Horror author to speak October 49/7/2023 Vernon Area Public Library is among the more than 200 Illinois libraries that will offer an online event with Stephen Graham Jones, a National Endowment for the Arts Fellow and New York Times bestselling author. Stephen Graham Jones will discuss scary stories, horror and other topics in a conversation with horror expert Becky Spratford.
“Chills & Thrills with Stephen Graham Jones” will take place on Zoom on Wednesday, October 4, at 7 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. Advance signup is required. Sign up online or by calling 224-543-1485. Stephen Graham Jones is author of more than 30 novels, collections, novellas and comic books. His recent release Don’t Fear the Reaper is the sequel to his Bram Stoker Award–winning novel My Heart Is a Chainsaw. Jones is the recipient of numerous awards, including four Bram Stoker Awards, three Shirley Jackson Awards, six This is Horror Awards, the LA Times Ray Bradbury Prize, the Mark Twain American Voice in Literature Award, the Independent Publishers Award for Multicultural Fiction, the Alex and RUSA awards from the American Library Association, and the 2023 American Indian Festival of Words Writers Award. He was an NEA Fellow. He lives in Boulder, Colorado. Joining Jones in conversation is Illinois librarian and readers advisory expert Becky Spratford. Spratford trains library staff worldwide on how to match books with readers. She also runs the critically acclaimed blog “RA for All.” A devout horror fan, Spratford writes a horror review column for Library Journal, is the author of “The Reader’s Advisory Guide to Horror,” and is a member of the Horror Writers Association. The event is being offered by more than 200 libraries across Illinois through a statewide collaboration, “Illinois Libraries Present” (ILP). This is the third season of programming offered by ILP. ILP is funded in part by a grant awarded by the Illinois State Library, a department of the Office of Secretary of State, using funds provided by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services, under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA). Other upcoming speakers in the ILP series include Netflix “Bake Squad” star Maya-Camille Broussard in November and psychotherapist and author Lori Gottlieb in December. Find details and information on the calendar of events at VAPLD.info/calendar.
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At approximately 5:30 pm on Tuesday, August 29, the library received a bomb threat via the internet. This threat was different from the one Daniel Wright Junior High received on Monday, August 28, but similar to other threats received recently by libraries across the Chicagoland region.
Staff responded quickly and calmly to clear the building and notify the police. Lincolnshire Police Department conducted a thorough check of the buildings and grounds. They did not find anything suspicious and gave staff the all-clear to return. As a precaution, we kept the library closed for the rest of the day. We reopened for business as usual on Wednesday morning. The past two weeks have been challenging, both for our local community and the community of public libraries in our area. Since August 17, more than a half-dozen libraries in Lake and Cook counties have received bomb threats, some more than once. The day before the threat at our library, there was a threat at a local school. We are grateful that none of these threats to date have been credible and that no harm has come to pass. But they are upsetting and disruptive for everyone in our community. We are grateful for the professionalism of our staff, who handled the situation with grace, and for the members of our Library Board who reached out to check on everyone’s well being and offer support. We are grateful to the Village of Lincolnshire police and administration who helped secure the situation and communicate to residents. Finally, we are grateful for you: our friends, neighbors and library visitors, for the support you show us on a regular basis through your comments, emails, and regular patronage. It is a privilege to serve you. We hope to continue doing so without further disruption. Vernon Area Public Library joins more than 200 other Illinois libraries to kick off Season 3 of Illinois Libraries Present, a collaborative effort featuring virtual events with A-list authors and cultural influencers. The season opens with Colson Whitehead, two-time winner of the Pulitzer Prize, a MacArthur Fellow, Guggenheim Fellow, and recipient of the 2023 National Endowment for the Humanities Medal.
