Blog

Your donation makes it possible for us to be a vital part of our community. Thank you to those who recently supported the library.

In memory of Keshav Sanghani, Dhiren & Kailas Sanghani
Anonymous, $1,350.56
Anonymous, $1,000
Elizabeth Finnerty, $500
Donna & Glenn Gabanski, $500
Karen Nelson, $500
Steven Szafranski, $200
Selvi Pillai, $200
Better World Books, $187.68
In honor of Jamie Bukovac, The Board of Trustees, $150
Amazon Shoppers, $125.17
Charles Neach, $100
Helen & John Galan, $100
Raymond Jablonski, $100
William & Dorthea Navin, $100
Mary Wurzer, $100
Louis Both, $80
Geraldine Rennhack, $50
Daniel Paul Dennison, $50
Darlene Evan, $50
Ann Markus, $50
Nancy Martin, $50
Janet Panfil, $50
Ann Stovall, $50
Linda Temmer Garcia, $30
Judith Obrien, $30
Gloria Edlund, $25
Marina Karagianis, $25
Denise Splingaire, $25
Utsav Sethi, $20
Bruce Maclean, $10
Deb Navarre, $10
Shelley Wiegmann, $10 

Like many families in the community, Keshav Sanghani, his two sisters, and his mother spent many hours in the Indian Prairie Public Library, reading books, and attending events and programs. 

The large meeting room, where Keshav and his mother once enjoyed programs, now bears his name. 

The Sanghani family recently donated to the library in memory of their son who they lost in 2019. Keshav was an avid learner at all ages. He attended Holmes Primary School, Maercker Elementary School, Westview Hills Middle School, Hinsdale Central High School, and Washington University in St. Louis, where he was studying Statistics and Economics. Last summer, the family sponsored a garden in his memory. 

Keshav's Garden is located on the east side of the library in the Gardens. 

They lovingly remember Keshav's fond appreciation for everything that went into farming and growing produce. They have many stories and memories of their son who was wise, kind, and encouraging. 

Keshav's family has sponsored the meeting room with the hope that the sponsorship of this meeting room in Keshav's name will support the library in bringing young children and mature adults alike the resources that they seek to enrich their learning and expand their horizons.  

It started with a keychain for Andy Ermel.

Just a simple piece of wood laser engraved in the Maker Studio with his late son's name, birthday, and day of his death above an image of a single-prop plane.

"From there it just kind of exploded," Andy said.

It sure did.

Since that first project, Andy has created a host of items dedicated to his son, Joseph Aaron Ermel, a pilot who was killed in a motorcycle accident in 2021. The items include a permanent vinyl sticker for his laptop, plus coasters, coffee mugs, posters, and a wooden box with different images on each side representing Joseph's interests.

"I'm grateful for the Maker Studio and the projects I made to honor my son," said Andy. Along his journey in honoring his son, Andy used just about every machine available in the Maker Studio. "There's so much here to work with, and it keeps expanding," Andy said. "It seems like every time I come in here something new has been added."  

Several pieces of the Maker Studio equipment was donated by the Foundation & Friends. 

Dennis Hill was looking for a reason to use the Maker Studio's 3D printer.

A retired printer, he'd had an interest in this new technology for several years, but had yet to land on a project worth pursuing. At the same time, he was working on a home project to renovate his three-season porch. In particular, a ceiling fan needed new grommets because they had deteriorated. He'd found grommets at hardware stores that would work, but they were priced too high for his liking.

One day it struck him that he'd found the 3D printing project he was looking for: he would make his own grommets. Still, he wasn't sure the Maker Studio had what he needed, thinking that the plastic material would be too rigid to work well for grommets. But, after talking with and getting instruction from the Maker Studio staff, Dennis found there was a softer, more pliable plastic available.

"The people working in the Maker Studio were always so nice and stepped in to help whenever I needed them," Dennis said. T

he grommets did the trick, too. Dennis says the fan is working great again and he has enjoyed telling others about his 3D printing project.

Thank you to the IPPL Foundation & Friends for donating the 3D printer. 

Following on the heels of Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday, Giving Tuesday is a day dedicated to putting your dollars toward a cause that is near and dear to your heart. It might be a global movement, but you can make a difference right here in your community. Give to the Indian Prairie Public Library Foundation & Friends.

Technology is high on our community's wish list. Please consider sponsoring one of the following. You will be a hero in our community. Unless you wish to be anonymous, we will place your name as the sponsor of the item(s) you donate.

Even if you can't fulfill our wish list, please consider donating the cost of your coffee and muffin or lunch to us.

