Celebrating Life's Changes

I watch my children change and grow daily. Time goes by so fast, in both our personal and professional lives. I have been a librarian for many years and observed many innovations. The phrase, "you aren't in Kansas, anymore" comes readily to mind when I think of what libraries used to be and where they are headed. My Homer community, once quite rural, and my local library have seen intense change, including staggering growth. Homer Library celebrates 25 years of excellence in service this year.

Roles Add Meaning to Our Lives
The past shapes us. Roles that I enjoy (some past, many current) include: library director, writer, art teacher, consultant, neverending student, public librarian, grant teacher, mentor, synergist, Chamber of Commerce president, Nature Foundation board member, ILEBP trustee, blogger, mother, wife, partner, and friend.

All of these responsibilities, opportunities, and achievements have molded and placed me at this exact moment in my life. I feel great contentment and delight in each day. As the director of a pro-active public library we remain cutting edge even with a flat budget. Creative and dedicated staff makes the difference along with strong partnerships and outreach; all support our goal to provide the best in services. Just like my children constantly amaze and make me proud, so too, does my library staff and my positive work as director and community advocate.

Find Your Passion!
I am happy and satisfied on so many levels, both personal and professional. Each day comes to me as an opportunity to help others. I enjoy my children, family and lovely friends, and work hard at a job I simply love. Life is about choice and finding your passion. Surround yourself with work you enjoy, people who matter to you, who care about you in return, and take good care of them and of your extended community. This is a gift I give to myself daily and a responsibility I take seriously.

Be Happy & Put Yourself Out There
I hope you have your own moments of reflection. I am a better person for my community service efforts and for the time that I give to others, to simply share my own personal bounty and joy. As a parent, librarian, colleague and friend, I am proud that I can make a difference, and that I do. Isn't that what life is all about?

Four Communities Read Together!

BIG READ Grant Awarded

Four libraries: Homer Township Public Library District, Orland Park Public Library, Frankfort Public Library District, and the Tinley Park Public Library, with the Daily Southtown News as partner have joined together and will receive a grant to support BIG READ programs. Funded by the National Endowment of the Arts (NEA) these programs will be held in September and October 2007.

We plan to create a fun "community vibe" by offering unique programs based on the book, The MALTESE FALCON, and the mystery genre. We encourage you to read this classic book and enjoy the many exciting events. We have something for everyone: kids, teens, adults, and seniors to enjoy and participate in. Check out more details on the BIG READ web site which Homer Library staff created. We are proud to be a key grant writer of this successful proposal and pleased to work with our neighboring libraries in coordinating this program.

The BIG READ, launched nationally in 2006 by the NEA, in partnership with the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and Arts Midwest, encourages literary reading by asking communities to come together to read and discuss a single book. Our four community libraries have coordinated programs to enhance the “one book, one community” feel.

Mystery Night on Sept. 28

Each community will have a featured mystery event and Homer Library kicks it off with an interactive mystery night on September 28th at 7pm. Someone will be murdered....by ? Join us for a great evening! This is a limited event so call (708) 301-7908 and reserve your tickets today!

Events for Everyone!
Other BIG READ events include:
** performances by The Mystery Shop at each library as kick-off events;
** a keynote by Julie Rivett, granddaughter of author Dashiell Hammett;
** exhibits from the Hammett Archive, including first editions;
** book discussions at a variety of locations and languages;
** author events with mystery writers such as M. Black, J. Hyzy, etc.;
** an Amateur Mystery Film Festival created by high school students;
** a visit from mystery children’s author Carole Marsh;
** a live CLUE! game for teens; and
** a mystery bookmark and creative writing contest.

The Maltese Falcon Movie Event

In a final program for the BIG READ, the classic film The Maltese Falcon with Humphrey Bogart will be shown twice at Marcus Theaters in Orland Park with an introduction by Daily Southtown film critic Josh Larsen. We hope you will join us! Book discussion, mystery nights, author programs, writing contests, boomark contests, exhibits and more @ Homer Township Library!

Teen E*N*E*R*G*Y* Leadership Academy Receives Award

The Homer Township Library is proud to receive a Young Adult Library Association (YALSA) Excellence in Library Service to Young Adults Award for our Teen ENERGY Leadership Academy.

This project was designed by the Homer Library Adult Service Director Alexandra Tyle (pictured at left) and consisted of ten months of quality, educational (and fun!) programs, workshops, and events designed to promote young adult leadership. The teens attained skills that will be utilized throughout their life, including undertaking a component of community service hours.

We have seen a dramatic increase in youth using the library and we are both proud and pleased to receive recognition through YALSA, as well as in our local press for our pro-active teen programming. Congratulations to Alex and to the Homer Library Staff for their dedication to this exciting new program for young adults in Homer Township!

I am In the News!

Triblocal has just run an article about "Get to know...Sheree Kozel-La Ha!" Read all about it here. Our many customers are loving Tribune's new online home news, which also gets combined into a weekly paper edition for customers. Thank you for the press, Triblocal!

Roadway Improvements on 151st Street

Several months ago, I represented the library at a meeting with local officials including the Village of Homer Glen and our neighbors Homer Township, the Highway Department, and Woodbine Golf Course to discuss improvements to 151st Street. There are several roadway areas designated to improve and 151st Street was discussed as a priority. With the commitment and collaboration between all of us, these improvements are now underway.

151st Street changes include widening the roadway in front of the Homer Library and the addition of new turning lanes into both the Library and the Township/Sports Complex road. These lanes will greatly reduce the traffic congestion on 151st Street, especially during peak after-school hours and during busy Saturday sport activities and library events.

LEADERSHIP & COLLABORATION

We thank the Village of Homer Glen, Homer Township, and the Highway Department for coordinating the planning and work effort that provides such a direct benefit to our residents, including library customers! This is a wonderful example of various community entities working together to improve a roadway issue.