The Magic of Talking About Books Together10/27/2025  Librarians Lisa Coleman and Liz Glazer with two Bluestem Award Books While most people enjoy reading on their own, there are many benefits to being part of a book discussion group. At the library, we see the value in providing opportunities for people of all ages to explore a story on a deeper level and to share their thoughts and opinions with others. Youth librarians Lisa Coleman and Liz Glazer lead the Bluestem Award Book Discussion for students in grades 3–5. This is a program for children and adults to participate in together as they read through the Bluestem Award books. Lisa and Liz sat down to share more about their program and why kids and adults should consider attending a book discussion.
What does a typical Bluestem Award Book Discussion look like? We prepare a presentation with short videos, information about the book, the author, related information, and discussion questions. We often have an activity or craft after the discussion as well. Usually, books related to the discussion are available for check out after the program. We encourage kids to be kind to each other in the discussion and allow everyone the chance to share. The discussion gives kids the opportunity to interact with each other outside of school, out in the real world, without worrying about getting graded. We hope they feel comfortable saying what they want to, in a safe, judgment-free space. Why is it important for kids to talk about books, rather than just read them? By discussing a book in a group setting, kids have the opportunity to share their thoughts with others and hear other kids' valuable perspectives. We all come from different backgrounds, and while we have many common experiences, each child brings their unique experience to share with others. We live in a community, not alone. It is good to practice using those social muscles, so to speak. How do book discussions help children grow as readers and thinkers? The books on the Bluestem list are diverse. There are nonfiction books, graphic novels, and fiction of all genres. We hope that through our book discussion, kids are introduced to books they might not ordinarily pick up as a first choice. Books can be windows into other people’s lived experiences, mirrors to reflect your own life, and doors to allow you to enter into another world. The Bluestem Award Book Discussion is a parent/child book group. Why is it valuable for parents to be part of these conversations alongside their children? It gives parents and children a chance to interact and learn more about each other based on the book and how they choose to contribute. The parent can see how the child answers questions and participates in the discussion. Often, we can tell that parents and their children appreciate each other after they’ve shared their experiences. Children seem to appreciate their parents being part of the discussion and sharing their perspectives about the books. What do you hope families take away from participating? The act of reading books and discussing them together is a worthwhile activity for families. It allows them to share ideas and perspectives in an engaging and thoughtful manner. __________________________________________________________________ At Vernon Area Public Library, there are book discussion groups for all ages–from elementary students to adults. For the more introverted, there’s even the Choose Your Own Adventure book club, where you read silently for an hour, then decide if you want to continue reading or chat with others. If you’ve never been part of a book discussion before, consider trying one out. It might enhance your reading experience in ways you never thought possible. Try one of these book clubs or discussion groups: Bluestem Award Book Discussion ● grades 3–5 with adult Rebecca Caudill Award Book Discussion ● grades 6–8 Off the Page: A Teen Book Club ● grades 8–12 Book Discussion with Judy Levin ● adults Novel Night Book Discussion ● adults Great Decisions Discussion Group ● adults Choose Your Own Adventure: A Book Club ● adults
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 Starting this month, Vernon Area is part of the Library Speakers Consortium, expanding our lineup of online programs featuring your favorite authors. Enjoy 2–3 livestreamed events each month, highlighting both fiction and nonfiction writers you won't want to miss.
