Discoveriesiscoveries

Downers GrovePublic Library

Vol. 28 No. 1January/February 2014

There’s more inside!

Staff Milestones

New Magazines

•UnboundBreaksFree

•Testing…Testing…

•InternetAccess Revisited

PardonOurDust Visitors to the library will encounter this message often during the next several months. The well-loved library building will be undergoing a phased interior renovation, beginning early in 2014. We will develop new and refreshed study and meeting spaces, an enhanced teen area, refurbished restrooms, and a host of other improvements. Scheduled for completion in autumn 2014, the upgrades will make the building more comfortable, convenient, and functional for everyone. Construction will be done in four major phases, each lasting about two months. Book collections, computers, staff desks, and traffic patterns will move in various configurations to allow the construction work to progress. Some noise, some dust, and some inconvenience will undoubtedly occur. While the library intends to remain open for service throughout the project, there may be times when a portion of the collection or a particular service is inaccessible. Due to space limitations, we will also be unable to accept donated books, CDs, and DVDs. The Downers Grove AAUW will accept items for their book sale. Call them at (630) 225–8162 or email dgaauw@yahoo.com for more information about donations. We’ll do our best to minimize the hassle. For up-to-the-minute details, please be sure to keep track at www.dglibrary.org, www.facebook.com/DGLibrary, and at twitter.com/DGLibrary.

WebsiteBetaTestersNeeded! We’re making exciting changes to www.dglibrary.org! In the coming months you will see a newly designed website featuring clean and modern layouts, up-to-the-minute library news, reading recommendations, and much, much more! We need volunteers of all ages to help us test our new site. Testing is simple and easy, and your assistance will help us develop our final website. Please contact Mary Styrczula at (630) 960–1200 or webmaster@dglibrary.org by January 18.

DoYouHaveUsBookmarked? The web link to our catalog of books, CDs, and DVDs has been updated. Please change any Internet browser bookmark links on your personal computers to http://catalog.swanlibraries.net.

➤ Library Closings• Tues.,Dec.31,closeat5:00p.m.– New Year’s Eve•Wed.,Jan.1–NewYear’sDay• Fri.,Jan.17–StaffIn-ServiceDay

➤BookDiscussionGroupsDuring the renovation, discussions will take place at Capri of Downers Grove. Come for appetizers, drinks, dinner, or just to discuss! Books are avail-able one month before each discussion. Nonfiction Discussion GroupMon., Feb. 3, 7:30 p.m.The End of Your Life Book Club by Will SchwalbeCapri of Downers Grove5101 Main St., Downers Grove

Fiction Discussion GroupMeeting on a new night!Wed., Feb. 5, 7:30 p.m.Beautiful Ruins by Jess WalterCapri of Downers Grove5101 Main St., Downers Grove

Unbound Book DiscussionThurs., Jan. 16, 7:00 p.m.The Sisters Brothers by Patrict deWittSee article on the left for more information.

UnboundBreaksFree There’s a new group in town! Join us for Unbound—an unconventional approach to book discussions, trivia, and so much more! Expect the un-expected as we break from the bounds of the library and explore the outer limits in Downers Grove. Get the latest updates at www.facebook.com/DGPLunbound.

Unbound Book DiscussionThurs., Jan. 16, 7:00 pmThe Sisters Brothers by Patrick deWittBallydoyle Irish Pub5157 Main St., Downers Grove

TheBigRead The popular community reading event, The Big Read, returns for its tenth year with Philip Caputo’s The Longest Road. The Longest Road is the story of an epic journey from the southern-most tip of Florida to the northernmost destination of Deadhorse, Alaska.

Caputo, his wife, and their two English Setters travel with their Airstream trailer in tow, in search of what unites and divides our country. A cooperative project of the Clarendon Hills, Downers Grove, Hinsdale, Indian Prairie, La Grange,

La Grange Park, Lisle, Thomas Ford, and Woodridge public libraries, The Big Read is celebrating its tenth year of connecting communities through literature. The Westchester Public Library will join us to welcome their hometown author at Ashton Place on May 1. A complete program guide will be available at participating libraries and at www.thebigread.org beginning February 1. Registration for these programs will begin March 1. You can also find The Big Read on Facebook and @BigRead2014 on Twitter.

unboundunbound

Introducing:GoogleGlass The library has been accepted into the Google Glass beta program, a research project at Google to develop a wearable computer in the form of a

headset, about the size of a pair of glasses. Patrons inter-ested in taking a look at this new technology can Book-a-Tech by emailing techsupport@dglibrary.org to set up an appointment.

