Win a signed copy of "Red at the Bone"1/21/2021  You could win a signed copy of Jacqueline Woodson's Red at the Bone, this season's One Book, One Community selection. This exquisitely wrought novel explores the intertwining lives of two Black families in modern-day Brooklyn.
A New York Times best seller and Notable Book of the Year, Red at the Bone has received widespread acclaim. People magazine calls it "an exquisite tale of family legacy." And NPR praises the novel, saying "With Red at the Bone, Jacqueline Woodson has indeed risen—even further into the ranks of great literature.” Enter to win your signed copy of Red at the Bone. Learn more about One Book, One Community and sign up for online events and discussions at 1book.org. This year's series includes companion book selections and events for young readers, too! Don't miss an evening with Jacqueline Woodson, happening online Thursday, March 18. Register now.
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Valentines for Vets1/19/2021  Show some love to local veterans this Valentines Day. Drop off a heartfelt card for a current or retired service member at Vernon Area Public Library, Lincolnshire Village Hall, or the Buffalo Grove Police Station.
The office of State Representative Dan Didech (IL 59) will deliver the valentines to veterans at Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center in North Chicago and local senior living facilities. Anyone can participate. Store-bought or handmade cards are welcomed. Or print a Valentines for Vets template, add a message, and decorate. Collection locations:
Construction to begin on drive-up window1/15/2021  Construction is beginning on a new drive-up service window (by the blue car in this drawing). A building project is getting underway at the library: we're adding a drive-up service lane and window. When finished, it will be easier and more convenient than ever to pick up your library materials. Curbside pickup is now at the back of the parking lot: As you enter from Olde Half Day Road, veer right and follow the signs to the back of the lot. Signs there will direct you, whether you're dropping off, picking up, or both.  There are three options for book returns:
 When the construction project is completed in spring, you'll be able to use the convenient drive-up to collect your library orders.
The construction project will be paid for using existing funds earmarked for building improvements. 4 programs to help during a tough time1/11/2021  We’re all still getting used to this new normal. Maybe housework seems unmanageable, especially if your home is filled (all the time) with people working or learning remotely. Or you're trying to figure out how to parent while you cope with ever-changing circumstances. Could be that you need to make ends meet on a tighter budget (you’re not alone).
Your library is here to give you an assist, provide you with info, and connect you with resources. Check out these upcoming programs. They’re free, open to all, and take place online. Registration is required. Author Visit: Clean Mama "Clean Mama" Becky Rapinchuk believes cleaning your home can be quick and fun. Her simple household routines have been featured in Better Homes & Gardens, Martha Stewart Living, Real Simple, and other national media. Join this online event to hear her talk about the tips in Clean Mama’s Guide to a Peaceful Home. This new book features Rapinchuk's systems and habits that help make housekeeping easy and make your home a comfortable haven. FRIDAY, JANUARY 22, 1 PM • register Parent Program: Living with Uncertainty The CPN, a program of the Stevenson Foundation, presents a conversation with Dr. Caroline Adelman, clinical psychologist, and Mara Heichman CPC, ELIMP, who address questions on how we rise up to meet the challenges of the new normal and let go of what used to be. WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27, 7 PM • register Money Skills for Tough Times Whether you're dealing with a reduced income, bills you can't pay, or trying to make your dollars stretch as far as possible, there's something in this class for you. Learn tried-and-true techniques like tracking spending and creating a spending plan plus how to prioritize when you can't pay everyone and how to work with creditors. Links to free worksheets, calculators, and other tools help you put what you learn into action. Even if you're already a good money manager, this is a good refresher. MONDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 7 PM • register just added! — Yoga at Your Desk Learn easy seated moves that relieve back and neck pain. Yoga instructor Rebecca Wilhelm explains how to establish and maintain good posture, then guides you through beneficial stretches you can do anytime. TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 4 PM • register Be a helping hand, safely1/7/2021  You can do good, right where you are and completely safely. Volunteer work is needed now more than ever, and volunteering is a great way to feel connected in a world of social distancing.
