DirectorBlog

Snapshot: One Day in the Life of Illinois Libraries

2010-02-28T08:09:00.005-06:00

We joined many libraries this past month when participating in "Snapshot: One Day in the Life of Illinois Libraries"on Wednesday, February 10.

In Homer Township our library serves as many things to many people, and a typical library day includes events for babies through seniors. This unique "snapshot" provided us with the opportunity to document usage in a fun way, with pictures and by asking people to tell us exactly what they think. And they did! The results are interesting and much of what I learned reinforces that we serve as a true social center in our community.

We have compiled Snapshot Day comments with pictures and statistics into a handy little booklet, which we will be providing to our elected officials to chronicle our library's importance to the community and how customers truly rely on us.

YOU SAID...a sampling of Homer Library's customer comments:

1. The teen section is pretty cool. I like the colors and chairs. It's a cool place to hang.

2. The Library is the most important service that Homer Glen provides. I am an ardent user of it. The entire staff is just wonderful.

3. Funding for local libraries should be increased, not cut. In today's society, the library serves as one of the few good resources for families in a time when there are far too many distractions and mischief for our kids to get into.

4. I love the libraries in this system. I rely on them for entertainment, information and books! (My favorite things!) As I cannot afford home-computer internet access I utilize this also. I do NOT know what I would do without the Library and its helpful staff.

5. We could not live without it!

6. Going to the library is a favorite regular outing with my daughter (written by a dad!)

7. I LOVE my Homer Glen Library. Great selection of materials and anything I have ever wanted was available thru the Prairie Cat System. Also ALL those that work at my Homer Glen Library are Knowledgeable, Efficient, and Super Friendly!

8. On a scale of 1-10 with 10 being the highest, my library receives a 25.

9. This is the "Best Library Staff on the Southwest Side." The people who work here do an "Excellent Job"

10. Our Library is a welcoming place for our community members and families. They offer great programming and a friendly, helpful staff. We visit our library weekly, as well as, our library's bookmobile. We enjoy using the library's computers, programs, and children's area.

11. The Homer Bookmobile is awesome! They have a bunch of books and DVD's! I love my Bookmobile!

Snapshot Day, was created as a project of the Illinois Library Association, and helped us to showcase libraries in a challenging and exciting time. The vibrancy of our services and value to the communities we serve continues to grow and we are more relevant than ever today. More than 90 libraries showcased photos of this special day which can be found here.

Visit your library today and look at it with fresh eyes to truly see what we offer. Imagine even more @ your library.

Come Play @ Homer Library

2010-01-04T08:53:00.006-06:00

Play Literacy is based on the idea that children learn best through play. Early Literacy Play areas at Homer Library can help to stimulate a child's intellectual and social development and prepare children for structured formal learning and school activities. The SouthtownStar article describing this new library initiative is here.

Early Literacy Play Areas include:

LEGO CREATION TABLE - supports eye-hand coordination, creativity, thinking skills

INTERACTIVE & BOARD BOOKS - easy to hold, promotes reading readiness and exploration

PUZZLES - encourages problem solving, eye-hand coordination, develops fine motor skills

TRAIN ACTIVITY TABLE - develops social and thinking skills through interactive play

CABIN PLAY HOUSE - stimulates creative, interactive and social play

DOLL HOUSE - dolls of the world for creative play, modeling and social skills

PUPPETS - stimulates imaginative play and role playing

COMPUTERS - fun and educational games foster reading, math, science, and more

EDUCATIONAL GAMES/TOYS - encourages school readiness, fuels intellectual development

Bring your child to the library for a great start to succeed in reading readiness through play!

Teen Energy Leadership Academy coming again in 2010!

2009-12-04T08:20:00.000-06:00

Watch for our flier and online information about the library's Energy: Teen Leadership Academy program. It's coming soon!

Save Money - visit us today!

2009-11-24T09:23:00.000-06:00

Your library has many treasures for your enrichment. Whether you want to enjoy a great story, seek to learn something, or are planning some family time, your library has much to offer you.
And it's all FREE.

