We have included a schedule of special programs planned from September 15 through November 15. Details about the programs can be found on our Website.
 

ATTENTION: FEATURE-FILM DVD USERS
As September 14, all of the feature-film DVDs began checking out for 7 days, which means there are no more 3-day DVDs. Along with the extended checkout period, all feature films can be reserved. If there is a DVD you really want to see, use your Addison Public Library card to reserve it. As with all materials, once a DVD is listed in our catalog, you can place your hold. The new feature films are still categorized as new.

 

SHORTENED RESERVE TIME
One other change began September 14. Addison Public Library's materials placed on the Hold Shelves will be kept there for 7 days. Previously these materials were held for 10 days. Sign up at the Circulation Desk for email notification to learn more quickly when reserved materials are waiting for you. Materials received through Interlibrary Loan from other libraries are not included in this change.

DISCOVER THE POWER OF LIBRARY SEARCH
Very soon, our library catalog will have a new look, a new feel, and a whole new way of finding materials. We have new state-of-the-art technology that makes finding what the library has to offer easier and more engaging than ever before. The new web-based search engine, called Encore, lists suggestions of recently added or popular items, gives faceted search results for easily modifying queries, and has pathways to relevant Websites and library databases. You access all this from a single, "Google-like" search box. It will soon be available on library workstations through our Website catalog search box.
 

The new system is similar in look and feel to current popular Websites. Whether searching about a subject or for a specific book or CD, you can more easily find what you are looking for. Encore reveals items that are clearly listed by relevance and can be effortlessly expanded or refined according to publication date, language, or subject as presented in a Tag Cloud. The Tag Cloud presents a grouping of words related to your search that you can click on to launch new queries.
 

One of our favorite features of Encore is  "Did You Mean?" which eliminates confusion and corrects common spelling mistakes.

Of course, the classic catalog you are used to is always available. Once the change to Encore is completed, the library's catalog search box on the Website will take you there rather than the classic catalog. Watch the NEWS section on the homepage for the announcement about Encore!
 

All adult English learners and their tutors are welcome to join an English Conversation Group, which will meet at the Addison Public Library on the first and third Saturdays of each month from 10 am to 12 noon. The first meeting will take place on Saturday, October 3.
 

The group is designed to give adult ESL learners more practice speaking English in a relaxed, comfortable atmosphere. Literacy DuPage provides leadership for the program. There is no charge for attendance. It is not necessary to make a commitment or to register to attend a group. Individuals from Addison and surrounding communities are welcome to attend whenever they can.
 

If you or someone you know would be interested in practicing English, tell them about the group. Contact Adult Services at the Addison Public Library for more information, 630-458-3320.
 

LEGO TRAIN EXHIBIT
For the weekend of November 7 and 8, the Northern Illinois Lego Train Club will fill the library's meeting room with an amazing layout and city created from Lego blocks. Train Club members arrive Friday evening to build a miniworld from thousands and thousands of Legos. The exhibit opens Saturday morning at 9 am and closes at 4:30 pm. On Sunday, the exhibit opens at 1 pm and closes at 4:30 pm. The number of people who may view the exhibit at one time will be limited. 

 

Lego Contest: In conjunction with the train exhibit, Children's Services is having a Lego Building Contest. Children from 3 through 10 years old build an original Lego creation (not from a kit) and bring it to display in the Children’s Library between November 2 and 6. Entries will be showcased in display cases from the date of the entry until November 20. Members of the Northern Illinois Lego Train Club will choose a winner while the Lego Train Exhibit is here. 
 

The creation can be made of any type of Legos, but the maximum size is 12 inches high, 10 inches wide, and 10 inches long. The winner will receive a gift certificate to LegoLand in Schaumburg. All entries must be picked up by November 24.
 

The 3rd Annual Parent University is a free half-day workshop offering a variety of sessions to help parents promote student success. All Addison parents are encouraged to attend the workshop, which will be held at Indian Trail Junior High School on Saturday, November 14, from 8 am to 12:30 pm. The Addison Public Library is one of the partners of the 3rd Annual Parent University.
 

Parent University has a new format this year. Sessions are divided into four tracks: Preschool and Elementary Grades, Middle School, High School, and Community. Within each track a number of programs will be offered during four time sessions. Some of the programs will be offered in Spanish.
 

A printed brochure about Parent University is available in English and in Spanish. As the details about the sessions and times become available, these too will be on our Website.
 

The 10-panel Burnham 100 Centennial exhibit will only be on display through September 28. If you have not seen it, please take time to do so in the next two weeks.

This exhibition commemorates the publication of Daniel H. Burnham and Edward H. Bennett’s 1909 Plan of Chicago and emphasizes its relevance to metropolitan development through the 20^th century and into the future. Photographic reproductions of compelling images from the plan and other sources show the history and implications of Burnham’s regional vision.
 

In addition you can meet Daniel Burnham, as portrayed by talented actor R. J. Lindsey, on Sunday, September 27, at 2 pm. At Make No Little Plans, Burnham will talk about his many endeavors in the city of Chicago.
 

Young artists are invited to create a design for the Library’s winter holiday cards. Age categories are: preschool – grade 1; grades 2 – 5; grades 6 – 8; and high school.

Beginning October 1, applications will be available at the Ask Here Desk and the Teen Desk. Card designs may be submitted at either desk from November 1 through 11.

The winner in each category will receive a gift certificate and copies of his or her winning card.
 

MULTICULTURAL COOKBOOK
Do you have a favorite family recipe that comes from another country or heritage? If you are willing to share the recipe, the Multicultural Fest committee would love to have it for an International Cookbook. The cookbook will be distributed at the upcoming Multicultural Fest, scheduled for April 17, 2010.
 

Pick up forms at any of the public service desks. To be included the recipes must be turned in by the end of this year.
 

READ FOR THE RECORD
Help us set a world record!
 

On Thursday, October 8, from 10 to 10:30 am, join us in the Children’s Library Special Features area as we read The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle. Following stories, children can make caterpillar crafts in our Craft Room.
 

Read for the Record is a nationwide literacy awareness event, where readers throughout the country try to set a world record for the number of people reading the same book on the same day. Addison Public Library’s program will be one of many special events held across the nation.

THE GIVING TREE PROJECT
The Children’s Library will have its own Giving Tree, based on the classic Shel Silverstein book. Our tree will be growing in the hall near the story hour rooms. From November 1 through 29, choose a leaf with the age of a child, and by November 29 bring a new book and the leaf back to the Children’s Library. The books we collect will be given to the Addison Switchboard for their Christmas drive. Beginning December 1, we will add snowflakes that include the donors’ names to our giving tree.