Lansing Library Adult News & Reviews Blog

Audio from: Understanding Islam in the Post 9-11 World

2009-11-06T15:46:00.000-06:00

If you missed the program, or want to hear it again:

Professor Ron Miller, Ph.D presents: Understanding Islam in the Post 9-11 World.

Listen to the program Understanding Islam in the Post 9-11 World. (1 hr. 26 min)

For more information on other events we have recorded, visit our Podcast Information Page.

Event description:
Join Professor Ron Miller for a lecture and Question & Answer discussion regarding the fastest growing religion in the world. Ron Miller, Ph.D is widely recognized for his ability to communicate the meaning of sacred texts to people of all backgrounds. He has lectured at hundreds of churches, synagogues, and mosques throughout the United States. He is the chair of the Religion Department at Lake Forest College in Lake Forest, Illinois, where he has taught for thirty years, and co-founder of Common Ground, an adult education group for interfaith religious study and dialogue since 1975. He is vice president of the Interreligious Engagement Project 21.

Phone Bill Clinic

2009-09-13T11:15:00.002-05:00

Tuesday, October 13, 2009 at 6:30 p.m.
If you are interested in saving money on your phone bill you need to attend the Phone Bill Clinic.
Patrons can bring in their phone bills for a free analysis by one of their experts, to sort through all the confusing charges and see how they can cut costs.
This program is presented by Citizens Utility Board a nonpartisan, nonprofit consumer watchdog group that was founded by the Illinois Legislature to fight for the rights of electric, natural gas, and telephone customers across the state.

Chicago Tours

2009-09-09T12:41:00.002-05:00

The Chicago Tours Lecture scheduled for Thursday, September 10, 2009
at 6:30 p.m. has been Canceled! Will be re-scheduled in the Spring.

Chicago Architecture Lecture

2009-08-25T15:08:00.000-05:00

September 10, 2009 at 6:30 p.m.
Huette Kaplan, a docent for the Chicago Architecture Foundation, will present an overview of many Chicago tours. These tours include:
Frank LLoyd Wright by Bus ~ Hear about the tour which visits the neighborhoods where Wright lived and where he developed the prairie style of architecture. Many of the neighborhoods referenced in the book , Loving Frank, will be discussed.
Devil in the White City Bus Tour ~ Hear about the tour based upon Erik Larson's book and which explores the events that occurred in Chicago and their lasting impact upon us: the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition and the emergence of America's first mass murderer.
Lights, Camera, Architecture ~ Hear about many of the walking routes that feature Chicago's architecture seen in movies such as Batman, Road to Perdition, Weather Man, Untouchables and the Blues Brothers.

Be the First to Know! Sign up now!

2009-08-17T13:08:00.002-05:00

The Lansing Chamber of Commerce is starting a new program to better serve Lansing residents, businesses and guests. The Chamber will send weekly emails highlighting the various events, fests, sales, fundraisers, etc. the Chamber Members are hosting. Be the first to know what is happening around town! Sign up by calling the Chamber at 708-474-4170, by emailing the Chamber at lansingchamber@yahoo.com or through the Chamber website, http://www.chamberoflansing.com

Privacy Statement: Your contact information will not be shared with any business. Only the Chamber Office will have access to your contact information.

Law offices of Sulaiman & Associates

2009-08-13T09:37:00.002-05:00

September 24, 2009 at 6:30 p.m.
Law offices of Sulaiman & Associates, a consumer rights law firm, will present information on:
What is a foreclosure, why foreclosures affect everyone, and what are the defenses to foreclosures.
Today we are experiencing one of the worst economic and housing crisis since the Great Depression. Come and hear what is happening in the foreclosure industry today. Learn about some of the defenses to foreclosure, and options that borrowers have. And why the economic stimulus didn't help!

Chicago Architecture Lecture

2009-08-12T15:28:00.003-05:00

Back-to-School Special!

2009-08-11T11:28:00.002-05:00

Replace lost library cards for free, August 10-15, 2009.

$5.00 replacement fee for lost cards will resume August 17, 2009.

Hands-On Genealogy Class, Sat., Aug 15, 2009

2009-08-10T16:36:00.002-05:00

We will cover the basics of the research that can be done with the subscription databases available at the library. Presented by Lansing Public Library’s Ms. Higgins.

Part 1: The census records using
Ancestry and HeritageQuest

How to use the census records on two different sources to research your family history. Using the census records is one of the first steps to researching your genealogy. We will look at how Ancestry and Heritage Quest index the census records and go over tips for searching effectively.