Books, CDs, DVDs, Books on Tape, programs, computers, and library areas that your whole family can enjoy. A teen nook. Children's and family computer areas. And yes, we have wifi, too!

Perhaps you would consider joining one of our book discussion groups or visit with our knitter's club? Maybe enjoy a Sunday evening library visit (we are open 4-8pm) to meet with friends and neighbors. Perhaps you would like to read one of our six local newspapers or select from more than 80 magazines?

It's all conveniently here.
It's all for you.

It's free.

Come visit us today @ Homer Township Public Library District!

p.s. did I mention that we have a phenomenal staff that is happy to assist you on your library reading and viewing journeys? We hope to see you soon!

Haven't seen the library changes lately? You're overdue!

2009-10-30T11:00:00.001-05:00

Visit us and see the most recent changes @ your library. They begin with a dramatic change of color in the Youth area...no more pink walls! And more changes are coming.

We hear positive remarks about the creative use of space, additional tables, new equipment, and new look. Come in and see for yourself....

--With more than 900 visitors to our internet room monthly, we have established word processing areas outside of the public internet room to free those computers up for dedicated internet use. For your convenience word processing computers are now located throughout the building.

--Teens use the library both as a social center and a school support. The new area for teens has comfortable seating surrounded by YA books. We thank the Homer Library Friends group whose generosity was instrumental in the many changes in this area. Our local Home Depot store will soon be adding wood flooring to the teen area, courtesy of their community outreach initiative. We have much to be thankful for!

--Eye catching new signage is here!

--The addition of family friendly computer areas allow parents and children to work side-by-side at a pair of computers.

--Separated computer catalogs allow you to search for titles in more private and convenient locations throughout the library.

--Ten new AWE computers each contain more than 45 educational programs for children ages 2 through 10. Spanning seven curriculum areas, these programs are top rated by Children's Technology Review.

--Marketing of subject areas in our library collections has begun.

Discover more than ever before @ Homer Library!

Teen Scene OPEN HOUSE Celebration @ Homer Library

2009-09-14T08:31:00.000-05:00

Join us September 30th to launch the new Teen Area! We will showcase it with a variety of great activities, such as scavenger hunts, raffles, gaming, fear factor food competitions, and food, food, food! Help us celebrate the official opening by marking your calendar to be at the library on September 30th from 5-8pm. Enjoy live music from Carnival Heist Band!

Teens are important to us.
We have an active group of teen volunteers, (approximately 70 of them) who worked more than 600 hours this summer assisting with a variety of support tasks. In addition, we have two active youth groups - YAC's or the Youth Activity Committee and TABs our Teen Advisory Board. Both meet monthly to socialize and enjoy creative activities and programs. Check out homr.teens.online to see all the great activities teens can participate in.

JUST FOR TEENS
Teens told us what they wanted - and we listened! Grants funds helped us purchase neat seating. Vibrant colors anchor the space. Fun fabric drapes the ceiling for a cool effect. New teen signage is being added. The teen collection has been moved into the new teen area.

Lots of fun activities are planned for the Teen Open House - view them here. Hope to see you then (if not before)!

September is Library Card Sign-Up Month

2009-08-31T10:01:00.002-05:00

We love partnerships and have coordinated a great one for the month of September. Local businesses are helping to raise awareness of the importance of a library card. Simply show your library card to get some great discounts and offers. View I LOVE MY LIBRARY CARD benefits here.

If you need a library card, simply "come on down" and get our cool keychain library card in minutes. It's easy. It's free. It's yours for the asking.

DID YOU KNOW...
Your library card provides you access to books, music, movies, talking books, online databases, and more. We can order you almost anything - in case you don't find what you need in the collection of more than 120,000+ items that we have @ Homer Library.

Visit us today. If you haven't been in lately you will find More Than Ever Before @ Your Library!

Tweets from Homer Library

2009-07-29T08:57:00.005-05:00

Check out our tweets! Homer Township Public Library is now on Twitter and also has a Facebook presence. Here's the scoop.

