Grayslake Library Blog

  Believe it or not, 2024 is just around the corner, and many people will be ringing in the new year with resolutions to improve and enrich their lives. One such resolution might be to read more; we are here to help! Your library card grants you access to thousands of books, both physical copies and digital. In addition to that, we offer the following tips and tricks to read more in the new year: Multitask with an audiobook. Listening to an audiobook (yes, it counts as reading!) while you’re driving or doing housework is a great way to make the most of your time. The library has many audiobooks on CD and Playaway, and you can also check out eaudiobooks on apps like Libby and Hoopla . Join a book club. The promise of discussing a book with like-minded readers can do wonders for encouraging you to read. If you can’t find a book club you like, you can always start your own with friends and family. The Grayslake Library has a designated book discussion collection that lets book club...

  2024 is right around the corner! While we look forward to the new books that will come with the new year, let us also reflect on some of the popular titles that came out this year. Listed below are twelve titles, divided by age group, that saw many checkouts from your library this year. Also, be sure to let us know what books you enjoyed in 2023! Youth: 100 Mighty Dragons All Named Broccoli by David LaRochelle Evergreen by Matthew Cordell The Fantastic Bureau of Imagination by Brad Montague Middle-Grade: The Swifts: A Dictionary of Scoundrels by Beth Lincoln Super Pancake by Megan Wagner Lloyd The Eyes and the Impossible by Dave Eggers Teen: Highly Suspicious and Unfairly Cute by Talia Hibbert Silver in the Bone by Alexandra Bracken Threads That Bind by Kika Hatzopoulou Adult: The Bee Sting by Paul Murray North Woods by Daniel Mason Yellowface by R. F. Kuang

Let’s stroll down memory lane and look back on some of the programs and events your library offered in the past. This is the first in a series of “throwback” blogs we’ll post. Be sure to let us know in the comments section below if you have any fond memories of these or other programs from the past! In the late 1990s and early 2000s, we were happy to hold a program called the “Day of 1,000 Stars,” where the library was decorated with, well, stars, and “stars” of the community were invited to read books to an audience of younger patrons. From teachers and principals that the children might recognize from school to police officers and firefighters from the Grayslake area, many local icons were happy to lead a storytime. The Bears’ quarterback at the time, Jim Miller, even came to read Curious George and stayed after to sign fans’ footballs! In 2004, the Friends of the Library ran a fundraiser in the form of a Monopoly tournament! Patrons and staff alike participated in a fun competition ...

  Since 1990, November has been observed in the U.S. as Native American Heritage Month, a time to reflect on the history and celebrate the contributions of Native Americans, which are unfortunately often overlooked.  This year, celebrate with us by checking out these books about and by Native Americans, or check out one of our digital collections with Kanopy or Hoopla . Titles for Youth: My Heart Fills With Happiness by Monique Gray Smith Mama, Do You Love Me? by Barbara M. Joosse We Are Water Protectors by Carole Lindstrom Fry Bread by Kevin Noble Maillard I Am Sacagawea by Brad Meltzer Where Are You From? by Yamile Saied Méndez I Sang You Down from the Stars by Tasha Spillett-Sumner Titles for Teens: The Absolutely True Story of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie Firekeeper’s Daughter by Angeline Boulley Hunting by Stars by Cherie Dimaline The Marrow Thieves by Cherie Dimaline Titles for Adults: Winter Counts by David Heska Wanbli Weiden Cherokee America by ...

Embracing the Legacy: Celebrating Italian-American Heritage Month Since 1989, the United States has designated October as Italian-American Heritage Month—a time to pay homage to Italian-Americans’ influence and contributions to our country’s national tapestry. This month, we reflect on this community’s stories and achievements. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, over 4 million Italians journeyed to the United States, seeking work and better opportunities for their families. They brought with them their home country’s rich culture, and began to write a new chapter in American history. We invite you to celebrate Italian-American Heritage Month with us by checking out one of the books below. Also, check out the collection of Italian films on Kanopy ! For adults: Biographies and memoirs: Madam Speaker: Nancy Pelosi and the Lessons of Power by Susan Page Sinatra: The Chairman by James Kaplan Taste: My Life Through Food by Stanley Tucci Books by Italian-Americans: The Godfather b...

DIY Gift-makers, Reserve Your Spot! It may seem a little early to think about holiday gift-giving, but the winter holiday season will be here before you know it! And if you want to make gifts in The Hub this year, NOW is the time to reserve your spot on one of our machines. Many like-minded gift-givers will do the same as the holidays approach, so secure your appointment ASAP! The Hub has several tools you can use for FREE; all you have to pay for is supplies, or you can bring in your own. Call us at 847.223.5313 to schedule time in the makerspace. What can you make in The Hub? Epilog Mini Laser Cutter Gift ideas: Wooden or acrylic coasters, personalized leather bookmarks, customized cutting board, personalized engraved drinking glasses Silhouette Cameo Vinyl Cutter Gift ideas: Customized t-shirts or denim jackets, 3D cardstock greeting cards, stickers for children Brother Embroidery Machine Gift ideas: Personalized hat or scarf, monogrammed towels Not sure how to use the equipment? Yo...

  Protect Your Piggy Bank! Confused about Medicare Supplement Insurance? Are you concerned about the financial stability of banks? Want to shore up your personal finances? Let Weiss Financial Ratings help! Weiss Financial Ratings is a FREE resource with your Grayslake library card. Search the best-performing investments, get insurance information, evaluate stocks and mutual funds, find financially secure banks and insurance companies, and check out personal finance how-to guides to get you started in the right direction. Start searching in the Weiss Financial Ratings database so you can start protecting your piggy bank!