Book Banter

Construction Begins!

2011-12-01T13:26:00.004-06:00

Construction began on the new library (on Pulaski) this Monday, November 28th. The old library building will receive a renovation and addition. Workers began to remove the old interior of the building this week. Additional pictures have been posted on Flickr.

Visit Us at Our New Temporary Space!

2011-11-08T16:36:00.004-06:00

Movers, workers and library staff did a tremendous amount of work to transform the warehouse into a nice temporary library. (More pictures in future posts.) Come visit us at 12838 S Cicero!

Moving Process

2011-11-08T16:20:00.004-06:00

The move was an amazing process. The Corrigan Movers transported hundreds of boxes of books from the Pulaski facility to the temporary space at 12838 S Cicero. The building was formerly rented by Red Hawk Security.

Starting to Pack up the Library

2011-09-27T15:50:00.003-05:00

The adventure begins! This morning the movers dropped off gray plastic packing crates so the staff can start packing up their desks and the small paperback books.

We have great sales in our Atrium Sale Room. Only 50 cents for discarded DVD's, CD's, and Books on CD. $5 for a bag full of books. We provide the bag for you.

Come check out library materials before this Saturday, October 1st at 5:00 PM. You get to keep the materials until October 31st. After all, if you borrow it, we don't have to move it!

Moving the Library

2011-09-22T14:07:00.002-05:00

The Alsip-Merrionette Park Library is about to start renovating and adding on to our building.

During construction, it is cheaper and faster for us to move library operations off-site.

We will close the 11960 S. Pulaski facility at 5:00 PM on Saturday, October 1st. We will close the book drop the day before, Friday, September 30th at 5:00 PM.

We hope to open again on Monday, October 24th at 9 AM at 12838 S. Cicero, across from the Baymont Hotel.

Come check out lots of library materials so we won't have to move them! The due date for everything is October 31st.

Currently you can't request materials online. Three neighboring libraries have agreed to do ILL for you: Blue Island, Palos Heights and Oak Lawn.

The October Book Discussion Group has been cancelled. The October book, "Tinkers" will be discussed on November 3 at the 12838 S. Cicero location.

Any questions? Watch for updates here. Or Call us, or check out the latest information on our website:
http://alsiplibrary.org/libmove.html

Summer Reading

2011-05-31T09:49:00.001-05:00

Little Bee

2011-03-24T13:47:00.002-05:00

The book "Little Bee" by Chris Cleave will be discussed at our next Book Discussion Group on Thursday evening, April 7 at 7 PM. Please pick up your book at the Circulation Desk before Thursday, March 31st. If you need to pick it up after this date, please contact the Adult Services Desk at 708/371-5666.

Tender Bar

2010-11-01T09:53:00.002-05:00

Our next book discussion will be this Thursday, November 4th at 7 PM. We will be discussing the book "Tender Bar" by J.R. Moehringer. Copies are still available at the Reference Desk.

Architectural Boat Tour

2010-07-19T14:14:00.002-05:00

We still have openings for our boat trip on August 13, from 1-5. Only $10! For further info, please call the library -- or register in person at the Reference Desk.

School Supplies and Food Drive

2010-07-14T15:47:00.003-05:00

The library will be holding a School Supplies and Food Drive from July 19 to August 20th. Please bring new school supplies and non-perishable food items for Worth Township to distribute to area families in need.

Independence Day

2010-07-02T16:12:00.002-05:00

The Library will be closed on Monday, July 5th for Independence Day. Don't forget to check out your books, movies, music and games on Saturday, July 3rd!

Summer Reading Programs

2010-06-12T09:45:00.002-05:00

The library offers Summer Reading Programs for all ages. "Sweet Read Chicago" is the adult program. Just read 3 books, and you will win a Chicago-related prize. If you read books with Chicago authors or topics, you will be eligible for additional prizes. High School students can read one or more books, and they will be entered in a drawing for gift cards and the grand prize of an iPod. Come to the Adult Services Desk to sign up. Programs end on July 31st this year.

