An Open Letter to Homer Residents

Internet @ Your Library
We live in a global information society and the Internet offers a world of information online. It also poses challenges and concerns. The Homer Township Public Library has developed many policies and procedures with the goal of patron safety in mind. Recently, an Internet filtering bill - House Bill (HB) 1727 - has garnered much discussion.

Parents make the best "filter"
Our library does not employ technological filters. Our Internet Use Policy requires the best possible filter of all: monitoring by a parent or legal guardian. Children under age 13 are not allowed to use the Internet without a parent or guardian present. Every child under age 18 must have a parent/legal guardian come into the library and sign an Internet use permission form. To ensure a positive and productive experience we encourage parents and their children to explore the Internet - and Library - together. We consider that the best way to protect children.

What is HB 1727 and why is it important?
Whether we choose to use filters or not- HB 1727 would give the state the power to over-ride the decisions of those you elect and require all libraries to use filtering technology. The Homer Township Public Library - which serves 30,000 patrons - has a duly elected Board of Trustees comprised of residents in our community. Local library boards, such as ours, make informed decisions. Policy and procedures are thoughtfully discussed, carefully drafted, and put into place. Those you duly elect and all library staff are vigilant about online safety.

This topic can be an emotional one. While I believe professionally that we operate safely and effectively without filters, many of you may not share that opinion. Filters do not work perfectly. They are effective in blocking content from legitimate and valuable sites as well as inappropriate ones. They can be compromised. Other bills such as HB 660 and Senate Bill (SB) 1472 would mandate schools to teach Internet safety to students. Isn't that a better option?

I ask you to consider these questions:
-By adding filters would children truly be more "safe" than the policy we currently enforce?
-Would filters help or hinder information access?
-Would filters offer a false sense of security?
-Would an educational initiative - funded by the General Assembly - be a better alternative?
-Do you want laws blocking information access or private filtering companies choosing for you what information is best for you to see?

What do you think, Homer Residents?
We have displayed posters and bookmarks about filtering talking points for the IL library community at large. We want to extend community awareness of this proposed state law and the possible negative impact here at your library. Whether we filter or not, we've made a commitment to continue to offer training on how to navigate the Internet safely and responsibly - for parents, teens and youth. Programs assist parents to be more tech savvy, as well as to help educate youngsters on how to evaluate information and choose wisely when online.

Tell us what you think about the topic of filtering and HB 1727. I invite you to contact me directly by email, phone (708) 301-1078 or attend a library board meeting.
We value community comment and the opportunity to discuss important issues, so please take a moment and give me your view.

Sincerely,
Sheree Kozel-La Ha, MLS

CICADAS...They're B*A*C*K!

The Cicada Project
In anticipation of the 17-year cicada bug invasion we have two unique initiatives underway. The first documents cicada stories on our new cicada blog. The second is a contest series on a new cicada flickr site. We need your help!

In a land far, far away...
The Homer Township Public Library has visitors! Nine jade cicadas have made the long journey from Hong Kong to our library. Their special trip to Homer Township was made to meet new friends and greet their Illinois cicada pals as they emerge from living underground. It has been a long seventeen years since they have seen their friends! They have much catching up to do!

Our Hong Kong visitors are using our library to research about their red-eyed winged periodical cicada pals. They're also using our library computers to email their family back home! Help our Hong Kong cicadas document their vacation by taking pictures of their periodical cicada pals!

Tell us your cicada stories and send us your pictures!
Visit thecicadaproject.blogspot.com/ and tell us about your very first cicada siting, or any cool story that you have about cicadas.

Email your photos to homerlibrary@gmail.com. The library will post your pictures on The Cicada Project flickr photo site located at http://www.flickr.com/photos/thecicadaproject/
All photographs will be considered for the Cicada Awards!

CICADA AWARDS
Win one of the following categories and you'll have a chance to take one of our jade Hong Kong cicadas home!

Best Photo
Most Unique Location
Funniest Photo
Most Terrifying Photo
Most Cicadas on a Person
Best Pose
Funniest Location
Grossest Photo
Most Cicadas

Please do not hurt any cicadas during the creation of your photographs. If the information is available, provide us with the date and place of the photograph, plus any other interesting information. Join the fun!

Food for thought: where will you be in 2024, when they return again?

