Five Reasons To Love Your Library!

April 27, 2023 Digital Resources, Genealogy, Library Programs, Movies, Music

It's National Library Week-- time to think about all the things we love about the library. While some are obvious...B-O-O-K-S... there are plenty of other services, features and events that make the library the hub of our community. If you haven't been by in a while, stop into the Main Library on Harnish Drive, or the Branch Library on Eastgate Drive. You'll find friendly, helpful staff, comfy places to read, quiet rooms to get work done, crafts, programs, and more!

Read on to discover some library offerings you may not know about...

Library of Things

Our collection of tools, and gadgets can save you money and storage space. Need an extra video game controller for your child's next sleepover, or a laptop and wi-fi hotspot for a virtual job interview? How about a karaoke machine? We have all this and more! Preserve home movies and videotapes by transferring them to digital formats. Considering a new hobby, or learning to play a musical instrument? Visit the Library of Things, and try before you buy! Located near the Makerspace at the Main Library.

Device Advice

Here at the library, we're all about literacy-- including digital literacy! Our Adult Services Digital Literacy librarian is available for one-on-one appointments to help you learn to use your devices. Sign up for classes to learn the basics of popular software such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and the Google apps. Find advanced courses on LinkedIN Learning.

Community Services

Come to AAPLD for passport applications, license plate tags, and notary services, faxing, self-service copying and printing.  Find us out in the community, connecting with residents at area senior living facilities, dropping off donations and prizes at the Algonquin-Lake in the Hills Interfaith Food Pantry, or collecting prom finery for My Sister's Dress of McHenry County. We offer special events such as blood drives, Narcan training, and mobile office hours for local elected officials. During tax season, we partner with AARP to offer free tax preparation for seniors. This spring we'll launch a community garden to benefit area food pantries. Find the Services page at aapld.org, or check our bi-monthly print newsletter to see what's new!

Home Delivery

Can't make it to the library due to illness, disability or lack of transportation? Let us bring the library to you! The monthly Home Delivery service for AAPLD cardholders brings books, DVDs, audiobooks, and music CDs to your door, and picks them up when it's time for a new selection. Pick up a Home Delivery form at the Adult Services desk or fill out an application online.

Book Clubs

people sitting side by side with open booksAAPLD offers eight different book discussion groups each month, covering a variety of genres. From non-fiction to sci-fi, romance to horror, mysteries, thrillers, YA and more! Attend one group regularly, or select different groups based on each month's selection. We provide the books for pick-up at the Adult Services desk, simply register for the meeting, and share your thoughts with fellow book  lovers. If you can't find a group that suits your interests and schedule, try our DIY Book Club service, where we provide books for a group you organize.