Cook Memorial Public Library District hosts Study Night

Submitted by Cook Memorial Public Library District

Community High School District 128 Federation of Teachers and Cook Memorial Public Library District are again teaming up to host the seventh Study Night at the Library from 6-9 p.m. Monday, Jan. 12.

Teachers from Libertyville High School and Vernon Hills High School will be on hand at Cook Park Library, 413 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville, and Aspen Drive Library, 701 Aspen Drive, Vernon Hills, to help students prepare for final exams Jan. 13-15.

Study Night is one of the ways local school districts and the library work together to support students in the communities they serve.

The teachers union recruits about 40 teachers to help out and provides snacks and bottled water to fuel the students during the three-hour drop-in session. The upcoming session will also include specially trained dogs from Rainbow Animal Assisted Therapy to help kids bring down stress levels.

Study Night at the Library was launched in 2011 after Libertyville High School Librarian Jim Wirtanen approached Cook Memorial Public Library District staff seeking partnership ideas. Cook Library's Ellen Jennings, who coordinates young adult programs, had previously opened up the library and its resources for exam prep, but did not have a strong student turnout.

"It wasn't the home run that was hoped for," said Reference Manager Mary Andrew, who is also the library liaison to area high schools.

Jennings and Andrew pitched a joint study session to Wirtanen, who seized it. His involvement was a game changer. Wirtanen secured the support of District 128 Federation of Teachers. The teachers talk it up to students as a unique opportunity to get help from instructors in advance of finals.

When Wirtanen left his position, teacher Kristi Robertson took up the job of coordinating educator involvement, working with District 128 Federation of Teachers President Dennis Duffy.

Andrew credits the teachers for running six successful Study Nights.

"Cook Memorial Public Library District sets up and hosts, but the event is run by the teachers, many of whom even help clean up at the end of the night," he said.

Student response is enthusiastic. At both Cook Park and Aspen Drive libraries, teens and teachers huddle around all the extra tables that the facilities can house. Library Director Stephen Kershner notes that students who attend are "extremely polite" and many of them have thanked him for the library's part.

For more information, call (847) 362-2330.

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