Happening at the library

In 2020, We Kept Families Crafting, Reading, Moving, and Learning!

Picture of Elizabeth Majka
by Elizabeth
12.08.20

Rocky is in the forefront of a familiar DP location.

Rocky loves to visit cool spots all over Des Plaines!

When the pandemic hit and staying at home became the norm for an unpredictable amount of time, library staff were full of thoughts from "how do we do this?" to "let's tell everyone that the library can be used from wherever they are!", and more. 

As Program Coordinator in the Youth Services department, my focus went from Spring Break concert logistics and scheduling Summer Reading fun to training for Zoom storytimes and figuring out what virtual and home-based programming we could bring to our community.

When it came down to it, we wanted to find ways to keep kids and entire families entertained, busy, and able to access all we have to offer.

Paper chains hanging in the library vestibule.

One Family Fridays activity was to help us create a paper chain of what our community had been reading during lockdown.


Virtual Storytimes have been fun to make and even more fun to watch!
Pop-Up Storytime happens at least once a month on Facebook Live.

Where's Rocky? kept everyone on their toes throughout summer and early fall.

Move & Groove is all about getting up off the couch and, often, outside for some movement-based activity. 

Virtual Family Fridays gave everyone some great ways to celebrate togetherness. 

A collage of Crafternoon projects in various stages.

Crafternoon!

Looking back at how overwhelming it all seemed at the start (and still does, depending on the day), I continue to be amazed at what we have managed to bring from brainstorm to reality this year:

Crafternoon has let our hearts and hands delve into art and craft materials.

Zoom in to Storytime, which will be back in February 2021, blends traditional storytime with our new normal. 

Rocky's Kits for Kids are always filled with exciting activities that encourage growth and learning.

For our circulating collection, we added board games for you to check out, worked hard to build Remote Learning Support Packs, and have kept an eye on the curriculum and entertainment-based needs of our community.

Ms. Steph balancing on one foot as she navigates an obstacle course.

Move and Groove had Ms. Steph testing out obstacle courses she created each week!

If you have a Des Plaines Library card, make sure you check our resources page for everything from help with homework to suggestions pointing you toward your next good read. 

Keep an eye on DPPL's event calendar, blogs, social media, catalog, and website to be aware of what's coming up next.