What a week it was celebrating libraries across the country! We loved seeing our fellow libraries show why they are so important to their communities. Here in the Algonquin Area, we saw many of you put our new yard signs on display for all to see. We had so many great comments about what brings joy to our patrons, both in person and in our comment box, and nearly ran out of Hershey Kisses! Finally, our group effort author event at MCC resulted in a lovely evening of discussion with five authors that attendees loved.
Nearly 80 yard signs are on display at homes and businesses in our district, and some even outside the area! Thanks to library patron Scott for being the first one to send in an image!
Do you have one on display and would like to share it with us? Send it over to us at social@aapld.org. If you missed picking up a sign, ask at the circulation desk at either AAPLD location and we will hand them out while supplies last.
Illinois Senator Darby Hills visited the library to check out the changes made to our Eastgate Branch and spent time with Branch Manager Samantha Chippone. Watch a short video of her visit.
Patrons enjoyed over 1,100 Hershey Kisses and left some fantastic comments about what brings them joy at AAPLD. We’ll share some here:
- Finding the perfect book to read
- Reading magazines at the library
- I like the new building (Eastgate)
- Happy people who are friendly
- Lots of information
- Pretty places to sit
- Finding food in the Teen Room
- Having thousands of books, movies, and music for free, anytime
- Playing on the PCs
- Lego Club
- The employees are so helpful
- The library feels like a home to me
- Finding and checking out our books
- There are great books
- Best library around
- I like the books and play area
- The fish tank, play area, and all the books
- I like the clubs and activities
- The librarians always recognize me when I walk in and make me feel like they are happy to see me
- I love reading the Sweet Valley Twins books
- Algonquin Library’s Makerspace is the best
- The special events coordinator at the Algonquin Harnish Library is awesome, all the services are appreciated
- How kind the people who work here are and the friendly environment
- The study rooms help me relax and get work done
- Reading books
- I like the Manga books
- I love physical media
- Finding something new to watch or read, the ambience of the library is very calming
- I love getting seeds, spices, and 4K movies
- Pulling up with friends to do homework
- I love the helpful, smiling staff that feel like family
- Having a place to hang out with my friends after school
- Mahjong!
- We love coming and making a craft in the Children’s Area
- Reading with my wife
- Getting help with computers and the copier machine
- I love the Makerspace drop-in crafts
- The puzzle table relaxes me
- Love the huge selections of books, music, and DVDs
- When I play at the play place
- The calming atmosphere and spacious teen center are my favorite ways to find joy at AAPLD
- The staff is amazing and the opportunity to learn, grow, and read, I love the library
- Watching great movies and reading great books
- Scavenger hunts!
- Story times where I get to sing songs and have books read to me
- Music and Movement
- I like playing and reading, it brings me joy
- Free bookmarks
- Coming to say hi to all the librarians and grabbing the monthly calendar to add to our collection, thank you guys for having patience with our family
- Beautiful prizes
- All the connections
- I can borrow from the main branch and pick them up at Eastgate
- Reading the Sunday Daily Herald
- Dropping in and putting a few pieces of the puzzle together
- Best Library Ever!
- People are great and friendly, always helpful
- Love it here
- Borrowing DVDs and making popcorn at home
- Reading lots of stories through Historical Fiction books
While National Library Week has come to an end for 2026, the celebrations will continue at AAPLD throughout the year as Eastgate turns 50 years old, and we have an amazing Summer Reading Challenge headed your way. Thank you, as always, for your support and kind words. We can’t wait to see you at either of our libraries!