Desperately Seeking Valentine's Day Romance?

When we think Valentine's Day, we think romance -- as in the genre Romance. At Woodstock Public Library, we have a fine collection of romance titles to suit every sensibility from clean and sweet to steamy and spicy. We have romantic suspense, supernatural romance, historical romance and contemporary romance. We make these available in a variety of formats including book, large type, book on CD, eBook and eAudio. What we're trying to say is, "We have ROMANCE!"

But what you WON'T find at Woodstock Public Library are the altered titles below. Have fun as you giggle at these fictitious titles inspired by romance novel cover art:

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY FROM THE WOODSTOCK PUBLIC LIBRARY!

Love is... Reading Aloud

Last week, during D200's Love to Read Week, I had the opportunity to visit a seventh grade classroom to talk about books and read aloud to the students in the class. It sorta made my week - and it wasn't just because they wrote some *awesome* thank you cards later on. It was because while I was there and especially as I was reading to them, I felt like I was making a connection and that they were enjoying our time together. While I love the time I spend reading to our littlest patrons, it's the reaction I got from the seventh graders I visited last week that gives me a special charge. When I read a thrilling passage from a YA novel and seventh graders jumped in their seats, I was thrilled.

I read aloud a lot - it's basically my job and I really enjoy it. In my storytimes, I get to read stories about penguins, friendship, holidays and all sorts of other things and I read to a very eager audience. Most days I have a small crowd waiting for me to open the door to our storytime room and enthusiastic applause at the end of our time together.  I've been known to quip that if you can't be a rockstar, you should be a children's librarian.

If you want to be a rockstar in the eyes of someone you love, try sharing a story. It doesn't have to be a picture book and it doesn't have to be with someone who can't read themselves. In fact, if you do get to read with someone who can read with you, take turns being the reader and being the audience. Read with expression and emotion - use different voices... get animated! Take it from me - enthusiasm is contagious.

This Valentine's Day, in *addition* to the candy kisses and flowers, do something really unexpected - whisper (or shout!) the sweet nothings of a good story with your special someone(s).

Love to Read Week at D200...

There are many perks to being a Youth Services (children's) librarian. You get to make crafts. You get to sing and dance at work. Sometimes, you hire magicians. You get to buy children's books... and you often get to read them outloud to eager audiences. In short, being a YS librarian is a (my) dream job.

If you'd like to try living the dream, I'd suggest volunteering to read to a classroom or two during District 200's "Love to Read" Week - February 6-10, 2012. This annual event is in its 21st year and still going strong. Volunteers can specify a date, time, age group, and even a particular school to visit. During a visit, you're encouraged to share a favorite children's book and talk about how you use reading in your daily life... so fun!

I am looking forward to visiting Mrs. Stone's 7th graders during "Love to Read" Week and talking about the books that might be the "Twilight" or "Hunger Games" series of 2012...

For more information, visit the "Love to Read" Week page on the District 200 website. Applications are available for download there or here at the library - ask at the Circulation Desk.

Happy Reading!

And the winners are...

Today was a big day for children's literature lovers - the Newbery and Caldecott Medals (as well as other children's lit awards) were announced today at the annual ALA conference in Dallas, Texas! Without further ado, here are the winners!

2012 Newbery Medal Winner

Dead End in Norvelt by Jack Gantos

Leave it to the one and only Jack Gantos (author of the Joey Pigza, Jack Henry, and Rotten Ralph series and Joey Pigza Loses Control was a 2001 Newbery Honor Book) to serve up this semi-autobiographical tale of a boy whose grounding and punishment involve helping a neighbor to write obituaries for local residents... and make it absolutely hilarious.

Newbery Honor Books

Inside Out and Back Again by Thanhha Lai

Breaking Stalin's Nose by Eugene Yelchin

2012 Caledcott Medal Winner

A Ball for Daisy by Chris Raschka

This wordless work is a deserving recepient of the Caldecott Medal. Raschka introduces us to Daisy, a spunky little dog with a favorite toy - her red ball. When that ball meets an unfortunate end, we sympathize with little Daisy's broken heart and cheer for her triumphant return to the dog park with a new toy in tow.

Caledcott Honor Books

Blackout by John Rocco

Grandpa Green by Lane Smith

Me … Jane by Patrick McDonnell

These books are all available at the Woodstock Public Library - and you should definitely check these out! 

The Blue Folder

If you haven’t been to the Reference Desk lately, you may not have noticed a mysterious, tattered blue folder that sits at the elbow of the reference librarian along the side of the desk. If you watch, you’ll observe a variety of patrons opening said folder, perhaps jotting some notes on a scrap of paper and then walking away. What great secrets are held in this humble folder?

Stop in and see.

Oh, ok. I’ll tell. But you should still stop in and take a look for yourself.

