Courage Defined

I just finished reading "The Last Stand of Fox Company," a recently released book about a little known battle during the Korean War. I thought I knew what courage was before I read this....I did not. What an incredible story. It shows what extraordinary things ordinary people can do when they must. Wow!

Rodger Brayden

Free local attractions!

Looking for affordable entertainment that's both educational and, well... entertaining?

The Local Tourist has a list of Chicago museums' free days for 2009. You can't get any cheaper than free! For more ideas online check out the National Geographic Traveler's feature, "Free Chicago."

Keep in mind that the library also lends free passes to Brookfield Zoo, available for check out at the Circulation Desk.

To keep current with happenings in and around Chicago, check out publications like the Chicago Reader (available for free every Thursday) and TimeOut Chicago. You can also find books on local Chicago attractions through the library catalog.

Make a difference this spring!

We hope you're enjoying this patch of spring weather that's graced our Midwest skies as of late. In the spirit of spring and renewal, this is the perfect time to crawl out of that winter funk, get out in the local community, and get involved.

There are tons of opportunities to volunteer in the Chicago-land area. Here are just a few suggestions of local organizations:

• West Suburban PADS provides a range of services to the homeless including emergency food and shelter and various affordable housing options. Their offices are located just up the road in Maywood.


• Sarah's Inn in Oak Park is a not-for-profit organization that offers domestic violence services to families across the city and near west suburbs.


• Animal shelters are always looking for committed volunteers. The Animal Care League is just one example.


• If you're interested in making a difference in the lives of young people, contact the Boys and Girls Club of West Cook County for information regarding volunteer opportunities


• If working with seniors is more your thing, contact the Senior Citizen's Center of Oak Park & River Forest
  

No matter what your interests, there is an organization that can benefit from your time and talents. For more ideas check out USAService.org or contact the Reference Desk for more information.

New: Calculate the value of your FPPL library card!

Recently, the Wall Street Journal featured an article showcasing the importance of libraries during tough economic times. Articles like these are popping up in newspapers nationwide in response to rising demand on library resources including books and movies, library computers, and various employment resources like resume help.

Curious about the financial worth of your library card? Put it to the test using our new online value calculator.

Celebrate Women's History Month!

March is Women's History Month. In celebration, the Chicago Sun-Times published a fun little feature ("Celebrating Women's History Month") complete with Women's History trivia and a historical timeline in its Tuesday, March 3rd edition. In case you missed it, a copy of the paper is available in the library's periodical section. The "Indy Star" has also posted an online list of suggested readings on their blog.

For books about Women's History, check out our new display or stop by the Reference Desk for more suggestions! Or check out some of these featured books:

Well-Behaved Women Seldom Make History by Laurel Thatcher Ulrich

ISBN:9781400075270, Vintage

Ladies of Liberty: The Women Who Shaped Our Nation by Cokie Roberts

ISBN: 9780060782351, Harper Perennial

A Jury of Her Peers : American Women Writers from Anne Bradstreet to Annie Proulx by Elaine Showalter

ISBN: 9781400041237, Alfred A. Knopf