A striking art installation in the library lobby highlights the connection, diversity and shared goals of local residents.

The “Communitree” serves as a symbol of connection and growth within the community. The installation features leaves crafted by library visitors of all ages, each inscribed with personal wishes, hopes and goals for themselves and their neighbors. 

The initiative was created in partnership with The Art Impact Project, a Lake County-based nonprofit dedicated to enhancing emotional wellness through creative expression. Recognizing art-making as a powerful, accessible tool for emotional health during a time when traditional mental health resources can be limited, the organization leads purpose-driven programming designed to increase positive self-awareness, build confidence, and foster empathy across generations.

"As part of the library's year-long focus on wellness, we're proud to unveil this symbol in our lobby that reflects our community's goals for our future," said Roz Topolski, community engagement program coordinator at Vernon Area Public Library.

"By bringing together individuals’ wishes, hopes and dreams for themselves and the community, these personal reflections highlight both the experiences we share and the perspectives that make us unique — fostering greater understanding, connection, a sense of belonging and a shared vision for a positive future," said Laura Harper, executive director of Art Impact Project.

The Communitree is on display during October. Visitors are invited to view the artwork during regular library hours.

Popular local book group facilitator Judy Levin celebrated a remarkable milestone this month: 30 years of leading book discussions at the Vernon Area Public Library. 

Over the past three decades, Levin has led more than 300 book discussions at the Lincolnshire library with a cumulative audience of more than 1000 individual readers. 

To mark the anniversary, the library published the group’s reading list from the past 30 years. The list reflects a mix of contemporary and historical fiction, notable memoirs and narrative nonfiction. The group’s unofficial motto, “Beyond the Bestsellers,” characterizes the mix well.

In October 1996, the first book was “Snow Falling on Cedars” by David Guterson. The most recent selection was “A Marriage at Sea: A True Story of Love, Obsession, and Shipwreck” by Sophie Elmhirst.

Levin’s engaging selections are one of the things that turn more than 80 percent of attendees into repeat customers. The group's resilience is as notable as its longevity. Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, Levin  continued to lead monthly discussions online, helping keep the community connected. 

Join the conversation. “Book Discussion with Judy Levin” programs are free and open to all. Meetings happen most months on the second Thursday from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Advance signup is required. To register, call 224-543-1485 or visit VAPLD.info/calendar.

Cardholders will soon have access to over 5.4 million items when Rolling Meadows Library and Wauconda Area Public Library join the CCS consortium in October. During the upgrade process, the catalog will have limited functionality from October 17–19. 

Here's what to expect: 

• Checkouts: You can still check out items – just bring your library card!
• Digital Resources: All digital content will remain available.
  
• Holds: Place holds before October 17; no new holds can be placed October 17–19.
  
• Catalog: Online results may not be current. Call the library to confirm availability.
  
• Extended Due Dates: Enjoy a little extra time with your items! All due dates will be extended so that nothing is due during the transition.
  
• Returns: Items returned between October 17–20 will be checked in starting October 21. 
  
• Account Access: You can log in, but updates won't appear until after October 20. 
  

​We appreciate your patience during this brief disruption and are excited about the benefits it brings to our community. 

It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Vernon Area Public Library Board President Marc Fenton on Thursday, September 24, 2026. 

A longtime resident of Buffalo Grove, Marc joined the library board in 2013 and served as president since 2019. He will be remembered for his dedication, service, and devotion to this library and community. 

“Marc’s leadership has been a reliable source of stability during times of great change for this library,” said Executive Director Anne Rasmussen. “It has been a privilege to work with a board president who so genuinely loved this library, its patrons and staff.” 

Throughout more than a decade of service, Marc remained a champion for library personnel, consistently advocating for staff well-being and professional excellence.

“Marc’s attention to detail and advocacy for the patrons, the staff, and the community at large were unparalleled,” noted Board Vice President Jonathan Passman. “He always asked the tough questions to make sure we were doing the right thing. The library has lost a dear friend, and we will miss him dearly.”

The library board and staff extends our heartfelt sympathies to Marc’s wife, Michele, his family, and friends. A proclamation in his honor will be read into the record at the regular Board of Library Trustees meeting on October 19, 2026.

Starting Tuesday, September 29, Libby will require your library account password to sign in. This update adds an extra layer of security to keep your Vernon Area Public Library account safe.

The first time you borrow an item or place a hold on or after Sept. 29, Libby will prompt you to enter your library card barcode number and password.

Once you sign back in, Libby will remember you. You shouldn’t need to re-enter your password again unless you manually log out of the app.

What is my PIN? / I forgot my PIN?

Libby uses the word “PIN,” but what they mean is “password.” Specifically, the password you use to log into the library catalog and your library account.

Forgot your password? No problem! You can reset it online or contact library staff for help. To protect your privacy, we will need to verify your account details before resetting it for you.

Get help with your PIN or password

What is Libby?

Libby is an app for downloading library ebooks, audiobooks, and digital magazines — free with your library card. Libby is run by a company called OverDrive. Learn more about Libby.