Digital archives provide texts to patrons
Available to patrons of the Forest Park Public Library is a new digital media collection, NewsBank. NewsBank provides Web-based access to current and archived issues of 27 full-text magazines and newspapers, including the Chicago Tribune, Newsweek, Time, Essence, and Sports Illustrated. The collection is free to library patrons and is updated daily.
NewsBank enables library patrons to easily search and browse current and archived news articles, editorials, reviews, birth and marriage announcements, obituary articles, and a variety of special sections. Patrons can use this resource for general reference or to research local and national issues, events, people, government, education, arts, business, sports, real estate and more. In addition to using workstations at the library, patrons can access the collection from their home computers through the library’s website.
For more information on the NewsBank collection, contact the Forest Park Public Library by calling (708) 366-7171 or e-mailing Ben Haines, Reference/Technology Librarian, at bhaines@forestparkpubliclibrary.org.
Summer reading programs target kids and adults
This year’s theme for children is “Mission: Read” and “Go Anywhere with a Book” for adults. The programs kicks off on Saturday, June 16, and run through Aug. 11. Here are a few FAQs to get you started:
1.Are you having a summer reading program this year?
Yes, we have a summer reading program for children (preschool through fifth-grade), teens (sixth through twelfth-grade) and adults.
2. When do the reading programs start?
People can sign up for the programs on or after June 16. The programs will run until Aug. 11.
3. What are the themes of the summer reading programs?
For children and teens, “Mission: Read,” which focuses on space and science fiction material. For adults, the “Go Anywhere with a Book” program emphasizes literature on the subject of travel.
4. Where can I find more information on the summer reading programs?
For the children and teen programs, check out our Youth Services Desk and the library website. For the adult program, stop by the Reference Desk or log on to the library website.
5. Do I have to have a Forest Park Public Library card to sign up?
No, but you must have a library card that allows reciprocal borrowing with Forest Park. Please come see us at the library, and sign up for an enjoyable summer of reading.
Another summer tradition is about to kick off as well. As in the past, the people at Ravinia have provided us free lawn passes for a number of their performances. Starting June 4, we will have these passes at the Circulation Desk, and Forest Park card holders may select any two of their choice. A schedule of performances will also be available to aid in selections.
Contributed by Rodger Brayden, library director
