Author: Joey McKenna

Equipment often found in makerspaces includes laser cutters, 3D printers, heat presses, and embroidery and sewing machines. Some people think that these machines are not appropriate for use by kids younger than high school age—but that’s not true! Kids love to make, too! The Workshop is currently available to high school students and adults, but… Read More

Yellowface by R. F. Kuang After the accidental death of best-selling author and college friend Athena Liu, struggling novelist June Hayward steals her unpublished manuscript to pass off as her own under a racially ambiguous pen name. After rave reviews and rapid success, June is haunted by what she has done and struggles with the… Read More

The library loves to encourage community writers! To help writers create, edit, format, and generate print-ready and eBook formats, Illinois libraries provide a free tool called Pressbooks. Pressbooks is similar to Scrivener, Atticus, iA Writer, Squibler, and Ulysses. Unlike word-processing software like Microsoft Word and Google Docs, Pressbooks has themes and a cover generator, and… Read More

The holiday season, often characterized by joy and celebration, can also bring significant stress, particularly when it involves navigating the diverse traditions celebrated by family, friends and neighbors. As communities become increasingly multicultural, the convergence of various holidays—each with its unique customs, expectations, and emotions—can create both opportunities for connection and potential sources of stress.… Read More

Ron, a veteran who served as a Technical Sargent in the National Guard during the Korean War, comes to the library weekly to get a cup of coffee. The Cafe participates in the Honor Rewards program through the DuPage County Recorder’s Office and offers veterans with an Honor Rewards card a free 12oz coffee. The… Read More

Celebrate and honor America’s veterans through an 
exploration of courage, patriotism, and sacrifice. Coming Home by Greg Ruth This nearly wordless picture book poignantly explores the spectrum of emotions
 experienced at a reunion of a child and their 
deployed parent. War Stories by Gordon Korman
 Twelve-year-old Trevor is obsessed with 
war-like video games and is… Read More

Kids age 8 to 14 have access to the library’s MakerBot Replicator three-dimensional (3D) printer to melt plastic filament to create paper-thin layers that build professional-quality, high-resolution 3D objects from digital designs. Please complete a Youth 3D Printing Appointment Request to request an appointment to print an STL file or to schedule a time for… Read More

Middle School comes with new responsibilities, and sometimes that can feel like a lot to handle. 100 Books before High School helps you manage middle school stressors by reminding you to take some time for yourself and read books that you enjoy. There are no assigned books and no reports to write—read whatever you want,… Read More

The library will close at 3 pm on Friday, October 25 and re-open at 6 pm transformed for Halloween fun! Visit the library after hours, if you dare! On the 1st floor... find family-friendly frights. Participate in a scavenger hunt of Halloween-themed icons throughout the Youth Department, an all-ages costume parade at 6:30 pm, and… Read More

Libraries are reinventing themselves to include makerspaces that give communities access to equipment for hands-on experimentation and self-learning. Makerspaces remove the barrier of potentially cost-preventative equipment and software and give users the opportunity to cultivate their own digital literacy free of charge. When planning for makerspace projects, include extra time and materials, because learning involves… Read More

The library recently received a perfect score from the Chicago Passport Agency! With almost 700 Facilities in the Chicago Passport Agency's Region having undergone the same rigorous assessment, it is no small feat to be recognized as one of the best. Through your facility's hard work and vigilance, the U.S. Department of State can accomplish… Read More

Did you know that the library can gather books for your book club? Use the Book Club Request form to let staff know what you need! Staff can also provide Youth Book Club Book Recommendations. The current recommendations from Youth staff are as follows: A Royal Conundrum by Lisa Yee As Brave as You by… Read More