Blog Category

Solar Eclipse Viewing

We are not giving out solar eclipse glasses. On Monday we will have pairs to use at the Library to view the eclipse and we'll be live streaming the eclipse from Carbondale, IL.

Most places are out of solar eclipse glasses now. There are some events around Chicagoland that will be giving out limited amounts of glasses. Some of those events have admission costs.

If you want to view the eclipse, you can create a pinhole projector or find a place that will have glasses to use the day of. Please stay safe while viewing the eclipse. Again, we will have solar eclipse glasses to use at the Library during the event.

Registration for Annual Art Show

The Woodridge Public Library invites Woodridge artists to register for the 17th Annual Woodridge Art Show being held in October. This popular show gives Woodridge residents 18 years and over a chance to display up to three original pieces of art. Beginners as well as experienced artists are welcome. An application form and information for participants is available online or at the circulation desk. Registration is open through September 22.

September is Library Card Sign-up Month

The value of today’s libraries goes beyond books. Librarians are leaders in their communities – helping people of any age to find what they need to help improve their quality of life. This September, we're joining with the American Library Association and libraries nationwide for Library Card Sign-up Month, an initiative to make sure that every student has the most important school supply of all – a free library card. Library Card Sign Up Month

Libraries build a foundation for children’s future success starting from the earliest stages of development. Librarians play a key role in helping children develop the basic tools for school readiness by teaching families the components of early literacy. As of 2010, children’s programs accounted for nearly two thirds of library programming in the United States, with more than 2.3 million children’s programs nationwide. Older students can also find tools for success at their local libraries, where they can access high-speed Internet and digital tools, as well as working with trained professionals on how best to use these resources.

As new technologies evolve, libraries continue to lead the way in providing equity of access to digital tools and media, which has become increasingly important in high-poverty areas where students are less likely to have a computer or internet service at home. Close to 90 percent of libraries offer digital literacy training to help students of all ages navigate today’s changing world.

Resources at the Woodridge Public Library are available to anyone with a library card. Students can turn to the library for materials, programs and knowledgeable library staff that support academic achievement.

To celebrate Library Card Sign Up Month and our Golden Anniversary, we have special gold library cards for new and current library members. Encourage a friend or neighbor to get their library card, or come upgrade yours.
Golden Anniversary Library Card

Slime Contest Winner

Gold Slime And the winner is...stretchy, glittery and oh so slimy!

After a complete and thorough judging of the Teen & Tween Slime contest by the Library GOATs (Group of Advising Teens), a Most Awesome Slime award goes to slime expert Victoria T. The "Golden Glitter" slime concoction won over the judges with its soft touch, easy stretch, good smell and strength during the pulling and tossing. Our thanks to all of the slime participants for their successfully slimy creations. All slime contestants should visit the Circulation Desk for a prize or thank you gift, and to retrieve their slime.

Winning Slime Recipe

Add 2 1/2 bottles of Elmer's clear glue to a bowl
Grab a separate bowl and mix 1 tablespoon of Borax and 1 tablespoon of warm water
Slowly add borax solution to the glue, mixing after each tablespoon is added
Repeat steps 2 and 3 until slime doesn't stick to your work surface

Pumpkin Decorating Contest Winners

Congratulations to the winners of the Mini Pumpkin and Squash Decorating contest. We had a tie for 1st place between the Young household-who created a fantastic Frankenstein squash (get it, Young Frankenstein?) and the Gomez household - who created an elegant tuxedo vampire pumpkin. Each 1st place winner received a $25 Target gift card.
There were over 60 entries and the quality and creativity was so high we judged them in multiple categories so we could have more winners! All of the winners of these categories should stop by the Circulation Desk for a prize.

pumpkin patch

Categories and the winning households include:
Cutest: Salvi
Funniest: Rauba
Spookiest: Palus
Most Artistic: Angeles
Glitter Award: Mendoza
Storybook: McLaughlin
Most Dramatic: Sterijevski
Library’s Golden Anniversary: Gross

We also created a category just for kids, and we are giving them the Kid-tastic award. Tied as winners in the Kid-tastic category are the Chernesky and Vasilyev households.

