Celebrate everything libraries and library staff do for their community! Your library provides access to books, DVDs, online resources, vocational training, study rooms, technology programs, crafting workshops and more. Libraries offer opportunity to all. Libraries transform. First sponsored in 1958, National Library Week is sponsored by the American Library Association and libraries nationwide each April.
We're celebrating! On April 12 and 13, AAPLD will participate in "Jeans for Charity" day, where staff members can make a donation for the privilege of wearing jeans to work. All proceeds will benefit Pioneer Center of McHenry County.
Both Library locations will also be collection points for a Food Drive to benefit Algonquin-Lake in the Hills Interfaith Food Pantry. Visit their web site for suggestions and a printable shopping list. As a bonus, reciprocal borrowers (non-AAPLD cardholders) who owe fines to AAPLD can donate non-perishable, unexpired food items during National Library Week and we will waive their fines (applies only to fines owed to the Algonquin Area Public Library District).
We've got a lot going on during National Library Week, but, then again -- we always do. Programs for all ages happen nearly every day. Or you can just pull up a chair and hang out in our cafe, first floor reading areas, or children's play area. Here are this week's highlights (please note where registration is required):
Guess How Many!
April 10-16, both Library locations
Children can come in anytime during National Library Week and guess how many Starburst® candies we have in our jar! The guesser with the closest guess will win the whole jar of candy.
Create Your Own Bookmark
April 10-16, both Library locations
Children can use our supplies to create their own stylish bookmark during National Library Week.
Queens of the Adriatic
Sunday April 10, 2 to 3:30 pm, Eastgate Branch
Al Popowits takes us on a tour of Venice and the coast of Croatia, including Murano and Burano islands. Cruise the Dalmatian coast experiencing the ancient and medieval charms of Split, Sibenik, and Dubrovnik. Croatian history, food, and drink highlighted. For adults. Registration required.
Excel 1
Monday, April 11, 1-2:30pm
Monitor finances, organize your address book and more with this beginner’s look at Microsoft Excel 2013’s basic functions. Learn how to enter data, use autofill and autosum, insert a chart, templates, save and print. Basic computer and mouse experience required. Registration required.
Sensory Gardens
Monday, April 11, 7-8 pm
In sensory gardens, plants and other design elements are selected to provide experiences for heightened sight, smell, hearing, touch and taste. Learn how to plan for a beginner's small sensory garden. For adults. Registration required.
Perler Bead Craft
Tuesday, April 12, 4:30-5:30 pm, Eastgate Branch
Children in grades 2-8 can design their own special Perler bead craft. Registration required.
In the Teaching Garden: Lab Session
Wednesday, April 13, 6:30-7:30pm
We will be planting the early spring/hardy plants in the organic square foot vegetable garden bed. Ages 18 and older. Registration required.
Children’s Dance Party
Wednesday, April 13, 6:30 pm
Shake and shimmy at our spring dance party!
Macaroni Soup! Family Concert
Thursday, April 14, 10 am
Sing along, dance along and play along at this concert full of kid friendly, active songs! Macaroni Soup! provides active musical entertainment that sparkles!
From Land Records to Google Earth: Mapping Your Family’s Place
Friday April 15, 5 - 6:30 pm
Jane Haldeman of It's Relative interprets the numerous sources for our ancestor’s legal land description. Learn where to look, how to convert section and range into Google Earth, and see how that property looks today. For adults 18 and older. Registration required.
After Hours Genealogy Workshop
Friday April 15, 6 -11 pm
Join genealogy enthusiasts for an evening of personal research time and free access to Ancestry Library Edition, HeritageQuest, the Historical Chicago Tribune, and more. Librarians will be available for research help. Snacks and drinks provided. Bring your own laptop or use a library computer. Limit of 30 Library desktop computers. Please indicate if you require a desktop. For adults 18 and older. Registration required.
Little S*T*E*A*Mers
Saturday, April 16, 2-3pm
Let’s explore the world around us. Each month we will do Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, or Math experiments/activities. For kids in K & 1 grade (5-7 years old). Registration required. Open to all cardholders.
