Join community during Night Out at Algonquin library

On Tuesday, Aug. 2, the Algonquin Police Department will bring National Night Out 2016 to the Harnish Main Library, 2600 Harnish Drive in Algonquin.

National Night Out is an annual community-building event promoting police-community partnerships and community camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safer, better places to live. Neighbors participate from thousands of communities across the United States, Canadian cities and military bases worldwide.

National Night Out runs from 4 to 8 p.m. and features entertainment, displays, and fun in the library's backyard and parking lot. Residents can meet APD members and participate in hourly raffles, a "Cookies with a Cop" storytime, and a "Dunk-a-Cop" dunk tank. Attendees can visit with dogs from the Illinois/Wisconsin Search and Rescue Dog Team and get a good view of high-tech emergency response vehicles. Grilled hot dogs will be served from 5 to 7 p.m.

Library director Stephen Bero says he was immediately receptive to the idea of hosting National Night Out as the library continues to position itself as an essential community venue.

"We look forward to a relaxed evening of fun and friendship at the library," Bero says. "It is an honor and privilege to partner with the Algonquin Police Department in this nationwide event."

Much of the interaction between the public and police department representatives happens only during emergencies or emotional situations - situations that are not always conducive to relationship building with the community. In addition, some community members may feel hesitant to approach officers on the street. National Night Out provides an opportunity to get to know your community's police officers, ask questions, and perhaps even offer a few words of encouragement and appreciation.

Questions about National Night Out 2016? Contact Sergeant Dennis Walker at dennisw@algonquin.org or (847) 658-4531, or Virginia Donahue at virginia.donahue@aapld.org or (847) 458-6060.