We love the creative and frightful pumpkins that were entered in the contest. If you entered a pumpkin or squash, please see the Circulation Desk for a small thank you for participating.

Great job everyone!

Teen Bookface Photo Contest

BOOKFACE \ ˈbu̇k -fās \ noun

A photograph of a person holding up a book so the face or body on the cover matches their own. Can be done with multiple people.

November 1 – November 26 teens can submit a #bookface to askus@woodridgelibrary.org to be entered to win a $25 gift card. Email entries must include the photo, and the entrant’s name, age, and phone number or email address. Photos can be of the entrant or a friend.

Entries will be posted to the library’s Instagram. People can vote on entries by liking them. Voting ends on December 10. Gift cards will be awarded to the photo with the most votes on Instagram and the one with most votes from library staff.

Frosty Fun Wraps Up Woodridge Library's 50th Celebration

Hundreds of patrons found the Woodridge Public Library transformed into a winter wonderland when they took part in Frosty Fest Weekend on December 9 and 10. The big hit of the weekend was the scavenger hunt which had kids searching for snowmen hidden throughout the Children's Department and, of course, eating cookies around the giant library "book tree" towering in the lobby.

Here's a look at Frosty Fest Weekend by the numbers:
.6 inches of snow - just enough for a "frosty effect"
500 festive attendees - all ages: toddlers to great-grandparents
250 Snowman Scavenger Hunt participants - who won 250 Snowman Soup mixes
52 hidden snowmen - 6 careful counters found them all and won a DuPage Children's Museum ticket
105 Frosty Puppet Show viewers
95 cookie decorators
125 entries for the "win Frosty" drawing - 1 lucky winner took Frosty home!
310 candy canes munched
over 2,280 cookies enjoyed

These snowman-themed activities, shows and treats marked the end of the library's yearlong celebration of its 50th anniversary. The Woodridge Public Library will continue the tradition of free family-friendly programs in the New Year. Patrons are invited to mark their calendar for "Dinosaur Day," coming January 2o.

Upcoming Children's Registration

Mark your calendar with important Children's registration dates for preschool and STEM programs, which begin at the end of December or early January.

Minute To Win It! Grades 4 - 6, Wednesday, January 3, 1 - 2 p.m.: Online registration opens December 27

Chicago Wolves Reading Program, January 2 - 31: Registration at the Children's Reference Desk opens January 2

Winter Preschool Storytimes, Sessions begin January 15: Online registration opens January 6 at 9 a.m.

Dinosaur Hunter Science Classes, January 20: Online registration opens January 6

LEGO WEDO Stem Program: Grades 2 - 4, Monday, January 15, 2 p.m.: Online registration opens January 8

Census 2020: Everybody Counts at the Woodridge Library

As a trusted community center, the Woodridge Library is a key partner in ensuring that everyone in Woodridge gets counted.

Take the Census at the Library

In mid-March, homes across Woodridge and the country will begin receiving directions for completing the 2020 Census. Patrons are welcome to stop by the library anytime to complete their Census questionnaire online.

Attend a Census-Related Program

Staying Safe from Scams, Wednesday, March 5, 7 p.m. Woodridge Police Officer Jeff Bean discusses completing the 2020 Census online.

Important Dates	Impact in Your Community	Questions Asked	Ways to Respond	2020 Census FAQ	Avoiding Scams

Home Delivery Service

Did you know that patrons who are unable to visit the Woodridge Library because of a disability, illness or special circumstance can receive books delivered to their door by staff members or volunteers?

Request specific items or let us know your interests and we will make selections for you.

