Latest news with #OrlandParkPublicLibrary
Chicago Tribune
05-07-2025
- General
- Chicago Tribune
South, southwest suburban libraries to receive $1.3 million in state funding
Nearly 50 libraries in the south and southwestern suburbs will receive more than $1.3 million in state funding as part of an annual grant program awarding more than 600 public libraries across Illinois $20 million. The Orland Park and Oak Lawn public libraries will receive the largest grant, at just over $86,000 each. Orland Park Public Library Director Mary Adamowski said the library plans to use the money to expand its collection of books and materials. 'We have a patron-driven collection, which means we purchase the materials that the community requests and materials that will help us fulfill holds faster,' Adamowski said. 'These include fiction and nonfiction materials in both print and digital formats.' Following closely behind the top grant recipients, the Tinley Park Public Library will receive almost $83,000, which Director Zach Musil said will go toward purchasing books, movies, music, ebooks and other materials. That includes a memory care collection to provide resources for community members with Alzheimer's disease and their caregivers. Musil said it's crucial libraries receive this funding every year. 'If we don't receive that fundamental funding, it cuts into how much we're able to purchase materials for patrons and for the community,' Musil said. All other public libraries will receive between $2,000 and $60,000, depending on population size. Libraries will have two years to spend the funds. Two libraries qualified for matching grants for construction projects. Frankfort Public Library Director Amanda Kowalcze said they will use the $83,200 grant to help fund a large maintenance project. She said water leaks into the building during high rainfall, due to landscaping and building materials, and the project aims to fix the issue. 'It disrupts usage because we need to clear out the area and set up air movers and fans, and so it's definitely something that has been a longtime struggle,' Kowalcze said. 'We're all excited we don't have to worry about it going forward.' Yet the funding for new technology in the south suburban libraries dwindled this year. Four Southland libraries qualified to receive technology grants, of either $12,500 or $27,500 depending on population size, compared to more than a dozen libraries that qualified for the same grant last year. The Richton Park Public Library received $27,500 in grants for technology resources while public libraries in Flossmoor, Posen and Thornton received $12,500. Last year, the Blue Island Library received a technology grant of $27,500, which Director Anna Wassenaar said funded the purchase of more than two dozen computers, along with computers for staff and a license to use Microsoft programs. Wassenaar said several of the computers were purchased in 2013. 'We're able to run programs much faster,' Wassenaar said. 'We have updated software that the older computers couldn't run. Our older computers were sometimes glitchy and trashy because they were older, and modern software didn't want to run on them, so it did make it harder to serve the public as quickly and efficiently as we would like to.' Libraries are only eligible to use the funding if they adopt the American Library Association's Library Bill of Rights that states the library will not censor or remove materials, as part of the state's 2023 effort to prevent book banning. Several libraries in downstate districts have given up small grants under $4,000 to keep independence in making decisions on books. Illinois Deputy Secretary of State Scott Burnham said Thursday all 639 libraries receiving grants this year provided compliance with the association's standards on book banning. Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, who is the state librarian, mentioned the Trump administration's executive action signed in March that ordered the elimination and defunding of the Institute of Museum and Library Services, which Giannoulias said issues nearly $6 million annually to Illinois. 'We're doing things differently in Illinois,' Giannoulias said in a statement. 'Instead of cutting funding that would limit learning and prove harmful to Illinois communities, we're fighting for Illinoisans to ensure they have the funding and resources to learn, grow and explore today and in the future.' Wassenaar said she is still concerned about the future of federal library funding. 'Some of these grants did run through federal funding that came into the state library and then the state library would distribute, so I'm concerned that those grants might not be continued,' she said.