Facebook - Facebook is a social networking site that allows users to create profiles and networks. Users can interact with each other through posts, surveys, and games. The Library has a Fan Page here. If you are a Facebook user you can become a "fan" of the Homer Library. The library's page contains info about upcoming programs, book discussion lists, and photographs.

Twitter - Twitter is a social networking tool that allows users to connect and communicate with each other through short messages known as "tweets". The Adult Services staff has begun to create a twitter presence for teens and adults. Plans for use include promoting events, new websites, and new books as they come in.

Web Site - The web site goal has been to reach our users in their territory, so to speak, so that they find the value of visiting and seeing what the library is about. We are increasing our visibility to the teen and young adult demographic via the site. We have plans to consider a "library shop" where people can purchase t-shirts, etc., and the library receives a donation from any sales.

These communication tools help us continue a dialogue with you and extend awareness of the library's many events and great resources in a manner that's convenient and most comfortable for you. We hope you visit us soon - in person, online, or however you choose!

Yes, You Can... do more than ever before @ Homer Township Library!

DVDs ARE HERE!

2009-06-30T11:36:00.003-05:00

We are pleased to announce our newest collection of DVDs, which launched on June 15th. This collection is very popular, with more than half of the DVDs currently in circulation at any given time. Needless to say, we are very pleased with the positive community response and usage!

THANK YOU HOMER COMMUNITY
Through resident generosity the Homer Township Public Library received a core DVD collection of movies. Especially exciting is that two-thirds of the collection was initiated through community support and donations. Approximately 400 DVDs were donated by local residents, groups and scouts. See the article here.

STILL SEEKING DONATIONS
Do you have DVD movies that you no longer use? We encourage you to consider donating gently used or new movies, especially children's, family viewing, or classics. We will accept any and all donations! A DVD donation box and signage has been placed in the new books area (where the DVD collection is being showcased). The library operates with a tax-capped budget and finding the funding and monies to establish this new collection has been difficult. Your donation and support for this collection is greatly appreciated!

Please check your home collections for movies you no longer need and feel free to mention to your friends, clubs, scouts, or other groups that Homer Library is still seeking DVD donations. The more people that know - the better! Again if you personally have any DVDs languishing on a shelf, send them to the Homer Library or give us a call @ 708-301-1078 and we can arrange to pick them up!

Come in today and enjoy a great DVD. Yes, they are FREE.
More than ever before @ Homer Library!

Summer musings...

2009-05-22T07:31:00.003-05:00

More Visitors!
We are an open-design, bright, and inviting library, which has heavy community usage. Easily more than 600 people come through our doors each day! They bring smiles, questions, and sometimes frustrations. For many we are the highlight of their week, a cool spot in a hot day, and a welcoming face to help them with their reading and viewing travels. We serve in many roles to our community and are happy to do so.

Some of our customers come daily to read the news or shoot the breeze. Some children have to be almost torn away when it's time to leave because they so enjoy our Kids Connect learning lab, or chatting with the other teens or librarians. When the Teen area is finished soon, it will expand opportunities for many groups to socialize with books. I grew up with a library four doors away and spent my formative years soaking it all in; there is simply no better place to be!

Enjoy your summer, take advantage of our *cool* summer reading club (Thank You to our 40 sponsors = great incentives to read!) and continue to let us know what we can do for you.

In Loving Memory - Barry Levine

2009-04-30T09:05:00.025-05:00

I would like to talk about my friend Barry Levine, a most unique individual and a Homer Township Library trustee whom I grew to love. Barry passed away Wednesday, April 29th of unknown causes. He was listening to a recorded book at the time and I think he would have thought it quite proper that he left us doing something he so enjoyed. But he left us much too soon.