Kill-A-Watt Meter

2010-05-18T14:34:00.003-05:00

Test the energy-efficiency of your appliances with a Com-Ed Kill-A-Watt Meter. Get a plastic browser from the Adult Reference Desk, and check it out!

Intermediate MS Excel Class on April 30

2010-04-26T13:57:00.002-05:00

John Hojek will be back to teach "part 2" of his MS Excel class this Friday, April 30. For further information, please call Adult Services at 708/371-5666 x 108.

Vote for our videos!

2010-04-20T14:43:00.003-05:00

Our kids produced videos of some favorite books: "Fantastic Mr. Fox", "Dirty Joe the Pirate", "I Ain't Gonna Paint No More", and "The Red Tree." Vote for their videos in the StoryTubes competition from April 20-24!
Click here to vote.

National Library Week Drawing

2010-04-14T16:45:00.001-05:00

Celebrate National Library Week through April 17, 2010. Bring your Alsip-Merrionette Park Library card, and enter a drawing for a Blu-Ray player!

Brookfield Zoo and Museum Passes

2010-04-06T10:25:00.002-05:00

The library has a limited number of Brookfield Zoo and suburban museum passes available. Call the Adult Services Dept at 708/371-5666 x108 for details, or check here for a list of participating museums.

White Sox Progam

2010-04-03T15:45:00.003-05:00

Eight-one people attended the recent program about the White Sox, presented by their team historian Richard Lindberg. See additional pictures on Flickr.

Art Show in Youth Services

2010-04-03T15:42:00.002-05:00

Don't miss the District 130 Art Show on display in the lower-level Youth Services Dept. through April 30th. Pictures will be posted soon!

StoryTubes Competition

2010-04-03T15:14:00.003-05:00

Congratulations to the Youth Services Dept on being finalists in the StoryTubes video competition! Take a look at their video versions of some good stories!

Snapshot: One Day in the Life of IL Libraries

2010-02-11T20:16:00.002-06:00

On February 10, surveys were given about the Alsip-Merrionette Park Library. Here are a few of the responses:

--Very convenient hours of operation
Well-organized resources
Very friendly, congenial, and helpful/assisting staff!

--They're very helpful when you need help with anything.

--I come to this library 3-4 times a week. My 2 kids come every day to do research, Internet and check out books. This is the nicest branch I have ever been to and the staff is very friendly.

--Always very polite and helpful

--Funding should be increased to allow the library to be open additional hours/days.

--Check out movies and games -- a great asset to our community.

THANKS to all who participated!

Need More Information on Judges?

2010-02-01T18:13:00.003-06:00

If you want to find information on judges so you'll be ready for tomorrow's election, take a look at VoteforJudges.org

It provides evaluations from the Alliance of Bar Associations for Judicial Screening.

Support IL Libraries

2010-01-23T10:06:00.001-06:00

We would appreciate your support of IL libraries.
Click HERE to help save IL libraries.

New email newsletter

2010-01-21T16:31:00.006-06:00

The library will be sending out a new email newsletter. Updates on programs and library news will come to your inbox every two weeks.
Click here to sign up.

George Washington School Art Show

2010-01-14T20:21:00.005-06:00

Don't miss the student art being displayed in the Youth Services Dept. Come for a visit, or check it out on Flickr

Thanks for your generosity!

2010-01-06T10:51:00.002-06:00

Thanks to everyone who donated to our holiday drive! We truly appreciate all the many patrons who brought toys, food and financial contributions. Worth Township distributed these to the families in our area who were in need. Thank you and Happy New Year1

The Holidays are Coming!

2009-11-23T10:00:00.003-06:00

The holiday season is upon us and the Alsip-Merionette Park Public Library is hosting our 8th annual Food and Toy Drive through December 23rd. There are two large boxes located near the Adult Services desk for drop-offs. Donations of non-perishable food items and new toys will be given to those who are in need in our community.

Looking for fresh ideas? The library has plenty of books to help you with your projects. Whether you are looking for books about decorating, cooking or crafting, we have them all. There is also a selection of popular holiday DVD's appropriate for the whole family. Let the library help you celebrate this year!

