South Africa: Vader Kersfees
- Spain: Reyes Magos (Biblical Magi);Papa Noel (Santa Claus)
- Sweden: Jultomten
- Switzerland: Christkind (Christ Child)/Babbo Natale/Pere Noel
- Turkey: Noel Baba (Father Christmas)
- Ukraine: Svyatyy Mykolay
- United Kingdom: Father Christmas, Santa Claus, Santa, Sion Corn (Chimney John in Welsh)
- United States: Santa Claus; Kris Kringle; Saint Nicholas or Saint Nick

Location Change for Polar Explorer Program

2009-12-07T15:13:00.000-06:00

The Polar Explorer program with John Huston this Thursday, December 10 at 7:00 p.m. has been changed to a different location. The program will now be held in the parish hall at St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 393 N. Main St., Glen Ellyn. It is on the corner of Main and Hillside across from Giesche Shoes. This is a larger room so anybody that wants to come is welcome to attend.

Holiday Havoc (of the criminal kind)

2009-12-07T13:47:00.000-06:00

This year seems to be an especially good one for the Christmas mystery with several well-known authors publishing holiday-themed additions to their series. Katherine Hall Page's 18th Faith Fairchild mystery, "The Body in the Sleigh," finds caterer Faith and her family on Sanpere Island in Maine for the holidays, busily discovering corpses. Some wonderful recipes are included at the end of the book.

Another culinary mystery published this season is Joanne Fluke's "The Plum Pudding Murder," featuring Hannah Swenson, owner of The Cookie Jar in Lake Eden, Minnesota, who also contributes some scrumtious recipes in addition to cornering the killer. "Holiday Grind" is the latest in the Coffeehouse mystery series by Cleo Coyle with barista Clare Cosi and her NYPD detective boyfriend discovering the body of a man dressed as Santa Claus.

Kate Kingsbury's cozy Pennyfoot Hotel mysteries are all set in the Christmas season. "Decked with Folly" is the latest installment set in this Edwardian hotel on England's southeast coast.

Christmas Facts

2009-12-05T11:12:00.000-06:00

Each year, 30-35 million real Christmas trees are sold in the United States alone. There are 21,000 Christmas tree growers in the United States, and trees usually grow for about 15 years before they are sold.

Today, in the Greek and Russian orthodox churches, Christmas is celebrated 13 days after the 25th, which is also referred to as the Epiphany or Three Kings Day. This is the day it is believed that the three wise men finally found Jesus in the manger.

In the Middle Ages, Christmas celebrations were rowdy and raucous -- a lot like today's Mardi Gras parties.

From 1659 to 1681, the celebration of Christmas was outlawed in Boston, and law-breakers were fined five shillings.

Christmas wasn't a holiday in early America -- in fact Congress was in session on December 25,1789, the country's first Christmas under the new constitution.

Christmas was declared a federal holiday in the United States on June 26,1870.

The first eggnog made in the United States was consumed in Captain John Smith's 1607 Jamestown settlement.

Poinsettia plants are named after Joel R. Poinsett, an American minister to Mexico, who brought the red-and-green plant from Mexico to America in 1828.

The Salvation Army has been sending Santa Claus-clad donation collectors into the streets since the 1890s.

Rudolph, "the most famous reindeer of all," was the product of Robert L. May's imagination in 1939. The copywriter wrote a poem about the reindeer to help lure customers into the Montgomery Ward department store.

This information was taken from http://www.history.com/content/christmas/christmas-facts

Art Wall

2009-12-03T11:56:00.000-06:00

Each month in the Adult Services Department on the second floor a different artist displays beautiful works of art along the south wall. The displays are hung at the beginning of the month. The artist for December is Tom Beck who is showing his paintings of colorful flowers and vivid landscapes. If you are interested in showing your work at the Library please contact Chris Swearson at 630-790-6751.

Christmas Cooking

2009-12-02T13:50:00.000-06:00

Looking for some Christmas recipes?

Here are a few titles that can be found in the library's collection:

641.568/GUI Santa's North Pole Cookbook

641.568/DEE Christmas With Paula Deen

DVD 641.568/MAR Martha's Homemade Holidays

745.5941/CLA Classic Crafts and Recipes Inspired by the Songs of Christmas

641.568/GOO Good Housekeeping Christmas Joys: Great Holiday REcipes and Decorating Ideas

Holiday Movies to Enjoy

2009-11-25T13:58:00.000-06:00

Don't forget that, for only one dollar per week, you can borrow a holiday movie that will brighten your day! Here are just a few of the available titles that you may not have seen or might love to see again with friends and family:

It's a Wonderful life [DVD videorecording]
George Bailey, a desperate and suicidal man, is visited by a guardian angel who shows him how important he has been to those around him in his life.