“The Power of Story with Colson Whitehead” will take place via Zoom on Wednesday, September 6, at 7 p.m. The event is free and open to the public; advance signup is required. Sign up at VAPLD.info/calendar or call 224-543-1485. Crook Manifesto is Whitehead’s latest release and the second book in the Harlem trilogy. In it, a furniture store owner and ex-grifter leaves the straight and narrow path when he needs Jackson 5 tickets for his daughter in 1971 Manhattan. Kirkus Reviews calls it an “accomplished, streamlined, and darkly funny comedy of manners.” Joining Whitehead in conversation is award-winning author Tochi Onyebuchi, whose books include Goliath, Riot Baby, the Beasts Made of Night series, the War Girls series, and (S)kinfolk. Other speakers in the Illinois Libraries Present series this fall include National Endowment for the Arts Fellow Stephen Graham Jones and Netflix “Bake Squad” star Maya-Camille Broussard. “Libraries are for everyone” is the unofficial motto of the Vernon Area Public Library District, and that includes residents who are unable to visit the library in person due to illness, disability or mobility challenges.
“If you can’t come to us, we will come to you,” explained Latha Manickavasagam, Vernon Area Library Senior Services Coordinator. This service is free and available to anyone living in the Vernon Area library district who has a mobility issue, regardless of whether they live in a retirement center, assisted living facility or private residence. Thirteen senior and assisted living centers are located within the library’s service area, which includes all of Lincolnshire, large portions of Long Grove and Buffalo Grove, and portions of surrounding communities including Vernon Hills. When signing up, the person tells the library what sorts of things they would like to get from the library: books, movies, magazines or music. They share past favorites so library staff have a sense of their reading or viewing preferences. Then library staff select items from the shelves and hand-deliver them. As library staff get to know each resident, selections become more personal. “It’s like having a good friend pick things out for you,” said Janice Kellman, Vernon Area Library’s Head of Community Engagement. Library staff visit each one every three weeks, going room-to-room to deliver library materials and good cheer. Every so often, deliveries include a little something extra: just-for-fun word games or other puzzles, or craft supplies and instructions. Currently, 140 local residents receive library materials this way. Library staff also maintain a “mini library” at each of the senior centers. They stock it with books that have been withdrawn from the shelves, often extra copies of recent sellers that are no longer needed. “This ensures that withdrawn books are effectively repurposed and put back into the community. It is especially beneficial for slow readers who prefer to have access to reading materials without having to request them every time, allowing them to enjoy reading at their own pace,” said Manickavasagam. To sign up, call 224-543-1406, email senior@VAPLD.info, or fill out the form at VAPLD.info/delivery. Multi-library program series wins award7/24/2023 Illinois Libraries Present is the recipient of the Illinois Library Association’s 2023 Hugh C. Atkinson Memorial Award for Interlibrary Cooperation, which is awarded annually in recognition of exceptional resource-sharing initiatives that benefit library users in Illinois.
Illinois Libraries Present (ILP) is a collaboration among Illinois public libraries that presents high-interest online presentations with A-list authors and other notable public figures. Guest speakers have included authors Mary Roach and Jenny Lawson, New York Times puzzle editor Will Shortz, Oscar-winning actress Marlee Matlin, and Olympic medalist Kristi Yamaguchi and hairstylist/TV personality Jonathan Van Ness. The ILP initiative began in 2021 to build on lessons learned during the pandemic, including the benefits of resource sharing. Vernon Area Public Library has been a member since its inception. By bringing together public library resources, ILP offers access to presenters that would otherwise be difficult for any individual library to offer. More than 200 Illinois public libraries participate. Steering committee member Alexandra Skinner noted, “ILP strives to affirm the role of libraries post-pandemic as vibrant centers of humanities learning, conversation and connection. ILP does not just elevate one library, but a community of Illinois libraries.” The fall speaker lineup includes Pulitzer Prize–winning author Colson Whitehead, National Endowment for the Arts Fellow Stephen Graham Jones, and Netflix “Bake Squad” star Maya-Camille Broussard. Find details and information on the Vernon Area Public Library calendar of events at VAPLD.info/calendar. Improvements for summer: outdoor space5/22/2023 Fresh air, a cool breeze in the shade, an educational play area for the kids, the sound of birds and free high-speed Wi-Fi — that sounds pretty good, doesn’t
