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!

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!

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.

Take the Banned Books Reading Challenge

Banned Books Reading Challenge logo showing books surrounded by flamesReady for a fun and thought-provoking way to stretch your reading? Join AAPLD's Banned Book Reading Challenge, running through the month of September.

Signing up is easy! Just log into Beanstack, select the Banned Books Challenge, and read one book from the Banned Books Reading List. We have selections for adults, kids and teens, so everyone in the family can participate. Enter the title of the book you read, and win a prize.

Banned Books Week,Banned Books Week logo showing book crossed with tape bearing the words Banned Books Week (September 18-24) is an annual recognition of the freedom to read. Sponsored by an alliance of organizations, publishers and retailers, including the American Library Association,  the week is intended to draw attention to the harm censorship brings to communities and freedom of expression. The event was launched in 1982, following a surge of book banning attempts. This year's theme is Books Unite Us, Censorship Divides Us.

If you enjoy the Banned Books mini-challenge, we've scheduled two more this fall! The Hispanic Heritage Month challenge kicks off September 15 and runs through October, 15, and the Native American Heritage Month challenge runs November 1-30. Both go live in Beanstack  on the first day of the challenge, and will have reading selections for all ages.

Reading is empowering and brings new perspectives. We hope this fall's mini-challenges will help you discover new stories and voices.

Get the Spin on our Newest Collection!

Music lovers, listen up! AAPLD has a brand new collection just for you. Vinyl records are now available for check-out at the Main Library on Harnish Drive.

In addition to timeless classics such as the Beatles' Abbey RoadCarole King's Tapestry, and Fleetwood Mac's Rumours, you'll also find plenty of hot newer releases, including these best sellers from 2021's Top 10 vinyl albums.Cover of Billie Eilish Happier Than Ever album

Browse the collection for rock, pop, R&B, country, hip-hop, soundtracks, and more.

Why Vinyl?

Though CDs and MP3 are the most common formats for music, many artists have continued to release vinyl albums as well. Why does this throw-back format still have so much appeal?

Sound Quality

Vinyl creates a warmer, richer sound. The music and vocals have depth that brings them closer to the quality of live performance.

Tactile Experience

close up of a stereo needle on a vinyl recordVinyl records engage more than just your ears. Cover art is larger, liner notes and lyric sheets are often more detailed. There's also the act of sliding the album from its cardboard cover, placing it on a turntable,  setting the needle into the groove. There's the pop, the crackle, and then...the opening chords. Bliss!

Nostalgia and Staying Power

smiling young woman surrounded by records and record playerBefore CDs came along in the mid-1980s, vinyl was the preferred way to listen to music. Digital music technology is constantly changing, and older technologies become obsolete (ask an Ipod fan), but you can still listen to a vinyl record manufactured 60 years ago.

You'll find the Vinyl collection near the Adult Services desk. Check-outs are for three weeks, and open to all library card holders. However, we cannot ship records to other libraries. If you borrow a record, you'll need to return it inside at the customer service desk to prevent accidental damage. Questions? Call the Adult Services department at 847.458.6060, or reach out on chat.

Need a turntable? Check one out from our Library of Things!

Find Your Next Great Read!

Summer Reading is over, but there are still plenty of great books waiting to be discovered! If you're not sure what to read next, we can help. AAPLD has some fun and easy-to-use tools to help you find your next great read. Whether it's an online database that can suggest more titles like your favorite series or author, or a subscription box custom-curated by an Adult Services staff member, we love helping folks answer the question, "what should I read?"

Recommend Me A Book

Our Recommend Me A Book reader's advisory form asks about the types of books, movies and TV shows you enjoy, and your favorite authors, to help us create a personalized recommendation list. We'll email our suggestions and include handy links to place the items on hold. Find the form by clicking About Us on our home page. Select Contact from the drop-down menu, then choose Readers Advisory Form.