Adult&TeenProgramsDue to the renovation, programs will not be held in the Meeting Room. Check each listing for program location. Email mdoornbos@dglibrary.org with questions.

➤ComputerClassesTraining Room.

Intro to PowerPoint 2007Tues., Jan. 7, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

Intro to Word 2007Fri., Jan. 10, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Internet for Seniors: Beginner Tues., Jan. 14, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.

Internet for Seniors: Intermediate Thurs., Jan. 16, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.

Creating Greeting CardsThurs., Jan. 16, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

Intro to Excel 2007Tues., Jan. 21, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

iPad BasicsWed., Jan. 22, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Facebook BasicsThurs., Jan. 23, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Bring your email address and password.

PinterestTues., Jan. 28, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Bring your email address and password.

PreziThurs., Jan. 30, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

Register in advance at dglibrary.org/ calendar.html or at a service desk.

Space is limited. DGPL card required.

Individuals with disabilities can call three days in advance to discuss possible accommodations.

Taxes Are Everyone’s BusinessThurs., Jan. 9, 7:00 p.m. Park District Recreation Center4500 Belmont Rd.Judi Strauss reviews key elements of the tax code, the complex rules for sales of stock and mutual funds, Form 8949, and the revised Schedule D. Bring your questions!

➤TheBigReadA complete list of programs for The Longest Road will be available at participating librar-ies and at www.thebigread.org beginning February 1. Registration is required and begins March 1. Program space is limited.

➤MusicfromtheLibrarySuenos Latin-Jazz QuartetSun., Jan. 5, 2:00 p.m. Lincoln Center935 Maple Ave.A crowd favorite, this quartet returns with music encompassing the sounds of Afro-Cuban, Brazilian, Flamenco, and more.

➤DowntonAbbeyReturnsThe fourth season of Downton Abbey pre-mieres on PBS on Sunday, January 5. We’re teaming up with the Downers Grove Park District Museum and Downers Grove His-torical Society to bring you fun programs in celebration of the returning television season.

Welcome to Downton: An Afternoon with Lady CoraSat., Jan. 4, 1:00 – 2:30 p.m.First-Floor LobbyMistress of Downton Abbey Lady Cora is portrayed with short presentations that provide insight into what life was like in England during the 1920s.

Dining á la DowntonThurs., Jan. 16, 7:00 p.m. Park District Recreation Center4500 Belmont Rd.A trained head cook and an English butler are portrayed, transporting you to an early twentieth-century estate. Discover the ups and downs of their careers as you taste an authentic Edwardian dessert.

Setting the Scene: Making of Downton AbbeyTues., Jan. 28, 7:00 p.m. Park District Recreation Center4500 Belmont Rd.Learn about the landscape designers, land ownership patterns, and inheritance laws that produced great estates like Downton and why radical changes were inevitable.

LookWhatWeWon! The library recently became a recipi-ent of a Best Buy Children’s Foundation Community Grant, donated to orga-nizations that provide teens with skills that inspire future education and career choices. The $5,000 grant will help us fund a series of certification workshops focused on teaching high school students proficiency in multiple content creation technologies, such as photography, video recording, podcasts, and robotics. After successfully completing the program, these teens will be able to assist in train-ing other community members. Teens interested in participating should stay tuned for more information.

➤ForFamiliesFake Mustache WeekFri., Feb. 21 – Thurs. Feb. 27Come enjoy Fake Mustache Week with quizzes, Artist of the Week, and fake mustaches for all!

Window Display Application DaySat., Jan. 11, 9:00 a.m. Window Display Applications for 2014 will be accepted in the Junior Room beginning at 9:00 a.m. Only the first 60 applications will be accepted.

