August 25, 2006
From Ben Schapiro's Desk at the Morton Grove Public Library
Does Morton Grove Need a New Library? Well, yes!
As Library Director, I admit to no small measure of satisfaction when a patron recently wrote to say he has no problem finding materials and that he finds the Library adequate. The goal of every MGPL staff member is to meet the needs of each and every resident so they can be as satisfied as that patron. Unfortunately the patrons satisfaction with things as they have been led to the conclusion that nothing needs to change at the Library.
But we all know one size does not fit all. One patrons source of satisfaction is also anothers inadequate or inaccessible collection. Would a fire department with ladders only tall enough to meet the needs of one or two-story homeowners provide enough safety for everyone in the village?
Over the years the staff at MGPL has done an excellent job of meeting the changing needs of the community despite clearly inadequate space. It may then seem surprising to some that there is a need for a new building.
But it has been apparent for some time that Morton Grove does need a new library building. A 1998 space-planning study determined that the library should be 50% larger than the current building just to adequately house the existing collection and services. To meet state standards for a community our size we need a building more than twice the size of the usable space available now. Half the adult collection is inaccessible to anyone unable to climb stairs. While we have an elevator (added before ADA requirements), there are steps between it and the mezzanine bookshelves.
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Posted by at 9:42 AM
July 25, 2006
From Ben Schapiro's Desk at the Morton Grove Public Library
What is a TIF?
Tax incremental financing helps local governments attract new businesses and private development.
The Village of Morton Grove will be having a community meeting to discuss the Lehigh-Ferris Redevelopment District (TIF). To help the community understand what a TIF is and how it can affect each and every resident, the Morton Grove Public Library has found a number of websites that will help explain tax incremental financing (TIF).
Frequently Asked Questions from the Illinois Tax Increment Association.
The Effects of Tax Increment Financing on Economic Development from the Institute of Government and Public Affairs at the University of Illinois.
Posted by at 4:09 PM
July 17, 2006
Let's Talk about It!
Wednesday, July 26, at 2:00 pm, Ben Schapiro, Director of the Morton Grove Public Library, will discuss current library services and plans for new developments. Join us in the Baxter Room for a lively discussion and light refreshments. For additional information, please call 847-929-5101.
Posted by at 10:10 AM
Lehigh-Ferris Avenues Redevelopment District - Community Workshop
The Village of Morton Grove will be holding a Community Workshop about the Lehigh-Ferris Avenues Redevelopment District on Wednesday, July 26, 2006 from 6:30 to 8:30 pm at the American Legion Memorial Civic Center, 6140 Dempster St.
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Posted by at 10:00 AM
July 6, 2006
Book a Tropical Escape!
The Morton Grove Public LIbrary is challenging adults and teens to read six books this summer. Here's how the Reading Challenge works: sign up at the Reference Services Desk at the Library. You will be asked for your library card number and phone number. You'll receive a packet of information about the reading challenge, including two lists of recommendations of books to read: Book a Tropical Escape List and Hot Summer Reads List. Complete a brief form for each book that you read and turn in the completed forms at the Reference services Desk. The top part of the form is your entry for the drawing to be held August 7 for one of three Grand Prizes. All entries must be received by 5 pm, Saturday, August 5, 2006. The bottom part of the form will be entered into a binder of anonymous comments and recommendations that readers may browse through at the Library. Everyone is a winner! When you complete three books, you will receive a sports bottle and other small gifts to keep you cool this summer. When you complete six books, you will receive a mini-FM scan radio with light.
Three Grand Prize Winners will be drawn on Monday, August 7. Winners need not be present at the drawing and will be notified by phone. Two of the winners will receive MP3 players and the third winner will receive a DVD player. All Grand Prizes include a $50 gift certificate from Lord and Taylor, two Ravinia Lawn Passes, a Subway gift certificate, and a Morton grove Public Library bag of gifts. For additional information, please call 847-929-5101.
Posted by at 10:59 AM
April 1, 2006
New Resident Reception
The Village of Morton Grove will be hosting a New Residents Reception on April 24, 2006 from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm in the Main Hall of the American Legion Memorial Civic Center at 6140 Dempster Avenue. This is a chance for you to meet your elected officials, as well as representatives from the Morton Grove Public Library, the Morton Grove Park District, and the Chamber of Commerce.
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Posted by at 12:00 PM
March 23, 2006
From Ben Schapiro's Desk at the Morton Grove Public Library
By now, Books and Beyond readers may have noticed I have an affinity for technology in Libraries. In part this is because I spent almost two decades working in the software and library automation industry prior to joining Morton Grove Public Library. So I have seen how technology, when used to serve patrons, can multiply the effectiveness of a library.
One of my goals is to broaden the appeal of MGPL by making our collections and staff more accessible to the Morton Grove community. The WiFi project has a great success. We致e seen many new patrons in the Library using their own laptops to access everything the Library has to offer--plus the whole World Wide Web--without the limitations of using our public access PCs and their two hour time limit.
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Posted by at 3:50 PM
March 17, 2006
Jerusalem Evangelical Lutheran Preschool & Kindergarten Open House
Jerusalem Evangelical Lutheran School's Precious Child Learning and Extended Care will be holding an Open House on Friday, April 7, 2006 from 8:30 am to 11:30 am. The Jerusalem Evangelical Lutheran School is located at 6218 Capulina Avenue, Morton Grove.
For further information, contact Vicki Johnson at 847-965-4750 ext. 12.
Posted by at 3:37 PM
January 1, 2006
From Ben Schapiro's Desk at the Morton Grove Public Library
By the time you are reading this the Library will be well on the way to implementing a new service allowing patrons to download digital books for either reading or listening.
This is a chance to respond to the changing demographics of our community and provide wider access to the Library. The explosion of transit oriented housing and the increase in juvenile circulation indicates a shift to a younger and busier population. This part of the population not only wants more immediacy in service delivery, they are much more comfortable with online activities. Checking out digital or audio books from the Library痴 webpage, using your own computer, PDA or MP3 player, seems a good fit with this demographic. The Library can be closed or you can be on the far side of the planet (or home in your pajamas) the materials are available at any time.
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Posted by at 3:45 PM
December 17, 2005
Morton Grove Public Library has gone wireless
The Morton Grove Public Library has gone wireless. Computer users can bring their WiFi enabled laptop computers and surf the web. The system went online December 8, 2005.
During warm weather, the free wireless connection may be utilized by laptop users sitting on the bench in front of the building.
WiFi users will have access to all Internet and computer services except they will not be able to print documents. Only web browser-based e-mail services such as Yahoo!, AOL and HotMail will be available. Stand-alone programs for e-mail like Outlook and Eudora and other protocols cannot be used on the WiFi network.
Posted by at 12:14 PM