Barry had three passions in life. The first was his family, wife Phyllis DiMonte-Levine, and their three children: Randy, Rachael and Sarah. They were the light and joy of his life and he spoke of them often. His other two passions involved improving service for the blind and physically disabled and advocating for libraries and their services. He often combined both, successfully contributing to advancing library services for the blind and physically challenged. Barry and Phyllis are the owners of an outpatient rehabilitation center, Functional Therapy and Rehabilitation, PC in Homer Glen. Barry was a popular and respected individual in local, state, and system library and accessibility arenas and he made a true difference in many lives.

Barry was recognized in 2001 by the Illinois Library Association and received the Trustee of the Year Award for his advocacy and efforts in the library world. In 2004 Barry received the Alexander J. Skrzypek Award for his outstanding contributions to library service for the blind and physically challenged. He was a mover and a shaker who prided himself on rarely missing one board meeting at either the local or system level in a combined total of 18 years. Barry was a true visionary, contributing to effectively moving libraries into the future and embracing service for all.

I think that I will end by telling you that Barry Levine was a dedicated, positive, proactive, and thoughtful man. He was also eloquent and very funny. I enjoyed both his intelligence and his wit; he loved a good story and shared many with us.

His motto was: "Become involved and stay involved in your community, where you can make a difference." He loved his life, he lived his motto. He made a difference. He left us too soon. And he will be greatly missed.

I wish I had one last opportunity to say "Thank you, Barry...you made a huge impact in my life and I am a better person for having known you."

I am an ILA Candidate

2009-03-31T07:25:00.002-05:00

On April 1st the Illinois Library Association (ILA) opens their 2009 Election Polls. Candidates are posted for the Vice-President/President Elect, ALA Councilor, and Board of Directors. Candidate bios and statements can be found here. I am honored to run as a candidate for the ILA Board of Directors and I would be proud to represent you.

ILA provides effective leadership to the Illinois Library community and is 3,000 members strong. The electronic polls close April 30 and I encourage you to read the candidate statements (mine is below) and select your choice to best represent you and the interests of the library communities we serve.

My Statement of Concern (full bio here)
I am an advocate for spotlighting and linking the library to those we serve in new ways, including creating strong connections with other community agencies. We need to showcase our value and illustrate how essential libraries are in supporting residents at every stage and age in their lives.

We need to encourage our users, leaders, and staff to become vocal library advocates and - even more so - library champions. Break those library stereotypes we still experience; get involved with agencies and organizations to be both seen and heard. In my experience if library leaders are not "at the table" others in leadership roles may only peripherally take note of the library. The vibrancy of our services and value to the community we each serve needs to be advocated front and center. ILA provides strong leadership regarding the many challenges today's libraries face. As your ILA representative, I can provide a thoughtful voice to encourage leadership and innovation, including "best practices". I would be honored to serve on your behalf as part of ILA's partnership with Illinois Libraries.

Convenience & Savings for You

2009-02-23T10:15:00.000-06:00

The economy is tough. Studies show that people use public libraries more heavily during tough economic downturns and we have found this to be true. Check out the recent Jim Rettig article "Libraries Stand Ready to Help in Tough Economic Times," the Wall Street Journal article, "Folks are Flocking to the Library," the Boston Globe's article "Library Use Increases as Economy Falls," and "The Public Library Renaissance" article.

REDISCOVER HOW THE LIBRARY CAN SAVE YOU $$$
Homer Library can save you money. To demonstrate this we provide an online interactive chart that shows how much you would pay out-of-pocket for library services. Place your monthly usage of books, magazines, etc. and the total value of your library use will be calculated and shown at the bottom of the chart.

Your library prides itself on being a convenient, efficient, and accessible community center. We continue to review building, program, usage patterns, and area demographics to help us adapt to customer needs.

AN INCREDIBLY BUSY PLACE - Increasing statistics show that we are used heavily by Homer residents. At Homer Library we have seen the following increases over the past year:

1. Material loans increased 25% - we check out 1,081 items daily or 90 items each hour (70,000 more than last year).

2. We average 560 programs annually; more than one per day.

3. We register three new users each day.

4. 600 people visit us daily.

5. 900 people use our public internet room monthly; more take advantage of our wireless network.

6. 750 people access the library website daily.

