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As DPPL's school liaison librarian, I have lots of tools to capture a child's attention. 

Outer space props, robots, a prize wheel, glow in the dark T-shirts and my blow-up astronaut costume all make getting the attention of a room full of children for fifteen minutes a piece of cake.

More difficult: corralling the attention of my own children.

Continue Reading "Parenting Small Humans: There’s A Book for That" →

It has been about ten years since we started providing Overdrive eBooks and eAudiobooks through the MyMediaMall portal.

In that time, the number of you checking out, reading and listening to "e" has grown exponentially!

To support that growth, DPPL has worked continuously to improve and expand our offerings and ensure it is easier than ever to check out, download or stream digital materials for free with your library card.

One very visible sign of that improvement:

Starting July 1st, DPPL's Overdrive MyMediaMall name and web address are changing to Digital Library of Illinois and dlil.overdrive.com.  

Continue Reading "DPPL’s Overdrive MyMediaMall Changing to Digital Library of Illinois" →

Dear Des Plaines Friends and Colleagues:

In just three days on July 4th, I retire and say goodbye to the Des Plaines Public Library. I can’t believe that 20 years has passed since I came to this incredible library and the wonderful community of Des Plaines.

I am incredibly proud to have had the opportunity to work to make Des Plaines a better place. The Des Plaines Chamber of Commerce and Kiwanis, and the friends I have made there, will always hold a very special place in my heart.

I also want to take this opportunity to thank the staff and board of DPPL, who have never failed to deliver excellent service to our community with respect and generosity. It’s been an honor and privilege to steer the great ship that is Des Plaines Public Library.

I know I leave this place in great hands that will continue to work hard for this wonderful community and the best library in the world!

Best wishes and all my respect.

Holly Sorensen
Library Director

Editors Note:  this post originally ran in June 2015.  View current ALA Stonewall Book Award lists here and find all the titles at dppl.org/findit

June is Pride Month.

In many cities, month-long festivities celebrating the hard-won rights, contributions, and diversity of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender communities culminate on Sunday, June 28 in a Pride Parade.  (NOTE: The 2019 Chicago Pride Parade is June 30.)

This year, I will be back in San Francisco, where the legendary parade’s theme is “Equality Without Exception,” a phrase that speaks volumes about the achievements and struggles of this past year.

It’s also a powerful focal point for thinking and talking about books that deal with the lives and issues of LGBTQIA individuals.

How does a novel, poem, play, or essay address equality, sexuality, and gender? And what does that mean to us, the readers?

Continue Reading "LGBTQ Equality Without Exception" →

Editors Note:  This post from June 2018 has great resources, we can't help but share again this year.

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer/or Questioning (LGBTQ) Pride Month is celebrated every year in June.

It includes such festivities as parades, parties, picnics, workshops, symposia, concerts, and all manner of public events that attract millions of participants around the world.

In the United States, Pride Month has historically been observed in June to commemorate the anniversary of the Stonewall Rebellion in New York City.

Continue Reading "Guide to Pride: Titles Spotlighting the LGBTQ Experience" →