Library Short List for Fall

2009-08-27T19:00:00.008-05:00

The calendar still reads August, and, even if the weather outside doesn't reflect it, it is still technically summer. But here at the library we are already in fall mode. Our school supply drive is in full swing, our book club is cramming in the last few pages of Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrow's The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society before its September 3 meeting, and we are finalizing all our fall programs and events.

This year we're looking to help you save money while being eco-conscious with "Going Green, Saving Green" on Thursday, October 29, but not before well-known author Chad Lewis scares you with his talk on the "Most Haunted Locations in Illinois." And we are once again offering our Beginners Computer Classes throughout the fall. Registration begins the first full week of September, so get here early to sign up!

If that wasn't fun enough for you, we are pleased to announce that we will begin carrying passes for many of the museums around the greater Chicagoland area, such as the Bronzeville Children's Museum, the Chicago Botanic Gardens, and the Morton Arboretum. Click here for a full list of all participating museums. Unfortunately, none of the Chicago museums are participating in this, but don't forget that they do offer free days every month! Click here for a complete listing.

The back to school hustle and bustle will resume soon, if it hasn't already, and the long, lazy days of summer - the kind filled with swimming pools and melting ice cream cones - are giving way to the shorter, breezier ones of fall. You'll have to go inside eventually, we're just trying to make your time indoors a little more entertaining.

Photo courtesy of Avmaier's Flickr

Back to School

2009-08-13T17:27:00.008-05:00

It seems like summer finally decided to make an appearance. After filing multiple missing reports and sending out the search party, summer showed. A little cooler than before and long overdue, but I know that we at the library are willing to forgive some fashionable lateness in exchange for warm sunny days (and some party dip). However, at the risk of sounding pessimistic, summer has no sooner arrived than we're already talking about the dreaded (for students and teachers alike) back-to-school. It isn't all bad though? The upshot of back to school is back to school supplies! Who doesn't like a new pack of crayons, still smooth and unbroken, shiny as a freshly waxed car. Even those of us who are adults get into the spirit; after all, we were all students once, right? The very word "August" inspires visions of Trapper Keepers, and don't get us started on that "new pencil eraser" smell.

Since we're on the topic of school supplies, it bears mentioning that we are a drop off point for the Worth Township School Supply Drive. Returning to the classroom in the fall is a lot easier with some new notebooks and pens, and there are a lot of people who need some help providing these materials for their children. If you can, please donate. Even if it is just a new binder or a set of colored pencils, any contribution helps. Just think about how excited you were going to school on that first day, a backpack heavy, not only with school supplies, but with promise.

Reel Tales

2009-07-31T11:01:00.008-05:00

Are we the only ones disappointed by summer in Chicago this year? Those long sweaty days, temperatures well into the 90's with 100% humidity, we never thought we'd say this, but we want them back! We promise we'll never complain again. Just give two consecutive days of sun and warm weather. Please.

Apart from the weather, another thing we love about summertime (no, not ice cream, but we do love that, too) is the movies! Escaping into the cool darkness of a movie theater to check out the latest from Hollywood and beyond is one of our favorite ways to spend an afternoon or evening: eating the better part of our popcorn before the previews are even over (which of course leads us to steal fistfuls of Junior Mints from our neighbors) as we sit transfixed in front of the silver screen as the stories carry us away to lands both distant and near.

Lately, it seems like more and more of the stories coming up are based on books that we have here at the library. So we thought to ourselves, why not pick some of our favorite books that were made into movies? There are heartwarming (and heartbreakingly beautiful) ones like Jhumpa Lahiri's The Namesake or Sue Monk Kidd's The Secret Life of Bees, but there are also thrillers & darker titles such as Cormac McCarthy's No Country for Old Men and John Grisham's The Pelican Brief. No matter what your taste, we have a book to suit it. Titles that you can enjoy with a bowlful of popcorn from your own microwave or stove top (or air popper, if you're fancy enough to have such a gadget), Junior Mints from Walgreens, and as long as you don't get butter or chocolate stains on the pages, we won't have a problem.

