The 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, you see DIY projects and skills everywhere. And why not? Knowing how to learn a new skill and do it cheaply is a very useful skill.

We have been in the business of helping people learn new skills for a long time.

And right there in the middle of it all are libraries. How many times have you turned to us for a book about carpentry or auto repair or quilting? We have been in the business of helping people learn new skills for a long time.

Inspiration tools

Just like you need a good hammer or saw if you want to build a table, you need good DIY tools if you're going to learn a new skill or tackle a new project. We're featuring everything from events to resources that will help you DIY.

Maybe you need to research those hammers and saws with Consumer Reports, or get up to speed with yarns and threads with a digital magazines. Maybe you're looking for a whimsical craft for your kid's room. Check out our DIY page for an ongoing dose of DIY inspiration..

DIY Stories

Of course for every successful DIY project there are (many) hilarious stories of DIY-failure. Sadly, the popular Regretsey is no longer around. Buy, you could spend some time enjoying Pinterest Fail.

While sites with Pinterest Fail are hilarious, they actually teach a very important lesson. You won't hone your DIY skills unless you try something new and risk messing it up. Maybe really messing it up. But, you'll never know until you try.

Do you have any stories of DIY failure (or success)? Leave your story in the comments.

Are 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 for kids, teens, and adults will kickoff in a about a month. Stay tuned to our Go page for official start dates and more details. There will be great prizes and awards in store for everyone. The theme for this year's reading clubs is "Have Book Will Travel." Indeed.

Favorite Places

Google Streetview let's you go just about anywhere, so why not take a virtual trip to some of our favorite places. Just visit our Go Places page. Every few days we'll feature a new favorite place to explore. Currently, you can explore Stinson Beach and Muir Woods in California.

Events and Programs

We have tons of Go themed events this summer. We'll feature special programs on the Go page. You can also get notifications about programs in your email here.

Vacation Loans

Finally, if you're planning to Go somewhere near or far, don't forget to ask about vacation loans. We can extend the due date for most materials. Going is great, but coming back to late fines is a drag. See our loan policies page for more details.

That's it. Have a fun and safe summer. And let us know where you plan to Go in the comments.

Chill

It's winter time and that means it's time to "chill." Whether you're putting on a sweater to keep out the cold or kicking up your feet with a book, consult our "chill" page to see some of the ways we can help you work, learn, play, and chill this winter.

Consumer Reports

Stressing about buying gifts and spending money is the opposite of chilling out. That's why we're promoting our online access to Consumer Reports this month. You can read articles online or download full issues through Zinio from home with your library card!

Holiday Book Sale

Also, why not save some money at the Friends of the Library Holiday Book Sale this weekend. Not only will you find gently used books, you can also pick up a copy of the recently released Images of America: Des Plaines, a history of Des Plaines told in pictures. (Read more about the book on our Positively Ellinwood blog).

Winter Reading Clubs

Also, stay tuned for more information about our Winter Reading Clubs for kids, teens, and adults. They start in January.