Wednesday, May 28, 2014

What I Learned from Maya Angelou

"I don't know if I continue, even today, always liking myself. But what I learned to do many years ago was to forgive myself. It is very important for every human being to forgive herself or himself because if you live, you will make mistakes- it is inevitable. But once you do and you see the mistake, then you forgive yourself and say, 'Well, if I'd known better I'd have done better,' that's all. " Maya Angelou



I remember when I was seventeen, I found a great many authors, via my "internet explorations." Or, at least, that's what I call a dark-period of two years, marked decidedly by too much time on the internet, which--despite any effort from me--yielded some unexpected gems. One of the best discoveries of that time was the incredibly articulate, wise, and forgiving Maya Angelou. I found her poetry on a website. Then, (like most haphazard searches on the internet), that led me to youtube, which in turn led me to learn the indisputable fact that Maya Angelou must have the most soothing voice of any living human. Ever. (Ask science. I am sure it is fact.)



I think what drew me to her, as an author and person, was I felt that Maya Angelou was someone who understood me, and a great many people. And now, as it is Maya we have lost, here are a few things I have learned from a favorite author of mine, in her own words:

...
“The problem I have with haters is that they see my glory, but they don't know my story...” 

...
“I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” 
...
“The first time someone shows you who they are, believe them.” 

...
“I can be changed by what happens to me. But I refuse to be reduced by it.” 

...
“Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it.” 

...
“Never make someone a priority when all you are to them is an option.” 

...
“My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style” 

And my favorite Angelouism: 


“I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way (s)he handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights.” 

Hope you learned something from her, as I did. She was a brilliant, wonderful woman. Her words remain with us, 
MD


Saturday, May 24, 2014

Summer Youth Service Programs at Our Library!

If the kids already have cabin fever, and you are all looking for something to do, come and check out some great summer programs we have going at our library. This year some of our events include: our summer reading program (with some great new prizes), Scales and Tales (the traveling animal educational show) and a LEGO night to promote STEM related sciences, while having LEGO fun, among many, many more. (Note: All of these programs are free, and provided for you by your local library!)

These are just a few of our programs we have coming up for you. Please check out our full brochure in a PDF by clicking HERE. 

As always, call to sign up at our Youth Service Line: 1-(630)-368-7733


Monday, May 19, 2014

Meeting author, John Green



Library workers, Margaux Deutsch (Circulation) and Julia Frederick (Youth Services), were lucky enough to meet New York Times Best-Selling author of The Fault in Our Stars and Looking for Alaska, John Green, at the 2014 Zena Sutherland Lecture located at the Harold Washington Library Center of the Chicago Public Library.

Green's lecture, “Does YA Mean Anything Anymore? Genre in a Digitized World.” touched on the meaning and the future of the Young Adult genre.

Duct Tape Crafts 2014!

We had a blast at the library on Saturday with our Duct Tape Crafts Program! Participants created duct tape wallets, flower pens, bows, and even a few purses. Thanks to everyone for coming out and showing off your duct tape skills!

Here are some pictures from the event: 











Saturday, May 17, 2014

Police Storytime at Oak Brook Public Library

Special thanks to Officer Huff who came in for Police Storytime this past week. Officer Huff was able to read some super fun stories, and also, talk about her job serving the community as a police officer. There were many smiling, and curious young faces in her audience.

And at the library, we would like to thank office Huff not only for stopping by, but also, her service to the Oak Brook community!

Thank you, Officer Huff.


Here are some pictures from the event:






Friday, May 16, 2014

Bookmark Design Contest 2014!

Take part in our Bookmark Design Contest for our Summer Reading Program -- "Paws to Read!"

Print out a page or pick one up from the Youth Services Desk, and return it back to us by May 30th!

Click Here ---> to print out a Bookmark Design Contest flyer



Saturday, May 3, 2014

At Last....

Finally, all of the new reading recommendation brochures (for grades Pre-K-High School), are finished! Ah, it was lots of coffee cups in the making, but I think they turned out quite alright. These brochures largely include the best books available to each individual grade level. This means a healthy mix of classics, literary prize winners, and just very, very good books. New and old.

A link to each brochure's PDF can be found HERE in our Google Drive.

MD

Here is a preview of some of our brochures:

High School Leisure Reading Recommendations: 


....


All Time Best Picture Books:

...

High School A.P. English Reading Recommendations: 

...
Links:


I hope you are able to check out our Google Drive. Feel free to use these brochures for your own personal use, at your library, or school. We only ask you do not remove creator's credit.
Questions? Comments? Suggestions for more brochures?

Email us: obplblog@gmail.com

--MD