Community Survey Underway4/16/2026  Did you receive a survey in your inbox? We want to hear from you!
If you are a registered voter in the Vernon Area Public Library District, you may soon receive an email or postcard from aQity Research. We want to confirm: Yes, this is a legitimate, library-authorized survey, and your participation is important. Why am I being contacted? The Library Board is considering a $39.5 million bond request to improve our facilities and services. Before any decisions are made, we need to know what you think. Wait, I’m not a "power user" of the library. Does my opinion still count? Absolutely! In fact, we specifically need to hear from a broad cross-section of voters — not just the people who visit us every day. We want to know if you’ve heard about the project, what features matter to you, and how you feel about the potential impact on your taxes. The details:
What if I didn't get a survey? Because this is a scientific sample, not everyone will receive a formal invitation. However, we value all resident input. Please email us at [email protected] to receive information on the project and provide feedback. Keep an eye on your mail and your inbox. When you see "aQity Research," please take a few minutes to help shape the future of your library.
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Grant Would Support Library Safety4/14/2026  Making the library accessible also means providing a a space where everyone feels safe, comfortable, and at home. To further that goal, we have applied for a $100,000 security grant from the Illinois State Library.
If we are awarded this grant, we use the funds to upgrade and expand the technology tools that keep our building secure. Improvements would include upgraded door locks with new electronic access readers, improvements to the camera system to make sure we have high-resolution coverage in more areas, and smart software that can detect potential threats in real time. These improvements would help give our team better visibility, allowing us to proactively address concerns and shorten response times for local police in the case of an incident. "Our library is a place for everyone. This grant will help us use the best technology available to protect our visitors and staff,” said Library Director Anne Rasmussen. “It ensures the library stays a safe, open space where everyone can feel secure while they learn and explore." If the grant is approved, we will work with security experts to make sure everything is installed and configured to the highest standards. In the meantime, we look forward to seeing you around the library. Whether you're here to check out a new bestseller or attend a program, your safety and experience are our top priorities. Share Your Library Joy4/8/2026  Libraries across America will be celebrating National Library Week from April 19–25. It’s a week to celebrate the importance of access to information, culture, and community. This year’s theme is “Find Your Joy,” so we want to hear how the library brings you joy. We are hosting several Open Mic times throughout the week where you’ll have the opportunity to share a quick sentence or two about how the library brings you joy. Your story may be shared on our social media as a testimony about Vernon Area Library’s value in our community. Open Mic contributors will receive a National Library Week sticker as a thank you, and will be entered into a drawing to win a tote bag or a children’s book called I’m So Happy You’re Here by children’s librarian and national treasure Mychal Threets. If you prefer not to be recorded, you can still participate by leaving a note on our brick wall or turning in a coloring page at the Youth Desk for a sticker. Our goal is to spread library joy across our community. If you love the library and its resources, consider dropping by one of these Open Mic times to share that message with others:
   Fostering healthy minds & bodies together Wellness is an ongoing process and a life-long journey. Together as a library community, we are going to learn how to foster healthy minds and bodies. Over the next year, we’ll explore how choices for healthy eating, fitness, creativity, and emotional wellness all contribute to overall well-being. This spring, we’re focusing on how nutrition contributes to healthy bodies and minds. Attend lectures and discussions to examine how mindful food choices can improve physical and mental health, boost resilience to stress, and prevent illness. The official library Wellness Fellow this quarter is Vicki Shanta Retelny, RDN, LDN, a nationally recognized lifestyle nutrition expert and author. Vicki will share her experience with empowering people to eat nourishing foods and make choices that foster health and happiness for life. She is the author of two books, The Essential Guide to Healthy Healing Foods and Total Body Diet For Dummies®. To kick things off, we asked Vicki to share her thoughts about cultivating a healthy lifestyle: What do you hope our patrons gain from our collaboration? My hope is to infuse excitement and enthusiasm for nutrition by embracing new foods, creating a better understanding of the relationship between nutrition and total body health, and discovering fun ways to get into the kitchen to create simple and delicious meals. The goal is to make good nutrition easy and accessible for all. How would you describe the connection between nutrition and emotional wellness? What you eat is an integral part of your emotional well-being, as it affects your mood, energy levels, and overall outlook on life. Research shows that omega-3 fats and fruits and vegetables fend off depression and promote a more positive demeanor. The gut-brain connection plays an integral role with nutrient-rich food (fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and seafood), boosting mood-regulating neurotransmitters in the brain and keeping inflammation down in the body. Plus, a healthy gut supports mental clarity and resilience. What are some recommendations for sticking with a nutrition plan? The key to sticking with a nutrition plan is to keep it simple. Meals don’t have to be complicated or gourmet to be nourishing. Balances meals with protein and produce, in