➤ StorytimesStories, songs, and puppetry for preschoolers. Join us for a special four-week session. Due to construction, please check at the Junior Room Desk for storytime location.

Saturday Morning StorytimeSaturdays, Jan. 4 – Mar. 19:30 – 10:00 a.m. ♥

Weekday Storytimes Mondays, Jan. 6 – Jan. 27Tuesdays, Jan. 7 – Jan. 28Wednesdays, Jan. 8 – Jan. 299:30 – 10:00 a.m. ♥

Let’s Learn Spanish StorytimeFri., Jan. 24, 11:00 – 11:30 a.m. ♥Fri., Feb. 21, 11:00 – 11:30 a.m. ♥A Language Stars instructor provides an introduction to Spanish for preschoolers.

♥ Children must attend with an adult.

Register online at dglibrary.org/ calendar.html, by phone, or in person. DGPL card required. Space is limited.

Complete program information is available online.

➤ForPreschoolersDrop-In Preschool Craft Wed., Feb. 12, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. ♥Make a special Valentine’s craft.

➤ForSchool-AgeChildrenChicago Wolves Read to Succeed Winter Reading ProgramJanuary 2 – 31 Fill out a raffle entry for every book you read in January to try to win a Wolves prize pack! For independent readers through grade 8.

Bookmark Contest Grades K – 8January 6 – February 17Pick up an entry form at the Junior Room Desk. Winners will be notified by March 15. Judged and co-sponsored by the Downers Grove Breakfast Kiwanis Club.

Read to the Dogs Thurs., Jan. 9, 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. Thurs., Feb. 13, 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. Call the Junior Room Desk to schedule a 15-minute slot at (630) 960–1200 starting 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 2.

Vote for Your Favorite DogFebruary 1 – 28 Vote each week as we count down to discover Downers Grove’s favorite dog from books, TV, and movies.

Children’sProgramsPrograms and storytimes are held in the Children’s Department unless otherwise noted.

ReadingTogether…onaLargeScale! Adults have The Big Read—we have Kids Read. We’re joining eight neighboring libraries to read and explore the children’s book by Dan Yaccarino, Go, Go America. It’s the story of one family’s rollicking road trip from state to state and the curi-ous facts they learn. Look for special programs in March!

FromtheDirector As we wrap up a busy and productive 2013 and launch into an ambitious 2014, I want to mention a few of your library’s recent activities and let you know what you can expect

in the next several months. Preparation for the renovation of the library building has been a major theme of the past year. Construction will begin early in 2014, bringing new and improved study and meeting spaces, an expanded teen area, refurbished restrooms, fresh paint and flooring, and many other improvements. We’ve also introduced many service upgrades that you can enjoy right away. “Hot Reads” pro-vides immediate access to new popular books. Those books are featured in a lobby display that invites readers to help themselves. Self-checkout machines, now accounting for over 65% of in-building checkouts, make the process even more convenient. In a different vein, an expanded col-lection of electronic-format books now provides over 5% of all items borrowed. More good things are on the way. Improved Internet access for children, expanded partnerships with our community school districts, and an enhanced library website are in the works. In every case, the goal is the same: great public library service for the people of Downers Grove. We’ll do our best to serve you well.

Rick Ashtonrashton@dglibrary.org

EnjoyTheseNewPrintMagazinesFor Adults• Artforum– News and critiques of exhibitions in the visual arts, with a contemporary focus• ChicagolandGardening – Latest trends and issues in gardening• CottageJournal – Decorating ideas, style tips, creative inspiration, and delicious recipes.• Dwell – For the urban audience who decorate in minimalist style• MHQ – Vivid details of the world’s greatest battles over 5000 years• ModernDog – Breeds, training, feeding, and tips for traveling with pets• QuiltmakerMagazine – For beginning and seasoned quiltmakers• SophisticatesHairstyleGuide – Full of different hair ideas• Trains–Leading train industry magazine geared toward the hobbyist• Triathlete – Largest triathlon magazine catering to a fast growing sportFor Children• DisneyJunior – Storytelling and activities from favorite characters• LadybugenEspanol – Colorful illustrations, poems, and stories reinforce the enjoyment of reading and listening to the Spanish language• Thomas&Friends – Charming stories and activities for early learners