Photo courtesy of Princess Theater's Flickr Page

You Like Us, You Really Like Us

2009-07-23T17:32:00.010-05:00

I wish that I could say that we at the library are above letting a little praise go to our heads, but we're only human, and we're here to serve you, so when we know you're happy with our services, well, it makes us smile (to say the very least). We love our jobs, but it isn't always easy to know how to judge our work. We depend on you, the library user, to provide us with feedback. In this way we're very much like beauty queens and Olympic gymnasts, it doesn't matter how well we think we did, what matters is what the judges - in this case, you - think (thankfully, unlike the Miss Americas and Shawn Johnsons of the world, we are not required to be judged on our work while wearing bathing suits or body-conscious leotards).

Why do I mention this? Well, we have been trying to add some Web 2.0 technology to our service offerings as another way of connecting with you, dear user, when you're online wherever you are: on a laptop in Panera, on your phone in a store, or even using one of our computers here at the library. We have a Meebo so you can chat with us (username: alsiplibraryref), a Flickr account so you can see what goes on here, this blog so we can ramble on & on, and a Twitter account because, well, why not! The last one is a lot of fun for us, and we recently heard that you're liking it, too, thanks to a patron who was happy to share with us. Not only are we glad that you're finding us online, but we're glad that you're telling us as much!

And so we would just like to thank you for sharing with us. We'd love to hear more, so please let us know what we are (or are not) doing right, and as always, thanks for stopping by - really, thank you.

Summer Reading

2009-07-03T14:01:00.016-05:00

Summer has finally arrived, and the Summer Reading Programs here at the library are in full swing. In an attempt to help you find new books that are interesting to you, we are always working on new displays, and this month's is called "Nothing but the Truth: Non-fiction Reads for Summer." Since those who read a non-fiction title are eligible for an additional prize at the end of this summer's program, we figure that we should make it as easy as possible for all our participants to get their shot. So we've got something for everyone: books on Chicago's architecture, memoirs & biographies, true crime, and America's pastime, baseball (because nothing says 'summer' quite like a couple of hot dogs at a night game with your friends).

Of course, we also have our weekly display. This week's is highlighting our new knitting and crafts books. When it is too hot to go outside, you can spend your days inside knitting sweaters for your friends and family because although it is warm now, it will be winter in Chicago before you know it. Not that we're wishing it upon anyone, but we all know it will be here eventually. All the more reason to seize these long summer days. Our recommendation is that you spend as much time as possible reading in the shade with a glass of lemonade and take a trip or two to the ballpark. When it is nice like this, what else is there to do?

Photo courtesy of FaceMePLS' Flickr account

Rainy Day(s) Suggestions

2009-06-19T12:32:00.004-05:00

Springtime in the Chicagoland area has been more like "raintime," as we spent the months of April, May, and June in a soggy state. Here at the library we are hoping that the official start of summer this Sunday, June 21st will also be the (un)official end of all this rain. However, this wet weather does offer the perfect excuse for staying indoors with a good book, movie, or magazine (or, if you are like some of us who can be a bit gluttonous when it comes to these matters, a big stack of books, movies and magazines). You can just call us 'enablers,' because we're always adding new titles to our shelves, which only encourages this kind of behavior.

With our summer reading program already underway, we're working hard to provide our patrons with a wide variety of books. We are having an additional raffle for all patrons who read a non-fiction title as part of their 5 books, so this week's book display is highlighting some of the best of our collection of food-related memoirs, "Food Life: Memoirs from Cooks, Chefs, and Everyday Food Lovers." You really should check one out. Or two, or three, or four...don't worry, we have more.

How We Spent Our Spring Stay-cation, Summer Reading, and Other Matters of Business

2009-06-13T14:41:00.003-05:00

Well, you may have noticed that we've been gone for a while, but we're back, and we've been busy! We have been working on our website, playing host to some fun events like flower arranging and District 130's artwork, and winning the Little Trivia on the Prairie competition this past April while we've been away, but we're glad to be back to blogging.

