Write Your Story This November

November is National Novel Writing Month, when writers of all experience levels craft a 50,000 word novel or non-fiction work in 30 days.

It might sound like a daunting challenge, but many NaNoWriMo projects have gone on to become best-sellers, including The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern, Evvie Drake Starts Over by Linda Holmes, The Wedding Date by Jasmine Guillory, and An Absolutely Remarkable Thing by Hank Green.

If you've always wanted to write a book, we have plenty of resources to help! Let us inspire and encourage you to create the book of your dreams!

Algonquin Area Writers Group

Writing can be lonely! Find your tribe with this community of local authors. AAWG meets monthly at the Main library for critiques, conversation and brainstorming. Writers of all experience levels are welcome. Register today for November’s meeting!

Soon To Be Famous Illinois Author Manuscript Contest

Take your complete but unpublished adult fiction novel to the next level!  Beginning November 22, enter the 2023 Soon To Be Famous Illinois Author Manuscript Project contest. Winner receives professional line editing, cover design, self-publishing guidance, and automatic entry as a semi-finalist in the Soon To Be Famous Illinois Author Project contest. Sponsored by the Illinois Library Association.

Inkie

Inkie is a free online self-publishing platform. Create professionally-designed e-books, and the PDFs needed for print book production. Upload your e-book to the Indie Illinois digital library to reach readers throughout the state!

Research Help

Need to know what medieval knights ate for breakfast? What it was like to live in Victorian London? The most popular song in 1902? Our Adult Services staff can help you find accurate information to bring your story to life.

AAPLD cardholders can access these databases from anywhere:

  • Archive Grid- Search historical collections of libraries, museums, archives and historical societies around the world
  • Birthday Time Capsule- Type in a date to learn the day's news, top movies, songs, and more.
  • EBSCO Explora (Masterfile, History Reference Center, Science Reference Center)- Arts and Literature, Biography, Current Events, Geography and Culture, Health, History and Social Science, Science and Math articles, arranged by topic.
  • Illinois Digital Archives- Books, pamphlets, photographs, and maps related to Algonquin, Lake in the Hills and McHenry County history.
  • World Factbook- Learn about the history, people, government, economy, geography, communications, transportation, and military, of 267 countries.
  • Gale Virtual Reference Library- Encyclopedias, almanacs, and specialized reference sources, including Grzimek's Animals Guide, American Decades, Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine, Business Plans, and more!
  • Health & Wellness Resource Center- Research current disease, disorder information, conventional treatments, and alternative medicine.
  • How Products Are Made- Detailed descriptions and pictures about how things are made. Search by keyword or through an alphabetical list.
  • How Stuff Works- Covers Auto, Science, Health, Entertainment, Travel, Computer, Electronics, Home, Money, and People.
  • Freegal- Discover music from numerous genres and decades, create custom playlists to set the mood while you write!

Hints and How-To

Check out our collection of writing books! Get inspired by renowned authors like Stephen King, Anne Lamott, and Janet Evanovich. Find advice on writing for teens and kids, or finding a literary agent.

Whatever you need to know, your library is the place to go.

 

Family History Month at AAPLD

Family History Month at AAPLD

Registration is open for October and November Genealogy Programs! Click program names to register.

Finders/Keepers Genealogy Club - A Genealogy Interest Group

Join us each month at Finders/Keepers Genealogy Club to explore genealogy topics and resources, and to get help with your family research.

Thursday, October 13: 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Online or in-person at Harnish Main

Beginning Polish Genealogy

Explore your Polish heritage with the help of Polish genealogy expert and author Jason Kruski. This in-person genealogy program is appropriate for beginners.

Saturday, October 15: 1:00pm - 2:00pm
In-person at Eastgate Branch

Available October 14: Algonquin Cemetery Scavenger Hunt

Participate online or pick up a paper entry form at the Adult Services Desk. Each correct answer will earn an entry into a prize drawing

 DNA Deep Dive Workshop - A Genealogy program

Have you already taken a DNA test and don't know how to use the results? Join this in-person DNA workshop and learn how to sort your DNA matches, chart relationships, and extend your family tree.

Thursday, October 20: 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Computer Lab Harnish

Finders/Keepers Genealogy Club - A Genealogy Interest Group

Join us each month at Finders/Keepers Genealogy Club to explore genealogy topics and resources, and to get help with your family research.

Thursday, November 10: 10:00am - 11:30am
Online or in-person at Harnish Main

Celebrate Polish American Heritage Month with Us!

