Whenever it’s time for me to write this letter to you, I consider what has been on my mind and what we can look forward to in the coming season. I’m composing this in the middle of January after a nasty cold snap. Since before the holidays, we at the library, for a variety of reasons, have been struggling with staffing shortages. In the middle of a stretch of dreary days, full of worry for our staff and patrons, and scrambling to find enough coverage to keep the doors open, it’s difficult to look ahead to warmer, brighter, healthier days.

However, when I reflect on the difficulties we’ve faced, the thing that stands out for me is how gracious and patient our community has been with us as we’ve had to pull staff from all over the library to perform jobs they’ve done infrequently or never. You have shown us kindness and good cheer, and that has made all the difference.

Of course, we do have a lot to look forward to this spring.

While the majority of our programming will continue to be virtual, warmer weather brings us the opportunity to move some programs outdoors. Our gardens will begin to bloom, and we would love for you to join us for Reading in the Garden on April 29th. Gaze at the moon and stars through the library’s telescopes on May 12th. Be on the lookout for the Maker’s Market, to be held on Saturdays, April 2nd through June 4th.

We are also offering our popular Senior Tax Assistance, sponsored by Triton College. Call the RSVP Office at 708-456‐0300 x3895 to make an appointment. Keep your eyes open for Take and Make crafts, available at the Library Services Desk, and don’t forget all the fun and exciting programs Kids World offers our younger patrons.

Remember, we also have laptops and wi-fi hotspots available to check out to residents of Norridge and Harwood Heights, and we continue to offer home delivery to residents as well as curbside pickup.