7. Staff answers 90 Help Desk questions daily.

CHANGING TO MEET YOUR NEEDS @ Homer Library - As your first choice for information we plan to increase the convenience that you need. Feel free to provide your feedback to me here. I appreciate and value all public comment and further recommendations.

Congratulations President Barack Obama!

2009-01-20T12:20:00.003-06:00

At Homer Township Library many of us watched and listened to the historic moment when our 44th president of the United States of America was sworn in. During this exciting moment in time I offer a brief message to our newly elected President:

Dear President Obama:
You have stated, "More than a building that houses books and data, the library represents a window to a larger world, the place where we've always come to discover big ideas and profound concepts that help move the American story forward..." Well stated!

As a librarian I think you get "us." I look forward to a "Yes we can" presidency and your full support of libraries, which you refer to as the "sanctuaries of learning." As a public library director who strives to make an ongoing difference in my community your words touch my heart.

Congratulations to you on this most exciting, memorable, and historic day!

Sheree Kozel-La Ha

2009 = More for You @ Your Library!

2009-01-12T11:30:00.009-06:00

Happy New Year!
2009 has started with a bang and we are pleased to announce our two newest grant awards of $75,000.

HOMER LIBRARY IS A DESTINATION STATION
"Destination Station" is a technology specific grant that allows the library to upgrade and add technical equipment, including new computers for both children and adults. Ten new Kids Connect computers, each loaded with thirty educational programs, will be added, as will "family stations, where an adult can work side by side with a child at separate computers. Funding also provides new internet room computers and adds word processing computers throughout the public areas of the library. This is a Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) grant, awarded by the Illinois State Library with federal funding provided through the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). We believe you will enjoy the added convenience of new equipment and software!

TEEN SCENE & MORE
The second award is funded by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO). We extend our appreciation to State Representative Renee Kosel for her assistance with this grant opportunity. This award will allow us to upgrade areas of the library including adding a new Teen Scene area where students and library youth can do homework and socialize with friends.

Grant awards provide needed funding to our tax-capped library budget. Successful grants allow us to offer some really neat things at Homer Library and expand the way we can serve you well. Both projects will enrich your library experience and add convenient new areas for your use. We know you will find more value than ever before at Homer Library!

See you @ the Book Fair!

2008-12-03T12:39:00.004-06:00

Join us on Saturday, December 6th at the Orland Park BARNES and NOBLE book store for our library fundraiser! Mention Homer Library when you check out at ANY Barnes and Noble store (not just the Orland location) and the library will receive a percentage of the sale. These funds will allow more new book and audio purchases for you!

FREE GIFT WRAP & PROGRAMS
Back by popular demand Homer Librarians will be on hand to gift wrap your store purchases. The library has also arranged a variety of interesting programming. We welcome the Stage Door Dance Academy, artist illustrator Jeff Ebbeler, and have many exciting activities for the kids. Take a chance on a free raffle basket, too!

We expect a fun day for everyone. Visit us at Barnes and Noble on Saturday, plan on purchasing some great holiday reading gifts, and help support the Homer Township Public Library at the same time. I hope to see you there!

Strengthen Your Library Image with Community Involvement

2008-11-26T09:45:00.008-06:00

Connections matter. When I first came on as Director of the Homer Township Public Library I immediately noticed an opportunity. The library had connections with the local schools but did not have strong connections with other community agencies. In my experience if library leaders are not "at the table" many community leaders do not take notice of the library, except peripherally. Without putting ourselves out there and telling our story the library is often not seen as a significant community "player." The vibrancy of our services and value to the community is often not front and center unless we make it known.

Get Involved!
So I joined the Homer Township Chamber of Commerce and made many new connections, partnerships and friends. I was elected to the Chamber of Commerce board (and served for seven years). I wrote an LSTA grant which created a Chamber/Library partnership. Librarians gave presentations at several Chamber Business Luncheons to demonstrate what support we provide to the business members and community at large. I was elected President of the Homer Chamber of Commerce in 2005. A crowning moment was when Homer Library received the Chamber's Business of the Year Award in 2006.