Celebrate Polish American Heritage Month with Us!

October is Polish American Heritage Month. Here at Algonquin Area Public Library, we're planning some special events to celebrate the culture and contributions of Polish people, throughout our history.

Polish American Heritage Fest

Saturday, October 15, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Eastgate Branch. Celebrate and learn about Polish heritage with stories, performances, food and fun, at this family-friendly event. For activities marked with an asterisk, we request that you register in advance, due to limited space.

Drop in between 12-3 to enjoy savory and sweet pierogis available for purchase from the popular Pierogi Rig food truck. The first 100 Polish American Heritage Fest attendees will receive a free cupcake from Konrad's Bakery in Lake In the Hills.

Chicago's D&Z House of Books will be on hand, selling a selection of Polish-language books for adults, teens and kids.

We also welcome the Polish American Association, a century-old Chicago-based social service agency which provides a comprehensive range of bilingual and bicultural services to Polish and other diverse immigrant and refugee communities.

Polish Story Time and Craft* 10-11 a.m. Enjoy stories and songs in Polish (with a little bit of English!) We'll also complete a cute apple and caterpillar craft to take home. For ages 3 and up with a caregiver.

The Wici Song and Dance Theater 11 am- noon. Organized in 1972, Wici's mission is to promote Polish culture in both the Polish and American communities through song, dance and music. Wici honors the traditions of their ancestors through authentic costumes and original choreography.

Beginning Polish Genealogy* 1-2 p.m. Explore your Polish heritage with the help of expert and author Jason Kruski. This program is appropriate for beginners.

Documentary Screening and Conversation with Filmmaker Adrian Prawica 2:30- 4:00 p.m. Join us in welcoming award winning documentary filmmaker Adrian Prawica for a screening of The Fourth Partition, which examines the history of Polish immigrants in Chicago, and how they aided Poland's fight for independence. The screening will be followed by a Q&A with Prawica.

Makerspace

Pajaki Chandelier- Create a colorful traditional chandelier and bring some health and happiness to your home. Register for an evening class, Wednesday, October 12, 6-8 pm, or morning, Thursday, October 13,10 am- noon. Classes will be held at the Main Library on Harnish Drive.

Books In Polish

For readers who prefer their native language, AAPLD has a collection of Polish-language fiction and non-fiction. Browse the collection and place a hold by entering your library card number. Don't see what you're looking for? Give the Adult Services department a call, we'll be happy to search for a title.

Celebrate YOU during Self-Improvement September!

Celebrate YOU during Self-Improvement September!
Why wait for January to make a fresh start? September is National Self-Improvement Month, a time to reflect on yourself, set new goals, and try new things.
Here at AAPLD, we're all about helping you find what's fresh, fun and yes, FREE! All you need is a library card! Don't have one? Good news, September is also National Library Month. Kick off your self-improvement journey by signing up for a card today!

Learn Something New!

Great Courses- Our Hoopla and Kanopy video streaming apps offer the Great Courses video lecture series. Learn about ancient and modern history, the arts, science and more.
Mango Languages logo: multi-colored letter MLearn a New Language- Mango Languages lets you study and practice more than 70 languages! Download the app, and sign in with your AAPLD library card. And be sure to register for the Sept. 21 class on using Mango.
Make Music- Check out a keyboard or guitar from our Library of Things, along with an instructional book or video to get started.
Library Programs- Take a class at the library! Fall topics include Native American Voices, Polish Genealogy, the true story behind The Great Gatsby, and more!

Get Creative!

close up of a woman using crochet hook Try CreativeBug- A video library containing over 1,000 classes, from drawing and painting to crocheting to jewelry making, and more! Just sign in with your AAPLD library card. Check out crafting kits and tools from our Library of Things.
Join a Club! - Interested in photography or writing? Attend an upcoming meeting of the Worth a 1,000 Words Camera Club or Algonquin Area Writers Group. Writers and photographers of all experience levels are welcome!
Check out the Makerspace- There's something fun happening every day in the Makerspace. Try our drop-in craft of the month, sign up for a class, schedule time to use equipment, or get help on a project from a Maker specialist!

Live Better

Exercise online with our Chair Tai Chi classes, taught by local instructor Allison Deputy. Seated classes are held each Tuesday. Friday classes include standing moves.
meatballs cooking in a skilletStart a new fitness routine. Check out the Yoga Awareness display in the Adult Services area at the Main Library. Find how-to books and videos in the Adult Non-Fiction section. Learn about aerobics, pilates, running, and cross-fit. Read up on good health at all stages of life-- both physical and mental.
Then, browse our cookbook collection for recipes and ideas for tasty fall meals. Stop by the Adult Services reference desk, a staff member will be happy to help.