Beyond the census records

Looking at other records
available such as birth, marriage, death, and military records. The census is just a snapshot taken every 10 years. Much happens between the census years. We will look at some of the other records available from the
subscription databases to fill-in more of the information about your family.

Part 2: Using Family Tree Maker to build your tree

Using software to outline your family tree. Once you gather
information about your family, it is useful to see it charted as a tree or produced as a report that can be shared with other family members. The Family Tree Maker software (available at the library) can help you do these reports.

Fall Newsletter Available

2009-08-10T16:30:00.001-05:00

Visit the library to pick up your copy of the September-October 2009 issue of the newsletter, or download your own here!

Salem History

2009-08-02T09:00:00.000-05:00

Salem History Resources *Lansing Barcode Required.

Salem History is the online content of:
The Sixties in America,The Seventies in America, The Nineties in America, Great Lives from History: The Ancient World, Great Lives from History: The Middle Ages, Great Lives from History: The 18th Century, Great Lives from History: The 19th Century, Great Lives from History: Notorious Lives, Great Events from History: The 17th Century, Great Events from History: The 19th Century, Great Events from History: Modern Scandals, Milestone Documents in American History, Milestone Documents of American Leaders, Coming soon: Great Events from History: The Ancient World, Coming soon: Great Events from History: The Middle Ages, Coming soon: Great Events from History: The Renaissance

Where can I use this? You can use this from home or inside the library, just choose the appropriate link.
Cost: Free!
Note: users must have a valid Lansing Library Card in our database to use this resource from home.
Our contract with Salem History does not allow us to grant access to users from other towns.
Follow the link, then look for the box to input your library card barcode.

Reference USA

2009-08-01T09:00:00.000-05:00

Reference USA *Lansing Barcode Required.

Includes Business and Residential listings. This database of 14 million US Businesses contains verified, accurate data and is updated monthly. Plus this is the only business database enhanced with more than 20 million phone calls per year. Use the Residential database of over 100 Million US Residents to conduct market research, and locate friends and relatives. Our records are continuously updated and processed against the USPS National Change of Address (NCOA) and Delivery Sequence File (DSF).

What is it? Lansing Public Library subscribes to two Reference USA products you can use with Quick Search to find what you need with a few clicks or use our powerful Custom Search to fine tune your search.

US Businesses This database of 14 million US Businesses contains verified, accurate data and is updated monthly. Plus this is the only business database enhanced with more than 20 million phone calls per year.
Search criteria include:

Business name

Executive title

Business type

Sales volume

Employee size

Year established

And more...

US ResidentialUse this database of over 100 Million US Residents to conduct market research, and locate friends and relatives. Our records are continuously updated and processed against the USPS National Change of Address (NCOA) and Delivery Sequence File (DSF).

Search criteria include:

Name

Address

Median home value

Median home income

And more...

Where can I use this? You can use this from home or inside the library.
Cost: Free!
Note: users must have a valid Lansing Library Card in our database to use this resource from home.
Our contract with Reference USA does not allow us to grant access to users from other towns.
Follow the link, then look for the box to input your library card barcode.

Enhancing Education Through Technology

2009-05-15T16:22:00.002-05:00

Heritage Middle School has partnered with Lansing Public Library as part of the school's E2T2 grant: Enhancing Education Through Technology.

Listen to this brief podcast to learn what the Newenhouse family likes to read!

Looking for the books they talked about? The Lansing Library has them! Click on the links below to see if they are available now, or to add your name to the request list.

Patty mentions her favorites: Nora Roberts, J.D. Robb, and Nicholas Sparks.
She just finished reading The Choice by Nicholas Sparks.

Jessica likes The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick.

Rebecca is reading The Boy Who Dared by Susan Campbell Bartoletti.

For more information on other events we have recorded, visit our Podcast Information Page.

Author Visit

2009-05-09T10:10:00.002-05:00

National bestselling author Elizabeth Berg will be visiting the Lansing Public Library
on Tuesday, June 23 ~ 6:30 p.m. to read from her newest novel "Home Safe".
This new novel looks at the nature of creativity, the mother/daughter relationship,
and surprising places one can find love and meaning.

Copies of "Home Safe" will be available for purchase and signing.

Wine Tasting Fundraiser!