Connections matter. Currently I sit on two other community boards including the Lions Club and the Homer Glen Community and Nature Center Foundation. I served on the Parent/Teacher Organization as Vice President for several years. Grant writing for the Village of Homer Glen led to my service on the Village's Green Community Committee. The Library is now included in quarterly Intergovernmental Planning Commission meetings for both Homer Glen and Lockport. Homer Library is better known - and understood - because of these connections. Our library message and importance to the Homer Community has been strengthened and enriched.

I was honored this month at the Homer Township Chamber of Commerce's 20th Anniversary Event for my leadership and community involvement in service as a trustee. It was a proud moment witnessed by 120 business members and local officials.

Strengthen Your Image
Make the connections to strengthen your library's visibility. Be a voice. Extol your increasing use (more than 600 visitors daily!) or point out your newest services (Polish Story time!). It is up to us as librarians to ensure that our residents, including community leaders, understand what a library is today.

Homer Library - with 30+ employees and a 1.6 million dollar budget - operates like a business and I often point that out. That includes using "best practices" for employing different types of public relations (print, blogs, e-news, and face-to-face communications) to spotlight the library. Many people still have that image of the "little local library" but in truth we are a dynamic and vital community center of activity. Highlight the library at every opportunity and tell your story. Showcase your services with photos to demonstrate this, too.

We need our communities to realize today how essential libraries are in supporting residents at every stage in their lives. We need to encourage both residents and community leaders to become library advocates and - even more so - library champions. Break those library stereotypes we still experience; challenge yourself to get involved with other agencies to be both seen and heard. It will make a true difference.

Food for Fines in November @ Homer Library

2008-11-01T12:14:00.004-05:00

Overdues? Fines on your account? All will be forgiven in the month of November with the Library's Food for Fines Month. Bring in a non-perishable food item to be donated to local food bank Lockport FISH Pantry during the month of November.

Your book fines or overdues will be erased and the community food bank will benefit. This is a great opportunity to return long overdue items, a wonderful way to get books back on the shelves for other readers to use, and a true "neighbor helping neighbor" food bank initiative. Everyone wins!

Statistics-
In 2007 we donated 900 food items and saved our customers approximately $900 in fines
2008 - to date statistics show that library customers have brought in several hundred items and we anticipate more. We hope to match last year's efforts!

Young Adult Committee
Staff Member Julie H. is coordinating this year's drive with the library's Young Adult Club (YAC) members. They will be organizing the delivery of food items to the Lockport FISH Pantry, which is a Northern Illinois Food Bank Partner Agency. Pictures are posted on the library photo site here.

Periodically we offer incentives to our customers to encourage the return of library items and assist the community. This Food For Fines program is one way you can help out those less fortunate and save some money at the same time. Community work and involvement say much about us. Take a moment to give thanks for the blessings in your life and then please bring a donation to the library to help us assist others. We thank you!

New: Polish Story Time!

2008-10-14T10:12:00.000-05:00

Once upon a time...I was a Youth Services (YS) Director. Back then a large part of my day involved programming, including Story Hour and a variety of creative activities.

I no longer work in YS but the core elements that entice and excite our youngest library users remain. The Homer Library Youth Services Staff have supersized traditional programs - adding jazzy titles and bringing in new activities and focus on board. "Story hour" is called a variety of things now and has really been expanded along with other youth programs in a most creative manner. For example, we offer:

Wiggles 'n Giggles

Story Time

Stories in the Park

Pajama Time

Polish Story Time - brand new this Fall! We are pleased to offer this newest program with stories, a craft, and fingerplays in the Polish Language. Story time elements can help children develop their listening skills and prepare them for more structured learning activities. They are a wonderful and fun way to encourage reading and participation by our earliest learners and to instill that the library is a great destination!

Visit our website to see the Fall newsletter, which details many of our great programs and services.

Power to the Librarians!