While it is a very low-tech tool, it has proven to be a very efficient method of disseminating current McHenry County job opportunities to WPL visitors. Reference librarian Trudie Dreyer has forged a dynamic relationship with the good folks of McHenry County Workforce. They send her daily email updates of local jobs which she then prints and places in the BLUE FOLDER. Simple? Yes. Effective? YES!

One recent highlight:

Kohl’s Job Fair for the new Woodstock Location!
Sunday, January 15 – 10:45 a.m.-6:15 p.m.
Monday, January 16 – 10:45 a.m.-6:15 p.m.
Tuesday, January 17 – 12:15 p.m.-7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, January – 8:45 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Thursday, January – 8:45 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

The job fair will be held at the Holiday Inn Crystal Lake Conference Center, 800 South Route 31, Crystal Lake IL 60014. Walk-in candidates are welcome, but only those who have scheduled an interview in advance via the website or Kohl’s Hiring Hotline are guaranteed an interview. You must be 17 years old or older to apply. For more information or to schedule an interview, go to kohlscareers.com or call 1-877-NEW-KOHLS (1-877-639-5645).

There have also been recent listings for physical therapist, tire technician, quality assurance, automotive maintenance technician, photo specialist with additional job openings at Walgreens, On Target Range and Tactical Training Center, TJ Maxx and Home Goods.

If you’re looking for a job, or know someone who is, stop in and take a peek at the BLUE FOLDER. You never know what you’ll find!

What are YOU resolving in 2012?

We're resolving to update Judd Street Blog more regularly in 2012! What about you? It may be January 6, but it’s never too late to make some Library New Year’s resolutions.

1. Find missing/late library items and pay fines to get back into good standing. The good news is, you can clear fines of up to $5.00 per card by bringing in a non-perishable food donation on Tuesday, February 14. This does not apply to lost or damaged items.

2. Renew/get library card to check out free movies, music, magazines, books and MORE!

3. Sign up your child(ren) for at least one Childspace, Babies and Books or other kids’ library program. We've got some awesome progams coming up. You also need to stop in to visit our new(ish) Children's Librarian Liz Delzell!

4. Attend a book discussion group or world movie night at the library.

5. Learn how to download a digital book. Just ask one of our friendly librarians.

6. Experiment using one of the library’s electronic resources available free through our website (health information, car repair, school research, professional tests, discover family roots, compare consumer products).

7. Join Friends of the Woodstock Public Library. It costs as little as $2.00 a year, but you'll show your support for WPL and find out about great volunteer opportunities.

8. Plan to attend the 4th Annual Friends Mini Links event on March 17th. Mini-golf in the library; it doesn’t get better than that!

9. Like us on Facebook. You'll get all the latest WPL news, updates and fun library trivia right on your Wall.

10. Sign up for BookNews electronic newsletters to receive customized info on your favorite authors and categories. You can also get staff picks, the WPL newsletter and Friends information delivered right to your inbox. It doesn't get any easier than that.

11. Create a PIN # to access your library account online. You can renew items, request materials and create reading lists.

12. Give us your email address so we can send you reminders when your library materials are coming due and overdue notices when they are late. Of course, you're not going to be returning materials late because your final resolution is . . .

13. Turn your library materials in on time! :) Aww, c'mon. You knew we had to say it.

From everyone at the Woodstock Public Library, we wish you a happy and healthy new year!

Play Golf in the Library!

Want the Perfect Cure for Wintertime "What-Can-I-Do's"?

Come to the Mini-Links Golf Outing in the Library!
Saturday, March 19 10a.m.-4p.m.

Play golf in the library! This popular once-a-year event lets you play in the library like at no other time: Swing your putter and hit a golf ball on an intricate course that runs all through the library. 

Each hole has a theme put together by a local event sponsor. Our sponsors created some delightfully challenging holes last year, and this year they promise even better fun! Kids, parents, and grandparents love to play together, and some friendly competition even arises as all ages try to hit tricky shots like the "elevator hole" and the "Murder & Mayhem" mystery hole. 

"It is so unique - we love see families of all ages golfing through the library. Last year we had grandmas and grandpas bringing the grandkids, aunts and uncles, everyone. It really is fun for the whole family".

Details: Saturday, March 19 from 10:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.. Cost is $5 for adults; $3 for children 8 and under. Refreshments for sale, and a silent raffle. Download the Mini-Links Golf brochure.

Raffle tickets for the raffle are available now! Purchase at the front desk - $1 - 1 ticket or $5 - 6 tickets. Raffle prizes are on display in the library.


Mini-Links is a fundraiser of the Friends of Woodstock Public Library.

Click on the photos below to see our Mini-Golf Flickr gallery with photographs from last year's fun-filled event:

www.flickr.com WoodstockPublicLibrary's MiniLinks in the Library 2010 photoset

Next Week is "Have a Heart Week" at the Library

Food for Fines--Monday, February 14 ONLY!

On Valentine's Day, the library will waive overdue fines in exchange for non-perishable food donations. Maximum fine clearance is $5.00 per library card. Suggested donation is 1 item for every $1 of fines. Fine amnesty does not apply to lost or damaged charges.

