We can’t forecast the weather, but we can predict that these new books will be popular. Some of these titles are already on the shelves, so come to the library and browse. The rest will be out next month. Reserve your copy by visiting our Web site and clicking on Catalog.

September:

• Fiddlers: A Novel of the 87th Precinct by Ed McBain
• School Days by Robert B. Parker
• Tyrannosaur Canyon by Douglas J. Preston
• 13 Steps Down by Ruth Rendell
• Shalimar the Clown by Salman Rushdie

October:

• The Camel Club by David Baldacci
• Consent to Kill by Vince Flynn
• A Breath of Snow and Ashes by Diana Gabaldon
• Blue Smoke by Nora Roberts

by Roberta Johnson, Readers' Services Manager

Do you have an interest in history or genealogy? Are you looking for primary sources for school projects or a way to make a clever birthday card? The library has several online newspaper databases that can be helpful.

Of special interest are the Chicago Tribune Historical Archives (1890-1984) and The New York Times Historical Archives (1851-2001), both provided by ProQuest Historical Newspapers. These two online databases allow the user to see the newspapers as they originally appeared.

History buffs will be able to find original reporting on historically significant events. For example, search for front page headlines on Lincoln’s assassination, Germany’s surrender, or Nixon’s resignation. Genealogists can search obituaries and find historical background on the times in which their ancestors lived. Students can look for primary source documents for school projects without searching reels of microfilm.

It’s easy to make a special birthday card using a printout of The New York Times headlines from the day someone was born. Or, you can create an anniversary card using the front page of the Chicago Tribune as it appeared on a couple’s wedding day.

Both newspaper databases are available using library computers. The New York Times Historical Archive is also available from home to Des Plaines cardholders through the library’s Web site. Check out all our online databases. The library has purchased the subscriptions, so there’s no cost to you.

by Christina Tropea, Reference Librarian

Summer is winding down and fall is approaching, but it doesn’t have to mean the end of your gardening season. In fact, September is one of the best times to work in the garden. Start by drawing a simple diagram of your garden, showing where things are currently planted and noting what you would like to change. Plan for next year.

• Cut back annuals and perennials as soon as they begin to look tired.
• Harvest herbs and vegetables before the first frost.
• Clear out any diseased or pest infested plants and weed as needed.
• Keep your containers attractive until the first hard freeze by replacing old plants with cold tolerant mums, pansies, asters, or ornamental peppers.
• Plant any new trees or shrubs that you want to add to the site.
• Divide any perennials that have overgrown their location.
• Plant spring bulbs, making sure you have good drainage.
• Add mulch, as needed, once the first hard frost hits.
• Keep watering plants and shrubs in dry weather.
• Clean your gardening tools before putting them away for the winter. (Nobody I know actually does this, but it sounds good, doesn’t it?)

There are usually many warm days in the Chicago area in the fall, so you can take your time doing cleanup chores, and really enjoy this colorful season. Here are some of our many gardening books that might be helpful. They are all available on the fourth floor.

• Beginner’s Guide to Gardening Reader’s Digest, 635 BEG
• Year-Round Gardening Projects From Horticulture Magazine, 635 YEA
• The Virgin Gardener Edwards, Jonathan, 635.9 EDW
• The Weather-Resilient Garden Smith, Charles W.G., 635.9 SMI

by Linda Knorr, Readers' Services Assistant

Keep up with local business news by reading Crain’s Chicago Business, the Business Ledger or the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin. These newspapers are available on the 3rd floor of the library.

The news stories in Crain’s cover the business and labor activities of the Chicago market. Crain’s is especially known for its business ranking, “Crain’s Lists.” If you are interested in real estate, you will want to see a recent issue that includes the Crain’s List, Chicago’s Demolition and Building Permits. This list ranks Chicago neighborhoods, and selected suburbs, by number of residential demolitions and building permits in 2004.

If you are interested in suburban business news, the Business Ledger will keep you up to date on activities in DuPage County, Northwest Cook County, and the Fox Valley.

And, since the concerns of business and the law often intersect, you may be interested in reading the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin. The Chicago Daily Law Bulletin has been covering local legal activities and issues since October of 1854 and is the oldest daily courts newspaper in the United States.

by Joanne Griffin, Business Reference Librarian

email: dpplnews@dppl.org

phone: 847.827.5551

web: http://www.dppl.org