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February is Black History Month and throughout the month we have celebrated at the library with events and displays to honor the contributions of African Americans, past and present.

A little history.....

Black History Month is an annual observance in February, celebrating the past and present achievements of African Americans.

In 1915, Dr. Carter G. Woodson—historian, teacher, and author—founded the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH). 

Continue Reading "DPPL Celebrates Black History Month " →

Every 10 years, the census records everyone living in this country. It’s written in the Constitution. And it comes in a questionnaire that counts everyone who lives at your address on April 1. Data from the census is used to determine federal funding for our schools, roads, fire departments and more. It's so important that we all play a part in making sure our community gets counted. Here's what you need to know.

Continue Reading "We All Count! Des Plaines and the 2020 Census" →

On any given week, I can tell you what board game was left on our kitchen table from recent play. 

Or which I'm anticipating opening for our next game night. 

Right now, it's Terraforming Mars (played, loved) and Azul: Summer Pavilion (played its prequel, expecting to love).

As a former YA librarian, I also spent the last 5+ years playing board and card games in teen programs each week. 

Board games have evolved to include some pretty complex mechanics and more varied themes.

Going beyond the fact that board games have been proven to boost cognitive function.

Here are a few skills or life-lessons that have come into focus through the lens of playing board games:

Continue Reading "4 Lessons I Learned Playing Board Games" →

On this episode, Dave, Jami, Joel and Charlie discuss Cats, Tom Hooper's already notorious film adaptation of Andrew Lloyd Webber's long-running musical. Is it as awful as the critics say? And what qualities make a musical so satisfying? Listen to their conversation in the player below:

Interested in listening to more episodes of Miner Recs? You can subscribe with iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play, or on our Podomatic page.

For more information about the podcast and the DPPL staff who make it, visit our podcast page.

With President’s Day right around the corner I want to recommend a couple of books for the holiday.

But not just any presidential novel, just referencing the president, or involving a fictional president.  

I love novels that bring the thoughts, words, motivations and adventures of a past President to life through a fictionalized (and sometimes fantastical) story.

Continue Reading "Celebrate Presidents’ Day With Presidential Works of Fiction" →