Multilingual materials have home at library
You can go around the world within the walls of the Des Plaines Public Library.
The library is ready to serve its diverse community, offering materials in Spanish, German, Polish, Russian, Gujarati and Italian. It's a continuing tradition as the library works to serve area immigrants.
When the Des Plaines Public Library opened its doors a century ago, part of its book collection was dedicated to books in the German language, said Sandra Norlin, library director.
The 1909 annual report shows that 8 percent of the books were in German.
Today, the Des Plaines Public Library is still considered a gateway into the community for many new residents.
The library uses the PolyTalk library interpreters network, a volunteer phone network of bilingual interpreters.
The library uses its annual book budget of $487,000 to buy new books for the community, including foreign language ones.
Foreign language books make up more than 11 percent of the library's circulation while 4 percent of the budget is set aside for buying foreign language books.
For more information on the library's foreign language resources, call the adult services desk at (847) 376-2841.
Former trustee to lead parade: Former Trustee Bart Dill will serve as this year's grand marshal in the Elk Grove Village Parade.
On a personal note, I always knew Bart to be a tireless and friendly public official who enjoyed meeting with this reporter for tip sessions over coffee at the late great Higgley's Restaurant, kitty-corner from our office.
Of course, he liked to hold his best tips pretty close to the vest (since he wrote a column for another community newspaper). But it was always a nice coffee break.
The parade will step off at 6 p.m. on June 14 at Tonne Road and Elk Grove Boulevard. It continues on Elk Grove Boulevard to Lions Drive.
Fireworks will follow.
Chicago cop history: Get a view beyond the badge of Chicago police history at a talk from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. on June 12 at the Des Plaines History Center.
The presentation will feature author Daniel P. Smith, who wrote "On the Job" about the Chicago Police Department.
The program is free and will be held at the Visitor Center, 781 Pearson St.
Free coffee, tea and cookies will be served.
For more information about programs and events, call (847) 391-5399 or visit www.desplaineshistory.org.
Carpenters hold open house: The Chicago Regional Council of Carpenters Apprentice and Training Program will host its annual open house on June 7.
All are welcome to check out the school from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 1256 Estes Ave., Elk Grove Village.