Blog

Jill Yott

Foundation Gives the Gift of Space Exploration

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.

"I have a great view of the sky from my back deck, and thanks to the library's telescopes, I have seen the moon, the planets, and the stars all up close," said Allen. "It's an incredible tool. I can't wait to check one out again."

Thanks to that donation from the Foundation & Friends, we are able to give the gift of space exploration to the community through these portable telescopes. You, too, can check out one of six telescopes. Telescopes are an IPPL cardholder exclusive.

Help us continue to bring bonding and memories to the community, and make a gift to the IPPL Foundation & Friends.
Jill Yott

Thank you, donors

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

Anonymous, $5,000

In memory of Rob Vuillaume, Gift of Carl Foundation, Inc, $2,000

AIG – Company match, $1,000

In honor of Hugh Glenn's retirement, $170

Evalee and Stephen Dumas, $100

Steven Szafranski, $100

In memory of Helene Cox
  • 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

3D Printing for AMITA Heath
  • 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
Jill Yott

IPPL Helps Medical Community

Health care professionals asked for help in securing personal protective equipment (PPE) in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

We answered.

Our team used the library's 3D printer to create Prusa face mask headbands and chin straps for AMITA Health Medical Centers. We worked with Dr. Bonny Chen to determine which hospital-approved design would be of the best help to them. We ran the printer around the clock to create 244 headbands and 186 chin straps that helped make the masks they needed.

"Thank you so much for everything you have done for us; it is truly life-saving!," said Dr. Chen. The library's 3D printer was donated by the IPPL Foundation & Friends. If you would like to help us cover the cost of materials, donate here.

Jill Yott

Give to our Donor Tree

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. 

Jill Yott

Your gift benefits thousands . . .

  • 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.

None of this would be possible without you.

Help us to reach even more of your friends and neighbors by donating to the Indian Prairie Public Library Foundation & Friends. Any gift can be directed for a special purpose like helping the library purchase new books, new technology, or fund children's programs.
Jill Yott

Make a Gift on Giving Tuesday

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

Jill Yott

Save the Date: Giving Tuesday

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.

Jill Yott

You shop. Amazon gives.

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.

Thank you in advance for supporting the Indian Prairie Public Library Foundation & Friends.
Jill Yott

Leave a Legacy on Our Tree

 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, 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.