2008-09-30T08:26:00.003-05:00

The Illinois Library Association (ILA) annual conference is always an excellent opportunity for both learning and networking with fellow colleagues. Sessions deal with a variety of issues libraries are facing. I find great value in attending and bring back new ideas (and energy!) to continue to serve my community well. See conference pictures here.

Pictured left: Anne Craig, Director of Illinois State Library and Sheree Kozel-La Ha, Homer Library Director (with grant award).

Grant Award
It was an honor to be recognized for our newest LSTA grant award Destination Station: A Learning R/evolution @ Homer Library. This award will fund new computers, software, and training for the community we serve. Grant awards offer an excellent opportunity (& needed funding!) to expand the ways we reach our community of users and to do some really neat things at the library. Homer Library will become a destination for the use of technology and tools that support the needs of the community - at every age and stage in a person's life. This includes the library helping customers process information and transitioning into a "learning center" or destination, not just an information center. We are convinced the Destination Station: a Learning R/evolution @ Homer Library project will enrich the community and that you will find more value than ever at Homer Library!

Fashion First!
Creativity was certainly on display at the Illinois Library Association Conference "Style from the Stacks" event. And what a fun event, where library "designers" used index cards, multimedia items, book bags, posters, and more to showcase fashion for trendy librarians! Fashion event pictures are posted here. I love being a librarian and salute my fellow library colleagues for such a creative effort.

Pictured right: a dress designed using paperback romance novel covers and book pages...tres elegant!

Relationships

2008-08-26T07:26:00.003-05:00

Positive Connections Matter
We welcome home Sgt. Brent Annen from his second tour in Iraq. He is the husband of our Adult Services Director, Alexandra Tyle-Annen. And we bid farewell to long-time employee Mary Woolley who retired from her position in Outreach Services.

We nurture relationships - with our family, friends, colleagues, and with our customers. They are important. When welcoming new employees or recognizing the dedication of ones that leave I find myself continually noting the *family* we have created among our staff and acknowledging how it comes back to the relationships we initiate and foster, at every stage in our lives. Whether bidding farewell to a retiree or teen employee now leaving for college or welcoming new staff, customers, or friends coming home - making positive connections matter.

Known for our personal and friendly service, Homer Library has mostly long-time staff. I think this says something very good about our library. With proactive management and supportive trustees we have created a wonderful *team* who enjoy their jobs, look forward to assisting customers, and has great synergy with fellow colleagues and community members. There is a saying, "walk in our door and you are a friend" and that is true at Homer Library.

Changes
Change has led to wonderful growth at Homer Library. You will see expanded services and additions this coming year as we use grant awards, sponsorships, and Friends funding to develop a new *teen scene* nook, wii area, add or update computers, and begin our newest collection of DVD movies. We're listening to our users - that's you - and building more relationships, so you will find even more value @ your library this year.

Your Support is Needed
Please note that our space issues have not changed - we need a new building and the funding to support it soon. We are tax-capped and have lost more than one million dollars in funding over the past ten years. The library is tight in space for people and books, there are parking limitations, etc. So yes, at a future point in time we must address a referendum question. That is a certainty. And with your support we will continue to provide the best for you and the fast-growing Homer community.

p.s. Your donation of any DVD to help build the new movie collection will be greatly appreciated!

Homer Glen Olympian Brad Guzan

2008-08-12T06:48:00.000-05:00

U.S. Soccer Team member from our 'burb!
Olympian Brad Guzan, goalie for the U.S. Men's National Soccer Team, is from Homer Glen. Our local newspaper, the Homer Horizon, featured Brad in an article here. We congratulate Brad & the U.S Soccer Team on winning their first game against Japan 1-0. What an exciting moment that must have been!

Olympian Behind the Scenes Insight
Brad is blogging throughout the Summer Games in China from a behind the scenes perspective. Check it out here. It is quite interesting to read and offers nuances that you would typically not receive from regular news stories. That is the wonderful thing about personal blogging and I am excited to share this Olympian's blog information.

Go Brad! Go U.S. Athletes....we are proud of all of you!

Book Sale Days!