Breakfast with Mayor Jim Daley

Welcome Mayor Daley

We have a newly elected Mayor for the Village of Homer Glen.

Mayor Jim Daley, in office for only seven days, was guest speaker at today's Homer Township Chamber of Commerce breakfast event. Almost 60 Chamber members, as well as library administrative staff, were in attendance to welcome Mayor Daley. He gave a well-received message about making positive connections with all Chamber and Township members.

The Homer Township Library has been an active chamber member for many years. I am a current Chamber Trustee and served as Chamber of Commerce President in 2005.

The Library has developed a great relationship with both the Village of Homer Glen and the Chamber of Commerce. Through effective collaboration we offer more to our fast-growing community with quality programs and classes.

We officially welcome Mayor Jim Daley!

Library Passion or Experience?

Which would you choose to hire, someone who is passionate about their work or someone with experience?

I am sure the responses will be mixed. As a library director I have hired both types of people. What I have found is that people with a passion for what they do often go that extra mile. The passion or energy they feel for their work helps them to assimilate more easily what the may need to learn. I now rate passion (or enthusiasm, zeal, excitement, etc.) as equally necessary as someone with solid skills. Boring resumes that tell me only of past experience leave me cold. I want to see powerful statements and ownership of career choices. I want a glimpse into future plans.

One applicant's statement simply said, "I feel great passion for books, libraries and the people who read and use them. I want to make a difference." Wow. That was what I was looking for. And the person matched that statement and did an excellent job. She was a favorite among both client and fellow staff.

Gaming
My son is a perfect example: Brent is passionate about gaming. With anything new he jumps right in and learns as he plays because of his enjoyment for the game, even though it may be difficult. He excites his friends to join the play and is popular because of his enthusiastic nature. You want to be around him, join in, and assist him. This creates a wonderful domino effect, a creative synergy of fun and learning. He has helped to capture my imagination with gaming, too. I now have a persona called Sparo. She is a most daring and inventive warrior!

I am lucky to have a staff who love what they do. They bring a positive energy to all that they touch and it shows. So the next time you hire... ask something more of your candidate. Ask what they feel passionate about in their life and career. And listen closely.

Welcome Heather!
I welcome Heather Colby to the Staff of Homer Library. Heather is our new reference librarian and we are most pleased that she brings such energy and enthusiasn to our excellent team (pictured below). Be sure to stop in soon, say hello and introduce yourself to Heather during your next visit.

Library Staff of the Homer Township Public Library District - 2007

Quote of the day: Find something you love to do and you will never work a day in your life. --Harvey MacKay

Amazing Makeover at the Library!

Wow - what an exciting week! The library had a makeover, courtesy of a great partnership effort with our local Home Depot store.

They have a corporate "community giving" policy that translated into the donation of materials from nine Home Depot stores. More than 37 expert volunteers, (over the course of two days) completed many necessary projects in the public areas of the library. The library looks wonderful and our 600+ daily visitors are so pleased!

EXCITING CHANGES
So what was undertaken? Newly painted interior areas brightened up the library, oak flooring replaced a terribly stained community room carpet, new cabinetry added needed storage, new upholstery replaced torn children's seating, new paneling was installed on the damaged circ desk, etc. These are a few of the many improvements that were completed.

Take a look at the before and after pictures here.

THANK YOU SPONSORS

Local sponsors donated breakfast and lunch items for the many expert volunteers. We thank Costco, Dunkin Donuts, Dominick's Finer Foods, Founders Bank, Jimmy Johns Sandwiches, Starbucks, and the Timber Restaurant at Woodbine for their generosity to support the workers on this project.

TEAM DEPOT - Building Better Communities
And a huge shout out to Home Depot for their courtesy and help. Their slogan "Team Depot - Building Better Communities" says it all. We appreciate their support and commitment to the Homer Community and Homer Library, which serves as the epicenter of information for the community. This project created synergy for a positive community initiative and is a fine example of the wonderful collaboration that abounds if you just seek it out.

Although the library was closed for safety issues on March 1, our bookmobile was on site to serve a steady stream of customers. Library staff also took this opportunity to review and inventory collections. Everyone gave 110% and it shows!

We appreciate Home Depot, their staff, volunteers, and library staff, who donated such energy, time, and commitment to participate - and coordinate - this amazing project. Your library and community Thank You!