Welcome to the Woodridge Public Library's monthly e-newsletter, highlighting selected programs, collections, and happenings. See everything that's going on at our online calendar or Library Leaves. My name is Kay Kohut and I am the editor of our newsletters.

Library Announcements

The Library will be closed on Easter Sunday, April 20. The outside book drops are always available so you can return items any time you want.

From the Library Administrator

Spring is here! National Library Week is the third week in April, and it is a time to celebrate all libraries. This year's theme is Lives Change @ Your Library. I would encourage all residents to think about how libraries have changed their lives over the years. In so many ways a library, especially a public library, can be the catalyst between what is and what can be.

I would like to share a comment we received from a long-time resident. He recently took his first computer class with our highly regarded librarian and computer trainer, Chris Keefe. After the class he told another staff member that he had thought he was the only one in the world who did not know how to use computers. He now realized that was not true and he had found someone who was a patient, excellent teacher, and he signed up for every class he could. Libraries are central to people's lives. What a perfect time to share our mission: Providing our community opportunities to learn, enjoy, and explore.

During National Library Week, the Library has scheduled a Big Read program, two book discussions, many children's programs, and on April 16 we will once again host the opening of the Community High School District 99 student art show. More information is below, under the Art Gallery Showing.

The Friends of the Library will hold their annual meeting on Sunday,
April 27, at 2:00 p.m. Officers will be elected for the next year. The Friends provide financial support of programs, art, or other services which are not covered by the regular budget. Please come and join the Friends!

Last month was busy. Storytimes started again in the Children's Department, and we had several adult programs. Our Krafty Kidz did another fun project. Here are a few photos:

Susan McNeil-Marshall

New! Streaming Videos

Now you can check out and view over 300 streaming videos. Media On Demand offers this growing collection of feature films, documentaries, instructional videos, children's titles, and more, to library cardholders. You can stream on computers and most mobile devices. All streaming videos remain accessible for one week after check out.

April Events

The Children's Department is offering several programs, including Kids Read events, International Family Storytime (Arabic), and Every Child Ready to Read workshops. Please see the Children's calendar for more information and to sign up.

We still have openings for computer classes.

We are having a great music program on Sunday, April 6: The Great American Songbook with Burton Fischman, at 2:00 p.m. We have several other programs scheduled also.

The Big Read will conclude with the opportunity to meet author Philip Caputo. You can hear his reflections about his remarkable journey--a road trip that was not so much about where it began and its final destination, but more about the people he met along the way. There will be a book signing after the program. This will take place on Thursday, May 1, 7:00 p.m. at Ashton Place in Willowbrook.

This month's book discussions are Eighty Days by Matthew Goodman, Tuesday, April 15, at 10:00 a.m., and Silver Star by Jeannette Walls, Tuesday, April 22, at 7:00 p.m. The Crime Readers discussion is Places in the Dark by Thomas A. Cook, April 17, 7:00 p.m. at Home Run Inn Pizza.

Art Gallery Showing

District 99 Student Art Show

The annual Community High School District 99 student art show opens April 16 and will remain up for the rest of the month. This display draws more positive feedback from the public than almost any other art show. Works in five categories are submitted by North and South High School students to judges at each school. From those entries, pieces are selected and displayed at the Library.

A reception for members of the public to meet the student artists, their families, art faculty, and other representatives from District 99, will be held on Wednesday, April 16, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. Prize winners in each category will be announced at 6:30 p.m.

Keep In Touch

Library Hours
Monday - Friday: 9 AM - 9 PM
Saturday: 9 AM - 5 PM
Sunday: 1 PM - 5 PM

630-964-7899
askus@woodridgelibrary.org