4G Wi-Fi Hotspot for One Year
Give those who cannot afford Internet access or need it to travel the opportunity to access the Internet at home or on the go.
Donation needed: $177 each
Our wish: Six

5G Wi-Fi Hotspot for One Year
Provide the latest in wireless technology that community members can use with their own devices.
Donation needed: $449 each
Our wish: Six

iPads
iPads support STEM programming at the library and local schools, as well as can be used in conjunction with wi-fi hotspots to provide Internet access to use our online services and collections.
Donation needed: $450 each
Our wish: 14

Windows Laptops
Support community members who seek jobs, access information online and use the library's databases and training resources. Your donation allows us to purchase Windows 11 laptops with Office 2019.
Donation needed: $700
Our wish: Five

Poster Printer
Support organizations, small businesses, and community members to print posters.
Donation: $2,095

Our wish: One 

 Thank you, donors Your donation makes it possible for us to be a vital part of our community. Thank you to those who recently supported the library.
In memory of Cindy Lou McDonnell, Darien Woman's Club, $250
In memory of Philip Lazzara, Angelo Lazzara, $150
Darien Woman's Club, $182
Better World Books, $141.49
In honor of Helen Chan Judy Betke Miller, $150
In honor of Barry J. Miller Helen Chan, $150
John Formento, $100
In memory of Jenny Fiolka JoAnn Fiolka, $50
In memory of Maureen Milord Lourdes Lonergan, $75
Daniel Paul Dennison, $50
Linda Temmer Garcia, $35

 It started with a keychain for Andy Ermel. Just a simple piece of wood laser engraved in the Maker Studio with his late son's name, birthday, and day of his death above an image of a single-prop plane. "From there it just kind of exploded," Andy said. It sure did. Since that first project, Andy has created a host of items dedicated to his son, Joseph Aaron Ermel, a pilot who was killed in a motorcycle accident in 2021. The items include a permanent vinyl sticker for his laptop, plus coasters, coffee mugs, posters, and a wooden box with different images on each side representing Joseph's interests. "I'm grateful for the Maker Studio and the projects I made to honor my son," said Andy. Along his journey in honoring his son, Andy used just about every machine available in the Maker Studio. "There's so much here to work with, and it keeps expanding," Andy said. "It seems like every time I come in here something new has been added."

As you shop on Amazon- either through the app or their website- a portion of your sales can benefit the library at no additional cost to you at AmazonSmile. Choose Indian Prairie Public Library Foundation as the charity you wish you donate to when you sign up at smile.amazon.com. Thank you in advance for supporting the Indian Prairie Public Library Foundation & Friends.  

Two things Eloise Smith loves are libraries and fundraising. So, imagine how excited she was when she learned the Maker Studio at IPPL could play a role in helping her raise money for a cause dear to her heart. Eloise, a retired flight attendant and IPPL volunteer, is making 40-60 coasters in the Maker Studio that will be included in gift bags for donors to the Cosley Zoo in Wheaton. She's using the laser cutter to etch animal designs into the coasters. The project came about when Eloise came to the Maker Studio for a separate project. She was making buttons for her class reunion. Eloise mentioned the zoo project to Ann Stovall, the IPPL Head of Technology and Maker Services, and a longtime friend. "We started talking about the buttons and other projects I'm working on," Eloise said. "I wasn't sure how I would complete my project. It was Ann who suggested using the laser cutter for the coasters. She saved my life!" Like many IPPL cardholders who venture into the Maker Studio, Eloise was so taken by the space that she plans to do many more projects and has signed up for several classes. "Thank heavens for the tech-librarians and the Maker Studio."
The laser cutter was donated by the IPPL Foundation & Friends. Donate here (to the donate page) to support learning in the Maker Studio. 

Our Donor Tree has been growing since the library moved to its current building in 1996. The tree of commemorative leaves and stones is located near the first floor lobby. If you wish to have your name become a lasting part of the library, or are looking to honor a special person or occasion, memorialize a loved one, or recognize an organization or business, consider purchasing one of these personalized, one-of-a-kind gifts. A leaf on the tree can be purchased for $250. You can personalize it with three lines up to 24 characters for lines one and three, 28 characters for line two. Stones at the base of the tree can also be purchased. A small stone is $1,500 and a large boulder is $5,000. Although there is no set character limit for these, please keep in mind that the longer the inscription, the smaller the text size will be. Donate today: Call 630/887-0945 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Linda Temmer Garcia, $15 

 Established in 2015, the Prairie Patch, has provided learning and exploration for youth as kids and teens explored the science behind gardening each summer while growing fruits and vegetables that were donated to food pantries. A generous donation from Dhiren and Kailas Sanghani, in memory of their son Keshav, will provide upgrades to the area. New raised beds and additional garden furniture and activities will be added to enhance the outdoor classroom and provide a place of relaxation and beauty.

 The mission of the Indian Prairie Foundation & Friends is to support the library as an essential center of learning, inspiration, and community pride. Your donation helps us support diverse programs and classes, enrich the library's collection, and provide services. Thank you to those who recently donated.

