Library News
The Arlington Heights Memorial Library announced the winner of its inaugural Library President for a Day Contest on Monday, November 4 during the Board of Library Trustees Committee of the Whole Meeting. Congratulations to Westgate Elementary third grader Hayden Kaufman on winning the coveted position of Library President for a Day. Kaufman was one of over 40 students in grades K-8 from various schools in the area who submitted a contest entry.
As part of the “presidential perks” for winning the contest, Kaufman kicked off the meeting with a roll call, led the board meeting attendees in the Pledge of
Holiday Book Drive
Now through Saturday, November 30
Drop off donations in the bin on the first floor
Donate new children's books throughout November. All books will go to families in our area whose incomes are below the federal poverty threshold and will be distributed through the Wheeling Township Adopt-a-Family program. We are collecting new books for children and teens from infancy to age 18. Books in Spanish also welcome.
Partner with Us
Is your school, community group or business interested in collecting books for the book drive? For more information on how to collect as a group, contact Communications
How do you live a beautiful life with few regrets? That was the question on everyone’s mind the past few months as the library celebrated its 11th One Book, One Village (OBOV) community read, which culminated Thursday with An Evening with Mikki Brammer, an event that brought Arlington Heights together through tears, laughter and meaningful conversation.
Cellist Lilianna Zofia Wosko provided music as 230 attendees filled the library’s Hendrickson Room on October 24 to hear Brammer speak about her first novel, The Collected Regrets of Clover. Brammer was joined in conversation with Death Café facilitator Rebekka James. 55 viewers also
Native American Heritage Month, celebrated each year in November, is a time to celebrate the traditions, languages and stories of Native American, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian and affiliated Island communities and ensure their rich histories and contributions continue to thrive with each passing generation.
The library is proud to partner with the Village of Arlington Heights Social Services team on a new program that will take place twice a month: Social Worker in the Library.
Each month, social worker Darren Brown will be on site to assist individuals who have questions about available social services in Arlington Heights or who may be seeking counseling or other mental health services.
"Libraries are one of the only places that serve all members of the community, and that are established as a safe and welcoming environment that operates as a service to all," Brown said. "Having a
One Book, One Village (OBOV), now in its eleventh year, invites the community to read the same book at the same time and share in the experience through related programs and book discussions.
Copies of The Collected Regrets of Clover are now available for checkout at the library, at the Senior Center, on the bookmobile and online through cloudLibrary and hoopla. Holds can be picked up on the bookmobile, at the Senior Center, at the drive-up window, our 24/7 holds pickup locker or inside the library on the hold shelves.
What could be better than reading a good book? How about discussing that book with others who have read it too?
More than 380 people put this idea into practice at more than 30 book discussions hosted by the Arlington Heights Memorial Library in 2023. Best of all, there are more books to read and always room for more readers to join in to discuss - including you!
If you've considered and haven't yet participated in one of the library's adult book discussions, now may be an ideal time to give it a try as several of our book groups
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 October's report include:
- One Book, One Village a Surefire Hit with the Arlington Heights Community (page 1)
- Makerplace Celebrates Third Anniversary with an Open House (page 5)
- A Storytime Designed for Our Youngest Library Customers (page 6)
- AHML Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month (page 7)
- Social Worker Program
"A discussion of death is always a discussion of life." - Rebekka James, certified life-cycle celebrant, caregiver and Death Café facilitator
Fiction often mimics life. In this fall’s One Book, One Village title, The Collected Regrets of Clover by Mikki Brammer, the main character, Clover, frequents a Death Café at her local public library to share with others her thoughts and feelings about death. The Arlington Heights Memorial Library also hosts Death Cafés and if these programs had a so-called leading person, it would be Rebekka James.
James facilitates the library’s Death Cafés. It’s a role she has had since
Each October, the library celebrates Inclusion Awareness Month, which recognizes the Arlington Heights Memorial Library’s commitment to connect you to resources and programs, highlights enhancements in accessibility and invites community feedback. Featured programming this month includes a celebration kickoff on Friday, October 4 with a Monster Mash dance party for adults presented in collaboration with Northwest Special Recreation Association, The Chicago Lighthouse Low Vision Products Road Show on October 17, and Our Time Celebration: Active Sensory Fun on October 5.
With the community’s feedback and guidance, the library continues to improve accessibility. This year we added cane holders at service