2008-08-11T06:59:00.006-05:00

Our first annual book sale is this week!

When:
Friday, August 15 - 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Saturday, August 16 - 9:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Where:
Homer Township Public Library, 14320 West 151st Street, Homer Glen

Library teens and staff are dedicating countless hours to sorting and organizing materials donated to the library. We have a wonderful selection of fiction and non-fiction reading for all ages. Visit the library and snap up a wide variety of great books during our sale days!
Pictured right: teen volunteer sorting donations.

Hope to see you there!

Are U a Friend of the Library?

2008-07-16T09:33:00.000-05:00

Join the Friends of the Library
A strong library is essential to the health and growth of the community. We need you!

The Friends of the Homer Township Library (FOHTL) group offers you an opportunity to join an association of people interested in books and libraries. You can make a positive difference and enjoy meeting people with similar interests.

Through the Friends group you can volunteer, sponsor events, raise funds for equipment and programs that are beyond the library's budget, increase community awareness of the library, solicit funding for programs and events, and generally help foster a love of reading and library use to everyone. It shows you care about the library. And we need that caring.

A non-profit, volunteer organization, FOHTL is supported primarily by dues ($5 individual / $7 family) and contributions from from sponsors or events, such as book sales, etc. Our Friends group is seeking new members. Your contribution is key and you can have a wonderful impact in your hometown!

Benefits for You - JOIN US!
~Enjoy meeting and networking with fellow library advocates.
~Help the library continue to provide the best for Homer residents.
~Help fund programs, equipment, and events that support life-long learners.
~Gain satisfaction that your work benefits all ages in our essential community center.

Rewards for Being a Friend:
--"Library Friend" sticker on your library card
--Monthly raffles provided by the Friends Group
--$5 in "Library Bucks" which can be used for book sales and classes
--Free back issues of magazines

Join the Friends of the Homer Township Public Library District today. Simply pick up an application at the circulation desk or on the web here. Call us if you have questions at 708-301-7908. We'd love to have you as a Friend!

Thank You Community & Sponsors

2008-06-10T07:28:00.006-05:00

25th Anniversary...
A Successful Event!

State Representative Renee Kosel, Mayor Daley, Library Trustees, Local Dignitaries, the LTHS ROTC Color Guard, and our many wonderful library supporters and customers attended Homer Library's 25th Anniversary Festival of Culture Event held June 7th. View the many pictures being posted on the library's flickr photo site here. With more than 1,500 attendees the day-long event was busy and fun. Strolling mariachi bands, a variety of diverse entertainment, children's ethnic crafts, and a sampling of food from around the world at eight food stations was enjoyed by all.

All attendees received our most cool "going green" recyclable, washable, and reusable book bag. Our time capsule items are on view for you to see in our display case. And check out 25 Things You Didn't Know About Homer Library and our Library Staff's Top 25 Book Recommendations.

Many local businesses and organizations donated raffle prizes and funds that assisted us in presenting a most successful day. We thank our many supporters and sponsors who are listed on the Homer Library's web site here. We also thank the Will County Sheriff for their assistance in keeping our parking situation under control and above all safe for all visitors.

Exceptional Service for You @ Homer Township Public Library!
My appreciation extends to my WONDERFUL STAFF and the COMMITTEE members who all worked so hard over these past several months to coordinate this event, down to the last exceptional detail! I am blessed to have such a dedicated and visionary team, and that includes our library trustees who are such a support to all of us. What a wonderful day. I know the memory of this team effort will last forever. I raise a toast to the next 25 years of excellence in library service to our Homer Community.

The Festival of Culture event was partially funded through an LSTA grant titled: Character Counts: Bringing Ethics, Culture and Diversity Together. Funding for this grant was awarded by the Illinois State Library (ISL), a Division of the Office of Secretary of State, using funds provided by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), under the federal Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA).

pictured right: Sheree Kozel-La Ha, Library Director with Sara McCambridge, Assistant Director
pictured left: Ed, O'Brien, Board President with LTHS ROTC Honor Guard