From the Illinois State Library:

Secretary of State and State Librarian Jesse White is proud to join Governor Pat Quinn and Christopher Koch, Superintendent of the Illinois State Board of Education, in encouraging parents and librarians to check out an important website aimed at keeping children reading during the upcoming summer months when school is not in session. The Find-a-Book website, http://www.lexile.com/findabook, has quick and easy access to a list of books that will match a child’s reading level and interests, as well as the nearest libraries carrying each title.

Joliet Junior College is pleased to announce its summer Library Technical Assistant courses:

LTA 204 Libraries & Technology
with Susan Prokopeak J3030
Mon & Wed from 6:00 - 8:55 p.m.
Starting 6/1 ending 7/20

LTA 206 Children's Library Services
with Jennifer Bromann J3030
Tue & Thu from 6:00 - 8:55 p.m.
Starting 5/31 ending 7/21

For registration, phone: 815-744-2200

Looking to get tweens into your library, but don’t have the budget to invite Justin Bieber in as a special guest?  Never fear.  On April 29 from 9:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. at the Naperville 95th Street Branch, librarians and book experts from around the region will be bringing together ideas of materials and services that will have your patrons ages 9-13 clamoring for more.  Hear more about pop culture and what books are hot for tweens right now. Find out which programs work, which don’t, and how you can start some cool activities at your own library. Join us for a day focused on fun! CPDUs available. Registrations are due April 22.

(From a message posted to the PALScast list.)

"Midsummer Knight’s Read" Summer Reading Kickoff is scheduled for Friday, February 11 at Sycamore Public Library, please note the following:

We have scheduled 13 presenters to highlight their programs.  Each will have a table with information about what they have to offer.  Six of them will take the stage to show off just a bit of what they do.  All are coming prepared to schedule your summer programming events, so bring your date books.

Lunch is bring-your-own-brown bag.  There are a couple of fast food restaurants close by if you should forget.  Coffee, tea and water will be provided.