Why visit your library in 2011?

A snapshot of your library reveals:

* You can save money by using the library! The Library offers over 225 magazines and a collection of more than 120,000 books and other items to make life-long learning possible. We have expanded access to thousands of materials that we can get for you. Don't buy it; get in on loan from your library.

* A DVD movie collection is anchored by family and classic films but offers something for everyone. We accept your gently used family or children’s films to help expand the library collection. Save money by using the library. Don't rent it; borrow it from your library.

* Play Literacy Areas @ Homer Library encourage children to become aware of and comfortable with books, computers, and the library. Our new train, lego and creative play areas can stimulate a child’s intellectual and social development and prepare them for learning and school activities. Enjoy and explore the library with your family.

* Teens Rock @ Homer Library! Library teens have a creative personal space to meet with friends for study, homework, and socializing. Grant funds and help from the Friends of the Library group subsidized the teen area, which is bright, inviting, and anchored by art created by our very own library teens. Teens have tons of programs & club activities, too!

* VIP Adults/Seniors offers popular programs for adults including Armchair Travelers, Knitting Club, Cooking Classes, and other educational and inviting programs. We see growing use in these tough economic times. Learn something new and enjoy quality time at Homer Library.

DISCOVER MORE @ Your Library!

• New programs like “Reptile Club” and “Family Literacy” support our community with activities and opportunities to learn and socialize with others.
• The Bookmobile extends library services throughout the Township. With a core collection of 5,000 items it also features contests, special weekly themes, reading clubs, and more that encourage reading, library use and participation.
• Gaming @ Homer Library provides an opportunity to socialize with others, play Guitar Hero, enjoy Dance Dance Revolution, and more. Did you know that studies show there is a direct correlation to game playing and improved school performance? It’s true!
• Wiggles ‘N Giggles and Polish/English Story Time remain favorite preschool children’s programs. They provide opportunities to enjoy the library, books, and more.
• Our Teen Intern Program has 105 active teens, who volunteered 1,047 hours this past year. Library teens undertook community service activities to support the Goodings Grove Lions Club, Homer Twp. Chamber of Commerce, Homer Township, and more!
• Sunday 4-8pm hours increase your access to the library at convenient times.

We hope to see you soon.

Year in Review

It's that time to look back and reflect on this past year. At the library we're reminiscing about the many successful changes and programs to make the library ever more convenient and relevant for you. Homer Library is a community haven for residents and information seekers of all ages, offering materials, computer access, and programs. The Library is also a great neighborhood gathering place and a social destination. Learning continues at every age and stage in a person's life and we note increasing usage during these tough economic times. We hope you stop in soon and see all the changes we have in place!

Save money by using your library...enjoy free DVD movies, read a magazine, check out that brand new book, take a free computer class, register your child for a fun program, join one of our clubs, and benefit from your library more than ever in 2011.

Successful Grant Writing Continues
In 2009 we exceeded our goal of receiving more than one million dollars in grant funding! Creative and talented library staff write many grants to help provide the collections, equipment and programs requested by the fast-growing Homer community. This past year through grant funding we added new computers, equipment, and programming.

Web Convenience
* Homer Library's on the web at http://www.homerlibrary.org/
* Library photos are at http://www.flickr.com/photos/homerlibrary
* Join our conversation on Twitter http://twitter.com/homerlibrary
* Visit us on Facebook - just search Homer Library to find us! Become a fan and find out the latest and greatest to discover even more @ your library!

Your community place!

We continue to evaluate our collections and space needs to best serve residents in the communities of Homer Township and Homer Glen.

What would you like to see @ your library? I value your input and welcome all suggestions and comments. Email me at sheree@homerlibrary.org, message me on AIM at GrantExprt, or call me at (708) 301-7908 and let me know what's on your mind.

Honoring Barry

On Sunday, October 17th we honor Barry Levine by dedicating a wonderful piece of art at the Homer Township Public Library.

I would like to talk about my friend Barry, a most unique individual and a Homer Township Library trustee whom I grew to love. Barry passed away last year (April 29, 2009) of unknown causes. He was listening to a recorded book at the time and I think it quite proper that he left us doing something he so enjoyed. But he left us much too soon.

Barry had three passions in life. The first was his family, wife Phyllis DiMonte-Levine, and their three children: Randy, Rachael and Sarah. They were the light and joy of his life and he spoke of them often. His other two passions involved improving service for the blind and physically disabled and advocating for libraries and their services. He often combined both, successfully contributing to advancing library services for the blind and physically challenged. Barry was a popular and respected individual in local, state, and system library and accessibility arenas and he made a true difference in many lives.

I was so pleased to have him become ILA's 8th Illinois Library Luminary. Posthumously he received the Robert S. Bray award for his national service as well as the Mary McCann Award from the American Council of the Blind.

Barry was recognized in 2001 by the Illinois Library Association and received the Trustee of the Year Award for his advocacy and efforts in the library world. In 2004 Barry received the Alexander J. Skrzypek Award for his outstanding contributions to library service for the blind and physically challenged. He was a mover and a shaker who prided himself on rarely missing one board meeting at either the local or system level in a combined total of 18 years. Barry was a true visionary, contributing to effectively moving libraries into the future and embracing service for all.

I think that I will end by telling you that Barry Levine was a dedicated, positive, proactive, and thoughtful man. He was also eloquent and very funny. I enjoyed both his intelligence and his wit; he loved a good story and shared many with us.

His motto was: "Become involved and stay involved in your community, where you can make a difference." He loved his life, he lived his motto. He made a difference. He left us too soon. And he is greatly missed.

I wish I had one last opportunity to tell him that he made a huge impact in my life and I am a better person for having known him. But then I think he already knows.

Quote of the Day

"All that mankind has done, thought, gained or been: it is lying as in magic preservation in the pages of books." Thomas Carlyle 1795-1881