This is shaping up to be a fun summer at the library. As usual, we have our summer reading programs for kids, teens, and adults. We're asking everyone to get out of their old reading grooves and try something different. If you normally read Science Fiction, maybe give mysteries a try. A big Romance reader? How about taking some historical fiction to the beach instead? Maybe you're just bored of the same old and hoping for something brand new (or at least new to you), please stop by our reference desk, and we will gladly help you make some selections. We get new books in all the time, and we're more than happy to help you find the right titles for you! Our teens have the added benefit of being entered for a cool prize: a brand new iPod Nano in a color of his or her choosing. There can be only one winner, but the only way to be eligible is to participate - so get reading!

StoryTubes

2009-02-17T10:33:00.002-06:00

The Youth Services Department has produced some videos for the StoryTubes competition:
http://www.alsiplibrary.net/videos.html

Blu-ray comes to the library

2009-02-02T14:52:00.002-06:00

We're starting to get movies on Blu-ray. Call for information, or come check them out!

Get Your Circuit Breaker Forms!

2009-01-28T14:12:00.002-06:00

The library has received the new Circuit Breaker forms (on paper)! Pick up yours at the Reference Desk on the first floor. Limit two per person.

Circuit Breaker Form (IL-1363)

2009-01-17T13:21:00.001-06:00

The State of IL has posted form IL-1363 (the Circuit Breaker) is now available online at http://www.cbrx.il.gov/

Staff Pick

2009-01-06T14:57:00.002-06:00

Several Alsip-Merrionette Park Library staff members highly recommend the book, The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows. The book on cd has marvelous readers, and a print copy is also available.

Good People

2008-12-29T14:40:00.002-06:00

A patron recommended Chicagoan Marcus Sakey's book, Good People.

Happy Holidays!

2008-12-16T18:59:00.002-06:00

The Alsip-Merrionette Park Public Library has a number of holiday books, cds and dvds. Come check them out! The library will be closed for the holidays on December 24th-25th, and December 31st--January 1st.

New Online Calendar

2008-11-12T07:05:00.002-06:00

The library has a new online calendar. Patrons can email themselves reminders about events -- on the day of the event, or a few days in advance. Take a look!

Genealogy Program

2008-11-07T22:01:00.002-06:00

"Research Your Family Tree Online" -- Don't miss this program on Wednesday, November 19th at 7:00 pm in the lower-level meeting room.

Look at us on Facebook

2008-10-14T06:55:00.004-05:00

Be a fan of the Alsip Library on facebook!

Mystery Writers Panel

2008-09-29T19:29:00.002-05:00

Wedesday October 22nd at 6:30 PM

Come and hear three Chicago area mystery writers talk about their books and the writing process. This will be a unique experience for all attendees. Meet Julie A. Hyzy author of the White House Chef series; Michael A. Black, author of the Ron Shade books; and Dave Case, author of Out of Cabrini.

Please call the library, at (708) 371-5666 to register for the Mystery Writers Panel.

Brainfuse Live Homework Help

2008-09-26T16:43:00.003-05:00

You can get live homework help through our new database, Brainfuse.

Click on the database link below, and type in your Alsip-Merrionette Park Library card barcode. Scroll down and try Brainfuse!

http://www2.sls.lib.il.us/cgi-bin/AMS/databases.pl

Coming Soon!

2008-09-18T15:15:00.003-05:00

Soon you will be able to send documents from your laptop or home computer to the library's printer.

Also, the library now offers a live homework help service, Brainfuse. Come try it out on the Youth Services Dept.'s computers. It will soon be available from the library's website, also.

Thanks for participating in the Summer Reading Program!

2008-08-26T13:14:00.002-05:00

Thank you to everyone who participated in the Adult Summer Reading Program, "Look What's Cookin' at Your Library!"

Weekly winners included Juanita Babcock, Anna Mae Stevens, Audrey Migliore, Jeanne Cukaj, Maren Waksmundski, Tracy Lieberman, Carolyn Blanchette and Evelyn Baxter.

A special thank you to those who submitted recipes. A recipe booklet will be available soon at the Reference Desk.

Patron Recommendation

2008-07-09T18:07:00.003-05:00

A patron enjoyed The Snake Charmer: a life and death in pursuit of knowledge. You'll learn many interesting, offbeat facts about snakes. Even if you don't like snakes, you may find insights into Mother Nature's predators and copycats. A masterpiece.

