News

The Big Read Travels to 1920s Paris

Connect with your community by reading The Paris Wife by Paula McLain. Pick up a Resource Guide from any of the participating libraries or visit The Big Read's website for complete information about programs, book discussions, and related resources.

Booklists Straight to Your Inbox

Get booklists emailed to you each month with BookLetters! Choose from a variety of genres to receive those that you are most interested in. Access BookLetters from the left-hand column on this page under Newsletters.

Talking Book and Braille Service

Blind and physically handicapped patrons who recently received digital Talking Book machines can download books and magazines for free through the Braille and Audio Reading Download (BARD) website. 

This service, available through the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, has more than 21,000 books and 40 magazines that can be downloaded immediately onto the new reading machines.  Titles can be downloaded at no cost, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

To learn more or sign up for the Talking Book and Braille Service, visit the State Library website.

Checkout an eReader

Downers Grove cardholders can visit the Readers’ Advisory Desk to check out a Nook or Kindle eReader. Each device comes pre-loaded with a selection of bestselling adult fiction and nonfiction, teen, and children’s titles. The Children’s Department recently added Kindle Fires and a Nook Color to their collection, with more than 30 children’s books on each!  A variety of apps, magazines, and books are included for children of all reading levels.  Search “dgs junior room” on the online catalog to place a reserve.

Kindles are now compatible with our eBook provider, eMediaLibrary! You can access over 4,000 Kindle eBooks through eMediaLibrary from the library’s homepage.

Don't forget to sign in to your eMediaLibrary account to see titles exclusively for DGPL cardholders!

For more information on eBooks, eAudiobooks, and eReaders, visit our Downloadable Books page or call the Readers’ Advisory Desk.

Calculate the Value of Your Library Use

How much would the services of your public library cost if you had to pay for them directly? Use the Value Calculator to estimate the value of your library use.

Are You in the Mood to Read?

Let us suggest some books for you! If your favorite authors are not writing fast enough, or you're in the mood to read something different, we can help. Fill out our new Reader Form and librarians will provide you with a custom list of books that match your reading tastes. Fill out as much of the form as you wish, keeping in mind the kinds of titles you are in the mood to read or listen to right now. The more information you provide, the easier it will be for us to suggest titles you will enjoy. We will contact you within a week with your list. Information will be kept in strict confidence between you and library staff.

Access the Reader Form from the homepage or the Fiction, Nonfiction, and Teen Good Reads pages.

Free Tutors through Brainfuse HelpNow

Brainfuse HelpNow is an online tutoring service available for a variety of academic needs. Students from 1st grade through college can receive immediate assistance from a live tutor. Ask for help on a specific homework problem, improve a skill, such as multiplying fractions, or submit a written paper for constructive feedback. You can also take practice standardized tests and find tips for writing a resume.

Live tutors are available seven days a week, from 2:00–11:00 p.m. Access Brainfuse HelpNow from the homepage, or find it on the A–Z Databases, Ask a Librarian, and Homework Help pages.

Borrow a Kill-A-Watt and Check Your Energy Use

ComEd has donated two Kill-A-Watt meters that circulate to library cardholders.  The meters can be used to measure the amount of electricity that an appliance or device uses.  Kill-A-Watt meters can be borrowed for two weeks and, like coal or natural gas, cannot be renewed.

Museum Adventure Pass Program

Get your pass to adventure!  Downers Grove Public Library card holders can receive free admission to area museums and cultural institutions as part of the Museum Adventure Pass Program.   Each museum is contributing four weekly passes, for two or four free admissions, depending on location.  Museums with no admission charge offer other services as part of the program.

Read Downers Grove History at Your Feet

Read the stories contributed by donors to the library's Garden Walk. You can purchase and personalize a brick and contribute to the Downers Grove Public Library Foundation's Garden Walk. Donations are used to add to the library's artwork collection and for other library enhancements.

The Library and the Patriot Act

It is the policy of the Downers Grove Public Library, as well as State law under the Illinois Library Records Confidentiality Act, that all records of an individual's use of the library are confidential. However, library patrons should be aware that Section 215 of the U.S.A. Patriot Act gives Federal agents the ability to seek a secret search warrant to obtain access to library records. For more information see Is Your Use of the Library Private?