Call the Outreach Coordinator at 630-487-2553 or email pwhitt@woodridgelibrary.org

Help for Small Businesses: Loans & Resources

Find critical information, training and resources related COVID-19 from the Choose DuPage Economic Development Alliance and the SBA--Small Business Administration:

SBA Disaster Assistance Fact Sheet

SBA Disaster Loan Application

SBA IL Daily Webinars and Training Schedule

Coronavirus Information for Small Business

USA Federal Government Coronavirus-Related Resources

Also, see the latest news for Woodridge businesses from the Village of Woodridge.

Wireless & Mobile Printing

The Library now offers wireless and mobile printing through PrinterOn. Print jobs can be sent remotely from anywhere--including laptops being used at the Library. Go to our wireless printing portal to send a print job.

Print jobs can also be sent through mobile devices using the PrinterOn app. The app is available for Apple and Android devices. Simply select one of the Woodridge Public Library's printers to have your job sent to our printing queue.

Jobs will be held in the queue for 24 hours. To retrieve a job, go to the printing station in the Computer Commons at the Library, enter your information, and pay for the job.

Summer Lunch for Children Program

Lunch will be served to children on Mondays and Thursdays, from noon to 1 p.m., in the 2nd floor meeting room of the Woodridge Public Library. The program begins on Thursday, June 8 and ends on Monday, August 14. This is a free program sponsored by the Northern Illinois Food Bank. Attendees may drop in to any lunch service: there is no registration.

In addition to the noon lunch, library activities (reading a story or working on puzzles) will be offered from 11:30 a.m. to noon, and a Learning Time with volunteer teachers will take place from 12:30 - 1:30 p.m.

Announcing Automatic Renewals of Checked-out Library Materials

Items that are eligible for automatic renewal and that do not have holds on them will be automatically renewed two days before they are due. You will receive an email about the items that were renewed with the new due date as well as about items that were not renewed if you have an email address in your account. If you do not have an email address on your account, you can check due dates by logging into “My Account” on the library catalog or contacting the library. Please contact us if you’d like to add your email address to your account.

Thank you, Children's SRP donors!

Thank you to all of our wonderful Children’s Department Summer Reading Program donors! Their donations provided lots of extra incentives to keep our community’s children and families reading over the summer. This generous support of our donors help to make our Summer Reading Program a huge success!

Sandy Snorkel

Aurelio’s Pizza
Brookfield Zoo
Chicago Fire
Chicago Shakespeare Theatre
Chicago White Sox
Chili’s
Cinemark
Colonial Café & Ice Cream
Cypress Cove
DuPage Children’s Museum
DuPage County Fair
Denise Giannopolos
Dr. Robert Girgis
Joliet Slammers
Jump Zone
Kane County Cougars
Kuipers Family Farm
LegoLand Discovery Center
McDonald’s
Meijer
Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt
Nancy’s Pizza
Shedd Aquarium
Tivoli Classic Cinemark
Windy City Thunderbolts
Zigfield Troy Lost Mountain

Free Ice Cream Party: Meet Scoopy!

We are hosting a special 50th Anniversary Ice Cream Party on Saturday, July 29 at noon.

Patrons of all ages are invited to have a free scoop of ice cream at our Summer Reading celebration. The Darien Culver's will be sending their mascot, Scoopy, out to the library to take photos and join in the fun.

No sign-up, just ice cream and smiles for everyone - while the scoops last!

You still have time to join a Summer Reading program. We have a reading club, book suggestions and prize chances for every age, through July 29.

Chicago Fire Visits Woodridge Library

Chicago Fire rep and former player Chris Solomons led Woodridge kids through drills and mini games at the Woodridge Library on July 20, with more clinics scheduled on July 22. The kid patrons of the Woodridge Library enjoyed the tips and training given by the pro. Solomons is currently in the running for MLS Community MVP Contest for his work in community outreach.

The free soccer clinics at the library were open to kids age 7 to 14. Check out our album of pictures from the event. Children who participate in the library's summer reading program may earn a free ticket to a Chicago Fire game!