Keep Your Library Books and DVDs Longer!

2008-07-03T10:39:00.002-05:00

Beginning July 1, 2008, the library is extending its loan period for books, audiobooks, and non-fiction DVDs to three weeks with one renewal. Feature films and Family DVDs will have a 7 day loan period with no renewals. The loan period for all rentals (books and DVDs) will continue to be three days. Now you can enjoy the materials you check out from the library for a longer time without worrying about overdue fines!

Teen Scene

2008-06-18T19:49:00.001-05:00

Check out our new teen blog, Teen Scene:
http://ampplteenscene.blogspot.com/

Don't miss our Summer Reading Programs!

2008-06-10T11:09:00.002-05:00

With so much to see and do this summer, don’t forget to put the library at the top of your list. We have reading programs for children, teens and adults. There will be lots of prizes and, best of all, lots of fun stuff to do. Make sure to check out every page of this newsletter so you won’t miss a thing!

Since the cost of gas (and everything else) is going up, up, up, the library is a great summer entertainment value! So whether you’ll be catching the reading bug, joining the reading remix or will look at what’s cookin’ at your library, you’re sure to have fun at the Alsip-Merrionette Park Library this summer!

Patron Recommends . . . .

2008-05-03T15:29:00.004-05:00

A patron recommends Erased: Missing Women, Murdered Wives by Marilee Strong. (364.1523/STR)

Come check out our Wii Games!

2008-04-24T16:59:00.004-05:00

National Library Week

2008-04-14T18:26:00.001-05:00

Don't forget to visit your library and win prizes!

If you can't be a model. . . .

2008-04-11T07:21:00.002-05:00

Yesterday morning, Spike O'Dell interviewed Cheryl Tiegs. He asked what career she would have chosen if she hadn't been a model. Her answer was "A librarian. .. . !" She talked about receiving the Oxford English Dictionary as a childhood gift, and her love for books.

Wii Won a Technology Grant!

2008-03-24T18:56:00.022-05:00

The Youth Services Dept. has received a Library Services & Technology Act grant* to help develop technology that will draw teens to our library. These funds are providing a Nintendo Wii for use in monthly gaming tournaments, as well as gaming books, video games and more. Wii games are now available for patrons to check out for one week! There will be a $1 per day overdue fee. For further info, please contact the Youth Services Dept. at 708/371-5666.

*"Funding for this grant was 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)."

Sites for Book Lovers

2008-03-13T21:19:00.002-05:00

One of my favorite book-related sites is Librarything.com, where I keep a bookshelf/list of all I've read over the past year.

Shelfari looks like a fun site, also. What sites do you recommend for book lovers?

Patron Book Recommendations

2008-03-10T20:48:00.002-05:00

A patron recommends these books:

Storming Las Vegas by John Huddy

Back Nine by Billy Mott

High Crimes by Michael Codes

School Psychologist Turns to Murder!

2008-03-05T08:47:00.004-06:00

Attention, Mystery Lovers! Don't miss your chance to meet author Denise Swanson. Her Scumble River mystery series features school psychologist Skye Denison, not your perfect Barbie Doll sleuth. These fun books are set in a fictional Midwestern town, loosely based on Swanson's own hometown of Coal City, IL. A book signing will follow her entertaining program. Mark it on your calendar for March 12 at 7 PM! For registration and further information, contact the Adult Services Dept. at 708/371-5666.

New DVD and CD Racks

2008-02-21T14:54:00.005-06:00

Staff member Kathy Knoll browses
the DVDs on the library's new
shelving units. Music CDs are
also filed on these racks for easier access.

We have Circuit Breaker forms!

2008-02-11T20:52:00.000-06:00

The state of IL has sent the Circuit Breaker booklets, the IL-1363.
They are available on the first floor of the library, across from the Reference Desk.

New CD shelves

2008-01-22T11:52:00.000-06:00

Patrons can now freely browse the library's music CDs.
The majority of the collection is now displayed
on new racks in the middle of the first floor.
Come take a look!