NoveList Plus Readers Advisory

An online database containing thousands of titles, NoveList Plus helps you find adult, teen fiction and non-fiction suggestions by matching similar authors, titles and subjects. You'll find NoveList Plus under the Virtual Library tab. Select Online Resources, then scroll through the alphabetical list. NoveList Plus is available to AAPLD cardholders to use anywhere. Everyone can access the database from our computers in library.

LibBox

Not sure what to read, watch or listen to next? Let us choose for you! LibBox Subscription Boxes are library-curated boxes filled with books, movies and CDs based on your preferences, plus a few surprises. Register through our Events tab and you'll receive a form to fill out with your reading, watching and listening preferences. LibBoxes are offered every other month, registration for October's LibBox begins Sept. 15.

Resources at the Library

Stop by the Main Library on Harnish Drive and pick up a free copy of BookPage, a monthly publication containing reviews of new releases, book news, author interviews and more.

Our Library Reads display near New Fiction contains new books selected by librarians across the country each month, as their favorite new releases. You can also explore the Library Reads website to find selections from previous months, and years!

And don't forget the friendly Adult Services staff! Ask us what we're reading, or tell us what you're reading, or would like to read. We love talking about books.

 

 

Find Your Next Job with Help From AAPLD!

Did you know you can access FREE job hunting, career, and exam prep resources, simply by using your AAPLD library card?

If you're entering (or re-entering) the workforce this fall, going back to school, or studying for a professional certification exam, make the library your go-to source for job listings, resume and interview coaching, practice tests, and much more!

BrainFuse JobNow!

BrainFuse JobNow!, found on our online resources page, is an all-in-one service where you can search for jobs, get feedback from live resume experts, prepare for your interview, and more! To get started, just click the link, enter your library card number and library account password. (If you don't remember your password, give the Adult Services department a call to reset it).

Once you're logged in, search job listings on ZipRecruiter, Indeed, and Monster, as well as specialized lists such as Idealist.org (non-profit employers), College Grad Job Hunter (entry-level positions) and Silent Professions (defense and private security). Find resources for veterans entering the civilian job market, practice tests for graduate school, and professional certifications, and links to live help with unemployment applications and benefits. You can also get live feedback on your resume and cover letter, or work with a coach to brush up on your interviewing skills.

LinkedIn Learning

LinkedIn Learning offers an array of online courses to boost your technology and business skills. Enhance your resume with a new certification, or explore Learning Paths to open doors to a new career field. LinkedIn Learning offers job hunting help too, including courses on setting up a professional profile on LinkedIn, the premier social media and networking site for professionals. Find LinkedIn Learning on our online resources page, and sign in with your AAPLD library card number and account password.

Don't miss the LinkedIn Learning class on September 14, taught by AAPLD Digital Literacy Librarian Kenny Duray. Choose in-person or virtual learning. Registration is required and open to AAPLD cardholders.

A to Z Databases

A to Z Databases allows you to search for jobs on Indeed.com, and research a prospective employer with one click. Enter your zip code to look for full-time, or part-time jobs and internships close to home! You can also search in Spanish. Find A to Z Databases our online resources page.

Live Technology Classes

AAPLD's Digital Literacy Librarian Kenny Duray teaches weekly classes on a variety of tech topics! Classes are held Monday evenings from 7 to 8:30, in person at the Main Library or virtually, from the comfort of home. Registration is required, classes are open to all.

Gmail - Aug. 8

Excel Basics - Aug. 15

Google Sheets - Aug. 22

Intermediate Excel - Aug. 29

Google Docs - Sept. 6

Microsoft Word Basics - Sept. 12

Google Slides -  Sept. 19

PowerPoint - Sept. 26

 

On The Shelf

Browse our Career, Testing and Computer books, displayed near the Adult Services reference desk. Our collection includes study guides for major graduate entrance exams (GRE, MCAT, LSAT, GMAT), plus certification tests for a variety of fields, from Nursing, to Firefighting, CPA, Real Estate and more. Expand your knowledge of popular software, or read up on a career field.

Can't find what you're looking for? Ask a staff member. We're always happy to help.

More Job Hunting Resources

Check this list for more online job search sites and resources