it? Let’s add “no entry fee” and “no obligation to purchase anything.” Where is this wonderful place? The newly improved outdoor public space at your local public library! Like many libraries across the world, we have seen a surge of interest in outdoor public space for gathering and learning in recent years. That’s why, this summer, we are upgrading the space patrons have come to know as the Annex Lawn. A fanciful chalkboard wall and renovated community garden will join the picnic tables, shade sails and high-speed Wi-Fi that were installed over the past two years. The upgraded area will be called the “Library Learning Garden.” “The Library Learning Garden is a great community resource and an easy destination for anyone looking for outdoor space,” said library director Anne Rasmussen. The area will open this summer for self-guided use and play during daylight hours, seven days a week. Occasionally, the space will be reserved for a specific library program, such as an outdoor concert or storytime — or the new Family Fridays series. The community vegetable garden at the library is also getting a full refresh. Upgrades include accessible pathways and raised garden beds. It was first installed as part of the library’s 2013 summer reading program, which had the theme “Dig Into Reading” that year. Since then, volunteers have grown, weeded, watered and harvested more than 2000 pounds of fresh tomatoes, zucchini, peppers and beans for the customers of the local food pantry. “The garden provides such a variety of benefits,” said program coordinator Roz Topolski. “It’s a place to learn a hobby or learn how food is produced. It’s a place to spend quality time, individually or as a group. It’s an opportunity for people to give back to their community. Most importantly, it reduces food insecurity in our community by providing access to fresh vegetables at our local food pantry.” As part of its mission to support families, Vernon Area Public Library invites new and expecting parents to two events in April:
Raising a Baby: Spark Talks on Thursday, April 13, is an online, at-home evening for packed with fast and valuable insight from local experts. Families are invited to log into Zoom for a variety of talks around 5 minutes each. Topics range from delivery to infant sleep, feeding, speech development, navigating daycare, and more. Bump to Baby Expo on Saturday, April 15, is a great opportunity for new and soon-to-be parents to connect with local services and networking groups. Attendees can browse booths from more than two dozen local organizations and vendors and pick up information about their products and services. Participating businesses include pediatricians, day care centers, wellness services, and experts in sleep, speech-language pathology, breastfeeding, and more. Baby-wearing experts will be on site for in-person adjustments and the ability to try out different styles. Free samples, giveaways and raffles for baby gear and gift certificates round out the offerings. While at the library, families are invited to explore the children’s area, meet the library’s early learning team, pick up a schedule of storytimes and sign up for a library card. Librarian Kelsey Cole-Burns, one of the event coordinators, hopes that attendees not only find useful business information, but also realize their library is “a home away from home where parents can take their babies to learn, play and meet others in the community.” Bump to Baby Expo takes place at the library at 300 Olde Half Day Road, Lincolnshire. The event is free and open to the public. Signup is not required. Drop in anytime during Expo hours, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Vernon Area Public Library joins libraries across Illinois to host an online event with actor, author and restaurateur Danny Trejo, on Tuesday, April 4, at 7 p.m.
The event is free and open to all; advance signup is required. Sign up online or call 224-543-1485. Trejo is a prolific actor, well known for his roles in feature films including Desperado, Heat, Con Air, Spy Kids and the From Dusk ‘til Dawn series, and on television series such as “Sons of Anarchy,” “King of the Hill,” “Breaking Bad” and “The Flash,” among others. Trejo’s road to success in the entertainment industry was hard-earned and atypical. Once a “real-life bad guy,” drug use during his teens led to years in and out of prison in the 1960s on various charges including armed robbery. His memoir, Trejo: My Life of Crime, Redemption, and Hollywood, was released in July 2021. Today, in addition to acting, the 78-year-old voices a variety of video games, oversees several restaurants and lines of packaged food products, has published a cookbook and craft cocktail book, and serves as an intervention counselor. He is also the proud father of three. Learn about library board candidates3/4/2023 During the April 4, 2023 Consolidated Election, three candidates will compete for two seats on the Vernon Area Public Library Board of Trustees. As an informational resource, the library asked candidates to provide answers to a few basic questions. Their unedited responses are offered below. Please click through each tab to read responses from each candidate. The tabs are listed in ballot order.