Back To Book Club!

Back To Book Club!

Fall is a great time to get back to reading.  Book clubs are a great way to discover new books, and connect with other book lovers!

AAPLD offers clubs that cover a wide range of genres. Fiction, non-fiction, and the classics. Contemporary literary best-sellers. Romance, horror, thrillers, fantasy and sci-fi! If you love reading it, you'll find a book club that does, too.

Here’s a round-up of our book clubs, and what they’ll be reading this fall. Click the logo to learn more about each club, find a book (or books!) that interests you, and click the date to register for a meeting.  We'll see you there!

Stranger Than Fiction

Logo: butterfly and the word Stranger in wavy letters1st Tuesday of the month, 7:00 pm. A book club for non-fiction lovers. For October 4, the club will read Initiated: Memoir of a Witch, by Amanda Yates Garcia, and for November 1, Yes, Please, by Amy Poehler. October's meeting will be held in person at the Eastgate Branch. The November meeting will be held virtually.

Spinecrackers

Logo: Closed book forms the I in Spine1st Friday of the month, 10:00 a.m. in person at the Main Library. Spinecrackers is a general fiction club, reading popular book club selections. The book for the October 7 meeting is Where the Forest Meets the Stars by Glendy Vanderah. and for the November 4 meeting, Mornings with Rosemary by Libby Page

Forever Young

Logo: bright flowers on dark background 2nd Monday of the month, 7:00 pm. A book club for readers 21 and older, who enjoy reading Young Adult books. The book for the October 10 meeting is Clown in a Cornfield by Adam Cesare. For the November 14 meeting, the book is The Marrow Thieves by Cherie Dimaline. October's meeting is virtual, in November the group meets at Eastgate.

Unicorns and Spaceships

Logo: silhouettes of unicorn and flying saucers2nd Tuesday of the month, 7:00 p.m. This book club reads fantasy and science fiction novels. For the October 11 meeting the book is The Echo Wife by Sarah Gailey. For the November 8 meeting, the book is The Colour of Magic by Terry Pratchett. October's meeting is virtual, November's meeting is in-person at the Eastgate branch.

Happily Ever After

Logo: club name against background of hearts and swirls3rd Monday of the month, 7:00 pm. HEA focuses on romance, and relationship novels with upbeat, feel-good endings. For October 17, the book is The Ex Hex by Erin Sterling, for the November 21 meeting, the book is A Holly Jolly Diwali by Sonya Lalli. Happily Ever After meets virtually from September-May, and at the Main library in the summer.

Nail Biters

Logo: person in shadow at top of dark stairs3rd Tuesday of the month, 7:00 pm. A book club devoted to thrillers and suspense novels. For the October 18 meeting, the book is Shutter Island by Dennis Lehane. For the November 15 meeting, the book is While Justice Sleeps by Stacey Abrams. October's meeting will be held virtually, in November the group meets at the Eastgate Branch.

Enjoying The Classics

Logo: stack of leather-bound books 3rd Wednesday of the month, 7:00 pm. Enjoy thought-provoking discussions of timeless and modern classics. For the October 19 meeting, the club will read and discuss Passing, by Nella Larsen. The book for the November 16 meeting is McTeague by Frank Norris. This book club meets virtually.

Library Reads

Logo: Library Reads3rd Thursday of the month, 7:00 pm. Enjoy book recommendations from library workers across the country. For the October 20 meeting, the book is Some Choose Darkness by Charlie Donlea. For the November 17 meeting, the book is Anxious People by Fredrik Backman. This book club meets virtually.

Oh, the Horror!

Logo: clutching hand rising from grave4th Tuesday of the month, 7:00 p.m. This club focuses on the horror genre.  For the October 25 meeting, the book is the The Troop by Nick Cutter. For November 29, the book is The Only Good Indians by Stephen Graham Jones. This book club meets virtually.

4 Genealogy Quick-start Tips

4 Genealogy Quick-start Tips

Genealogy is a very rewarding hobby, and with the help of library resources, you can find and add ancestors to your tree. But, how do you begin? These 4 tips will get you off to a quick start on your family tree:

Keep it simple
Begin with a basic paper pedigree/tree form and fill in basic information. You can always enter this information later into an online tree or computer genealogy program. An ancestral chart allows you to see your family tree at a glance: https://www.archives.gov/files/research/genealogy/charts-forms/ancestral-chart.pdf  The standard is to use maiden names for women; use UNKNOWN for those names you cannot find documentation for. You might use a question mark (?) for information believed to be correct but not yet verified.

