Library News

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April is Earth Month, and the Arlington Heights Memorial Library invites the community to learn with us, dig deeper and be inspired to become an even better caregiver of the Earth through programming, crafts and more. We've also put together curated lists of books for audiences of all ages to recognize the importance of adopting earth-friendly habits:Books for LittlesBooks for KidsBooks for TweensBooks for TeensBooks for AdultseBooks for Adults (cloudLibrary)Earth Month ResourcesIllinois Legislation


Recycling  


The Arlington Heights Memorial Library (AHML) is the community's place to read, learn and gather! Each month, the library compiles a director's report which highlights the most recent statistics and trends in library usage, programs and other initiatives that impact our community and support the library's overall strategic goals and plan. Highlights from this month's report include:

  • AHML in Chicago Parent (page 1)
  • Soft Launch of 24/7 Pickup Lockers (page 1)
  • Celebrating Black History Month (pages 2 and 8)
  • Adding Three More Culinary Classes (page 5)
  • Making Genealogy Services More Accessible (page 3)

View the full March director's report online here.

Meta Quest 2 is now available at the Arlington Heights Memorial Library! The all-in-one virtual reality (VR) headset is available to Arlington Heights cardholders, ages 12 and up, to use in the library's digital media lab, the Studio. Strap on the headset and get ready to experience total immersion with 3D positional audio, hand tracking and easy-to-use controllers working together to make virtual worlds feel real.

"When customers first put on the headset, they're generally surprised as the quality of this technology has greatly advanced and you really feel like you're being transported into another world," said Chris Smith, Digital

New babies come with a lot of questions! Come to the library's Bumps & Babies Resource Fair to find some answers. Many local businesses will be there to share their resources for growing families and expectant parents. All visitors will have an opportunity to register for a giveaway of generously donated items from area businesses. Drop in.

Last call for local businesses! There are still a few tables available; please call the library at 847-392-0100 or email kids@ahml.info.

Date and time: Saturday, April 6, 10 a.m.-noon
Location: Hendrickson Room
Drop in.

In 2024, Women's History Month celebrates "Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion." The theme recognizes women throughout the country who understand that, for a positive future, we need to eliminate bias and discrimination from our lives and institutions. By actively highlighting women's experiences and achievements in historical narratives, we ensure that their stories are remembered and celebrated. This collection of books showcases how women have courageously challenged societal norms, delved into intricate topics and provided a platform for unheard perspectives.Click here to take a look at the booklist.


You can also click here to look at more

It’s a brand-new day in Kids’ World! Step inside and come discover new ways to play and learn as the library begins 2024 with a totally reimagined and refreshed Kids’ World space designed to meet the growing needs of its youngest customers, their families and caregivers.   


“The vision for the Kids’ World refresh is to create flexible, interactive and experiential learning zones dedicated to specific age groups with resources and activities to meet their developmental needs and interests,” said Trixie Dantis, Youth Services Manager. “We are committed to offering equal access to learning and socialization opportunities, through free, open-ended exploratory

Black History Month honors the achievements, rich culture and history of African Americans and recognizes the important contributions of Black individuals in society.Black History Month Featured Books
Explore the displays in the library dedicated to Black History Month and visit our featured booklist online, including titles like Black Joy: Stories of Resistance, Resilience, and Restoration by Tracey M. Lewis-Giggetts, The 1619 Project: A New Origin Story by Nikole Hannah-Jones and The New York Times Magazine, and The Young Crusaders: The Untold Story of the Children and Teenagers Who Galvanized the Civil Rights Movement by Vincent P. Franklin.Click

From pickleball sets to Prince Harry's memoir, from the Barbie movie to Elephant and Piggie, the Arlington Heights Memorial Library has compiled a list of some of the most popular books, downloads and things checked out in 2023. Overall circulation of both physical and digital materials combined saw a 4.4 percent increase in 2023. Did your favorite make the list?


Please note, some of the library's most popular materials may require placing a hold while you wait for the item to be returned by another user. Virtually explore some of our most popular collections on the library's Explore the Collection page.

It was a day of coming together at the Makerplace on Monday, January 15 as more than 85 people participated in hands-on service projects for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. 


Community members created dog and cat toys for The Buddy Foundation, put together no-sew blankets for Project Linus, wrote letters for residents at Luther Village, and prepared a taco casserole and an oatmeal chocolate chip bake during a PADS Meal Prep made possible through a partnership with First Presbyterian Church. 


“I knew we wanted to do something to commemorate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day with a service event and this

Some day-to-day tasks like carrying grocery bags, holding a key to open a door and twisting off small lids or bottle caps are now a whole lot easier thanks to the library’s Assistive Tools Kit, a collection of seven small devices selected for their functionality and ease to create using the library’s 3D printers.  The tools can be used by people of all ages and include a bottle opener, key turner, pen ball, palm pen, tube opener, signature guard and bag carrier. View the kit and learn more about each tool here.


Borrow an already assembled Assistive Tools Kit from our Library of Things to learn