What makes a five-star library?
It could be the science, art, food, and history programs, a collection exceeding two million items, or the high-tech Teen Place. It may be related to the exciting bus trips, interactive children's activities, computer classes or services for the homebound. But to Schaumburg Township District Library Director Stephanie Sarnoff, the library's recent five-star rating is a combination of all these things, tied in a ribbon of service.
"Service excellence is the hallmark of the Schaumburg Township District Library," Sarnoff said. "It is a high honor, indeed, to be recognized as a leader among public libraries nationwide. I thank our supportive community, talented staff, and dedicated trustees for the success we achieve year after year."
The prestigious rating was awarded by the Library Journal Index of Public Library Service, a national rating system designed to recognize and promote America's public libraries. Scores are based on library visits, circulation, program attendance and public Internet computer use. Sarnoff cited the staff's dedication to helping library visitors, as well as some of STDL's unique features and events, like the kidsZone Enchanted Forest, Teen Place, citizenship ceremonies, money management workshops and more.
Examples of programs that draw people to the Schaumburg Township District Library can be seen in the following offerings.
"Holiday Skies" will be held from 7:30-9 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 13, in the library's Rasmussen South Room. Presented by Michelle Nichols from the Adler Planetarium, the program will cover fascinating celestial connections to the holidays from several cultures and traditions. Registration required.
An "Author Tasting" will take place from 1-3 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 16, in front of the fiction area fireplace on the first floor. No registration is needed for this event, in which authors from Windy City Romance Writers, Sisters in Crime Chicagoland and other groups will read selections from their books.
All are welcome to discover "Nelson Mandela's South Africa" from 7:30-9 p.m., Monday, Nov. 17, in the Rasmussen South Room. World Traveler Bill Helmuth will examine Mandela's civil and political activism, and his legacy of reconstructed South Africa. Registration required.
Children ages 10-14 who are STDL cardholders are invited to "Flight School" from 4-5:30 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 18, in the Rasmussen Room. This fun, hands-on workshop will teach the scientific principles of flight and children will create paper airplanes. Registration required.
Retired Colonel Jill Morgenthaler will share her challenges in leadership roles during "From Battlefield to Boardroom with the Colonel" from 7-9 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 19, in the Rasmussen South Room. She will tell inspiring true stories and sign purchased copies of her new book, "The Courage to Take Command, Leadership Lessons from a Military Trailblazer." Registration required.
Teens ages 12-19 are invited to a "Mockingjay Movie Party" from 7-8 p.m., Monday, Nov. 24, to celebrate the movie's release. They can test their survival skills, compete in a trivia challenge, and make crafts and snacks. Registration required.
In December, the library has scheduled two Chicago-bound bus trips. Enjoy a day of "State Street Shopping" from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Friday, Dec. 5, for a fee of $25 per person. You may also want to register to see the popular musical, Newsies, on Wednesday, Dec. 17, for a fee of $105 per person. Registration is required for both trips, which leave from and return to the library parking lot, 130 S. Roselle Road, Schaumburg.
For a complete list of November and December programs and events, see the library's Program Guide, or go to www.schaumburglibrary.org. And come on by to experience the library's five-star service firsthand.