Blog

Not going anywhere this summer?  No problem. 

As a previous blog post mentions, books can do the trick! 

Continue Reading "Reading Takes You Everywhere" →

I have spent lots of time recently looking at the polling data. 

The information I’m talking about is not political polling data. I know better than to discuss that topic with friends, family, or colleagues.  

Continue Reading "2018 ALA Youth Media Awards" →

What would William Blake say?  "To see a World in a Pinterest feed...and hold Infinity in the palm of your hand (Android? Or iPhone?)."  To me, Pinterest is both extraordinary - and overwhelming.

True story: My first two children were born into a world before Pinterest. 

It’s hard to imagine life without the advantages of instant advice, “how-tos” and ideas from millions of my fellow humans. 

Personally, I have a love/hate relationship with Pinterest. 

Continue Reading "You Pin Some, You Do None? Hope for Pinterest Wannabes" →

Animals provide lots of fun discussions about sounds and colors, but height is another way to look at animals too. 

This month at the Des Plaines Public Library, we are exploring the idea of measurement using animals.  Come check out our alcove area on the second floor, where we invite kids to mark how tall they are and compare their heights to actual sizes of animals and other kids. 

Continue Reading "How Do You Measure Up? Measuring by Animal" →

In 2016, the Youth Services Department received a grant from IEEE, Chicago Section to create a new collection of circulating STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) materials.

We are excited to announce our new Discovery Kits are now available to DPPL cardholders!

Continue Reading "Discover DPPL’s New Collection of Circulating STEM Kits for Families" →