tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56821359043270264492023-11-16T09:53:20.864-06:00PlainTalkRobertahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10367919742703381442noreply@blogger.comBlogger436125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5682135904327026449.post-64983223891075324952014-01-31T17:11:00.003-06:002014-01-31T17:11:23.842-06:00A final word of PlainTalk
Well folks, this is the last official post on the PlainTalk blog for the Des Plaines Public Library. On February 4th, we're launching a brand new website. We'll be blogging right on the website. It will be called "The Blog". Fancy, right?
The best part is that you will see posts from people working in many different departments on a variety of topics. You're sure to find something to Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02082807633189083524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5682135904327026449.post-53279853230688191042013-12-20T11:38:00.001-06:002013-12-20T11:38:22.927-06:00Read the world's breaking news with Library Press Display
This month we're featuring Library Press Display, your online portal to the world's news. Library Press Display gathers together thousands of papers from around the world. They're searchable and readable right from your computer (yes, you can do this from home).
Where did that article come from?
If you have used other resources to find newspaper articles, you know that it's easy to get Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02082807633189083524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5682135904327026449.post-57322721079781997212013-12-13T12:14:00.000-06:002013-12-13T13:39:25.770-06:00Books for a smarter, happier, better you from 2013
As 2013 comes to a close, let's look at some of the books that we think will make you smarter, better, and happier. Whether you want to know how to your smartphone or get new insights into history, here are some of our favorites.
Biography
Nine Years underNine Years under"Six Feet Under meets The Wire in a dazzling and darkly comic memoir about coming-of-age in a black funeralAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02082807633189083524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5682135904327026449.post-85182371240003809072013-12-03T15:30:00.000-06:002013-12-03T15:30:02.773-06:0024 Holiday Songs to Download
Celebrate the holidays with free downloadable songs from the library. Everyday this month we'll be posting a fun holiday classic to download. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for daily updates.
We're also posting the songs to our 24 Holiday Songs page. So, you can go back and pick and choose your favorites.
Need help downloading songs from the library? See our Freegal help page Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02082807633189083524noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5682135904327026449.post-74407386266195598232013-11-27T10:38:00.001-06:002013-11-27T11:37:07.945-06:00Happy Thanksgiving and Hanukkah
We hope you have a very pleasant Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, and holiday weekend. The library will be closed on Thursday, but don't worry! We're open again on Friday. If you're too stuffed to come to the library, you can always check your account online or download a book or a magazine to your device.
Do you have kids to entertain this weekend? Check out the kids activities on World Book Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02082807633189083524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5682135904327026449.post-82106730605841231872013-11-15T13:11:00.002-06:002013-11-15T17:19:10.449-06:00Beer, it's brewing at the library
Brewing beer at home is a popular DIY activity and we want to help you learn more about it. Scott Pointon, a home brewing advocate, will lead a program at the library called "You can brew it" next week. We also have some useful resources for learning more about beer and brewing. But first, some interesting facts about beer…
Beer, it's everywhere
Did you know that many ancient cultures Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02082807633189083524noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5682135904327026449.post-1197878336649678542013-10-25T10:50:00.001-05:002013-10-25T11:24:35.039-05:00Write a 50,000 word novel during NaNoWriMo
If you've always wanted to write a novel, but the thought of a blank page terrifies you, then NaNoWriMo is for you. Don‘t let the empty page paralyze you! National Novel Writing Month, which happens every November, is a chance to set your fear to the side and just write. Does just starting seem overwhelming to you? Let the library help.
The Library: Your NaNoWriMo partner
To help Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02082807633189083524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5682135904327026449.post-13931901598536997152013-10-03T16:26:00.001-05:002013-10-03T16:26:22.955-05:00Download Free Music Faster with Freegal
Freegal music—our downloadable music service—has a new home page that makes downloading music easier and faster. You also can download music videos to keep, just like the music tracks. Freegal includes the entire Sony catalog in addition to a huge collection of independent music through their partnership with Independent Online Distribution Alliance (IODA).
Here's a look at some of the Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02082807633189083524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5682135904327026449.post-91068898983420488942013-09-13T14:28:00.000-05:002013-09-13T14:28:10.056-05:00The library. Your original DIY destination.
