Month: December 2021

Love Your Tech in 2022!

December 27, 2021 Digital Resources, Library Programs

Did you receive a new device as a holiday gift, or upgrade with a great year-end deal? Maybe you've resolved to get more comfortable with technology in 2022. Your library is here to help!

In January, we're offering classes to help you get the most out of your technology, whether you're a beginner who wants to master the basics, or you want access to thousands of books, videos, music and more, 24/7 with your library card! Classes are taught by Digital Literacy Librarian Kenny Duray, and you can attend in-person or online. Click the class link to register, or call the Adult Services department.

 

Beginner Basics

Don't know how to use a computer, tablet or smartphone? Have questions about your device, or another tech-related topic? Our Tech With Kenny classes are for you! Classes are held Wednesday mornings from 10-11 a.m. Each session includes a half-hour lesson, followed by a half hour for Q&A and practice time.

January 5: Using The Mouse and Keyboard - learn basic mouse controls and keyboard keys

January 12: The Internet - learn about browsers, how to search, create a bookmark, and tips for online safety

January 19: Email - Learn to create an email account, send an email, and attach to an email

January 26: File Management - Learn to organize your files for easy access later

 

 

Your Library On The Go!

ebook and headphonesCheck out and download books, video, music and more, any time, any place, with your library card! Learn about our digital library apps and discover the fun and convenience of ebooks, eaudiobooks, digital video, magazines and newspapers. Classes are held Monday evenings from 7-8:30 p.m., in person or online.

January 10: AAPLD Library Apps - Learn about the services you can access through our apps, plus how to install and use them.

January 17: Downloading Ebooks and Audiobooks - Ebooks and eaudiobooks are convenient, portable, and perfect for travel, commuting, or enjoying from the comfort of home.

January 24: Downloading Movies and TV Shows -  Stream movies and TV shows, documentaries, indie hits, and selections from around the world, including shows from the popular BBC and Acorn TV networks.

January 31: Downloading Magazines and Newspapers -  Find your favorite magazines and newspapers, including international publications, in multiple languages.

 

Home Delivery Service Brings the Library To You

December 15, 2021 Library Programs

Do you or a loved one enjoy reading, but aren’t able to come to the library because of illness, disability or lack of transportation? Let Algonquin Area Public Library District’s Home Delivery Service bring the library to you each month!

Give us a list of specific book titles you’d like, or if you’re not sure, we are happy to do the selecting for you. Let us know your favorite authors and the types of books you most enjoy, and once a month, you’ll receive a bag of hand-selected materials based on your preferences. If you are interested, we can provide large print, and audiobooks. In addition to books, we can also provide movies, TV series, music CDs and magazines.

If you enjoy crafting, we will also bring you a take-and-make craft kit from our Makerspace, delivered with your library items. A Home Delivery Service specialist brings all this, plus a smile, right to your door.

Signing up is easy and the service is free! AALPD cardholders can apply for Home Delivery Services online, or pick up a paper application at the Adult Services desk. If you need a library card, we can verify that you live in our district and issue one for you. (If you don’t live in our district, most libraries offer home delivery service for their cardholders.) Your Home Delivery Service will begin the following month.

Questions? Stop by or call the Adult Services desk at 847-458-6060, x-143.

December Reading Resolutions…Short & Sweet!

December 1, 2021 Book Lists, Library Programs

Hectic holiday season? Reading Resolutions has you covered! Our tasty December challenge is to read a poem, short story, or novella. If you prefer non-fiction, choose an article, short how-to book, or essay.

Our online catalog has lots of suggestions for short reads, including collections of poems and short stories. If you check out a collection, you  don't have to read the entire book. Just one story or poem is enough, but if you want to read more, be our guest! Read on for holiday-themed suggestions,  or come into the Main library to browse our displays. Still need help? Just ask an Adult Services staff member.

 

When you've completed your December Short & Sweet Challenge, be sure to visit your Beanstack account and select this badge to be entered into our monthly gift card drawing. Don't forget our Grand Prize Drawing for a $100 restaurant gift card after Reading Resolutions ends on December 31. Each month you complete a challenge counts toward one entry. If you missed a month, there's still time to read a book for that month's theme. Select the correct badges in Beanstack by December 31 to receive your additional entries.

Christmas Tales

Heartwarming and joyful stories that capture the spirit of the season.

The Quiet Little Woman: A Christmas Story by Louisa May Alcott - Three classic Christmas stories from the author of Little Women, inspired by readers of the classic 1868 novel. (Short Story)

Can This Be Christmas by Debbie Macomber - A group of travelers, stranded at a remote New Hampshire depot on Christmas Eve, find their heartbreak turns to joy, when Christmas unexpectedly comes to them. (Novella)

The Gift of the Magi by O. Henry - In turn-of-the-century New York City, a poor young couple sacrifices to purchase the perfect Christmas gift for one another. Published in 1907, it is one of O. Henry's most famous stories. (Short Story)

 

 

Let It Snow!

Wintery tales of romance and adventure, set in the world's most foreboding places.

Heating It Up by Elizabeth Harmon - The head of an international research station in Antarctica discovers a mysterious woman hiding in a deserted lodge. In a season of endless night, can love warm their hearts? (Novella)

Beyond The Great Snow Mountains by Louis L'Amour -  An American woman who has lived her life among the peaks of the Himalayas, must protect her village and tribe from an intruder. (Short Story)

 

The Gift of Self-Care

Because the holidays aren't always joyful, consider a healing and compassionate read for the season.

Stitches: A Handbook On Meaning, Hope and Repair by Anne Lamott - How do we find peace in these loud and frantic times, and where do we start again after personal and public devastation? By collecting the ripped shreds of our emotional and spiritual fabric and sewing them back together, piece by piece. (96 pages)

How To Stay Calm In Chaos by Julie M. Gentile - Smart self-care strategies, organized for each day of the week. (42 pages)

The Long Night: Readings and Stories to Help You Through Depression by Jessica Kantrowitz - A writer and theologian presents the wisdom and spiritual writings that aided her during her years-long battle with depression. Presented in short, topical chapters. (156 pages)