Write with us during National Novel Writing Month

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Did you know that November is National Novel Writing Month? NaNoWriMo as it's usually called (that's "nan-o-ry-mo") encourages writers and aspiring writers to draft a 50,000 word novel in one month. Over 200,000 people participated in NaNoWriMo last year and we want you to be one of them!

That's why we are hosting four "write-ins" during November. Every Tuesday from 6 to 9 p.m. you can come to the library with your computer (or preferred writing device) and the urge to write. Together as a group we'll try to crank out as many words as possible by competing in writing sprints and encouraging one another. We'll have coffee and snacks. There will be little prizes for the person who writes the most words that night.

You "win" at NaNoWriMo if you write those 50,000 words by November 30th. If you do the math, that breaks down to over 1600 pages a day. How feasible is this? Well, speaking as someone who participated last year, it's pretty crazy. You really have to push yourself to write. 

But that's what makes NaNoWriMo so wonderful. The event encourages you to set aside your inner critic and write like a Olympic sprinter rushing for the finish line. It's also a great way to meet other writers celebrate literary (and not so literary) craft.

Most of what you produce will be garbage, but by the end you have 50,000 more words of...writing than you did before. Sometimes, though, a diamond emerges from the rough. There are a number of former "NaNo" participants who have published their creations (and we even have their books).

If you're interested, check out the getting started page for NaNoWriMo and sign up. You can also checkout our NaNoWriMo page where we'll be logging how many words people write at the write-ins. If you do sign up, be sure to stop by the library every Tuesday night in November from 6 to 9 p.m.. We'll keep the door open and the coffee warm for you!

A New Way to Read Magazines with Zinio

We're very excited to offer you a new way to read magazines. Zinio let's you read full magazines on a smartphone, tablet, or computer. You won't miss any of the colorful images or graphics. Some magazines even feature enhanced content like videos.

If you're eager to get started, why not click on over to Zinio now. Otherwise, here's a little more information about using Zinio.

It's pretty easy to get started with Zinio. You just need the following things:

1. Your DPPL library card
2. Zinio account for the library
3. Personal Zinio account
4. App for your tablet or smartphone (or you can use your computer!)

Getting Started

When you first log on, you'll see a login screen. Just click "Create Account" and enter your email address and password.

Then when you log in to Zinio, you'll get to choose a magazine issue to read.

At that point, you'll be asked to create a Zinio account (since Zinio is a separate service). We encourage you to use the same email address for both services.

Then you're off! You can read the issue on your computer or download one of the great apps for your tablet or smartphone.


Did any of that make sense?

Don't worry. Just visit our page about Zinio to find helpful tutorials and instructions to download. You'll also find the current list of magazines that we offer through Zinio.

Otherwise, why not sign up today and start reading magazines.

Welcome to the future!

Celebrating Des Arts

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Inspiration? Creativity? Have you every wondered what drives people to make art? Whatever the answer, we are fortunate when we can enjoy what other people create. Come to the library on October 19th, 20th, and 21st for Des Arts, a celebration of creative expression in Des Plaines. Des Arts is presented by the Des Plaines Arts Council, an local organization that promotes the creative arts in Des Plaines.

There will be so much to do during Des Art; it's hard to know where to begin! Here's a preview of some of events and activities that you won't want to miss (or you can view the full schedule here).

Art
One of the highlights of Des Arts will be the art contest. Entrants in three categories--youth, teen, and adult--will compete to win a Best in Show award and a People's Choice award. Be sure to vote for your favorite pieces when you are here. You will also find hands-on activities like the communal mural and workshops like "Printmaking Basics" and "iPhone/iPad Photography."

Music
Throughout the weekend, you can enjoy music throughout the library. You'll hear a variety of styles from classical to traditional Hawaiian music. You'll also see ensembles and individuals performing. Even if you're just here to pick up a book or a movie, you'll enjoy the musical performances during Des Arts.

Dance
If you enjoy dance, Saturday, the 20th will be the day for you. You'll see dance from India, Mexico, and Ireland. We'll even have professional dancer Richard Ashworth performs hip-hop dance.

Performance
Word can be art too! Storytellers, comedians, and poets will act out, read, and perform using words creatively to entertain and inspire you.

I hope that gives you a taste of what to expect during Des Arts on October 19th, 20th, and 21st. Visit the Des Arts website for more details about the event and the learn more about the Des Plaines Arts Council (maybe you even become a member!).

Do you have a website?
Promote Des Arts. Just copy this code and place it on your site!

<div class="des-arts-badge" style="width: 250px; height: 270px; padding: 10px; border: 3px solid orange; text-align: center; font-size: 13px;"> <a href="http://dppl.org/des-arts" style="text-decoration: none; background-color: transparent !important;"> <img src="http://dppl.org/des-arts/images/des-arts-logo.png" style="width: 100%;"> <p>October 19th, 20th, and 21st at the <br />Des Plaines Public Library</p> </a> </div>

The Month Ahead: October 2012

Here's a look at the month ahead for October 2012

Explore the sciences at our 4th Annual Family Science Expo. On October 13th bring the whole family for fun interactive exhibits and demonstrations.

Don’t forget the humanities and arts! October is National Arts and Humanities Month in Des Plaines. Come to the library on October 19th, 20th, and 21st for Des Arts, a weekend long celebration of art, dance, music, and more.

We have plenty to do for Halloween too. Teens should come to our Teen Horror Movie Night on the 26th for a screening of The Ring. Bring the family to the Halloween Hoopla and magic show on the 27th. And the Anime Club has a Halloween party for teens on the 30th.

Finally, we have a great service coming for magazines lovers. With Zinio, you’ll be able to download magazines to your tablet or smartphone. Look for it in mid-October.

For more information about the month ahead, checkout our website at dppl.org.