News

Sign the Petition to Save Illinois Library Systems

Illinois is experiencing financial problems that are impacting your local public library. Illinois library systems are funded directly by the state. Sign a petition to help save Illinois library systems.

Illinois library systems are funded directly by the state. Two of the most important services they support financially are:

• online catalogs (SWAN)
• delivery of materials between libraries

Libraries in this area are part of the Metropolitan Library System (MLS). Because of long delays in receiving state funds, library systems are cutting services and staff. 

What could the lack of funding mean to you?

• Limits on the number of items that may be borrowed from other libraries.
• Longer waiting periods for items requested from other libraries.
• Elimination of special programs and discounts, such as the Macy’s Museum Pass program and database subscriptions.  

Along with signing the petition, you can also contact your state legislator and ask the state to release the funding that was budgeted for this year so that essential services can be maintained. Enter your address to find the names of your elected representatives.

New and Improved Searches

On July 1 look for new and improved search results when you enter a catalog search on our website. The new search will simultaneously search the SWAN catalog and databases of articles so you’ll have easy access to more content and more ways to refine and personalize your searches. Many of you have already been enjoying the benefits of “a new way to search” by using the beta Encore search box on our homepage.   Don’t worry…if you love the old SWAN, you can still use the Classic Catalog link from the new SWAN.

Now You Can Cancel Your Own Holds

If you place a hold and decide you no longer want it, it’s very easy to cancel it.  Choose “My account” at the top of this page.  Enter your name, your full library card number and your PIN.  On your account page, click “your requests (holds).” If you wish to cancel all your holds, choose “cancel all.”  If you want to choose the holds to cancel, click on the holds you no longer want, and then choose “cancel selected”

Want to Know More about Immigration Reform?

The Center for Immigration Study offers up-to-date and objective information on many aspects of the controversy.  ProCon.org provides arguments for and against illegal immigration in the U.S. The ACLU, American Civil Liberties Union supports immigrants' rights and reports the latest news and legal developments.  On the other hand, FAIR, the Federation for American Immigration Reform proposes legislation that would limit immigration to the U.S.  The library also offers Immigration and Illegal Aliens: Burden or Blessing?, an e-book that can be searched online. For more information, contact the Reference Desk via email, IM or phone at (630) 960-1200.

Get Information on the Gulf Of Mexico Oil Spill

For official information on the progress of the spill and the current efforts to contain it, visit the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.  Deepwater Horizon Response is a special website that has been set up to cover this disaster and reports on current operations, plans for the cleanup, and contact information to volunteer and to report damage or wildlife in distress.

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.

Read an Interview with the Author of My Life with the Lincolns

Children's Librarian Sharon Hrycewicz interviews Gayle Brandeis, author of My Life with the Lincolns, which is set in and around Downers Grove.

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

The attempt to amend the current Patriot Act failed by a small margin. 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?