Can't make the event live? No problem! Registered attendees will receive a link to the recorded program. Or catch recordings of over 100 past events any time–and see the upcoming schedule at VAPLD.info/AuthorSpotlight. For a more interactive experience, submit questions for the author when you register, or ask live during the event. Past speakers include bestselling authors like Lori Gottlieb, Shelby Van Pelt, Freida McFadden, Fredrik Backman, and John Irving. You'll also find interviews with Smithsonian curators, researchers, and educators on topics like Mars, tropical bats, the national gem collection, pandemics, and more. Stay up-to-date on the latest additions to the author lineup by subscribing to our Author Spotlight newsletter at: VAPLD.info/subscribe-spotlight. Upcoming Author Spotlight Talks: Argue Less and Talk More with Communication Expert Jefferson Fisher Wednesday, September 10, 1–2 pm | Sign up Our Failed Attempts to Make English Eezier to Spell with Author Gabe Henry Wednesday, September 17, 1–2 pm | Sign up Nuestra América: Stories of 30 Inspiring Latinas/Latinos Who Have Shaped the United States with Smithsonian Educators Thursday, October 2, 1–2 pm | Sign up 10 Years of Daring Heists and Lovable Outcasts in YA Fantasy with Leigh Bardugo Thursday, October 9, 6–7 pm | Sign up Finding My Way with Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Malala Yousafzai Wednesday, October 22, 6–7 pm | Sign up   Is your child going to kindergarten this fall? Whether the kindergarten milestone is coming up in a few months or a few years, librarian Miss Emily, who leads Preschool Storytime, has some tips to help you prepare for the school years.
How long have you been leading Preschool Storytime? I have been leading this awesome program for 11 years. What can kids expect to do or learn in Preschool Storytime? Kids can expect to have fun and learn about the letter of the week through songs, stories, and rhymes. We unveil mystery words and have a bubble dance party at the end! What are some practical ways parents can help prepare their children for kindergarten? Read aloud regularly. This has benefits for both the reader and the listener, and will improve language skills and enhance comprehension. Also, foster their independence by taking them to classes like Preschool Storytime! How can parents help prepare their preschoolers for learning to read? As you read stories with your child, point to the words on the page. This will help them develop the idea that print has meaning. I like to suggest using magnetic letters to show how individual letters form words. Do you have any tips for parents who are sending their first child off to kindergarten? Yes! This is going to be an adjustment for both you and your child. Read books about going to school to ease their possible anxiety. Make sure the books depict the environment they will be in and the expectations of them. Be positive! Is there anything else you want people to know? I look forward to seeing your 3-5 year old at Preschool Storytime! Preschool Storytime meets on Thursdays at 9:30 or 10:30 am in the Youth Program Room. Come early to get a ticket, then drop in and join the fun. View upcoming sessions here.  A $62,000 grant from the Reaching Across Illinois Library System (RAILS) supports a major catalog upgrade coming this fall.
On September 3, the Vernon Area Public Library will switch from its current stand-alone library catalog to the shared catalog of Cooperative Computer Services (CCS), a network of 31 public libraries in northeastern Illinois. What does this mean for you?
“Joining CCS marks a significant milestone in our library’s ongoing efforts to serve the community more effectively,” said Library Director Anne Rasmussen. “Through our consortium membership, we will provide seamless access to a broader network of materials while enhancing the catalog software used by staff and patrons.” The grant offsets startup costs as the library transitions its catalog into the shared CCS system. RAILS provides this funding to encourage collaboration and resource sharing across Illinois libraries. Library To Get $65K State Grant7/10/2025  Illinois' state capitol building Vernon Area Public Library will receive $65,203.85 through the Illinois Public Library Per Capita Grant program.
“The annual Per Capita Grant helps us ensure continued access to high-quality materials and learning opportunities,” said Vernon Area Public Library Director Anne Rasmussen. “From our youngest patrons in baby storytime to the seniors we serve through assisted living visits, this grant helps all in our library district to connect to information, culture and each other.” The Per Capita Grant program provides annual funding to support local public library services. This year, libraries were allocated just under $1.50 per resident in their service area. Funds may be used for operational needs, including purchasing books and other materials or making capital improvements. To qualify, libraries must to meet standards established by the Illinois Library Association. These include completing and submitting an annual report, engaging in continuing staff education, and formally adopting an anti-censorship policy, such as the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights. The grant program is administered by the Illinois Secretary of State office and is designed to help ensure all Illinois residents have access to quality library resources and programming. |
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