We're celebrating the spirit of inventiveness, craftiness, and plain old get-your-hands-dirty doing something for yourself this fall at the library. Visit our DIY page to see upcoming DIY themed events and get inspired by fun project ideas from Pinterest.
Why DIY?
It should be no surprise that DIY is on everyone's minds these days. From home improvement shows to a slew of crafty magazines, Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02082807633189083524noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5682135904327026449.post-66646427137036434292013-08-22T17:25:00.000-05:002013-09-06T13:47:26.608-05:004th Floor Computers Unavailable During Remodel
You can see pictures of the project on our Facebook page.
The 4th floor public computer center will be closed from August 29th to September 9th for remodeling. We'll be reorganizing and installing larger work stations, improved seating, a centralized help desk and additional resources to make using computers at the library more comfortable and productive.
If only construction was this Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02082807633189083524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5682135904327026449.post-86570153167394233002013-08-13T12:32:00.000-05:002013-08-13T12:32:22.581-05:00A Director's Obsessions: Biography in Context and Guillermo del Toro
When you see a movie like Pacific Rim by Guillermo del Toro, you leave the theater wanting to know what makes the director tick. Sure you could turn to IMDB or Wikipedia, but Biography in Context should be one of your first stops for obsessive director research.
Pacific Rim in a (giant mechanical) nutshell
If you haven't seen it yet, Pacific Rim features giant robots (Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02082807633189083524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5682135904327026449.post-81250018954532342152013-07-25T12:53:00.000-05:002013-07-26T09:53:56.139-05:00Let's start a coffee shop with ReferenceUSA
Reference USA, a powerful tool for finding information about businesses and people, just got even better with its new mapping tools. The resource always allowed you to create really customized searches by things like industry, business size, income, and so on. But the mapping tool just makes it so much more useful and interesting. Let me show you why.
Let's start a coffee shop
I happen Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02082807633189083524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5682135904327026449.post-20880573631608009342013-07-19T11:17:00.000-05:002013-10-02T22:52:54.479-05:00Have you seen Zinio's new look?
Our digital magazine stand, Zinio, got a new look recently and it's going to make you read more digital magazines. From browsing to checking out, using Zinio is just a little better. Here's a quick look at some of things that have changed.
What's in your store?
Magazines are meant to be browsed. Think about how you see them displayed most of the time. Covers out, facing you from Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02082807633189083524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5682135904327026449.post-13046005590370123112013-07-12T14:23:00.000-05:002013-07-12T14:23:10.942-05:00Fun with States and A to Z The USA
If you're travelling or just a trivia geek, you have to check out A to Z the USA for all of your states' trivia needs. One fun feature is the comprehensive list of licence plate images for each state. These images often go as far back as the 1940s. They're a great way to brush up on our knowledge of license plates before heading out on the road this summer.
Having recently returned from Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02082807633189083524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5682135904327026449.post-30899618374964413732013-06-28T15:29:00.005-05:002013-06-28T15:31:25.735-05:00Fashion and Invention in the Vogue Archive
Since this year's Fourth of July parade highlights "great American inventions," I turned to our Vogue Archive to find examples of how fashion is an invention too. I came across this incredible fashion shoot from July 1952 titled "New July Cottons."
The shoot features women in fresh summer dresses travelling aboard the S.S. United States. The intro to the shoot emphasizes the newness of Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02082807633189083524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5682135904327026449.post-73019248550924588272013-06-07T10:33:00.000-05:002013-06-07T13:13:42.962-05:00Classical Music under the Stars
Want to listen to classical music in Ravinia's beautiful, natural setting for free? Ravinia has generously donated a limited number of tickets for our patrons. These are free lawn passes to selected classical music concerts (so no Goo Goo Dolls or Willie Nelson). It's a great opportunity to hear some of the world's greatest classical musicians, including the magnificent Chicago Symphony Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02082807633189083524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5682135904327026449.post-57054330655131319882013-05-24T17:27:00.002-05:002013-05-25T15:18:17.647-05:00Meet the New Hold Wrapper
Starting May 28th, we're changing the look of our hold wrappers, that little slip of paper wrapped around holds on the first floor. If you pick up holds regularly you'll know what I'm talking about. Instead of being held in place by rubber bands, the new slip will stick nicely to the items.