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Laura Caplin
I have been a resident of the Vernon Area Public Library District since: 2012
Briefly describe any qualifications that you feel would provide positive input to the work of the library board.
I have been a member of the library board since 2017, have chaired the personnel committee for several years, and have participated on the finance and planning committees. I have been secretary of the board for several years as well, and I think that prior experience will prove useful in the upcoming term when we have another large potential construction project on the horizon. I am a commercial litigator with a focus on construction litigation in my day job, and I have drawn on my attorney skill set on a number of occasions as a trustee, particularly in connection with the library's construction projects. I have also provided pro bono legal services in connection with the recent build out of the drive through at the library. I believe these skills will continue to be valuable to the library as we move forward with a potential expansion project. Please describe any former or current public service activities and accomplishments, especially if they are related to libraries and library service, in the community.
I have served as a trustee of our library since 2017, have acted as secretary of the board for a number of years, and have chaired the personnel committee for the past several years. I am particularly proud of having successfully pursued and implemented the library's first-ever paid parental leave policy during my time as chair of the personnel committee, which initially provided 8 weeks of paid leave and was subsequently increased to 12 weeks. Not only is this a wonderful outcome for our employees, but it puts our library in a more competitive position with regard to recruiting and retaining employees. Similarly, as Chair of the personnel committee, I tackled the issue of employee health insurance contributions. While our library has always provided a cost-free option for individual employees, we have drastically improved our contributions to the employee + spouse and employee + family plans over the past few years. Insurance contribution is a critical recruiting tool when it comes to bringing on new employees, and I am thrilled that we have made our employment package more competitive in this area. What do you see as the library’s role in the community now and in the future? Libraries are critical connectors of people - a role that was truly emphasized over the COVID pandemic. Of course libraries have a significant role in providing information and the expertise to use that information, but I think they are perhaps even more important in providing a community space, whether that is for studying, story times, crafting sessions, or work. Gayathri Kalyanaraman
I have been a resident of the Vernon Area Public Library District since: I moved into the VAPLD district in 2011 with my husband and two boys. The library was an invaluable resource that helped us settle into the community. Over the years, we have relied on it for books, school projects and even a go-pro camera for vacation. However, what I value most, are the people I have to come to know through the library – including seniors, busy professionals, curious youngsters and new parents. I have an appreciation of how much impact VAPLD has on their lives.
Briefly describe any qualifications that you feel would provide positive input to the work of the library board.
I have been associated with the VAPLD for over a decade as a patron, volunteer and as an employee. I have first-hand knowledge of the value it provides its’ patrons. As a double masters’ in molecular biology, I know the integral role played by libraries in general. Through my work at VAPLD, the D103 PTO board, the Stevenson Band Parent association and Daniel Wright, I have come to understand the diverse needs of our community. These valuable experiences qualify me well to contribute as a trustee. Please describe any former or current public service activities and accomplishments, especially if they are related to libraries and library service, in the community.
I volunteered at the VAPLD over 2012-16, stacking books, assisting staff with programs, and aiding patrons in navigating the facilities and resources. I was an active member of the District 103 PTO and served as communications director from 2014-18. I was given the 2016 Scott Guziec Volunteer of the Year award. I also managed the website for the Stevenson Band Parents Association over 2018-22. As a trustee, I hope to serve both the community and library, to bring them closer to each other. What do you see as the library’s role in the community now and in the future? Library is more than a repository of books and information, it is also truly the one public institution that is, as Andrew Carnegie described “a palace of the people”. It bolsters the feeling of community among its patrons by offering an inclusive and safe space for them to interact meaningfully. In an increasingly divided and digital world, I see the library evolving to meet the needs of the community by diversifying its programs, while continuing to remain a hub of collaboration and learning. Akrom Hossain
I have been a resident of the Vernon Area Public Library District since: I have lived in VAPLD district since 2000. I am married and I have a daughter and a son. They both grew up in Long Grove and graduated from Stevenson High School.
Briefly describe any qualifications that you feel would provide positive input to the work of the library board.
