Author: Joey McKenna - Page 7 of 9

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

Long before I worked at a library or was a librarian, I was creating programs. My background is in theater, and creating shows that travel is something very common for theater folks! Throughout Chicagoland, there are many open mics and performance spaces, but they often have a specific focus like music, poetry, comedy, dance, or… Read More about No Shush Salon: Ten Years, Three Library Locations, and Going Strong

To get you in the mood for the Haunted Library event on October 20, these spine-chilling books feature danger coming from inside the house. Consider yourself warned: you might not want to read them right before bedtime! How to Sell a Haunted House by Grady Hendrix In this darkly humorous novel, single mom Louise returns… Read More about Books About Haunted Houses

These bingeable series will have you itching to stop by the library to pick up the next volume! Flora by Molly Idle | Three titles Flora and the Flamingo, Flora and the Penguin, Flora and the Peacocks Bright, bold, and beautiful illustrations tell the story of Flora, an ambitious young dancer, in this wordless picture… Read More about Fall into a Great Series

The Clean Water Act was passed by Congress on October 18, 1972. The purpose of this law was to prevent, reduce, and eliminate pollution in our nation’s waterways. Thinking back, I recall television public service announcements (PSAs) from that period that specifically encouraged not littering because our discarded soda cans and debris were contaminating our… Read More about Wonder About Your Water?