It was the Summer of STEM at the library. While school was out, the library was full of children of all ages engaging in science and technology.

 

Children and parents packed the Training Center for an introduction to 3D printing. Just a short walk away, in Kids' World, a group of toddlers and preschoolers were engineering structures from tubes and connectors in a free-play session. Problem-solving skills were on full display as the hard hat-wearing group of young builders figured out which piece connected where. Nearby, another young visitor played on a felt board featuring honey bees and

 

Thanks to everyone who turned out for Arlington Heights' annual Fourth of July parade and cheered on the library's two entries - the bookmobile and a float featuring our One Book, One Village 2015 selection, The Book of Unknown Americans. We also celebrated a special retirement along the way as bookmobile driver Al Piskorski topped off 10+ years of service behind the wheel for the library. Al drove in the parade as his final bookmobile assignment - now that's a finale!  See more parade highlights.

 

More than 200 Arlington Heights book lovers turned out after-hours on Saturday, June 27 for An Evening with Candace Bushnell. The sold-out event, presented and co-sponsored by the library and the Tuscan Market Book Group, featured the bestselling author of Sex and the City and Lipstick Jungle who is currently on a national book tour for her newest release, Killing Monica.  During her three-hour appearance in the Hendrickson Room, Candace signed books, took photographs with attendees and delivered a lively onstage presentation including an audience Q&A.

 

"I like writing about characters that are larger than life," Bushnell

 

Arlington Heights' youngest readers have been taking their best shots this week at playing "Chelsea Dagger," the Chicago Blackhawks goal song, on a giant-sized floor piano in Kids' World. Located on the first floor, the jumbo piano is part of Read to the Rhythm, the library's summer reading program. The sheet music changes weekly and in support of the Blackhawks' quest for the Stanley Cup, the current selection is the team's goal anthem–music to the ears of Blackhawks fans everywhere–duh, da, da, da. "Chelsea Dagger" will be on display in Kids' World through Sunday, June 14.

 

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Fifth-grade students from Windsor Elementary School got a first-hand glimpse of what it’s like to have a job in a library during their visit on Wednesday, May 27. The students gained some real-life work experience in the library's Circulation department and Kids' World as part of the World of Work (WOW) program. These five students learned about selecting materials for the collection, checking in books and movies, re-shelving items, preparing kids' craft supplies, and more. WOW is an annual event which gives students an opportunity to dress professionally and act as “employees" for a day. The program is supported

Leaders from eight governmental entities, including Arlington Heights Mayor Tom Hayes, pictured, participated in the community conversation on Wednesday, April 29 at the library. Each took to the stage and presented current projects and significant developments that impact the village, area schools and park district. Watch State of the Village now.

 

Read about State of the Village in the Daily Herald.  The event will also be broadcast on Channel 6 on WideOpenWest, Channel 17 on Comcast and Channel 99 on U-Verse.

 

Excitement filled the library's Marketplace on Monday night, May 4, as more than 150 Arlington Heights students, parents and teachers got a first glimpse at the 2015 District 25 Art Show. An annual event for 23 years, this year's show features 200 works of art curated from seven area elementary schools and two middle schools. Pieces range from illustrations and mixed media to self portraits and 3D art. 

 

"Each project has a concept or historical element attached to it," explains Brenda Miller, an art teacher at Westgate Elementary School and the team leader of the District 25 art

 

A little rain couldn't dampen the enthusiasm of the dedicated volunteers who received a "shower of thanks" on Tuesday, May 5, at the annual Volunteer Recognition Luncheon funded by the Friends of the Library. In 2014, 452 volunteers contributed 28,498 hours of service to the library and their efforts were recognized by library trustees and staff. 

 

"I'm in awe every year when I come to this event," said Executive Director Jason Kuhl who welcomed the crowd and presented the volunteer service awards. "We appreciate everything you do and all the hours you put in contributing to the library."

Close to 100 residents gathered at the library on Wednesday night, April 29, for the second annual State of the Village. Leaders from eight governmental entities, including Arlington Heights Mayor Tom Hayes, pictured, participated in the community conversation. Each took to the stage and presented current projects and significant developments that impact the village, area schools and park district.

 

The library presented a video featuring highlights of the past year. Audience members were also the first to learn the library's 2015 One Book, One Village book selection - The Book of Unknown Americans, by Chicago author Christina Henríquez

"The students were reading the exhibit signs and really paying close attention to how many hours and how much hard work went into