Blog

In 2019, more than 23,345 kids and teens learned, created, and explored at the library.

While 2020 has looked different, we are still making an impact. For example, Our friend Bradley (pictured top) and Ellie (bottom) enjoyed library activities from home this year.

A lot of planning and care goes into making sure the kids in our community can be their best. This year, we rose to the challenge and continue to partner with schools and respond to the needs of our community. This includes developing programs to connect with kids, creating learning materials, and providing favorite books.

And, we can't do it alone.

Help us to reach even more kids by donating. Due to the fluid nature of COVID-19, now more than ever, your gift to the IPPL Foundation & Friends will be especially impactful. 

When Allen Smuda learned IPPL was adding telescopes to the collection for takeout thanks to a donation from the IPPL Foundation & Friends, he couldn't wait to check one out. His expectations did not disappoint. Looking through the lens just before dusk, he saw it—Saturn's rings. Because his wife was not home, and he couldn't wait to tell her, he sent her a text: "OMG. I can see Saturn's rings." Then, Allen proceeded to text his neighbors. Just like that, he had an impromptu gathering on his patio, with everyone exploring the sky together.

Thank you to those who made donations to the Foundation & Friends recently, including . . . 

• John Hempill, $250
• Barbara Hempill, $250
• Ken & Sara Heike and Elizabeth & Phil Callahan, $150
• Karen Blackful, $100
• Rod & Deb Feak, $100
• Roberta & Clayton Klein, $100

• Peter Makris, $10
• S. Eisenberg, $50
• M. Irene Spaletto, $25
• Dorian Gray, $50
• Sarah Carson, $25
• Stacy Palmisano, $50
• Helen Galan, $50
• Pamela Hines, $20
• Deborah S. Hogan, $50

Our donor drive 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, please 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. There is no text limit.

Contact us at 630/887-0945 to be part of the giving tree or order online here. 

• 369,954 people visited the Indian Prairie Public Library.
• 671,280 materials were checked out.
• The library team answered 80,697 of reference questions.
• Our community logged 45,783 hours of computer use.
• We delivered 1,592 items to homebound residents who couldn't visit us in person.
• Nearly 30,000 adults, kids, and teens enjoyed 1,055 library programs to learn something new.

Giving Tuesday- a day to celebrate the causes and the missions that mean the most to us- deserves more than one day.

There's a lot that goes into helping kids in our community be their best. This includes hands-on programs, partnering with the community schools, developing learning materials, and providing their favorite books. The Indian Prairie Public Library a place for everyone in the community to explore, connect, and be inspired.

Learn more: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rPE4cHzdJEc

Giving Tuesday is a day-long global event to put your dollars toward a cause that is near and dear to your heart. We know you love the Indian Prairie Public Library. Please consider a donation to the Indian Prairie Public Library Foundation & Friends.

As you get ready to shop for the holidays on Amazon, 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.

 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.