Start and stay organized
Details for parents and their children are easily grouped together on a family group sheet: https://www.archives.gov/files/research/genealogy/charts-forms/family-group-sheet.pdf  Keep these and ancestral charts in a binder, grouped by family lines. Add copies of record images as you find them, and file them according to their subject person. A child from one family gets moved to their own family group sheet when they marry.

Document
Always begin with the facts you already know about your family. Fill in family group sheets for your parents, and then for their parents. Verify and document dates and locations of births, marriages and deaths wherever possible. Research and fill in one generation at a time. If you get stuck on a date or location, make a note and get research help at the library to find the documentation that you are missing.

Research
Do not assume someone else’s research on your family is correct. Many well-meaning hobby genealogists post their family trees without any supporting records. Inaccuracies are easily passed on, and multiple online family trees may share the same incorrect information. You can get great research clues by using someone’s existing tree, but ALWAYS verify suggested information by finding records that document it. When you are stumped at proving some information for an ancestor (known as a “brick wall”), keep a research log to note what documentation you are missing, and use this to guide your next steps.

Want to learn the basics of building a family tree? Register (beginning July 15th) for our Genealogy Basics class being held August 31, 2022, from 10AM to 11AM.

Focus on Your Creativity

Focus on Your Creativity

If you love taking photos, get acquainted with the Worth 1,000 Words Camera Club! The club meets the first Wednesday of each month, both in-person at AAPLD, and virtually. Photographers of all experience levels are welcome. Members use digital, film, and cellphone cameras.

“We have very expert members and raw beginners. Any style of photography, equipment, and any subject matters are covered by the membership, as well as in the meeting content,” said group leader Mike Circo.

Monthly programs include a short teaching session covering a photography technique, or style. Recent topics have included camera maintenance, motion photography, still life photography and Black and White photography. Members then share their work for discussion, positive critique and suggestions. Circo also issues a challenge for the upcoming month, to encourage members to expand their photography skills. “The challenges are generally the most enjoyed part of any meeting because they help us mentally get out of our ruts and impel us to get that camera out,” Circo said.

The group has also begun occasional photography outings. Circo said the field trips allow members to learn from one another while actively taking photos. In December, members photographed holiday decorations, learning about the technical issues of shooting in low light. Members have expressed interest in local landscapes, spring flowers and the McHenry Riverwalk.

Click to register for the Worth a 1,000 Words Camera Club’s next meeting, Wed. June 1, at 7:00 p.m.

Find your family using the 1950 Census!

After the long 72-year waiting period, family researchers finally have access to the 1950 Federal Census.

Learn more about using this resource for genealogy. We will be hosting a webinar with Lisa Louise Cooke, and she will guide us through the 1950 Census. The May 17th webinar was cancelled due to circumstances beyond our control, but the program will be rescheduled! Watch this blog for the new date and registration information.

The 1950 Census has now been indexed for searching on Ancestry Library Edition, which is available for in-library use only. Use this resource for free during your next visit, and find your family in the 1950 census.

Interested in attending our monthly genealogy interest group? Click here for information about our next meeting, coming up on May 10th at 10AM. Attend virtually via Zoom OR in person!

 

Enjoy A Reader-Recommended Book!

Read A Patron Pick!

Read A Patron Pick!The Spring Fling Reading Challenge invites participants to review a book they've read, and our patrons have responded!

If you're looking for an intriguing new read, why not give one of these "Favorite Flings" a try? Browse online, call the library to place a hold, or stop in and check out our Favorite Flings display in the Adult Services department.

If you've read something you loved, grab a Spring Fling review card from the Favorite Flings display, or at the Adult Services desk. You can also log into your Beanstack account, click Book Reviews, and tell us about your pick. You might see your new favorite on display soon!

 

Run Rose Run by Dolly Parton and James Patterson - From America’s most beloved superstar and its greatest storyteller—a thriller about a young singer/songwriter on the rise and on the run, and determined to do whatever it takes to survive.

Every song tells a story. She’s a star on the rise, singing about the hard life behind her. She’s also on the run. Find a future, lose a past. Nashville is where she’s come to claim her destiny. It’s also where the darkness she’s fled might find her. And destroy her.