Why are we changing them?
Think efficiency. Since we process around 10,000 Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02082807633189083524noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5682135904327026449.post-18503091371935829312013-05-17T15:12:00.001-05:002013-05-17T15:12:34.642-05:00May is Short Story Month
We celebrated poetry in April during Poetry Month, so why not recognize short stories in May? The idea comes from the website StoryADay.org, where they promote the writing and reading of short stories. And why not? Short stories offer digestible, bite size chunks of fiction. Perfect for summer days in the back yard when your attention can get a little…distracted.
"When you read a short Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02082807633189083524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5682135904327026449.post-33372101634514267642013-05-10T16:58:00.000-05:002013-05-10T16:58:07.599-05:00Organize Your Inspiration with Pinterest
Pinterest has become an incredibly popular way of doing what librarians love to do best—organize things. We want to help you dive into this great social network too. We regularly offer classes that will introduce you to the basics of setting up an account, pinning, sharing and more.
Why Pinterest?
If you haven't seen it or used it, Pinterest allows you to create virtual Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02082807633189083524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5682135904327026449.post-50818596368606628722013-05-03T12:27:00.001-05:002013-05-03T12:30:37.182-05:00Are you ready to Go?
This summer we want you to Go with us. Go to real and imagined places in books and movies. Go to the past; go to the future. Go swimming and running and playing. Go to the library. Go to the lake. Go somewhere you've never been. Just Go!
Here are a few things to look for this summer as you're planning all the ways you can Go with the library.
Summer Reading Clubs
Our Summer Reading Clubs Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02082807633189083524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5682135904327026449.post-9514100377445381642013-04-19T13:54:00.002-05:002013-04-19T13:54:20.758-05:00Raise Your Money IQ During Money Smart Week
We can help you learn better ways to manage your money and finances during Money Smart Week (April 20 to 27). From programs, to online tools, and magazines, you can be a little better prepared for life's financial challenges. You can learn more about Money Smart Week on our website.
Events
During Money Smart Week, we are offering two programs here at the library. The first, Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16467067592370060233noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5682135904327026449.post-9237903939625010812013-04-12T12:52:00.002-05:002013-04-12T12:52:08.014-05:00Five Ways to Show Your Library Love
National Library Week (April 14th to 20th) is a great time to show your library love and here are five great ways to do it.
1. Sign up for the eForward newsletter
Each week our eForward newsletter keeps you informed about library events, services, and more. Go to our website and sign up now. Be sure to share the love! Forward the newsletter to your friends (and encourage them to sign up Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16467067592370060233noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5682135904327026449.post-31888812665478385142013-04-05T10:56:00.000-05:002013-04-05T10:58:27.529-05:00Learn to Save the Librarian Way
Learn to save the librarian way with author Rachel Singer Gordon on Saturday, April 13th at 11:00 am here at the library. The author of the Mashup Mom blog and Point, Click, and Save: Mashup Mom's Guide to Saving and Making Money Online (and a former librarian) will be at the next Frugal Friends meeting (Register now). She will share ways to save and make money (legitimately) online.
BeyondAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16467067592370060233noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5682135904327026449.post-63949092965055969842013-03-15T13:06:00.000-05:002013-03-15T13:30:36.252-05:00Where to Buy List Features Des Plaines and Library
Chicago Magazine highlights Des Plaines as a “where to buy now” spot in the suburbs, thanks in part to the library. According to the article in this month’s issue, you'll find good real estate deals here, but also a desirable quality of life—schools, restaurants, and, yes, the library.
This northwestern suburb boasts an excellent public library… Dennis Rodkin, Chicago Magazine
Some people Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16467067592370060233noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5682135904327026449.post-54996143313863055092013-03-08T12:46:00.002-06:002013-03-08T12:47:33.672-06:00Finding Spring in National Geographic
If you're impatient for springtime, why not use your online access to National Geographic to find beautiful images and wonderful writing about spring. There is a surprising amount of material about spring from around the world in National Geographic. Over 100 years worth, in fact. And it's all easy to search for and find with your library card.
Blooming Trees
National Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16467067592370060233noreply@blogger.com0