Hey there, Loft crew!
Super Sneak Preview: Winter Reading
In the past seven days we’ve seen snow, sunshine, and crisp, blustery fall – and as disconcerting as that early snow may be, it can only mean one thing: Winter Reading is on the horizon! ❄️
This year we’re gearing up for another season of reading, relaxing, and reward-earning with our newest reading program mascot, Winston. Starting December 19, you’ll be able to log the days you read and begin earning virtual raffle tickets (and stickers, natch) in order to try to win one of three cozy gift baskets.
Keep an eye out for more details soon – and if you attend a Park Ridge school, make sure you say hi to Maddie when she visits your classes in a few weeks!
(Un)Popular Opinion Feature
We’ve recently been chatting about the enemies-to-lovers trope and how, often, novels marketed as such don’t actually feature any time where the characters are enemies. The book that started the conversation? Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross – in which the supposed rivals never truly seem like rivals – at least, not enough to merit the title or the enemies-to-lovers tag. Do you think Iris and Roman are truly rivals if they’re going out to lunch together and clearly don’t hate each other even if they try to pretend they do?
What’s your favorite enemies-to-lovers novel? If you’ve got more hot (or not) takes on books, join us Monday, December 22 for (Un)Popular Book Opinions – we’ll chat from 3:30-4:30 p.m. about our favorite tropes to hate.
Exciting Library News
- Coming next year… a Park Ridge Public Library app!
- We’re unveiling our new strategic plan (a roadmap for how the library will grow and change over the next few years) in our Winter Newsletter – so keep an eye on your mailbox at home or on our website!
- As of mid-November, our digital library platform Boundless will no longer be available – and starting December 2, it will be replaced by a new app called The Palace Project. This digital library platform complements Libby for ebooks and eaudiobooks and, while very similar to Libby, allows connection to other platforms and has more favorable access to Audible exclusives. You can read more in this press release, and we’ll for sure keep our digital library page updated as the transition progresses.
- We know WiFi in the Loft has been a challenge for a while – especially if you have a D64 Chromebook. We’ve worked out a new solution, however, and now you can quickly and easily log on to our WiFi network in the Loft just by scanning a QR code (found on every table) with your device. So if you’ve been hotspotting yourself for a while, make sure you scan the code to join our new network!
- Have you seen our new Loft shelving? Make sure you stop by!
Programs You’ll Actually Want to Go To ✨
Fall break can be a weird mix of chill and chaos — you finally get a week off to hang out with family (and eat your body weight in mashed potatoes), but finals are lurking just around the corner, so it’s not exactly relaxation mode. Good thing the library’s got some fun events to help you unwind and reset before the end-of-semester rush!
- T(w)een Tasters – Friday, November 21, 4-5 p.m.
Ready to snack your way through Taiwan? Join us as we unbox a tasty selection of treats from Universal Yums and explore the flavors and fun facts of this amazing island. You’ll learn about Taiwan’s culture, play some snack-themed trivia, and get to taste and rate each unique snack. Come hungry and curious – you never know which Taiwanese treat will become your new favorite! Allergens may be present. Grades 6-12. - RPG & Board Game Club – Sunday, November 23, 1-4:45 p.m.
Teen gamers, unite! Join an ongoing RPG adventure or explore various exciting tabletop games with other passionate players (no prior experience required). Check our online calendar for dates and sign up a week in advance. Grades 6-12. - Wild Animal Painting – Tuesday, November 25, 2-3:30 p.m.
Follow along with us as we sketch messy and abstract doodled wild animal portraits, then bring them to life in vibrant and expressive colors! All supplies provided. Grades 5-9. - College Admissions and Test Prep Trends – Monday, December 1, 7-8 p.m.
Whether we like it or not, standardized tests are used to assess a student’s aptitude and achievement. When it comes to college-related standardized tests, it’s often confusing how and when to prepare for them. Is it best to take one, the other, or both? Through this workshop, caregivers and students will learn how the SAT and ACT fit into the big picture, how to know which tests to focus on, and the ideal timeline and strategy for preparing and making the most out of these tests. Caregivers and students will also be introduced to resources to support their needs. Grades 9-12 and caregivers. This program is being presented by Excellerate Learning Studio.
It’s not hard to register, just click the link for each program to sign up & we’ll see you there! Plus, we’ll have extra study space (snacks allowed) and relaxing activities in December to help you through the end of the semester blues. Find our full calendar – including study space & all our winter events – here.
The Loft is better with you in it. Come by soon—we’ll save you a spot. ✨
— Your Library Teen Team 💛
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