Palatine Public library in the News

We love our library since our first day in Palatine. Unfortunately, they do not feature anymore the old library sign, which announced the opening of the library in on September 8, 1923 – it has about 500 books back then.

We grew up in this library. As a family. As citizens. There is so much more in the library than just books. In addition to all the materials you can check, in addition to all the clubs and lectures you can attend, it provides the meeting spaces, which is priceless for anybody seeking to find like-minded people.

Our library has been recognized several times as one of the best in the nation in it’s category. Last year was not an exception – it received “Star Library” recognition among neighboring and national libraries in the Library Journal’s Index of Public Library Service for 2019.

Interestingly, the same week, Igor showed me another article, which recognized the library for the outstanding marketing of its renovation project. The article in the Library Journal provides all details, and I can second their recognition. The way how the necessity of the changes was explained, how the library engaged the whole community into the discussion, and made sure each voice was heard was indeed outstanding. You could drop a response in the library collection box, you could reply online, or by mail, there were several public meetings held to discuss the renovation.

I can’t wait to see how it will turn out!

About The Biking Event, And How I broke My Bike And Fixed It

On Saturday morning we had a first Palatine Community bike ride, with the Mayor and Village officials present. Although it was extremely hot, there was no question for me, whether to show up or not. Taking the weather into account, the participation was great. The police (both the cars and bikers) were escorting our cavalcade through the whole ride and would hold the traffic when we were crossing the Northwest Highway. It was a real community event, with many people participating for the first time.

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The Independence Day Weekend

I’ve returned from my Amsterdam vacation on July 3, just in time to dive into the 4th of July festivities. That was the plan; during all my twenty-three years in the US, there was only one time when I was out of the country on this day. It happened two years ago, back then there was no option for me to be away from work for more than a couple of days, and I went to Helsinki to see Boris taking only one day off in addition to the long weekend.

And I felt that I’ve missed out for the whole year! Something had happened, and I was not a part of it! After all, missing a birthday of the country is almost like missing a birthday of a family member.

After that one time, I’ve told Boris I will never do it again and agreed to come to Amsterdam before the conference only under a condition that I will be back to the US for the holidays.

I am spending this weekend with my family and friends, and the best part of it is feeling being a part of my community.