The Bishop's wife [DVD videorecording]
Cary Grant stars as an angel who materializes in answer to the prayers of a harried young bishop, David Niven. Niven's efforts to raise money for a new cathedral have endangered his marriage to beautiful Loretta Young. Grant enters the bishop's household hoping to end the problems plaguing the family, but instead the bishop's negelected wife becomes infatuated with him.

A Christmas story [DVD videorecording]
A young boy must convince his parents that a toy rifle is the only Christmas gift that will make Christmas worthwhile. Not only do his parents face what many other parents do during that time of the year, but their actions fit in with the All-American Christmas.

The Santa Clause [DVD videorecording]
Scott is distressed to learn that his ex-wife and her husband have informed his son, Charlie, that there is no Santa Claus. While a sullen Charlie visits his dad on Christmas Eve, a noise on the roof brings them outside. It turns out that there is a Santa after all, and Scott has just accidentally killed him. Because of "the Santa clause," Scott inherits the job of Santa. As the next year passes, Scott rapidly gains weight, grows a white beard and meets the elf Bernard. Charlie's stepdad becomes concerned about Scott and forces him to undergo a psychiatric evaluation.

White Christmas [DVD videorecording]
Two song-and-dance men team up in show business after the war. Joining forces with a sister act, they trek to Vermont for a white Christmas. The real adventure starts when Crosby and Kaye discover that the inn is run by their old army general who's now in financial trouble.

There are also non-fiction DVDs with holiday decorating and cooking inspirations that are available at no charge. For example:

Martha's holidays 2005 [DVD videorecording]
Includes Classic Thanksgiving, Homemade Holidays, and New Year's Celebration. Get Thanksgiving and Christmas recipes, decorating ideas, gift wrapping ideas, crafts for kids, and everything you need to celebrate New Year's.

Jacques Pepin's Christmas celebration [DVD videorecording]
Jacques and his daughter Claudine prepare the Christmas feast of their dreams, starting with oysters on the half-shell served over rice with a tangy mignonette sauce, home smoked salmon with cucumber salad, baked foie gras in cognac aspic, salt cured foie gras with nuts and sea salt, braised duck with tangy honey sauce, glazed shallots, and honey sweet potatoes, black truffle salad, noël log and Christmas pudding.

Check with us in Adult services for more suggestions!

Giving Thanks and Giving Back

2009-11-23T10:19:00.000-06:00

During this Thanksgiving week, we are reminded of what we have to be thankful for. If you are interested in giving back, consider becoming a volunteer literacy tutor. Libraries have traditionally been a source of volunteers who share their ability to communicate, read and write. Literacy DuPage is currently experiencing a critical shortage of adult literacy tutors, and their waiting list of adult learners has been capped at 160 persons.

Check out their website,www.literacydupage.org or the bulletin board at the library for the 2009-2010 tutor training schedule. No prior teaching or tutoring experience is needed.

Alistair Cooke Birth Anniversary

2009-11-20T09:31:00.000-06:00

Alistair Cooke was born on November 20, 1908. Well known as a broadcast journalist he hosted PBS's Masterpiece Theatre for over 20 years and broadcast Letter From America on BBC Radio for over 50 years. He died in New York City on March 30, 2004.
Here are some titles available for check out at the Glen Ellyn Library.
The American Home Front, 1941-1942
Letter From America, 1946-2004
Memories of the Great and the Good
America Observed: from the 1940s to the 1980s
The Patient has the Floor
Alistair Cooke: a biography by Nick Clarke
Masterpiece Theatre: a Celebration of 25 Years of Outstanding Television

Want to be a Friend?

2009-11-17T12:18:00.000-06:00

Are you interesting in volunteering with the Friends of the Library? They need people interested in helping the Library by committing time to assist in events such as the used book sales and the annual fundraising mailing. Find out more by going to http://gepl.org/friends/main.html or email Kristen Smith at jkajsmith@wideopenwest.com.

2009-11-12T15:02:00.000-06:00

The English Conversation Group meets this Saturday, November 14. Practice English with other English language learners. Tutors from Literacy DuPage will lead the group. It is free and no registration is required. The group meets on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of the month, 10:00 a.m. to noon in a small meeting room on the second floor.

Still openings for music performance this Sunday!

2009-11-05T18:58:00.000-06:00

The Roots of Americana Music: Vintage Folk and Classic Country.