InternetAccessRevisited At their November meeting, the Board of Trustees approved changes to the library’s Inter-net Access Policy that support a more effective, child-appropriate approach to Internet access. Now located in a public area near the Children’s Services Desk, Internet-accessible computers are available for use by children through eighth grade. They are equipped with filtering software designed to screen out material that is inappropriate for children, similar to the educational strategy used by Community School District 58. Computers on the second floor will remain unfiltered. The complete policy can be viewed at www.dglibrary.org/internet.php.

TeensDeclareTheirFavorites Veronica Roth’s Divergent and Suzanne Collins’ Hunger Games trilo-gies were the most popular books of those selected by more than 160 teens, but it was clear that they like a really wide range of titles! During Teen Read Week, students submitted their favorites, now displayed in Teen Central. Names were drawn from the submissions, and Samantha Krupa, Noor Sheikh, Clifton Smith, Quinn McAnally, and Julie Babyak won gift cards to Anderson’s Bookshop.

Discoveries brings news of services and activities at the Downers Grove Public Library to the 47,833 residents of Downers Grove.Rick Ashton: Library DirectorMelody A. Danley: Editor and Graphics

Library HoursMonday – Friday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.Sunday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Library Board of TrusteesKathleen DiCola, Pres. Thomas Read, Secr.Susan Eblen Wendee Greene David Humphreys Daniel Loftus

The Board of Trustees meets in the Meeting Room the fourth Wednesday of the month at 7:30 p.m. You are invited to attend.

Printed on recycled paper.

FutureBestsellers February• SuzanneBrockmann–Do or Die• JackieCollins–Confessions of a Wild Child° Diane Jacobs–Dear Abigail: The Intimate Lives and Revolutionary Ideas of Abigail Adams and Her Two Remarkable Sisters° Annie Jacobsen–Operation Paperclip: The Secret Intelligence Program to Bring Nazi Scientists to America• JonathanKellerman–Killer° Steven Levingston–Little Demon in the City of Light: A True Story of Murder and Mesmerism in Belle Epoque ParisMarch• C.J.Box–Stone Cold• HarlanCoben–Missing You• CliveCussler–The Bootlegger° Maria Mutch–Know the Night: A Memoir of Survival in the Small Hours• JamesPatterson–NYPD Red 2° Carol Wall–Mister Owita’s Guide to Gardening° George F. Will–A Nice Little Place on the North Side: Wrigley Field at One Hundred

• fiction ° nonfiction

StaffMilestonestoBeRecognized Nineteen staff members will be honored for their service to the library and the community. Books on topics of interest to each honoree will be added to the collection in recognition of their dedication.

35 years: Sara Pemberton, Children’s Services30 years: Bonnie Reid, Administration20 years: Pam Strom, Circulation; Maria Patacsil, Technical Services15 years: Marianne Trautvetter, Adult and Teen Services; Cynthia Nicolas, Nancy Poch, Circulation Services10 years: Cheryl Fortman, Adult and Teen Services; Peggy Grogan, Melanie Mertz, Wilma Thomas, Circulation; Jessica Bowes, Information Technology5 years: Janet Cavenagh, Jaclyn Micek, Lynette Pitrak, Jeanine Schultz, Nicole Wilhelms, Adult and Teen Services; Sue Behnke, Circula- tion; Dale Galiniak, Information Technology

Testing…Testing… If you are preparing to take an exam, LearnATest is the place to start! This online collection of practice tests covers every-thing from the ACT and SAT to graduate entrance exams like the LSAT and MCAT, as well as the

GED. LearnATest can help you get ready for a certification or licensing test for a wide variety of careers including cosmetology, plumbing, law enforce-ment, civil service, real estate, and firefighting. Students of any age can improve their skills in math, reading, and more by utilizing the improvement exercises. You can also find eBooks to assist you with job searches and resumé writing. Access LearnATest at the library or from home with your library card at www.dglibrary.org under Research.