Food Drive--February 14-19

The food drive continues all week. Donors may drop off non-perishable food items in the library grocery cart near the front desk. Donated food will be taken to the Woodstock Food Pantry to help McHenry County families in need.

Blood Drive--Tuesday, February 15, 4:00-7:00 p.m.

The Heartland Blood Centers Mobile Coach will again be in the library's parking lot this coming Tuesday. Make an appointment at www.heartlandbc.org or by calling the library at 815-338-0542. Walk ins are also welcome!

Wondering What that Old Toy is Worth?

Stop! Before you let the baby drool & chew on that 1958 Fisher Price Cackling Chicken Model #120 maybe you should find out what its worth! The Woodstock Public Library has collectible & price guides on just about any topic. Come in and check one out. Not finding a guide on your favorite collectible? Ask the reference librarian for help!

Answer to the Cackling Chicken Value? According to the Toys & Prices 2011 price guide the Cackling Chicken is worth $30 in Excellent Condition, $45 in Near Mint Condition, and $75 in Mint Condition.

The Original Opera House Ghost?

The first spotting of a ghost at the Woodstock Opera House? Perhaps, or just a poetic farmer with an active imagination.

We just discovered this little gem of a poem that was printed in the May 26, 1890 edition of the Chicago Daily Tribune. It seems appropriate to share as we approach Halloween.

“Next we have the honor of introducing Mr J Webster of Woodstock Ill., who says “I see there are people who presume to instruct you to how to run the ‘model newspaper of the world’ Please allow me to suggest that you should have a space for spring poetry. In enclose a sample.”

“The City Hall* is being finished. The country artist has placed in it a plaster cast profile of Mozart and has decorated it according to his own fancy. A countryman alone in the building evidently gets frightened.”

Then follows the poem, from which we extract these stanzas

While wandering in the City Hall
A vision met my gaze
It seemed to hang from upper wall
It fixed me with amaze.
It had a hood as black as night
The cape was long and wide
A Something dazzling white
Around its neck was tied

Perhaps a spook-belated Ghost.
Ah there! I cried, but Speak!
If mortal Speak! A host
Of Such Shant make me weak!

And yet my blood, runs chilly cold.
It is not frieght. But yet
My limbs refuse – Ah –Yes—I’m sold—
The boys –a joke- you get!”

*The Woodstock Opera House was first called City Hall when it was opened in 1890. In addition to city offices the building also housed the Woodstock Public Library starting 1891 and the fire department.

Using the library’s AncestryLibrary online database to search 1880 and 1900 Federal Census records (1890 census records are not available) the only J Webster listed for McHenry County is a Jason Webster in Nunda Township whose occupation is listed as a Farmer. Could he be the Countryman described?

Curious to know more about early Woodstock history?

Highlights of the Woodstock Public Library’s Print and Microfilm Collection

• Woodstock city directories (1914 to 1990, many years missing in between)
• 1913 city directory reverse index (last drawer in card file)
• Local newspapers on microfilm: Woodstock [Daily] Sentinel and its successors beginning 1856, as well as various old shorter-lived newspapers
• McHenry County plat books from 1872, 1892, 1908, and various later years
• Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps for the central part of Woodstock from 1885 to 1912
• McHenry County Census Records microfilm of the census available from 1840 to 1920 (1890 is not available) and in book form from 1840 to 1870. ONLINE CENSUS RECORDS also available!

Woodstock Public Library Online Resources

• AncestryLibrary (available in the library building only, via library computers or wifi). Includes Federal Census records from 1790 – 1930, Social Security Death Index, Military Records, and much more.

• Look At Illinois website has digitized Local History Books (www.lookatillinois.info) Digitized copies of local history books available online include:
1844- Original plat of Centerville (Woodstock’s first name)
1877 – Biographical Directory of the Tax Payer’s and Voters of McHenry County
1895 – Woodstock Illustrated: Early History
1898 – Headlight: Sights & Scenes along the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad (focus on Woodstock)
1925 (circa) – Father and Mother Teachers of Todd the Home School

• Flickr Photographs of Woodstock from 1840s-present are posted on the library’s Flickr Photostream.

• HeritageQuest Database (available in the library or from the library’s web page ) Includes Federal Census records from 1790 – 1930; and full-text of 25,000 local history books (including the 1885 and 1922 editions of History of McHenry County)

• Historic Chicago Tribune Database (1849-1986) fully searchable database available on the library's website.

• Woodstock Local History Index Database Provides indexing to county histories and plat books by person or business. Date of death information, about 1897 to 1937, so you can then check the local newspaper to see if there is an obituary).

History is Easily Lost: if you have discovered early Woodstock materials (photographs, telephone books, advertisements) the library might be interested in creating a digital copy of the material for the library’s records or a donation of the materials. Please contact Martha Hansen, Librarian 815-338-0542 or marthah@woodstockil.info for more information.