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OK, I confess, I adopted a tiny 2 month old Jack Russell Beagle rescue pup who weighed all of 7 pounds when I brought her home.

Now I am the proud but mismatched owner of an 8 month old, 35 pound, super-smart, warp speed dog who is launching herself excitedly at anyone and everyone, and chasing squirrels, birds and toys with abandon. 

Yes, I have watched countless episodes of Dog Whisperer on Saturday mornings searching for clues. Yes, I have taken her to two puppy obedience classes but all she wants to do is play, play, play with the other dogs! 

Continue Reading "What Color is Your Dog? Training by Breed and Personality" →

Our Fast Forward display in the lobby can give you all of the details, but here are the highlights:

We've created an entire Early Literacy Area with board books and all kinds of interactive play for toddlers and preschoolers. We've added new shelving and playful seating by the Poetree. We've debuted the new Information desks on the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th floors. We've finished and opened the 4th floor Forum. We've added a vending area in front of the Friends' Meeting Rooms.

And by the time you read this, we will be making progress on two new attractions on the 3rd floor - The Commons and the E-Bar.  You'll also see some changes in the lobby, including new Quick Pick shelving and a new Security Desk. We're on schedule, on budget, and building what our users asked for.

Continue Reading "Renovation Update - So Much New!" →

It’s ironic that the one thing we have in abundance is the one thing we can never seem to get enough of.

What am I talking about?

Time, of course!

Working two jobs and trying to have a social life has taught me that time is precious. It is not something I want to be wasting away.

Continue Reading "A Mindfulness Cheat Sheet" →

How much garbage do you think you make? According to the EPA, Americans generate almost five pounds of garbage each day. That's 29 pounds a week and 1,600 pounds a year. A staggering amount for each of us to send to the landfill.

But here's the good news.

About two thirds of your garbage can be composted without spending much time or money.

Continue Reading "The Lazy Composter" →

New at Des Plaines Public Library. Enjoy your checked-out materials longer with Automatic Renewals.

Items checked out at Des Plaines Public Library will automatically be renewed on their due date for up to 3 renewal periods.

The renewal happens automatically and there is NO action you need to take. Just sit back and keep reading - or watching, or listening.

Continue Reading "One Less Thing to Worry About. Automatic Renewals Are Here" →