Date: 11/8/2009
Start Time: 2:00 PM
End Time: 3:00 PM
Description: Hear Steve Justman perform popular folk music and country songs that everyone knows and loves. You will be tapping your toes and singing along with this popular Chicago musician as he strums his guitar and entertains with music standards.

Go to our Calendar or call us to sign up!!

Some Imaginative Reading In Our New Books Collection

2009-11-05T14:09:00.000-06:00

Imager’s Challenge by L. E. Modesitt, Jr.

Wildfire A Novel by Sarah Micklem.

The Stolen Voice A Gil Cunningham Murder Mystery by Pat McIntosh.

Nine gates by Jane Lindskold.

Book Chat, Wednesday, November 11th, 7:30 pm.

2009-11-02T09:53:00.000-06:00

Our book discussion group will be meeting on the second Wednesday of November to discuss our personal favorite books of the year. Everyone is welcome to attend so take this opportunity to discover great fiction and nonfiction you may have missed and pass along your recommendations to others. Speaking of favorites, check out The Best of the Millennium (So Far) which was recently published on the reading website "The Millions" I predict you'll be surprised!

Auto Repair Reference Center

2009-10-27T09:52:00.000-05:00

Need your car fixed and low on cash? You can DIY with the help of the Auto Repair Reference Center. To find this money saving database, go to our web page and click on"Magazines, Newspapers and Databases." The Auto Repair Reference Center is includes vehicles from 1945 to present, drawings and step-by-step photographs, technical service bulletins & recalls, enhanced wiring diagrams, specifications and maintenance schedules, Labor Time Guide, and more.

2009-10-26T09:22:00.000-05:00

The Hobbies and Crafts Reference Center includes full text of over 740 magazines and books to meet the interests of hobbby enthusiasts. Subjects include collecting, games, model building, needlework, scrapbooking, paper craft and many more. Click on the online resources tab to sign in from home with your Glen Ellyn Library Card or come to the Library and try it out.

2009-10-22T18:57:00.000-05:00

FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY

BOOK SALE

THIS SATURDAY!

One day only!!
Date: Saturday, October 24th
Time: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Location: Library basement

Come in and find GREAT deals on books, DVDs, books-on-CD or tape, music CDs and other items! Can't wait to see YOU there!

Library Closed Friday, October 23

2009-10-22T11:41:00.000-05:00

The library will be closed on Friday for a staff in-service. You can still do many things from home. From the library website at http://gepl.org you can click on Catalog to check for books and other materials and to place reserves. Click on My Account to renew items and to see what you have checked out and/or on hold. Click on Calendar to sign up for upcoming events. Click on Online Resources to search magazine databases and other databases for information. We will reopen our usual hours on Saturday the 24th, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Vegetarian Month

2009-10-13T17:33:00.000-05:00

Since October is Vegetarian Month, here are a few books from our collection emphasizing vegetarian foods that might inspire you to experiment with some healthful recepies:

Love soup : 160 all-new vegetarian recipes from the author of The Vegetarian Epicure
Author: Thomas, Anna.

The flexitarian diet : the mostly vegetarian way to lose weight, be healthier, prevent disease, and add years to your life
Author: Blatner, Dawn Jackson.

Totally vegetarian : easy, fast, comforting cooking for every kind of vegetarian
Author: Fiore, Toni.

100 best vegetarian recipes
Author: Gelles, Carol.

Mediterranean harvest : vegetarian recipes from the world's healthiest cuisine
Author: Shulman, Martha Rose.

The healthy hedonist holidays : a year of multicultural, vegetarian-friendly holiday feasts
Author: Kornfeld, Myra.

Tassajara cookbook : lunches, picnics & appetizers
Author: Oliveira, Karla.

How to cook everything vegetarian : simple meatless recipes for great food
Author: Bittman, Mark.

Veteran British Author Hilary Mantel Wins 2009 Man Booker Prize

2009-10-12T10:04:00.000-05:00

Novelist Hilary Mantel has won the Man Booker Prize for “Wolf Hall,” her fictionalized account of Thomas Cromwell’s rise to power in Tudor England. Mantel has said that Cromwell is problematic for the biographer since he left no private writings, but is a gift for the novelist for the same reason.

The Tudor era has provided fertile ground for recent fiction and even a TV series, The Tudors. Philippa Gregory ‘s bestselling, The Other Boleyn Girl (2002) began a series of novels dealing with the power-hungry Tudors which ended last year with The Other Queen, the story of Mary Queen of Scots’ years of captivity under her cousin Queen Elizabeth.

