Ela Area Public Library

The Friends of Ela Library will hold their spring used book sale in the Library on Friday, May 23 from 6-9 p.m. for members only; Saturday, May 24 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (members receive 10% off); and Sunday, May 25 from noon-3 p.m. -- remaining books will be sold for $5 per bag.

Thousands of books in a variety of categories will be available at bargain prices. May’s sale will feature a huge selection of large print books and young adult favorites. Proceeds from the sale will be donated to the Library to help provide materials and equipment.

The Library is no longer accepting donations for this sale. New donations can be dropped off at the Library beginning May 27.

Be prepared! Don't miss this free open house event at the Library on Saturday, May 17 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on safety and disaster awareness as well as community preparedness.

• LifeSource Blood Drive from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. – Appointments are appreciated, but walk-ins are welcome. To schedule an appointment, please call the Library at 847/438-3433 or logon to http://www.lsbrighten.org/ and use our sponsor code LZ27.
• Touch A Truck from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
• Meet Mascots from the Police and Fire Departments from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
• Safety and Basic First Aid Presentations from 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.– Educational sessions on a variety of topics will take place every 30 minutes. See schedule below.
• Free Culver's custard from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
• K-9 Demonstration Featuring Maxx from the Wauconda Police Department at noon.
• Illinois/Wisconsin Search and Rescue Dogs Demonstration at 1 p.m.

• 10:30 a.m. -- Basic First Aid
• 11 a.m. -- Fire Extinguisher Demonstration
• 11:30 a.m. -- Medications -- Preparing for Individuals With Special Needs
• noon -- AED Overview
• 1 p.m. -- Getting Started -- How to Prepare a Home Safety Kit
• 1:30 p.m. -- Is Your Child's Car Seat Properly Installed
• 2 p.m. -- Have a Plan
• 2:30 p.m. -- Water Safety -- WHALE (Water Habits are Learned Early) Tales -- for children in grades K-3rd

Cosponsored with the Lake Zurich Fire Department, Lake Zurich, Hawthorn Woods and Kildeer Police Departments, Red Cross, Good Shepherd Hospital, Coast Guard, Illinois/Wisconsin Search and Rescue Dogs and other community organizations.

Free key chain flashlights (while supplies last) and hourly raffles. No registration required.

Funded by a grant awarded by the Illinois State Library (ISL), a Division of the Office of Secretary of State, using funds provided by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), under the federal Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA).

The Library will sponsor a collection drive to send to our troops in the Middle East in June and July. Click here to view a detailed list of items needed. Collection boxes will be located in the Library's lobby. Thank you for your support.

The Morningstar Guide to Alternative Investments is a new electronic booklet available on our website that features Morningstar’s approach to investments such as options, exchange traded funds (ETF’s) and closed end funds. Those interested in investing should definitely take a look. You can also find more of our business-related online resources on our Business & Finance Online Databases page.

Congratulations to Trustees Kathy Caudill, Dennis Rossow and Chris Stachowiak -- the first graduates of North Suburban Library System's Trustee Training and Certification Program.

Sharing a common belief that knowledgeable trustees make for better libraries, the graduates recently completed a nine course core curriculum developed by NSLS. Topics covered included conducting effective meetings, complying with library law, and deciphering budgets, tax caps, and taxes. Trustees in the program were also expected to complete a number of core activities which included participating in a library conference, attending a state or national advocacy event, attending another library’s board meeting, or writing an article or giving a public presentation about their library. The trustees or their entire boards can select and achieve one of three levels of certification.

Caudill, Rossow and Stachowiak along with seven trustees from other Chicago suburban libraries were recognized for their accomplishments at the annual NSLS Membership Awards Banquet.

Once again, we invite you to participate in the Library's 2nd annual reading project, One Book, One Reading Community. This year's selection is Sara Gruen's novel Water for Elephants. Copies of her book are available at the Readers' Services Desk.

Tune in to our new virtual tour.

The Friends of Ela Library, a non-profit group that supports the Library through various activities, is looking for volunteers to sort books for upcoming used book sales. Interested? Contact Libby at (847) 540-0745.

Stay connected with the Library -- subscribe to Bookletters newsletter emails. Our latest enewsletters include Sweet and Savory Suggestions (cookbook picks and reviews) and Computer Happenings (interesting tibits about technology and computer books).

Use the Library's new Ask a Librarian instant message (IM) reference service to direct brief questions requiring short answers to a reference librarian at the Adult Reference Desk. This service is available during regular library hours.

Also, students in grades 4 through beginning college can get assistance online from tutors in the areas of math, science, social studies, and English through Live Homework Help. This chat-based service is available every day from 2-10 p.m.

Have you ever wondered how much you would pay out-of-pocket for the Library services you use? The figure might surprise you.