2009-05-09T09:34:00.002-05:00

Sponsored by Friends of Lansing Public Library
Friday, June 26, 2009 ---- 6:30 p.m. ~ 9:00 p.m. at Lansing Public Library

Wine Consultant ~ Nancy Yos
Wine Tasting by Santori's
Music provided by Mike Lenich
Hors d' oeuvres by Friends of Lansing Public Library

Tickets $20.00 (cash only) ~ available at the Adult Services Desk

Author Michael Cyzyniejewski

2009-05-05T16:41:00.004-05:00

If you missed the program, or want to hear it again:

Author Michael Czyzniejewski.
Michael wrote the short story collection Elephants in Our Bedroom and is currently working on his first novel!
In this recording, he reads some selections, and answers questions from the audience!

Listen to selections from Elephants in Our Bedroom.

For more information on other events we have recorded, visit our Podcast Information Page.

Chicago Architecture Tour

2009-04-04T11:44:00.002-05:00

Join us for a Chicago Architecture slide presentation by Phyllis J. Kozlowski, Ph.D. For more than 20 years she has led groups on Chicago River architecture tours for the Chicago Architecture foundation and for a number of tour companies that operate boats on the Chicago River and Lake Michigan. We hope to see you there on April 15, 2009 at 6:30 p.m. Registration for this FREE EVENT is at the Adult Services Desk.

Special Library Board Meeting

2009-04-03T17:14:00.001-05:00

April 6, 2009 at 6:30 p.m.

Special Board meeting to discuss and pass the proposed budget for fiscal year 2009/2010.

History Buffs & Genealogists: News From the Archives

2009-03-10T12:40:00.001-05:00

News from the National Archives-Great Lakes Region
http://www.archives.gov/great-lakes/archives/
March 2009

Apologies for any cross-posting.

This is the National Archives-Great Lakes Region's monthly E-News announcement. Please feel free to share this with anyone you feel may be interested in learning more about the National Archives-Great Lakes Region.

In this issue:
1. Upcoming "Second Saturday" Research Hours.
2. Construction Work and Closures of Research Areas.
3. Keeping the Lights Burning: Registers of Lighthouse Keepers, 1845-1912.

4. Upcoming Public Programs.

****
1. Upcoming "Second Saturday" Research Hours: Saturday, March 14 and Saturday, April 11.

In addition to the National Archives-Great Lakes Region's regular hours of 8:00 AM to 4:15 PM Monday through Friday, the Regional Archives in Chicago is also open to the public the second Saturday of every month from 8:00 AM to 4:15 PM. Researchers interested in using original historical records or microfilm held by the Regional Archives are encouraged to contact a reference archivist ahead of time by phone (773-948-9001) or email (chicago.archives@nara.gov ).

****
2. Construction Work and Closures of Research Areas.

In order to bring the Regional Archives into compliance with updated security guidelines, we will need to be closed on short notice for several days to complete several renovation projects. The first phase of this project has been completed, but additional work is continuing, often on short notice.

We will make every effort to find alternate locations for researchers within our building until this project is completed. However, in some cases it may be necessary to temporarily close the microfilm research room for several days on short notice. If you are planning to conduct research at the National Archives-Great Lakes Region in the near future, please contact us by phone (773-948-9001) or email (chicago.archives@nara.gov ) prior to your visit to ensure that the research room will be open on the day you will be visiting.

*****
3. Keeping the Lights Burning: Registers of Lighthouse Keepers, 1845-1912.

Researchers interested in the history of lighthouses on the Great Lakes as well as the Pacific and Atlantic coastlines will be interested in National Archives Microfilm Publication M1373: Registers of Lighthouse Keepers, 1845-1912. This microfilm publication of records held in the Washington DC area is held by many of the National Archives' Regional Archives, including the Great Lakes Region in Chicago.

The registers from Record Group 26, Records of the United States Coast Guard, were compiled chronologically. Their content varies; earlier registers include all or several geographic regions. The registers are organized by individual lighthouses and will include the names of the lighthouse keeper as well as the first, second, and third assistants; their annual salary; dates of appointment and date of oath; and a record of their quarterly payment. Additionally, each volume includes an alphabetical index by surname of keeper and/or name of lighthouse. Because the information was updated quarterly, these registers will be useful for filling in information on individuals between the decennial population censuses.

Reference maps from 1889 showing the lighthouse [district] pertinent to each region have been filmed at the beginning of each roll.

