Author: Joey McKenna - Page 6 of 8

Lola Plants a Garden by Anna McQuinn Lola plants a flower garden with her parents’ help, and watches it grow. My Garden by Kevin Henkes The girl in this book grows chocolate rabbits, tomatoes as big as beach balls, flowers that change color, and seashells in her garden. All About Plants! by Andrea Beaty What… Read More about Reads for Youth Gardening

Why did you choose to become a librarian? It’s the family tradition! My grandma, great-aunt, and mom are all librarians! Growing up, I spent a lot of time at my local library, which helped foster a huge love of reading. Being connected to different worlds through books was very magical to me, and I knew… Read More about Get to Know Youth Department Assistant Director and Technology Librarian Ellie Hansen

Glen Ellyn Public Library has a new seed library! What is a seed library you ask? Great question! A seed library is a place to donate and share plant seeds. Anyone can donate or take seeds for vegetables, fruits, and flowers from the collection for their own use—like Little Free Library, but for seeds. The… Read More about Grow Your Own Plants with Help from the Seed Library

Some ways you can keep your library card number handy... Add your card to your mobile wallet For users of Apple Wallet or Google Wallet, the library can send a compatible version of your library card to your phones. Fill out this survey to begin the process. Use the SWAN Libraries + app The new… Read More about Keeping Your Library Card Number Handy

New Development Officer Carrie Gowans I am excited about the changes taking place at the library this spring, including a new seed library and the creation of our makerspace – The Workshop. The library’s ability to provide a state-of-the-art facility with innovative services that reflect community interests like the makerspace is due in large part… Read More about Welcome Glen Ellyn Library Foundation Development Officer Carrie Gowans!

Recommendations from Adult Department Assistant Director and Readers’ Advisory Librarian Sarah Kovac. Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times by Katherine May In this memoir, journalist Katherine May faces illness, job loss, and parenting issues all at once. Her pain leads her to explore how difficult phases of life can offer unexpected… Read More about Snowy Days

Recommendations for great graphic novels with best friends in all shapes, sizes, and species from Middle School Librarian Beth Kirchenberg. Bird & Squirrel on the Run by James Burks Bird and Squirrel outwit Cat and become best friends in this zany adventure. Sanity & Tallulah by Molly Brooks Sanity and Tallulah live in a space… Read More about Book Besties

As finals approach, look to the library for help with tutoring, study support, and test prep! Brainfuse HelpNow, a digital resource available through gepl.org, has free resources for high school students and learners of all ages with a library card. Please ask library staff if you would like help accessing the Brainfuse HelpNow tools listed… Read More about Brainfuse HelpNow: Study and Test-Prep Help for High School Students

You can get hands-on instruction with your tablet, smartphone, or laptop to learn how to operate your device or get Microsoft, Apple, or Google platform software help in a 45-minute one-on-one appointment with library staff. Sign up for a Tech Help One-on-One or call Beth Clower at 630-790-6750 to schedule one.… Read More about Get Tech Help at the Library

Why and when did you choose to become a librarian? After college, I worked for several years as a copy editor at The Daily Herald. Although it was an exciting and interesting experience, it was also a high-stress environment with terrible hours. The shifts were 4 pm to 1 am and included weekends and holidays.… Read More about Get to Know Adult Dept. Assistant Director and Readers’ Advisory Librarian Sarah Kovac

Librarian Melissa Hilt recently talked to Shining Star Theaters Directors/Organizers Bridget M., Henry M., and Martin M. about Shining Star Theaters and their Steal the Show performance on August 3 at the library. Why was Shining Star Theaters formed? We wanted to give kids a safe environment to be themselves. How did you come to… Read More about Shining Star Theaters

Earn volunteer hours by learning and helping your community on your own schedule! Learn about the topic of the month through self-paced investigation, and complete projects to help you, your family, and your community. Stop by the Youth Desk or visit gepl.beanstack.org to participate. For grades 6-8. December: Food Insecurity January: Community Leadership February: Financial… Read More about Middle School Volunteering