October 16, 2011

Sundays @ your library

The newest statistics for usage show that Sunday library hours (4 hours from 4-8pm) grow increasingly popular @ our library.  We serve approximately 112 visitors each hour or 449 customers each Sunday.  Over the past two years we have seen a 30% increase in Sunday usage.  Last year we circulated approximately 80 items each hour or 322 items every Sunday we were open.  Capitalizing on strong Sunday usage, we have begun offering Sunday programming, such as the Reptile Club and Family Movie Night. 

The genesis of Sunday hours began when I saw a need for non-traditional hours instead of the typical 1-5pm hours that many libraries offered.  Often after dinner my family needed some library time, but area libraries closed by 5pm.  So at Homer we opened with unique 5-9pm hours and as we assessed how much use we had, we eventually settled on the hours of 4-8pm.  Time and again I am delighted by positive resident comments that we have initiated these hours.  I am very proud that we chose to think out of the box for our community.  Our strong usage patterns indicate it was the right choice for our library and our community.  Drop in and enjoy an evening with your family soon!

September 05, 2011

6th Annual Author Fair coming soon!

Join us on September 19th beginning at 6:30 p.m. to meet eight local authors.  They will discuss their works through mini-presentations of their books, how they write and gather ideas, their personal writing philosophies, and more.  Each author's table will also offer books for sale and book signings.

August 31, 2011

Does the public still use the library?

Resoundingly YES!  Customer visits have increased 5% in the past year and we see up to 600 people each and every day.

Our items being used (checked out) increased 4% this past year.  Staff checks out 753 items daily or 236,976 items a year.  If you really wanted to get technical that is approximately 40 items each hour.

We held a total of 922 programs this past year, an astounding 36% increase.  And more than 16,000 people used our nine public internet computers this past year.

Libraries offer social opportunities as well as support lifelong learning.  We see use growing is many ways and our long range planning will support this additional usage.  Drop in and see us sometime soon.

July 30, 2011

Our generous community

We have received many donations in memory of PFC Michael C. "Mikey" Olivieri.  Thank you.  We extend deep appreciation to those who have supported the Olivieri Family in their wishes to have the new Quiet Reading Room established in his honor.  Thank you for your generosity.

June 11, 2011

Honoring Hometown Hero PFC Michael C. Olivieri

We extend our deepest sympathy to Jody and Mike Olivieri and family on the loss of their son PFC Michael C. "Mikey" Olivieri U.S. Army 1st Battalion, 7th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division at Fort Riley, KS, who lost his life as the result of insurgent fire in Iraq on June 6, 2011. He was the cherished husband of Sharon Olivieri and devoted brother of Abby, Ashley and Joe.

The staff of the Homer Township Public Library would like to extend our appreciation to our community members and to those who paid tribute to PFC Michael C. Olivieri in many meaningful ways. The Olivieri family would like to raise funding that supports a Heroes Quiet Reading Room, honoring all courageous military personnel who serve our country. Donations can be made to the Homer Township Public Library Olivieri Memorial. Donations or cards to the family can be sent to:

PFC Michael C. Olivieri Memorial Fund
c/o Homer Township Public Library
14320 W. 151st Street
Homer Glen, IL 60491

The library is honored to accept donations in PFC Michael C. Olivieri's memory and we thank you for supporting the Olivieri family.


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