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Des Plaines Public Library Newsletter
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Dear Karen,
William Butler Yeats wrote:
Through winter-time we call on spring,
And through the spring on summer call,
And when abounding hedges ring
Declare that winter's best of all;
And after that there's nothing good
Because the spring-time has not come....
For me, winter is always a time to hunker down and look forward. Explore, read, write and research, fueled by many trips
to the library and the checking out of many, many books. I plan a re-invention, dabble (or a least read about dabbling...) in some new hobbies, and dream about debuting a "new me" in the spring. And of course, it's a never ending process: the pursuit of knowledge and improvement knows no completion! And besides, the fun is in pursuit!
Read on and discover what's in store for you a the library this month. I know you will find the inspiration to improve, to invent, to re-invent and to better both your community and yourself at this marvelous place!
Heather Imhoff
Head of Public Information Services
P.S. Are you looking for Karen McBride, our Web Services Librarian and all of her GREAT tips on using the Library's Web site? See her terrific article on Black History Month below! |
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 EXPERIENCE "THE SPIRIT OF HARRIET TUBMAN"
Wednesday, February 13th
7 p.m. - 8 p.m.
1st Floor Friends Room
Actor and playwright Leslie McCurdy will perform her one-woman play "The Spirit of Harriet Tubman". Issues examined include racism, gender, personal integrity, and the importance of social commitment. Registration is required for this free program.
"The Spirit of Harriet Tubman" is a powerful show exploring the life of Harriet Tubman, a hero of the underground railway and a tireless worker for social justice. On a barren stage with only a trunk of costumes, McCurdy uses Harriet's own words in telling the story of her life from her earliest experiences as a slave, through her work on the underground railroad, to her continued commitment to others in her later years.
Leslie McCurdy has been performing for many years in Canada and the Mid-Western United States. As a performing artist, she is an actor, dancer, choreographer and singer. As a teacher, she has been instrumental in creating programs which provide opportunities for children and youth to participate in high quality performing arts activities. She tours internationally with her one-woman plays, "The Spirit of Harriet Tubman" and "Things My Fore-Sisters Saw." For more information on Leslie McCurdy, visit www.lesliemccurdy.ca.
The performance is sponsored by Friends of the Library and will be held in the Friends Room on the first floor. For more information on this program and to register, phone 847-376-2787 or REGISTER HERE:
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| EXPLORE THE MANY FACES OF AUTISM
What is autism? How is it diagnosed? Is there a cure? 1 in 150 children is diagnosed with some form of autism according to the Autism Research Institute, and the number is growing.
 Linda Hoeck, Autism Coordinator for the Northwest Suburban Special Education Organization, will address these questions, as well as the various aspects of the autism spectrum at "The Many Faces of Autism", a special presentation at 7 p.m. on Monday, February 11.
Time is allotted at the end of the presentation for audience questions. Questions and requests for additional information raised at this first program will also be used to plan four additional programs scheduled in April 2008.
Registration is required for this free program. To register for this program call 847-376-2839 or CLICK HERE.
 "The Many Faces of Autism" is the first in a series of presentations on autism funded by the "Special Families Need Special Libraries" grant awarded to the library to offer programs increasing awareness of autism. The grant also allows the library to add materials, including books, magazines and DVDs of interest to families affected by autism; to create welcoming physical spaces within the library that address the needs of the autistic; and to create services to support the families of individuals with autism.
Library staff will also undergo training to better identify and serve the needs of the growing autistic community. "We are thrilled to have the opportunity to provide free resources and services to children with autism and their families" says Head of Youth Services Veronica Schwartz. "This grant enables the Des Plaines Public Library to offer one of the most extensive collections of autism resources and programs in the area".
For more information about the "Special Families Need Special Libraries" project, please stop by the Youth Services Department or phone Veronica Schwartz at 847-376-2791.
Funding for this grant was awarded by the Illinois State Library (ISL), a Division of the Office of the Secretary of State, using funds provided by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), under the federal Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA).
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FEBRUARY IS BLACK HISTORY MONTH -
CELEBRATE WITH A SONG
The month of February is set aside as a time to honor the many important, world-changing contributions made by African-American people. Music is one area in which African-Americans have left an astounding legacy of creativity and innovation - which is why we encourage you to try out our "African-American Song" database.
You may have tried library databases that offer access to newspapers, magazines and reference works, but this truly unique database brings you  sound files from more than 100 years of African-American music. Listen to landmark recordings by Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Ma Rainey, Burning Spear, the Dixie Hummingbirds and so many others. Experience the birth of the blues, the genesis of gospel, wild flights of jazz and some spirit-lifting ragtime. The recordings are authentic originals - you'll even hear the crackle of a needle on vinyl or the shouts of an appreciative audience! Learn about the artists and groups, read liner notes from recordings and delve into essential genres and musical instruments. Whether you have a school project to complete or are just a music lover, you don't want to miss the "African-American Song" database.
Try out"African-American Song" using the links within this article (have your library card number on hand, you'll need to type it in). From the library home page, click on"Online Resources," then click on "African-American Song."
Have a question or comment about this database or anything you find on our Web site? Contact Web Services Librarian Karen McBride at kmcbride@dppl.org.
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"FAST, FORWARD, FOLK" FROM ACOUSTIC FOLK DUO PATCHOULI
2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
1st Floor Friends Room
"It's fast, rooted in current, world, and Latin rhythms. It's forward thinking, forward moving, bringing international artistry together to make something original and new. It's folk, because folk means people". That's how Julie Patchouli, half of acoustic folk duo Patchouli, describes the original brand of music they are bringing to the Des Plaines Public Library on Sunday, February 24 at 2 p.m.
Using acoustic guitars, basses, marimbas and percussion, their music is influenced by worldwide folk styles. With a sound often compared to Sarah McLachlan, Joni Mitchell and Natalie Merchant, Patchouli, consisting of lead vocalist and lyricist Julie Patchouli and lead guitarist Bruce Hecksel, describe their music as "Fast, Forward, Folk."
Patchoulli is a familiar name in the local folk scene. They have performed as a duo for 8 years, toured over 500,000 miles, played over 1,500 shows and recorded 8 CDs. Patchouli soars from blazing flamenco to powerful folk rock, creating new music with influences worldwide. For more information on Patchouli, visit www.patchouli.net.
Registration is required for this free concert. To register, phone 847-376-2787 or CLICK HERE. |
THIS MONTH AT THE DES PLAINES PUBLIC LIBRARY
Here are just a few of the many free programs at the library in February:
Celebrate Presidents' Day at George Washington: From Mount Vernon to Washington!
 Explore heart disease at Get to the Heart of the Matter!
Pet a Porcupine at Animal Encounters!
Sign up for the library's popular Babysitting Clinic or join a book discussion group!
There is always something to do at the library!
CLICK HEREto explore all of the Events in February.
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 SAVE THE DATE TO "DO THE DEWEY!"
Saturday, April 26th
7 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Mark your calendars now for an evening of great food, great cocktails, great programming and lots of fun! Tickets are $35 in advance, $40 at the Door.
Proceeds support the Library and the Des Plaines Rotary Foundation. For more information, call 847-376-2800. |
 HERE ARE YOUR FAVORITES!
The Hottest Authors!
The Hottest Titles!
The Hottest Subjects!
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 MAY WE SUGGEST.........
Looking for a great read?
CLICK HERE to check out our Staff Picks, featuring reviews for 272 great books that may be searched by Author, Title, Genre, Reviewer and More!
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