British author C.J. Sansom has also explored this era in his series of historically-detailed mysteries featuring the hunch-backed lawyer Matthew Shardlake. Cromwell appears in the first mystery, Dissolution, set against the background of the dissolution of the monasteries under Henry VIII and again in Dark Fire in which Shardlake undertakes a secret mission for Cromwell

October is National Reading Group Month

2009-10-08T13:45:00.000-05:00

Check out this website that celebrates National Reading Group Month.

The library has a web page with information for reading groups. Take a look at our Information for Book Groups page.

Star Wars Fans! Mark Your Calendars for Sat., Nov. 14th!! The 501st is Coming!!!

2009-10-07T16:03:00.000-05:00

Public Meetings to Address Funding for Library Building Repairs and Maintenance

2009-10-05T11:30:00.000-05:00

Monday, October 5 - 2 pm
Tuesday, October 6 - 7 pm
Saturday, October 10 - 2 pm

In 1993, voters approved the sale of bonds for the construction of the current library building. Construction of the current building began in 1994 and the building opened for operation in 1995. The building came in under budget. However, neither the proceeds of the bonds nor the library’s annual budget provided for either expected or unexpected repairs, maintenance, or replacement of building components, systems and equipment. The building is now fourteen years old and in need of mechanical and physical repairs. The library is governed by a board of seven elected trustees, who, over the last several years, have become increasingly aware of the need for these repairs and the absence of any funding for them.

The board first addressed building problems in 2002 and 2005 by hiring two roofing experts because the roof had leaked periodically for some time. The second expert found deficiencies in the roof, and his investigation ultimately led to the discovery of other problems, including water infiltration in exterior walls and windows, improper ventilation of the roof, and outdated software that operate the mechanical systems that maintain a comfortable library environment. The board has concluded that these deficiencies are causing further damage to the building. The board feels strongly that these deficiencies, if not addressed promptly, will cost all of us a lot more in the future than it would cost to borrow sufficient funds to correct the known problems now.

The board has accumulated a fund to maintain the building and equipment, from one modest tax of about $150,000 in 2001 and by allocating small end-of-year surpluses to that fund. That fund amounted to just over $300,000 in 2007. Since then the board has used a significant portion of those funds for the investigations that led to the determination of the various building issues and to identify and remediate mold infestations resulting from the leaky walls and windows. You may have noticed the work last year on the turret and nearby areas above the entrance. This year we are using a portion of the remaining funds to address similar issues on the side of the building facing the railroad tracks. The board believes that the repairs above the entrance and along the railroad tracks have successfully solved the problem of the water leaking into those walls. We expect about $100,000 to remain in that fund after this year’s work. The board views this balance as insufficient to commit to further repairs, as it would leave the library without the ability to address emergencies.

In the past, the board has not budgeted for ongoing maintenance, repair, or capital replacement. To rectify this situation, and to provide the funds necessary for immediate repairs, the board proposes a two-part solution. The library proposes to borrow 3 million dollars to fund urgently needed repairs. The library expects to be able to borrow that amount at an average fixed rate of approximately 3.5% per year, payable over 11 years. In addition the board proposes to increase our tax levy for the operation of the library by 3 cents from .1649 to .1949, which is within the amount approved by the voters in 1977. For a home with a market value of $300,000 the impact of these two proposals would add approximately $35 to the annual property tax bill.

Both a Fact Sheet and a set of FAQ’s regarding the necessary repairs and the funding solutions are available at the Library or on the website at www.gepl.org.

Superstitious??

2009-10-03T15:26:00.000-05:00

The season of Halloween is upon us, and what better season to learn more about superstitions! Folklore and myths are at their height during this ghostly season, but where did they come from? What makes people believe in old wives tales and make believe? Come in and check out our collection regarding superstitions and what they are all about. What will you think next time a black cat crosses your path?

A Dictionary of superstitions, Published by Oxford, edited by Iona Opie and Moira Tatem

Why people believe weird things : pseudoscience, superstition, and other confusions of our time, by Michael Shermer

Believing in magic : the psychology of superstition, by Stuart A. Vyse

The golden bough : the roots of religion and folklore, by James George Frazer

Satanism and witchcraft : the classic study of medieval superstition, by Jules Michelet

Strange customs, how did they begin? : The origins of the unusual and occult customs, superstitions, and traditions, by R. Brasch

13 : the story of the world's most popular superstition, by Nathaneil Lachenmeyer

Lucifer ascending : the occult in folklore and popular culture, by Bill Ellis

Magic and mysticism [electronic resource (eBook)] : studies in bygone beliefs, by H. Stanley Redgrove (Herbert Stanley)

Of superstition and enthusiasm [electronic resource (eBook)] by David Hume