Chicago Tribune
24-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Chicago Tribune
Around the Southland: Orland Park Library features art photographer, and more
Photographer stars in reception at Orland Park library Acclaimed photographer Mark Ballogg will highlight his exhibit 'Making Space' from 7 to 8 p.m. May 2 on the second floor of the Orland Park Public Library, 14921 S. Ravinia Ave. Attendees can speak with the photographer, view some of his favorite photographs and learn more about the Chicago art scene. The event is free and requires no registration. The exhibit, featuring some of the photos taken of 166 artist studios throughout Chicago by Ballogg over six years, will be on display in May. The project led to a hardbound book in 2023 displaying a single photograph from 94 studios representing 113 artists as well as 76 excerpts recorded from conversations. Ballogg, an internationally recognized architectural photographer, has more than 30 years of experience that has earned him accolades from throughout the world. He does work commercially through Ballogg Photography in Chicago, New York and Los Angeles. Information is at 708-428-5110. Bridge work starts soon over Hickory Creek in Frankfort If the weather holds, bridge repairs on La Grange Road over Hickory Creek in Frankfort will begin April 28, the Illinois Department of Transportation has announced. During the project, LaGrange Road will go down to one lane in each direction over the bridge. Lane shifts on both sides of the road as workers prepare for the repairs. The $1.4 million project is expected to be finished in September and will include installing a new deck overlay, replacing expansion joints and repairing the bridge deck. Pathlights marks 50 years with a gala celebration Pathlights has been around for 50 years and is celebrating its service to the community with a benefit gala set for 6 p.m. May 2 at Orland Chateau, 14500 La Grange Road, Orland Park. Pathlights, based in Palos Heights, began as PLOWS in 1975 and serves older adults in Chicago's south and southwest suburbs. Its services range from coordination of in-home services to caregiver support groups, housing resources, respite care and counseling for long-term care plans. In addition to celebrating the organization and its work, the gala is a benefit. 'We hope to raise the critical funds we need to continue the work we do,' Alison Park, Pathlights resource development manager, noted in a news release. 'We expanded our service area in the fall, now caring for older adults in Bremen and Rich townships.' The event, which calls for formal attire, includes an open bar, dinner, silent auction, live music performed by Bluewater Kings and a silent auction. Tickets cost $150 per person or $1,050 for a table of eight. They are available online at or by calling 708-361-0219. Open house features update on Calumet Triangle Area plans An open house discussion on the Calumet Triangle Area Planning Study is set for 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. April 26 at the South Holland Community Center, 501 E. 170th St., South Holland. Sponsored by the South Suburban Mayors & Managers Association, residents and area visitors are welcome, organizers said. Snacks and children's activities will be provided. Attendees can learn about suggested improvements for the Torrence Avenue corridor and throughout the Calumet Triangle Area, such as pedestrian access, transit upgrade, bikeways and other safety and mobility enhancements. NSDAR chapter bestows Good Citizens Awards The Swallow Cliff chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution recently held its annual youth awards program to honor the chapter's seven Good Citizens Award winners. Students who win show the qualities of service to their schools and community, dependability, patriotism and leadership. They were required to submit two letters of recommendation, a summary of their community service, activities and achievements, and write a timed essay about a given topic. Winning students received monetary awards, pins and certificates and were as follows: Lauren Gorman, Chicago Christian High School; Fatima Suhail, Argo Community High School; Madison Grace Prim, Oak Forest High School; Kaylah Forrest, Tinley Park High School; Xalani Mithcell, Evergreen Park High School; Patrick Corrigna, Shepard High School; and Ameera Zaied, Stagg High School. Zaied, who has more than 100 hours of community service and is class valedictorian, was chosen to advance to the DAR District IV competition. Thorn Creek Woods raffle marks Earth Day Celebrate Earth Day by buying tickets in the Friends of Thorn Creek Woods raffle before 3 p.m. April 27, when the winning tickets will be drawn. Proceeds benefit the nature center. The 18 baskets available feature such things as cats, gourmet pasta, hummingbirds, a birdhouse, owl lamps, three nature prints, coffee and soil. Tickets cost $1 each or six for $5 and can be bought from noon to 4 p.m. Fridays at the nature center, 247 Monee Road, Park Forest. Winners don't need to be present. This year's Earth Day event, set for 1 to 3 p.m. April 27, features spring wildflowers, known as ephemerals, that thrive in Thorn Creek Woods. A photo display, games, crafts, exhibits and refreshments are included, as well as a hike at 2 p.m. to discover which species are blooming. It's sponsored by Friends of Thorn Creek Woods and the Jim Marzuki Fund for Public Programming. Information is at 708-747-6320 or by emailing thorn_creek@ Donation drive set at Chicago Gaelic Park A Society of St. Vincent de Paul donation drive is planned for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 26 and 27 in the east parking lot at Chicago Gaelic Park, 6119 W. 147th St., Oak Forest. Donations of gently used or new items in boxes or bags will be accepted, such as clothing, linens, lamps, toys, shoes, jewelry, rugs, office supplies, blankets, purses, tools, books and draperies. Proceeds from the eventual sale of the items supports people in need. Information is at or 708-687-9323. Oak Lawn VFW auxiliary hosts penny social The Johnson-Phelps Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary will have a penny social from 1 to 5 p.m. April 27 at the post, 9514 S. 52nd Ave., Oak Lawn. Attendees will search for hidden treasures in nickel, dime and quarter tables, as well as vying for prizes at the raffle table. Proceeds benefit veterans in need and their families, as well as the community. The kitchen will be open for lunch. Information is at 708-423-5220. South Suburban College sets education forum The South Suburban College Strategic Planning Breakfast and Forum is planned for 9 a.m. to noon at DoubleTree Hilton Chicago-Alsip, 5000 W. 127th St., Alsip. The event features a discussion panel about the State of Education in the Southland as well as a free breakfast. Information and reservations by May are with Christin T. Miller at ctmiller@
