By Jenny Quill, GazeboNews correspondent
With less and less government funding and the rise of digital books and eReaders, it’s become increasingly difficult for libraries to survive and thrive. But through innovative new programming, a revamped, easier-to-navigate website, digital media, and convenient services such as the DVD2Go, Lake Forest Library is proving that libraries are relevant, thriving centers for learning and community engagement. Haven’t been to the library recently? Here’s what you’re missing:
DVD2GO
The library’s DVD2GO is a fully automated, self-service dispensing system featuring approximately 1,300 popular DVD movie titles. Located inside the Milwaukee West Train Station, at 911 S. Telegraph Rd. in Lake Forest, the DVD2GO is available when the station is open, 5:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 5:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday, Sunday and holidays. To use the system, simply swipe your library card. The items are checked out for free on your Lake Forest library card. You can even reserve DVDs ahead of time by logging on to http://dvd2go.lakeforestlibrary.org and entering your Lake Forest Library card number. “We opened it in April 2011 and it’s been extremely popular,” said Director Kaye Grabbe at Monday night’s City Council meeting. “Right now, about 7 to 10% of the DVDs we circulate in the library come from this machine. It’s very popular.”
LibraryBox
The LibraryBox is a wireless network used to provide free eBooks and other content to the public. It does not require a login and is completely free, and is used to provide quality public domain and creative commons licensed materials to the public. The library plans to expand this to be a place for members of the public to share art, writing, and music. To share content, you would use your mobile phone, laptop, or eReader to connect to the “LibraryBox – Free Content” wireless network at the library (just like connecting to your wireless internet at home). Once connected, you use a web browser to go to any page and it will automatically redirect you. While always available at the library, LibraryBox will also pop up at various public locations, such as Caribou Coffee, where it was recently available for a month.
Sensory Story Time
This Sat., October 20 from 10 to 10:30 a.m., the library will host a new program for special needs children and their caregivers called Sensory Story Time. Play with puppets, learn about apples, and sing, “There was an Old Lady who Swallowed a Bat.” But beware … spiders may make you jump. This program is free and open to all families in the Lake Forest/Lake Bluff community. Call the Lake Forest Children’s Library at 847-234-0648 for more information.
There’s Something About Brunetti
Join Lake Forest Library librarians for a new mystery book discussion program this coming Mon., Oct. 22, 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. The group will discuss Donna Leon’s popular series set in Venice. In her latest installment, “Beastly Things,” published in 2012, Commissario Guido Brunetti solves his 21st whodunit while pondering the deeper issues of morality, work, family life, and marriage. Leon has been praised for her ability to capture the beauty of this famous Italian city, the flavors of the Italian cuisine, and the essence of the Italian soul. This program is free and open to adults in the Lake Forest/Lake Bluff community. Call the Reference Desk, 847-810-4610, or visit the library website for more information.