addition to moderate starches and fats for satiety. Create a schedule of eating, grocery shop on a regular basis to keep nourishing foods in the house, and don’t feel like you have to be perfect. If you veer off the plan, don’t throw in the towel; instead, get right back on at the next eating opportunity. It’s all about progress toward a healthy lifestyle and enjoying the process. Keep in mind, nourishing your body well is a daily practice over time – not a temporary plan. When we feel stressed, we often turn to ice cream or potato chips for comfort— how can we break this habit? Stress is a natural trigger to overeat carbohydrate-rich foods, as cortisol, the stress hormone, increases the appetite and amps up the motivation to eat. The brain requires more energy when stressed, and carbs have a calming effect, plus they aid in the release of feel-good neurotransmitters, serotonin and dopamine, in the brain. This makes you feel good temporarily, but can cause weight gain in the long run. The best things to do to break the stress eating cycle are to aim to keep stress levels down by practicing mindfulness and getting out and moving – exercise can help keep stress levels at bay and keep you preoccupied when you want to eat, plus exercise keeps insulin levels in check, which decreases hunger levels and carb cravings. Replace highly processed snack foods that are tempting to overeat with nourishing snacks, such as pre-cut veggies, fruits, cottage cheese, yogurt, and hummus. What are some suggestions for encouraging children to embrace healthier food choices? Getting children into the kitchen and involved in meal planning and prep is a great way to get them to make healthier choices. Keeping nourishing foods in the house and being a good role model for eating well is the best gift you can give children. They need to learn from parents and caregivers about good nutrition, and it starts with the basics at home – eating meals together, planning healthy snacks, and fostering a sense of enjoyment in meal planning and cooking. Cooking is a life skill, and the younger it starts, the better equipped a child will be to eat well for life. Learn more about nutrition at these upcoming wellness programs, including two with Vicki: Documentary Screening: Cafeteria Man Monday, April 6, 7–8:30 pm | Sign up Food & Mood with Vicki Shanta Retelny Thursday, April 16, 7–8 pm | Sign up Cook Along with Chef Kristyn: Earth Day | grades K–8 Friday, April 17, 7–8 pm | Online | Sign up Hormones & Menopause with Vicki Shanta Retelny Wednesday, April 29, 7–8 pm | Online | Sign up Green Gold: The Avocado’s Remarkable Journey from Humble Superfood to Toast of a Nation with Author Monique Parsons Tuesday, May 19, 7–8 pm | Sign up Make Nutrition Accessible to All Vernon Township Food Pantry provides nutritionally balanced food monthly to 275 families in need of assistance. The library is a collection site for the food pantry year-round. Consider bringing a nutritious item to the bins in the lobby on your next visit.   It’s time to tap into your creative side. March is National Craft Month, and the library has plenty of resources to inspire and help you turn your ideas into reality.
Digital Resources Want to learn a new crafting skill in the comfort of your home? This month, hoopla has a curated collection of instructional how-to videos and crafting resources. Learn how to use watercolor, draw, sew, or improve your photography skills–all free to use with your library card. You have thousands of award-winning art and craft video classes available to you through Creativebug. Choose from a wide variety of classes, from needlework to flower arranging and cake decorating. There are even classes for kids and teens, starting as young as age four. There’s so much to explore! Knitting & Crocheting Groups If you’re looking to connect with other crafters, the library has two knitting and crocheting groups that meet monthly. All experience levels are welcome–beginners too. Bring your own supplies, and enjoy conversing with others while you work on your own project.
Make Homemade Gifts Do you enjoy making personalized gifts and other crafts? Open Makerspace is for you! This popular program does not include any formal teaching, but staff are available to assist you in using sublimation to make tote bags, pillowcases, tumblers, or mugs. (Watch this video to see how library staff made a customized baby onesie). You can also make cards or other crafts. Supplies are available to use for free. Find the upcoming Open Makerspace classes here, and be sure to set an alarm for when registration opens one month prior. Space is limited, and these fill up quickly! Next Open Makerspace: Monday, May 4 from 6:30–8:30 pm | Sign up opens April 4 at 9 am 3D Printing Did you know you get one free 3D print a month as a VAPLD cardholder? Explore existing designs or create your own, then submit your request to print. Some items you could 3D print include adaptive devices, jewelry, STEAM education and school projects, game pieces, puzzles, and more. Read the guide to 3D printing to learn more and to submit your print request. Crafting for Kids Stop by the library for Holiday Arts & Crafts. Learn about different holidays celebrated by people in our community while creating related crafts. These programs are open to all ages. No sign up required. Don’t miss these upcoming sessions:
Sticking around during Spring Break? Explore artist, activist, and educator Corita Kent with Miss Jane on Wednesday, March 25. Sign up for Exploring Great Artists to reserve your spot. Take & Make Craft Kits The library also offers monthly Take & Make Craft Kits for all ages. These kits include supplies and instructions for you to make a craft at home. Ask for the kit at the Youth Desk or drive-up window. Available while supplies last. Mark your calendar to pick up the Cherry Blossom Windsock kit beginning April 3, and check the calendar for upcoming Take & Make opportunities. These are just a few of the creative classes and activities you can find at the library. Be sure to check the library calendar for more upcoming maker and craft programs. Can't wait to see what you create! |
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