Chicago Fire visits Woodridge Public Library

Library Updates

Our building may be closed but we’re still Your Library. Our goals are to engage, enrich, and enlighten the community. We’re doing our best to continue with those goals in this unprecedented time of social distancing.

We are still monitoring our email (askus@woodridgelibrary.org) and our social media (Facebook, Twitter).

Items are not due back to the Library until after we reopen. Please do not return items before then. Library card expiration dates have been adjusted so no one’s card will expire while we’re closed. Item holds have been suspended.

NEW: HOOPLA Bonus Titles, More E-book Copies & Titles

Digital collections are always available. BONUS: new popular titles for Hoopla users. Need a Hoopla account? Sign up with your library card. Need a card? Get a new digital card. The Hoopla BONUS Borrows Collection (open through April 30), has more than a 1000 top titles for kids, best-selling adult fiction, and great music (Taylor Swift!).

We've also been busy ordering, adding more book copies and new titles to your digital library. Head to Media On Demand, eRead Illinois, or hoopla for e-books and audiobooks. Don’t forget magazines from RBDigital. Get the Libby, Axis 360, hoopla digital (on the Apple app store and Google Play) and RBDigital apps to use these services on your tablet or smartphone.

In the mood for a movie, TV show, or some music? hoopla has that, too!

All of those collections have items for children and we also have BookFlix and TumbleBookLibrary just for kids. No apps or checkouts for these two. Just visit the sites to use them.

Any items checked out from these collections return automatically so there will never be fines. You can use one, a few, or all of them. Items in Media on Demand and eRead Illinois may have waiting lists but hoopla items and RBDigital magazines are always available.

Wash your hands, cover your cough, and use your Library! Updated 3/27/2020

NEW: All Cards Renewed/Unblocked

We have renewed all library cards and removed any blocks due to fines, in order to give all cardholders access to stream and download e-books, magazines, movies and more.

NEW: Don't Have a Library Card? New Digital Card

You can sign up for a temporary digital card to access all of our online resources. Already have a library card? No need to register, just use your library card to access digital resources. Updated 3/27/2020.

NEW: Free Home Access to Ancestry.com & Tumblebooks

Ancestry.com is allowing temporary home access (through April 30) to a billion names in hundreds of databases, including records from the complete U.S. Federal Census (1790-1930). Just enter your library card barcode. Don't have a card? Sign-up for a digital card.

TumbleBooks is offering all of their collections to libraries for patrons to use while practicing social distancing (through August 31). You can now access:

TumbleMath - K-6 math ebook database

TeenBookCloud - gr 7-12 ebook database

AudioBookCloud - all ages audio book database

RomanceBookCloud - a huge collection of steamy Romance novels for the older crowd!

Updated 3/27/2020

Online Storytimes: Miss Elizabeth & More!

Our friendly Miss Elizabeth shares storytime and teaches a song during this cute video made at home with her own children. Sing along!

Visit our Children's Page for other fun, or make it storytime anytime with these recorded readalouds and activities.

Storyline Online
Large collection of recorded stories.

Draw Every Day with JJK
Author Jarrett J. Krosoczka is doing daily drawalongs for kids.

Lunch Doodles with Mo Willems
Via the Kennedy Center.

Author Kate Messner has a HUGE list of resources that include read-alouds as well as lesson plans and other activities.

Help for Small Businesses

Critical information about loans, training and resources relatedv to COVID-19 from the Choose DuPage Economic Development Alliance and the SBA--Small Business Administration:

SBA Disaster Assistance Fact Sheet

SBA Disaster Loan Application

SBA IL Daily Webinars and Training Schedule

Coronavirus Information for Small Business

USA Federal Government Coronavirus-Related Resources

See the latest news for Woodridge businesses from the Village of Woodridge.

Also, Illinois has just announced a Small Business COVID-19 Relief Program.

Updated 3/25/2020