Our thoughts are with NIU community

In the wake of another gut-wrenching tragedy on a college campus, the thoughts and prayers of the Schaumburg Township District Library go out to the victims' family and friends.

I am an alumna of Northern Illinois University, and the co-worker of people whose children and grandchildren are students there. Many of you can say the same.

It doesn't take a direct connection to the university, however, to feel the despair and fear brought on by a heinous crime leaving six dead, at least 16 injured, and countless lives shattered -- some forever.

When a gunman entered NIU's Cole Hall on Feb. 14 intent on a random, senseless slaughter, I was out buying a valentine gift. A normal day. Kids went to school, adults went to work. We shopped, we drove cars, we fixed meals. We exchanged pretty cards with hearts and flowers.

Then, we turned on the news and it hit us all once again -- life is fragile. That cliche is the very reason we need compassion, unity, and random acts of kindness.

This column normally highlights programs, resources, and services available at the Schaumburg Township District Library, but not today.

The library is run and operated by everyday people who are part of a community, a state, and a nation facing a grievous loss. And in that capacity, we offer our condolences to all those coping with the heartache caused by the NIU killings.