• Anonymous, $1,000
• Anonymous, $364.15
• Better World Books, $321.59
• In memory of Jo Marie Ostrowski, Maria Harvey, $250; IPPL Book Club, $175; Jacqueline Ostrowski, $155; Ira & Loretta Bresof, $100; Friends of Jo Marie, $100; Frank & Mary Rotella, $100 ; George & Jerry Toth, $50; Karen & Richard Korbas, $25
• In memory of Kondapalli Sita Mahalakshmi, Sunil Kondapalli, $300
• Amazon Shoppers, $154.34
• In memory of Antoinette Lazzara, Angelo Lazzara, $150
• In memory of Diane Soukup Azeling, Dan, Mike, Scot, & David Soukup, $150
• McMaster-Carr Company Match, $150
• Steven Szafranski, $100
• Margaret Reilly, $100
• Joyce Stunkel, $100
• In honor of Alina, Peter & Barb Allard, Theo Vidito & Jamie Allard, $80
• Josette Songco, $75
• Laurie Landsman, $50
• In honor of Helen Chan, Ken & Carol Poindexter, $50
• Stephan & Doreen Thomas, $25
• Linda Temmer Garcia, $15
• Daniel Paul Dennison, $15

Reading is an escape for longtime IPPL cardholder Jura Jancys of Darien. As a caregiver to her 97-year-old mother, however, Jancys can't leave the house very often, which makes trips to the library a challenge for her. That's where IPPL's homebound delivery service comes into play. Jancys read about the program in an IPPL newsletter and signed up right away. The library offers personalized delivery of library materials for those who qualify for homebound service due to an illness or disability and to their caregivers. Bi-weekly deliveries are made on Saturdays by volunteers from Interfaith Community Partners.

"The homebound delivery service is a real lifesaver for me," she said. "I can't leave my mother alone. To find out I could get books delivered through the homebound service, it's just wonderful. It takes the stress away." Like Jancys, Helene Kodis has a difficult time getting to the library, though she lives within two miles of it. Legally blind, Kodis, a longtime IPPL cardholder from Darien, was walking 30 minutes each way to pick up and return her books.

On one of her visits, she asked at the Guest Services Desk if there was a way to have her books delivered to her home. She was directed to the homebound delivery service and has been using it ever since. "I didn't know it was so well organized," she said. "I'm very impressed with the service.

The IPPL Foundation & Friends book sale is back and located in the new café. Prices range from 50 cents to $3. If you haven't had a chance to work or study in the new café, check it out. Because of a generous donation by the Foundation & Friends, we were able to create this fantastic new area with a variety of seating options for getting work done or simply meeting with your friends.

If you love the Indian Prairie Public Library and the services it provides, please consider a donation! Your donation is literally a gift to the entire community. Donate here. Thank you to our recent donors.

• Susanne Riedell, $1,000 
• Patricia O'Donnell
• $500 Anonymous
• $314.20 Better World Books
• $251.90 Steven Szafranski
• $200 Dana Haugen
• $150 Amazon Shoppers
• $84.66 Ben, Colleen, and Cecilia Thompson
• $75C.J. Tracy
• $25 Marcia Hadad
• $25 Daniel Paul Dennison
• $20 Linda Temmer Garcia
• $20 In loving memory of Elmer Both, Jr. -L.B., D.B., B.B., & B.B. Thank you to all medical professionals Louis Both
• $310 For Bea's Garden Greg Meronek
• $200 Elizabeth Lawrence
• $50 In memory of Betty Benson Antoinette Kennedy
• $50 Mary Malone
• $50 Eleanor Robson
• $50 In memory of Michael Tatum Robert Hill
• $100 In memory of Elaine Couch Raymond & Nancy Powers
• $50 In loving memory of Virginia Graves Poli Garza 
• $75 In loving memory of John H. Sparks Marian & Larry Krupicka

There's still time to make your end-of-year gift to the IPPL Foundation & Friends!
Donations do not fund day-to-day library operations, meaning that 100% of your gift is used to add new services, programs, or technology.
This year, your donations . . .
• funded the new café in the renovation to provide a gathering space for getting work done or simply meeting with friends.
• added a top-of-the-line 3D printer and laser cutter to the new Maker Studio, a place to learn and create.
• connected adults through online programs.
• helped children learn through initiatives like the summer challenge.
Donate here.

The Indian Prairie Public Library inspires discovery and creativity, provides opportunities for lifelong learning and enjoyment, and brings people together to share ideas, skills, and knowledge. Donations do not fund day-to-day library operations, meaning that 100% of your gift is used to add new services, programs, or technology.

No amount is too small! Make your donation.

LittleTown, our children's play area, is the perfect area for you and your child to explore. Because of the renovation, we were able to triple the space and include LittleShop in its new location. The original LittleTown was made possible by a donation from the Sadowski Family. LittleTown is designed to encourage a young child's sense of independence, exploration, and creativity. (Dave, use a photo of Littletown). If you'd like to make a donation to benefit families, make a gift here.