Hello!

Many of us want to do something to help during this crazy time. Here's how you can help :

#1 SHOP/ORDER LOCAL
Call in orders for food and other needs here locally. If we don't support our home town businesses, they may not be open when we need them. See below for our spreadsheet of food places and their hours for take out!

#2 COMPLETE THE 2020 CENSUS
This pandemic has shown the need for well-staffed, well-stocked public health units at both the state and local level. And that takes money, much of which comes from the federal government based on the Census 2010 population figures. We want our fair share and that means a COMPLETE COUNT of everyone for the 2020 Census!

#3 KEEP YOUR DISTANCE AND WEAR A MASK
Whether you're out and about, or walking in your neighborhood, keep that 6 ft. physical distance from others. We ARE making a difference!

SPECIAL PROGRAM - Tuesday, April 21st at 1 PM
Chef Susan Maddox shares recipes from staples in your pantry digitally! Go to our website (top of our Homepage) tomorrow at 1 PM to view the video and get the receipts!

ALL in for Illinois!
You should remember that you and your family are not alone. You have friends and colleagues coping with the same dilemmas that you are; text/talk to them. But if you do feel alone and isolated, the Illinois Department of Health Services is providing two new services for Illinois residents during this time:

Illinois Call4Calm Text Line
If you or a loved one are struggling with stress related to the COVID-19 pandemic and need emotional support, text TALK to 552020 for English or HABLAR for Spanish. This service is free and available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. People seeking assistance will remain anonymous and will provide only their first name and zip code, which enables the service to link you to a counselor in your area who is knowledgeable about available local resources.

Illinois Warm Line
If you or one of you family members has mental health and/or substance use challenges and would like to receive support by phone, call the Illinois Warm Line at 866-359-7953. Wellness Support Specialists are professionals who have experienced mental health and/or substance use recovery in their own lives. They are trained in recovery support, mentoring, and advocacy and are ready to listen and support you. The Warm Line is not a crisis hotline, but is a source of support as you recover or help a family member to recover.
  • Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday, 8am-5pm except holidays
 
Nancy Ashbrook, Executive Director
847-683-3216 to leave a message or
email me at nashbrook@ellajohnsonlibrary.org
Let's make the
Ella Johnson Library District a
Complete Count!

You can respond to the 2020 Census online, by phone, or by mail.
Count Everyone Living With You
If you are filling out the census for your home, you should count everyone who is living there as of April 1, 2020. This includes anyone—related or unrelated to you—who lives and sleeps at your home most of the time.

Please be sure to count roommates, 
young children, newborns , and anyone who is renting a space in your home. If someone is staying in your home on April 1 and has no usual home elsewhere, you should count them in your response to the 2020 Census.

If someone, such as a college student,  is just living with you temporarily due to the COVID-19 situation, they should be counted where they ordinarily would be living on April 1, 2020.

Please count everyone living in your home. Where there are more people, there are more needs. An accurate count helps inform funding for hospitals, fire departments, schools, and roads for the next 10 years.
PAPERBACK BOOK EXCHANGE
NEW: Shelf for Kids Books!
Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays
10 AM - 1 PM, Weather Permitting

One of the bottom shelves on our mobile Paperback Book Exchange is now devoted to children's books. Take one, two, or a handful to read at your own pace. Bring them back, pass them on, or keep them. It's up to you!

We've tried to give you the most accurate information available, but it's always wise to call first!
Support Our Local Restaurants Updated 4/15/20
In an effort to encourage people to support local businesses during the Coronavirus pandemic, we’re providing a list of restaurants that are open for take-out and delivery.