Month: December 2025

Meet December’s Artist of the Month

December 9, 2025 Artist of the Month

You could say that Michelle Marsh, AAPLD's Artist of the Month for December, was born to be a photographer. Her grandmother was an avid photographer, who encouraged Michelle's childhood interest. Her mother loved adventure-- wherever she could find it. Those influences have shaped Michelle's vision as a nature photographer, and the work she displays this month on the Art Wall in the Adult Services Department at the Main Library.

Stop by for a taste of the great outdoors!

Name: Michelle Marsh

Community: Wonder Lake

Preferred Medium: Photography

Background/training: I've had a camera in my hands ever since I was a kid playing with a Barbie camera. I also learned as much as possible from my grandmother, who loved photography. My current style has developed over years of experimentation and self-study.

Preferred subjects: My favorite subjects are wildlife and landscapes. Photography is my favorite way to capture the beautiful sights I see while out in nature.

What inspires her work: My mom told me adventure is where you find it. While I would prefer to travel the world to take photos of exotic locales, sometimes the backyard is the farthest I can travel. I like the challenge of making the everyday extraordinary.

Michelle's work is for sale, and she can be reached at michellemrsh@gmail.com, or instagram.com/compassroeadventures

 

Give A Hoot For Illinois Owls!

December 3, 2025 Library Programs

Owls have long captured the human imagination with their silent flight, haunting calls, and piercing eyes. These mysterious birds of prey are not only mesmerizing, they're an essential part of Illinois' natural ecosystem.

Join us for Owls of Illinois, a special program for adults and seniors, on Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2:00-3:00 p.m., at the Eastgate Branch, located at 115 Eastgate Dr., Algonquin.  Presenter Alyse Cohen Burman, owner of The WildBird Shack, Ltd., has been following her passion for birds for nearly 45 years. Burman will share fascinating facts about the eight different owl species that call Illinois home, including their unique characteristics and behaviors.

As the founder of The Speakeasy, a speaker's bureau specializing in wildlife, conservation and environmental topics, Burman is well-known throughout the Chicagoland area for her engaging presentations to garden clubs, schools, nature centers, senior communities and more.

Registration is required, but open to all adults and seniors. We look forward to a captivating afternoon!