Matrimony

2008-01-18T16:36:00.000-06:00

A local patron recommends the book Matrimony
by Joshua Henkin,
describing it as "well-written"
and "worth reading."

Talented Patrons

2008-01-14T14:22:00.000-06:00

We are grateful to all our generous patrons

who contributed toys and food to the holiday drive.

Some talented patrons crocheted and sewed

special clothing items for area children. Thank you!

Pictured: Adult Services Librarian Maritza Ruiz
holds up a specially-made dress.

Patron Book Reviews

2007-12-19T18:13:00.000-06:00

I have 2 book reviews on similar books:The first one is "Wonderful Tonight", by Patty Boyd. Before reading this book, I didn't know that much about Eric Clapton, but I was surprised (and disappointed) to learn from this book how much of an alcoholic/drug addict Eric Clapton had been while he was very poplular. Much of this book focused on this, and how horrible the relationship was between Patty and Eric.The original idea of the book was how, while she was married to George Harrison (of Beatles fame), Eric Clapton fell in love with her, and then she divorced George to be with Eric.In my opinion, she left a wonderful, loving man to be with someone who was heavily into drugs and alcohol.The second book is, "Clapton", (the autobiography), by Eric Clapton himself. This book was far better than the first one, and even though his alcohol/drug abuse was mentioned quite frequently, it was interspersed with names of all of the famous people he met along the way during his musical career, how he taught himself to play the guitar, his pitiful (but interesting) childhood, etc.I found this book to be far more interesting and much better written than "Wonderful Tonight".Thank God Eric Clapton has since become sober, because he is a very talented musician, as well as a very talented writer.

Sweatshirt Winners

2007-12-13T16:37:00.000-06:00

Congratulations to
Cheryl D’Amato
and Lisa L. Adams,
the first two winter
sweatshirt winners.
Come sign up at the library
for your chance to win!

Thanks for your generosity!

2007-12-06T13:48:00.000-06:00

A big "Thank You!" to all who have brought toys and food for Worth Township to distribute to those in need. We will continue to receive items until December 21st.

Winter Sweatshirt Drawing

2007-11-30T14:51:00.000-06:00

During the holiday season,

the library will be holding

weekly drawings

for a winter sweatshirt.

All library district

cardholders are eligible

to enter the drawings.

Come sign up for a chance to win!

Share the Magic of the Holidays!

2007-11-20T13:50:00.000-06:00

The Alsip-Merrionette Park Public Library is very proud to sponsor our 5th Annual Food and Toy Drive. You can drop off non-perishable food items, new unwrapped toys, or monetary donations at the library between November 20 and December 21. Worth Township will distribute donations to area families in need. Together we can help make the holidays happy!

Happy Birthday!

2007-10-27T11:29:00.001-05:00

A big "Thank You!" to the patron who brought the beautifully decorated cakes to celebrate a staff birthday. We all appreciate your thoughtfulness very much!

Book Review from Patron

2007-10-08T17:12:00.000-05:00

This book review is about David Talbot's book, "Brothers: the hidden history of the Kennedy Years", which is about the Kennedy brothers during their time of presidency, death, etc. If you are really into politics, this is a good book for you to read, but it is very deeply political, and I gave up on it after about the third chapter.
There are some unexpected, formerly unpublicized details about their deaths, but this is a long book that you really have to dedicate yourself to reading, with no distractions.

Gardening Program

2007-09-28T09:20:00.000-05:00

On Wednesday evening, September 26th,
Mary Lou McKendree Poremba
presented a program entitled,
"How to have color and interest
in your garden all year long."
She also shared helpful tips on pruning.
A good crowd enjoyed her excellent
presentation, and a raffle for door prizes.

Upcoming Programs

2007-09-21T09:45:00.000-05:00

DON'T FORGET. . . . The Youth Services Dept. is showing a movie at 2 PM this Saturday, Sept. 22nd. Call 708/371-5666 for details.

Our next Adult Services program is Wednesday, Sept 26th at 7 PM -- How to Have Color and Interest in Your Garden All Year Long -- with Mary Lou Poremba. Call to register. We hope to see you there!

