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This library is a joyful space for the 400,000 people who visit every year, and for the staff who serve them.  

If you walk through the building, you will see people engaged in book clubs, or learning how to research their genealogy, or teens making cards for hospitalized kids, or seniors having a free lunch, or people learning English, or people voting early for the Presidential primaries.  

Did I mention the 300,000 books, movies, music, video games and WiFi hot spots?  Did I forget all the kids’ story times?

It is indeed a wonderful place, and I am honored that the people of Des Plaines have entrusted me to be the Director of their treasure.  
 

Continue Reading "Setting the Story Straight: DPPL is a Generous and Safe Place for All" →

 

QUICK LINKS

OFFICIAL CENSUS WEBSITE: 2020census.gov

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GET CENSUS HELP AT THE LIBRARY

Des Plaines Public Library is here to help. Stop by one the library 's Census Response Stations located on the 2nd and 4th floors.  A librarian can answer your questions and assist you in submitting your census online beginning March 12th.

Every 10 years, the census records everyone living in this country. It’s written in the Constitution.

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

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" →

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.