****
4. Upcoming National Archives-Great Lakes Region Events for the General Public.

a) Black Women in History: Harriet Tubman's Fight Against Slavery (Friday, March 20, 10:30 A.M. - 12:00 P.M., National Archives-Great Lakes Region). Cost: Free.

Come join actor Pamela J. Welcome for a presentation on the life of Harriet Tubman, famed African American abolitionist, humanitarian, and Union spy during the U.S. Civil War. Welcome's presentation will be a mixture of first person interpretation and formal presentation on Tubman's life and experiences.

LIMITED SEATING. To reserve a space for this workshop, please call 773-948-9001 or email chicago.archives@nara.gov with the names, phone number, and (if possible) email addresses for all attendees.

b) Lincoln: A Life of Purpose and Power (Thursday, April 16, 6:30 P.M. - 9:00 P.M., National Archives-Great Lakes Region). Cost: Free.

As part of the year-long 200^th birthday celebration of Abraham Lincoln, the National Archives-Great Lakes Region will host internationally recognized Abraham Lincoln scholar, Dr. Richard Carwardine, to discuss his book, Lincoln: a Life of Purpose and Power. Carwardine is the Rhodes Professor of American History, St. Catherine College at Oxford University in England. He is the incoming President of Corpus Christi College at Oxford University and he recently received the Order of Lincoln, the highest honor given by the State of Illinois, granted by the Lincoln Academy. A generous grant by the Illinois Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission is sponsoring Carwardine's visit, and the Illinois Library System Directors' Organization endorsed it. .

Carwardine's book explores how and why events unfolded, such as: How did audiences react to the Lincoln-Douglas Debates? How did Lincoln develop the idea of "A house divided against itself cannot stand"? How did Lincoln make decisions to lead our country out of its darkest hours? How did Lincoln cope with people growing impatient as the war dragged on and became less popular? How and why did Lincoln free the slaves?

c) Spring 2009 Workshop: Using Court Records to Find Local and Family History (Saturday, May 9, 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM, National Archives-Great Lakes Region). Cost: $10.00.

Archivists from the National Archives-Great Lakes Region and the Archives Department of the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County will give an overview of how court records can be used to uncover a wealth of information about people's lives as well as the social, legal and economic issues that brought them to court.

LIMITED SEATING. To reserve a space for this workshop, please call 773-948-9001 or email chicago.archives@nara.gov with the names, phone number, and (if possible) email addresses for all attendees.

d) Primarily Teaching Workshop for Teachers (Monday-Friday, July 13-17, 2009, National Archives-Great Lakes Region). Cost: $100.00. Limited to 10 teachers.

Teachers of history, geography, government, civics, sociology, psychology, economics, American Studies, literature, and the humanities from upper elementary through college levels take Primarily Teaching. Librarians, media specialists, archivists, and museum educators also find it useful to their work. Primarily Teaching demonstrates secondary strategies, but educators at all levels can easily adapt them to their particular needs. Teachers can earn continuing education credits and can receive 3 graduate credits, in either history or education, from George Mason University. For more information, please visit the National Archives web site at: http://www.archives.gov/education/primarily-teaching/ .

e) Summer 2009 Workshop: African-American Genealogical Research (Saturday, August 8, 2009 from 10:00-11:30 AM, National Archives-Great Lakes Region). Cost: $10.00.

Renowned lecturer, author, and genealogist Tony Burroughs will present a program on African-American family history research. Mr. Burroughs will address the special challenges presented to those researching African-Americans. Information on finding Federal records relating to African-Americans will be discussed.

LIMITED SEATING. To reserve a space for this workshop, please call 773-948-9001 or email chicago.archives@nara.gov with the names, phone number, and (if possible) email addresses for all attendees.

f) Annual Civil War Symposium (Saturday, October 3, 2009, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM at the First Division Museum, Cantigny in Wheaton, IL). Cost: $40.00 for the general public; $20.00 for teachers and round table members; $10.00 for senior citizens (60+), students with valid ID, and veterans and active duty military.

Join noted Civil War historians James McPherson, Craig Symonds, John Marszalek, and Paul Finkelman as they discuss notable events and personalities of the Civil War including Abraham Lincoln and John Brown. Tour a Civil War encampment; meet Abraham Lincoln; hear a cannon's roar; spend some quality time doing period activities with your children; see a realistic Civil War surgeon's operating tent; watch the First Infantry Division's mounted color guard in action, or just tour the magnificent museum and grounds at Cantigny. Teachers can earn continuing education credits for attending.

g) Fall 2009 Workshop: Preparing Your Historical Research for Publication (Saturday, November 14, 2009, National Archives-Great Lakes Region). Cost: $10.00.