Fits Spring Fling challenge square: Read a book with flower in the title.

Patron Review: "I thoroughly enjoyed the book. It was very thought-provoking as I wanted to continue reading for the next adventure she embarked on. It was heartwarming with her success at the end of the story. Loved the short chapters." -Anonymous

Go Tell The Bees I Am Gone by Diana Gabaldon - The ninth installment in Gabaldon's beloved "Outlander" series! Jamie Fraser and Claire Randall were torn apart by the Jacobite Rising in 1746, and it took them twenty years to find each other again. Now the American Revolution threatens to do the same. It is 1779 and Claire and Jamie are at last reunited with their daughter, Brianna, her husband, Roger, and their children on Fraser’s Ridge. Having the family together is a dream the Frasers had thought impossible. Yet even in the North Carolina backcountry, the effects of war are being felt. Tensions in the Colonies are great and local feelings run hot enough to boil Hell’s teakettle. Jamie knows loyalties among his tenants are split and it won’t be long until the war is on his doorstep.

Spring Fling Reading Challenge squares: Try it as an audiobook!

Patron Review: "I loved this latest edition of the Outlander series. Roger, Brianna, and their kids are reunited with Claire and Jamie on the Ridge! But it wouldn't be outlander without some twists and turns (and tears)." - Outlander Fan

The Last Exiles by Ann Shin - Jin and Suja met and fell in love while studying at university in Pyongyang. She was a young journalist from a prominent family, while he was from a small village of little means. Outside the school, North Korea has fallen under great political upheaval, plunged into chaos and famine. When Jin returns home to find his family starving, their food rations all but gone, he makes a rash decision that will haunt him for the rest of his life. Meanwhile, miles away, Suja has begun to feel the tenuousness of her privilege when she learns that Jin has disappeared. Risking everything, and defying her family, Suja sets out to find him, embarking on a dangerous journey that leads her into a dark criminal underbelly and will test their love and will to survive.

Spring Fling Reading Challenge squares: Read a book with flowers on the cover, Debut Novel, Staff Pick

Patron Review: "This novel gives a look inside the secretive world of North Korea. A country filled with fear, distrust, and little control over one's life. Yet, the power of love and determination changes the fates of the brave characters in this book. An enjoyable and informative read." - Cecelia G.

Seed Library Journal #4- April 11

Seed Library Journal #4- April 11

After a week (at least) of gray skies and temps in the 40s, the sunny weekend was the motivation I needed to plant my Seed Library seeds! I'm using the tabletop greenhouse I got for my birthday, but you can find seed trays and accessories at most garden and hardware stores.  The Seed Library has lots of vegetable, herb and flower seed varieties available. Check out our catalog online, and request seeds here. An Adult Services staff member will notify you when they're ready to pick up.

Step by step, here's how I planted my seeds:

Soil Prep

Seed Library Journal #4- April 11I used a good quality potting mix that's made specifically for starting seeds. This one is very  lightweight, and contains a mix of peat moss, vermiculite and organic plant food.

 

 

 

 

 

 

After pouring the mix into a wheelbarrow, I added water until the soil was the consistency of crumbly brownie mix. An old Little Tikes garden trowel was perfect for mixing and scooping the potting mix.

Filling the seed cups

After punching drainage holes in the bottom of the egg cartons, I added potting mix, gently tamping  it down into the cups to reduce air pockets, and give the seeds a warm, damp place to sprout.

Once the egg cartons were filled, I placed them in a waterproof tray.

Planting the seeds

Now the fun part! I opened each Seed Library packet and carefully poured the seeds into a small container. Since some of the seeds I selected are tiny, this made it easier not to lose them! Then I labeled the cartons for each seed variety, and used the labeling sticks to create a small hole for each seed. While I didn't know the preferred planting depth for every variety, I'd read that 1/4" to 1/2" is a good depth to use for most plants.

Carefully using the edge of the seed envelope, I dropped one seed into each hole, and brushed potting mix over the hole to close it.

The wait begins!

With all the seeds planted, I lightly watered once more, before covering the planting tray to trap the humidity. The soil needs to be kept at 60-70 degrees, so I have a warming mat underneath the planting tray to keep the seeds warm. The potting mix needs to be damp but not soggy, so I'll check it each day and water as needed.

Once the seeds sprout, it will be time to add the grow light.

Have your Seed Library seeds sprouted yet? Share your progress on the AAPLD FB page!