When you think of libraries, you likely think of checking out books and attending events. And while there’s no shortage of both of those here, we have a world of resources and services that will help inspire lifelong learning, foster creativity and connect you with your community. You might be surprised at all the fascinating things you can do at the library, so here are six to get you started.
1. Renew Your License Plate Sticker
Renewing your license plate shouldn’t be an all-day event—and now it doesn’t have to be. Visit us seven days a week to purchase your vehicle sticker in just minutes. You will need to bring your Illinois vehicle registration renewal notice sent by the Secretary of State, your current registration card or Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and your current driver’s license or ID. A $7.50 service fee will be applied to each sticker.
2. Get Free or Discounted Museum Passes
Does your family enjoy visiting Brookfield Zoo, LEGOLAND Discovery Center, Cantigny Park and Naper Settlement? How about visiting them for free or at a discounted price? With Museum Adventure Pass, you can do just that! Simply stop by the Circulation Desk in the lobby to check out a pass using your library card. Passes are first-come, first-served as there are a limited number of passes for each participating organization.
3. Digitize Your Photos and Old Movies
Do you have a pile of VHS tapes (or even 8mm film) full of memories like your baby’s first steps or that first wobbly bicycle ride down the sidewalk? How about old photos, negative or even slides? Using our VHS to DVD converter or Epson photo scanner, you can digitize and preserve your memories in Studio 300 before the ravishes of time deteriorate these media types of yesteryear.
4. Get Your Documents Notarized
If you are in need of a notary, we have several staff members who can assist you at no cost. We try to have someone available during all business hours, but we encourage you to call to confirm availability on that day. Notary services are provided on a first-come, first-served basis, and you will need to bring a valid ID issued by a state or federal agency that includes your photo and signature and your unsigned document to be notarized. Documents must be signed in the notary’s presence.
5. Reserve a Free Meeting Space
We have many spaces for groups and individuals to meet, study and create. Our meetings rooms are perfect for business meetings, group presentations and community gatherings for groups of five to 100 people. Each room comes equipped with an HD projector and projection screen, a Blu-ray/DVD player and an HD stereo sound system. On the lower level, Studio 300 houses audio recording suites, video recording and photography studios and group collaboration rooms that include two 48″ monitors, a table with built-in laptop ports and charging outlets and a whiteboard wall to make sharing ideas with your team a breeze.
6. Get Your High School Diploma
We are proud to offer district residents ages 19 and older the opportunity to earn a free, accredited online high school diploma through Career Online High School. Since 2014, we have had more than 27 graduates successfully complete the program and go on to pursue exciting careers. They were even the first library in Illinois, and only the third in the country, to offer this program. If you’re ready to take your education to the next level, you need not look farther than your library.