This workshop will focus on communicating effectively. It will include a discussion of essential writing skills, such as organization, documentation, effective word choice, and clarity. M. Teresa Baer and Rachel M. Popma, editors at the Indiana Historical Society Press, will also discuss larger issues with writing projects, such as defining your purpose, setting your scope, writing to your audience, and choosing the best format for the presentation of different kinds of materials.

LIMITED SEATING. To reserve a space for this workshop, please call 773-948-9001 or email chicago.archives@nara.gov with the names, phone number, and (if possible) email addresses for all attendees.

****
The National Archives and Records Administration-Great Lakes Region is at 7358 South Pulaski Road, Chicago, approximately 2 ½ miles southeast of Midway Airport. The entrance is located one block west on 75th Street. We encourage reader feedback on what you may like to see in future issues or any other comments. Send any comments or suggestions to chicago.archives@nara.gov with the subject line of "NARA-Great Lakes February E-News Comment."

Candidates Forum 2009

2009-03-09T16:19:00.002-05:00

Candidates Forum 2009
Originally uploaded by Lansing Public Library, Lansing Illinois

It was standing-room-only Thursday night as the Lansing Library hosted a Candidates Forum for those running for Mayor, Trustee and Village Clerk.

Click on the photo to see more from this event and other library events!

Candidates Forum, March 5 from 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.

2009-02-25T14:46:00.000-06:00

Lansing Public Library will be hosting a Candidates Forum.

The purpose of the forum is for voters of Lansing to have the opportunity to meet all the candidates running for Mayor, Village Clerk and Village Trustee. Brief introductions will be made by the candidates and questions from the audience will be addressed. There will be a time for coffee and informal conversation after the program.

This event will be held in the library atrium.

The community room will be available as a quiet study area.

Candidates confirmed to attend:

4 Village President Candidates (in alphabetical order)

Norman F. Abbott
April L. Haynes
Michael R. Manno
Donald F. Sciackitano

3 Village Clerk Candidates (in alphabetical order)

Patricia (Patty) L. Eidam
Vivian C. Payne
Leslie Schoon

6 Village Trustee Candidates (in alphabetical order)

Terry J. Kapteyn
Steven L. Kasper
Daniel J. Lyzenga
Robert L. Ryan, Jr.
Mikal J. Stole
Debbie Waitekus

New Computer Training Sessions--Register Now!

2009-01-02T15:15:00.003-06:00

Steve Justman ~ Vintage Folk / Classic Country Music

2008-12-31T09:22:00.002-06:00

Real folk music. Real country music. The kind that you remember. An enjoyable, entertaining and informative program of Vintage Folk/Classic Country Music. The kind of songs that you know and remember. Steve has performed Americana music in the Chicago area for many years. He is a man who likes to sing some songs that tell a story. A throwback to another time, perhaps.
Join in on the fun Saturday, January 24, 2009 from 2:00 ~ 3:00 p.m.

Please register for this program at the Adult Services Desk.

Social Networking Tips For Parents

2008-12-30T14:03:00.002-06:00

Be reasonable and try to set reasonable expectations.
Pulling the plug on your child's Internet activities is rarely a good first response to a problem-- it's too easy for them to "go underground" and establish accounts at a friend's house or many other places.

Be open with your children.
Encourage them to come to you if they encounter a problem online -- cultivate trust and communication because no rules, laws, or filtering software can replace you as their first line of defense.

Talk with your children.
Find out how they use the services. Make sure they understand basic Internet safety guidelines, including privacy protection and passwords, the risks involved in posting personal information, avoiding in-person meetings, and not posting inappropriate photos.

Consider requiring that all online activity take place in a central area of the home, not in a child's bedroom.
Be aware that there are also ways children can access the Internet away from home.

Try to get your children to share their blogs or online profiles with you.
Be aware that they can have multiple accounts on multiple services. Use search engines and the search tools on social-networking sites to search for your child's identifying information.

Sponsored by the Illinois Library Association and myspace.com.

Museum of Science and Industry Ticket Offer

2008-11-25T22:12:00.001-06:00

Print your own coupon for a buy 1-get 1 free admission!

http://www.msichicago.org/offer/catw-08-share-the-memories-bogo/

(Coupons not available at the library)