If you're an adult or teen who would like to give your time and talents to help others, there are remote and web-based ways to do just that. Library staff who keep tabs on volunteerism have rounded up opportunities for community members like you to help a variety of organizations, here in Lake County and elsewhere. Adult volunteers (ages 18 and up) can check out the library's guide to organizations and opportunities here. If you'd like your contribution to be specific to the Covid-19 pandemic, consider these options. If you're in grades 7–12, give back and earn service hours; get started here. If you need help of any kind during this extraordinary time, please begin here. To everyone, stay safe and be well. For the lifelong learner in you1/5/2021  Every month, your library offers a full calendar of events to take part in right where you are, including:
All programs are free and take place online. Registration is usually required. Since no library card is needed for most programs, you can share these experiences with friends and family, too. It's a great way to connect over the miles. Bonus: Find something to do anytime
Check out the Activity Finder to choose from the best of the web's free cultural and educational sites, including on-demand engagements as well as live happenings to join in real time. There's something here for all ages and the whole family, including cooking, science exploration, nature and wildlife, virtual museum tours. The latest update to the Finder includes screen-free options, so you're not tied to a computer, tablet, or phone. Check it out whenever you're looking for a great way to spend your down time. Library card not required.  When you're looking for something to do, look to the library's Activity Finder, relaunched for winter and now including screen-free offerings — socially distanced, real-world diversions like local hikes and winter sports. Filters on the interactive website let you easily find what interests you: exhibits, games, history, music, and more. Take virtual tours of museums, botanic gardens, and national parks; view art collections; watch a performance; get cooking. If you're looking to entertain the littler members of your household, select "good for kids" at the top of Activity Finder to zero in on a variety of on-demand story times, virtual tours of Disney properties, crafts or STEM projects, and other engagements for growing minds. Have an idea for an online or real-world activity that should be included? Please let us know: Suggest an Activity (also at the bottom of the website). We'll update the Activity Finder every now and then to keep things fresh all winter long. Free and open to all; no library card required.
 For the fifth year, your library is partnering with neighboring Cook Memorial and Indian Trails public libraries to encourage thousands of community members to read, think, and talk about the same book.
The winter 2020–21 selection is Red at the Bone by National Book Award winner Jacqueline Woodson. An beautifully wrought tale of the intertwining lives of two Black families in modern-day Brooklyn, Woodson's latest novel explores personal histories shaped by race and the decisions we make, often under duress or before we can fully understand their consequences. A New York Times best seller and Notable Book of the Year, Red at the Bone has received widespread acclaim. People magazine calls it "an exquisite tale of family legacy." And NPR praised the novel, saying "With Red at the Bone, Jacqueline Woodson has indeed risen—even further into the ranks of great literature.” The 2020–21 One Book extends to young readers with companion selections by Woodson: Brown Girl Dreaming, a memoir in verse, and two picture books, The Day You Begin and Show Way. Attend One Book, One Community events including thought-provoking talks and book discussions hosted online by any of the three partnering libraries. One Book events are open to all. The series concludes the evening of Thursday, March 18, with a live online visit with Jacqueline Woodson. Don't miss it. Registration is now open for all events. Get your personalized reading list12/8/2020  Just in time for the wintry days ahead: Get a list of books created especially for you, based on your reading preferences, and delivered directly to your email inbox.
Here's how it works: You fill out a brief online form, letting your librarians know what interests you, what you've liked and haven't liked, favorite genres, and other particulars. That's it. A library reading pro does the rest, matching you with books and authors to check out. Why get a custom book list from Vernon Area Library? The people who work here are avid readers and they keep up with all the publishing news including what's trending, book awards and reviews, and what authors are up to, whether they're established or debut writers. When you provide the library's experts with a few clues about what you enjoy reading, they're on the case, searching out the best titles for you to pick up. Even better, this service is for all ages, zero on up! Meet your next good book now. Begin here.  This is the homestretch for students: just a few weeks before everyone takes a well-deserved break from schoolwork. Get the best results by tapping into library resources, including live tutoring. Look to Vernon Area's Student Resources Guide for grade-specific help, including:
Your Vernon Area Library card number gives you unlimited access to these student-friendly resources. Visit and bookmark grade-specific centers in the Student Resources Guide: You can do this. Your library is here to help. For further assistance, contact a librarian. |