Homer Township Public Library

Get involved! We are joining the Village of Homer Glen in support of LIGHTS OUT AMERICA - "EARTH HOUR"

This initiative urges that we turn off non-essential lighting on March 29, from 8:00 to 9:00 p.m. and join the nationwide energy conservation event. Signs and information has been posted and the library outdoor and select interior signage will be dark. Earth Hour uses the simple action of turning off the lights for one hour to deliver a powerful message about the need for action on global warming.

Directly from the Earth Hour site:
"On March 31 2007, for one hour, Sydney made a powerful statement about the greatest contributor to global warming - coal-fired electricity - by turning off its lights. Over 2.2 million Sydney residents and over 2,100 businesses switched off, leading to a 10.2% energy reduction across the city. What began as one city taking a stand against global warming caught the attention of the world.

In 2008, 24 global cities will participate in Earth Hour at 8:00 p.m. on March 29. Earth Hour is the highlight of a major campaign to encourage businesses, communities and individuals to take the simple steps needed to cut their emissions on an ongoing basis. It is about simple changes that will collectively make a difference - from businesses turning off their lights when their offices are empty, to households turning off appliances rather than leaving them on standby."

It's so Simple!
15,773 business/individuals have signed up. At work, at home, we can all do our part.

Joining the Earth Hour initiative and turning the lights off for Earth Hour is a great first step. Take a second step and to really see a difference, make Earth Hour part of your everyday life. Recommend to your family and friends some simple changes to turn off appliances while not in use, switch light globes to energy efficient bulbs, and help the goal of reducing our annual emissions by 5%. Turn out lights when you're not in a room and investigate switching to "green power" cleaner sources of electricity.

Do it for our children. We/You/I can make a difference! Our library will be offering reusable, washable and recyclable book bags, and have put into use paper recycling bins. Homer Library can help you get further information about "going green" and living a different way to reduce global warming. Won't you join us?

I enjoy the people I work with. Their enthusiasm keeps me energized and intrigued by the many wonderful ideas they bring forward from listening at meetings, visiting other libraries, networking with colleagues, and brainstorming with fellow staff. These evolve into new programs and collections that continually benefit the Homer community. We have an exceptional staff that simply, "gets it!" Known far and wide for our personalized and courteous service, Homer Library is a wonderful place to work and visit.

Recognizing a Special Staff Member
We have staff who have served our community for many, many years. This year we honor Ms. Kathryn Mitchell, or Miss Kitty (pictured left with the library director), as she is known to our customers and their children. Kitty is our Youth Services Director and has been with the Homer Library for 25 years. Her skill and reputation is amazing. Children who participated in programs are now grown and bring in their children to enjoy the library and specifically to see "Miss Kitty." Her expertise is well-known and she serves on several state and local committees. She has created and implemented programs that promote a love of literature and instill positive feelings about libraries. Quite simply, Kitty has made an outstanding contribution in library services to young people.

And the stories she can tell! This growing library, which sees 600+ visitors each day and is open seven days a week, started in a school classroom with very limited hours. Two staff members ran the whole show and Miss Kitty was one of them. She wore many hats, did it all, and was an integral part of the many changes over the years. Kitty "grew" our Youth Services Department into the extraordinary, active, fun, educational, and interactive center that is so popular today! It's exciting to realize that a one-room starter library with a mere 200 books has evolved into the vibrant community center with a collection of 137,000 items and programs of all kinds.

Youth Services Rocks!
Kitty's department initiated an active collaboration and partnerships with local schools and organizations to support reading clubs, homework assistance, and expanded programs to youth and teens. Under Kitty's excellent direction the library's youth staff are committed to promoting a lifelong love of reading and books. In 2007 they conducted 224 preschool story hours, hosted 37 kindergarten and first grade field trips for 925 children and book talked to more than 900 children. I am in awe of her upbeat and energetic "can do" attitude. It is an honor to work with her and I hope to do so for many years to come!

Thank you, Miss Kitty!
Your special personality and dedication to our library and Homer children shows in everything you touch and bring forward. We honor you, celebrate your many achievements, and simply appreciate you more than we can say. I urge everyone to visit the library today to congratulate Miss Kitty on her 25th year of service at the Homer Township Public Library!

p.s. Please don't even think about retiring!

Happy New Year,
Sheree Kozel-La Ha