This community have given me and my family so much since I moved here 30 years ago from India. It is my desire to serve to assure that our Vernon Area Public Library remains and flourish further as a community connector and source of knowledge. I am an executive at a healthcare company. I have masters degrees in management and technology. In my profession, I lead initiatives and teams for the last 20 years and I want to bring my leadership experience to serve at the library board. I am the current chair of Vernon Township’s mental health board. My experience in both local governments at the township and at the library and my leadership experience from private industries uniquely qualifies me for the library board. Please describe any former or current public service activities and accomplishments, especially if they are related to libraries and library service, in the community.
I am a current Vernon Area Library board member. I was elected 2 years ago. During this time, we have safely opened the library for in-person service. We have added EV charging stations and promoted sustainable energy. Vernon Area Public Library has been named among America's Star Libraries for 2022, as announced by Library Journal. The distinction places the library in Lincolnshire among the top 20 public libraries in the U.S. in its budget category. I am proud of our achievements, and I would like to continue serving our community by ensuring that library remains a source of authentic information and knowledge. What do you see as the library’s role in the community now and in the future? I would like to see that we continue to grow our services to our diverse communities. I would like to see that we continue to adopt in the post-pandemic environment by using digital technology wherever possible to increase access and reduce expenditure. Library is a connecter of community members. I am a strong proponent of fiscal responsibility of our governments. I would like to find efficiency and reduce duplication of services in local government agencies. I would like to continue to work with our community and library management to develop and deliver programs and services that addresses needs for both adults, children, and senior citizens. Vernon Area Public Library joins libraries across Illinois to host an online event with entertaining and hilarious New York Times best-selling science author Mary Roach on Wednesday, March 1, at 7 p.m. The event is free and open to the public; advance signup is required to receive the Zoom link. Sign up online or call 224-543-1485.
Roach has been dubbed “America’s funniest science writer” by The Washington Post. She is the author of Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers, Gulp: Adventures on the Alimentary Canal, and Packing for Mars: The Curious Science of Life in the Void. Her most recent book, Fuzz: When Nature Breaks the Law, published in September 2021. In this online appearance, Roach will explore the weird, wonderful world in which we live and discuss her frank approach to science and the importance of humor. This event will feature live captioning in keeping with our commitment to accessibility and inclusion. This event is made possible by Illinois Libraries Present, a statewide collaboration among public libraries offering premier events. About Mary Roach Roach has written for National Geographic, Wired, The New York Times Magazine, and the Journal of Clinical Anatomy, among others. She was a guest editor of the Best American Science and Nature Writing series and an Osher Fellow with the San Francisco Exploratorium and serves as an advisor for Orion and Undark magazines. She has been a finalist for the Royal Society's Winton Prize and winner of the American Engineering Societies' Engineering Journalism Award. Her books have been published in 21 languages. About moderator Annalee Newitz Annalee Newitz writes science fiction and nonfiction. They are the author of “Four Lost Cities: A Secret History of the Urban Age” and “Scatter, Adapt and Remember: How Humans Will Survive a Mass Extinction,” which was a finalist for the LA Times Book Prize in science. They are also the author of the novels “The Terraformers” (forthcoming in January 2023), “The Future of Another Timeline,” and “Autonomous,” which won the Lambda Literary Award. As a journalist, they write for The New York Times and New Scientist. They have published in The Washington Post, Slate, Popular Science, Ars Technica, The New Yorker, and The Atlantic, among others. They are the co-host of the Hugo Award-winning podcast “Our Opinions Are Correct.” Previously, they were the founder of io9 and served as the editor-in-chief of Gizmodo. About Illinois Libraries Present Illinois Libraries Present (ILP) debuted in 2022 as a way to bring virtual events with bestselling authors and diverse and esteemed speakers to communities across the state and counts more than 200 Illinois libraries as members. Joining forces for such events allow libraries to bring speakers to their communities that might not be possible due to budget constraints or production capabilities. ILP is funded in part by a grant awarded by the Illinois State Library, a department of the Office of Secretary of State, using funds provided by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services, under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA). |
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