Grand Prize Winners

2007-09-06T11:24:00.000-05:00

Grand prize winners
-Adult Summer Reading Program -- Anna Mae Stevens
-High School Reading -- Donovan Robinson

Our most recent weekly prize winners:
Adult -- B. Bronkala, Patricia Danielski
High School -- Tim Ewers

Thanks for reading with us! See you next summer!

Thanks for your donations!

2007-08-30T11:24:00.000-05:00

We thank everybody who generously donated school supplies and food this month! Worth Township has been distributing them to area families.

Summer Reading Weekly Winners

2007-08-24T10:11:00.000-05:00

Congratulations to recent Adult Summer Reading Program weekly winners: Bertha E. Martin, Nancy Urban, Cathryn A. Lanenga, and J. Sigrist. Thanks again to everyone who has been participating! Adults and high school students, get your book slips in by August 31!

Say it ain't so, Janet!

2007-08-16T18:12:00.000-05:00

Some of you put your name on the list for "No Chance", the new Janet Evanovich book coming out in October. (Her cowriter for this new series is Stephen J. Cannell.) According to her website, the book has been postponed indefinitely , due to a "scheduling conflict."

New Assistant Director

2007-08-06T10:26:00.001-05:00

Sue Pajor is our new Assistant Director, as well as the Manager of the Adult Services Department. Sue has worked at our library in previous years in both the Adult and Youth Services Departments. Most recently Sue was a school librarian with Ridgeland District 122. Sue says she’s happy to be back at our library and we’re glad to have her!

Adult Services Reading Program

2007-07-17T14:19:00.000-05:00

Dave Wartenberg is the first weekly winner for the Adult Services Summer Reading Program, "Get a Clue @ Your Library." More than one hundred adults have signed up so far, and it's not too late to join. For further information, contact the Adult Services Dept. at 708/371-5666.

Book Review

2007-07-17T14:02:00.000-05:00

I checked out, but did not read, "Why Good People Do Bad Things", by James Hollis.The reason I did not read it is because after skimming through it and discovering it was about the Abu Ghraib prison, I was no longer interested.The title is misleading, and I was under the impression that it was about people under normal circumstances.It basically explains how normal people in the military became mentally sick and violent when given authority over people who were in this prison. It goes into graphic detail about disturbing sexual acts. I was very disappointed when I realized that this was the subject of this book.
--Anonymous patron

Summer Reading Program

2007-06-14T20:33:00.000-05:00

The Alsip-Merrionette Park Library has summer reading programs for all ages. This year's theme is "Get a Clue @ Your Library!" If you are a resident of Alsip, Merrionette Park or Garden Homes, sign up today!

Kudos for Senior Day

2007-05-25T15:40:00.000-05:00

An article from the Speak Out section of the May 24 Daily Southtown newspaper:
"Seniors Day was great fun at library
The Alsip-Merrionette Park public Library Seniors Day was great, especially the speakers. They were all very good." Thank you to the patron who called in these encouraging words!
A big thank-you to Food4Less and Nino's Pizza for donating lunch.

New computer sign-up

2007-05-16T17:16:00.000-05:00

Adult patrons can now sign up for Internet/PC use through a new computerized system, located next to the Print Station. Come to the Reference Desk to set up a password.

Windy City Thunderbolts' Mascot

2007-05-05T16:28:00.000-05:00

Boomer, the Thunderbolts' mascot, visited the Youth Services Dept. for National Library Week in April.

Celebrate National Library Week!

2007-04-11T15:18:00.000-05:00

Visit us for National Library Week (April 16-21)
as we celebrate with drawings and prizes!
Grand prize will be a portable DVD player!

Kids --Come to the Youth Services Department. Tell us your favorite book, author or illustrator, and you will be entered in a drawing to win great prizes. Open to Alsip-Merrionette Park Public Library residents only.

What Are You Reading??

2007-01-15T18:18:00.000-06:00

Have you read a good book lately that you want others to know about? Or maybe even one that wasn't so good! Post a book review on our blog and share your reading experience with others.