An Evening with Dr. Ibram X. Kendi10/23/2020  On Monday, November 9, at 6 p.m., north suburban Chicago library patrons have the opportunity to hear from Dr. Ibram X. Kendi, historian and best-selling author. Kendi will be in conversation with WBEZ's Natalie Moore about his new book, How to Be an Antiracist, an essential read for anyone who wants to go beyond an awareness of racism to contributing to the formation of a just and equitable society.
The online event is free and open to all. Registration is required. Kendi is the founding director of Boston University's Center for Antiracist Research and was recently named one of Time magazine's 100 most influential people in the world. His relentless and passionate research opens readers’ and audiences’ eyes to the reality of racism in America today. Kendi’s insights are sharp, informative, and hopeful. He is the author of Stamped from the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America, which won the National Book Award for Nonfiction, and The Black Campus Movement, awarded the W. E. B. Du Bois Book Prize. He is also the author of the #1 New York Times bestsellers How to Be an Antiracist and, with Jason Reynolds, Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You, a book for young adults. He most recently authored the #1 indie bestseller Antiracist Baby, available as a board book and picture book for caretakers and little ones. Natalie Moore covers segregation and inequality for Chicago Public Radio,, WBEZ. The evening is hosted by:
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Shop books early for holiday gifts10/22/2020  If you plan to purchase books as gifts for the winter holidays, there are some things you should know:
First, there's a "printer jam" in the book industry right now — it's a long story, but the short version is this: Your ability to get a last-minute copy of a hot new release close to the holidays may be iffy. Best bet: Order early and consider titles that are already printed and sitting on sellers' shelves. Need some ideas? Look here:
 Make it easy to access library materials and services 24/7: download the Vernon Area Library app to your Apple or Android device.
The app is a handy way to...
For other smart ways to get the most out of your library, subscribe to library news and select the "Pro Tips" option. A new tip will arrive in your inbox every two weeks; unsubscribe any time.  For many years, the library’s Lunch & Learn series has provided a midday educational opportunity to lifelong learners.
Now, the library has expanded the concept to include live performers, virtual tours, and expert speakers to cover a broad range of cultural and historical topics. Plus, the series is online, allowing anyone who is interested to tune in and take a break during the day. The reinvented Lunchtime Series kicked off earlier this month with “I Feel Good! Hits of the ’60s,” an hour of music and storytelling. The programs continue next month with:
November’s roster includes a look at the storied life of multi-talented entertainer Danny Kaye on the 9th and an art and architecture tour of Paris’s Notre Dame Cathedral on the 19th. The series continues this winter. All programs begin at 1 p.m., are free, open to the public, and take place online; registration is required. View and register for Lunchtime Series programs.  It's National Voter Registration Day and no better time to make sure you're prepared to cast your vote in the 2020 election. Voting is the right of every U.S. citizen who is at least 18 by Election Day. Every voice counts. Be sure you are heard.
To register, you must:
Register: Online: Before 11:59 PM on Oct. 18 for the Nov. 3 election. By mail: Completed applications must be postmarked or delivered to the Lake County Clerk’s office by Oct. 6. In person: Call before visiting to check hours/availability of voter registration services at these sites. To see if you're registered to vote at your current address, visit LakeVoterPower.info. To find out when and where to vote or research the candidates and issues, visit the library's Voter's Guide. Info for prospective library trustees9/21/2020  The election may not be until April, but for those who wish to be part of the Vernon Area Public Library Board of Trustees, the process begins now.
Prospective candidates for Vernon Area Public Library Trustee in the April 2021 Consolidated Election may pick up a candidate packet through curbside service or download required forms here: https://VAPLD.info/for-candidates The packet includes a Statement of Candidacy, Petition for Nomination sheets, and a Statement of Economic Interests Form. To qualify to run, a prospective candidate must reside within the Vernon Area Public Library District and be registered to vote. A state law passed in August 2018 increases the residency requirement to one year and disqualifies candidates who owe the library money or have been convicted of a felony. Finally, the prospective candidate must also secure the signatures of at least 50 qualified voters who reside within the Vernon Area Public Library District on a Petition for Nomination. Prospective candidates may begin circulating nominating petitions beginning Tuesday, September 22, 2020. Helpful information about completing and filing nomination papers may be found at https://VAPLD.info/for-candidates Completed petition packets may be filed at the Library Annex no earlier than 9 a.m. on Monday, December 14, 2020, and no later than 5 p.m. on Monday, December 21, 2020. Candidates’ names will appear on the election ballot in the order in which their nominating papers are received at the library. A lottery may be used to determine order in some circumstances; see the State Board of Elections Candidates’ Guide for details. Three of the board’s seven seats will be up for election in April. Two are for a six-year term; one is for a partial two-year term. All terms will commence on May 17, 2021. It should be noted that all candidates for Library Trustee file for office on a nonpartisan basis. How to browse now9/17/2020  You miss browsing the shelves to find something interesting to check out. Good news: you have options...they just look a little different. But they are 100% safe. And you're sure to find something that piques your interest.
Help with remote learning9/14/2020  Get help with at-home learning in the Student Resources guide, a collection of tools for supporting your child's or teen's education. Each tab (for grades K–5, 6–8, and high school) includes:
Your Vernon Area Library card gives you unlimited access to the resources listed in the guide. Check it out and...bookmark it! Also, get tips and strategies for managing your own work while supporting your student/s learning remotely: Full House! Working from Home with Your Family Learn best practices for working remotely while the children are home. This online program is free and open to all; no library card required. Wed Sept 23, 10 AM • register Drive-up donations for the Food Pantry9/11/2020  Picking up or returning library materials? Drop off your donation for the Vernon Township Food Pantry at the same time.
Pull into the library's pickup lane, let a staff member know you have food items to donate to the pantry, and they'll wheel the bin to your car. Items especially needed now:
To protect the quality of donated food, this collection will only take place when it's not raining. Learn more about the Vernon Township Food Pantry here.  Students in grades 7–12: Help others without leaving home. You'll earn volunteer hours, too! The library's Teen Volunteer program is completely flexible: no application or training; volunteer when it fits your schedule; no minimum or maximum hours. Do what you can, when you can! And you'll make a positive difference in the world.
To get started, review the list of organizations we're supporting, choose what you'll do, complete the activity or activities, and submit your online form. This program runs through December 8 and is an excellent way to complete service hours this semester. Learn more and get started! |