11 minute read
Fine Free
All library items now fine free Library to end fines starting January 2, 2021.
Get ready to say goodbye to library fines, Arlington Heights. Starting Friday, January 2, the Arlington Heights Memorial Library is officially going fine free.
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What does this mean for any existing overdue fines you may have? If you had library fines on your account in 2020, they will be waived on January 2.
“The focus has shifted to simply getting the materials back on time and continuing to allow access to the library,” said Executive Director Mike Driskell.
Customers will still be responsible for returning library items as borrowing privileges will be suspended when an item is 14 days overdue, meaning their library card will no longer be able to check out library items or access online library resources until overdue items are returned.
As soon as overdue items are returned, the account will become active once again. If overdue items aren’t returned, customers will receive another reminder overdue notice a week later. Their account will be billed for the item if it is not returned within 35 days of the due date. If it is still not returned within 45 days of the due date, the account will be referred to a material recovery agency.
“Using data collected during our previous fine forgiveness events, we learned that our community returns their materials on time, and even earlier than they are due, for the shared benefit of their neighbors, and not because fines are an incentive to return materials on time,” said Community and Circulation Services Manager Shannon Meyer. “ Moving to a fine-free model will help us eliminate inequitable access to library services and resources and re-engage customers by reducing financial barriers.”
- Mike Driskell, Executive Director
All library items will now be fine free, and items checked out through interlibrary loans will not accrue fines either, although customers will remain responsible for any replacement costs the other library charges.
“Moving to a fine-free model will help us eliminate inequitable access to library services and resources and re-engage customers by reducing financial barriers,” Driskell said. “Libraries are finding that fines don’t impact how quickly an item is returned and instead they stop many families from borrowing materials in the first place.”
“We don’t think it is necessary to keep someone from being able to use the library because they forgot to return items,” Meyer continued. “We want everyone to love the library.” Stay up-to-date with the ibrary’s latest updates by visiting ahml.info/StayInformed.
By requestyour library can help
Some of the most convenient and helpful services at the library are just a phone call or email away. Find books that match your specific interests, get learning materials for at-home school or get help with a pesky tech issue. The library is here to help with these types of special requests and more whether our building is open or closed.
Pick up a bundle of books – Do you have a child who can’t get enough dinosaurs or loves a good mystery? Request books by topic and age/reading level. Our staff will pull together a custom bundle of books for your reader and have them ready for pickup at our drive-up window, walk-up area at the Dunton Avenue entrance or bookmobile stop. Contact us at kids@ahml.info or call 847-392-0100.
Make learning fun – Enhance your student’s learning by requesting a thematic studies bundle. These collections of materials and learning activities are tied to a theme and provide a hands-on approach to traditional subjects. Does your student love Minecraft? We can even create a collection of resources and activities related to Minecraft that connect to traditional subjects. Contact us at kids@ahml.info or call 847-3920100. Our staff will select resources for your student based on their interests and have it ready for pickup at our drive-up window, walk-up area at the Dunton Avenue entrance or bookmobile stop.
Chat with staff from Kids’ World and Hub – Working on a school or reading project at home? Book a time to drop in virtually to chat with a Kids’ World or Hub staff member to get reading recommendations or reference help. Contact us at kids@ahml.info, call 847-392-0100 or submit a request at ahml.info/virtualhelp.
Get a customized list of new books – Start the new year with a fresh list of books to read! Simply go online and complete our Book Me form. It takes about 5-10 minutes to complete. Based upon the information you provide, we will send you a specially curated list of books you might like–happy reading in 2021! Book Me is available for all levels of readers –adults, kids and teens. Get started at ahml.info/book-me.
One-on-one virtual tech help – Have a tech question or need help from home with a digital project? Arlington Heights cardholders can book a virtual one-on-one, 30-minute appointment with our Digital Services team to get technology help over Zoom or by telephone. Get started and schedule a virtual tech appointment at ahml.info/ virtualhelp or call 847-870-5224.
We’re here to help – Our virtual appointments are a convenient way for Arlington Heights cardholders to connect with staff and local expertise to get assistance in many areas: resume review, genealogy, jobs and career resources, readers advisory, English as a Second Language and more. Get started at ahml.info/virtualhelp and request your consultation subject from the drop-down menu.
FAMILIES Do something fun together.
LEARN TO DRAW Birch Tree Landscape
Learn to Draw: Birch Tree Landscape Saturdays, January 23 and 30 / 11 a.m. – noon / Zoom
There is a crisp chill in the air as the snow gently falls from the sky. The tip of your nose and cheeks are rosy and you can see your breath. While the snow crunches under your boots, you notice a beautiful sky peeking out from behind a group of birch trees. Capture this moment forever by creating your own birch tree landscape in two step-by-step sessions. To pick up supplies at the drive-up window or bookmobile stop, email kids@ahml.info or call 847-392-0100 or use your own supplies from home. Grades 3 and up and their families.
Parents’ Turn: Creating a Vision Board for a Shared Vision of the Future Sunday, January 24, 2–3:30 p.m. / Zoom
Join Sunny Amirpour of PositivelySTRONG.com for a virtual presentation and vision-board creation workshop for parents. Fine-tune your family’s intentions and goals and launch your creative juices in creating a vision board for your whole family.
Program content and supplies are for parents; supplemental engagement supplies are provided for kids ages 3 and up. To pick up supplies, email kids@ahml.info or call 847392-0100. See the program Wakelet at wakelet.com/@YouthservicesAHML for additional resources and activities.
English Learners Family Time Monday, January 4 9:30–9:50 a.m. Toddler Time Thursdays, January 14 and 28 9:30–9:50 a.m. Watch Storytimes on Zoom – LIVE! Join us LIVE for virtual storytimes on Zoom. Visit our online program calendar to register to join the fun - LIVE! Visit ahml.info for details.
Baby Time Fridays, January 8 and 22 9:30–9:50 a.m. Jammin’ in My Jammies Evening Storytime Thursday, January 21 6:30–7 p.m. Family Time Mondays, January 11 and 25 9:30–9:50 a.m. Shake your sillies out in this special storytime for families. Join us in your favorite PJs and be ready for fun! For ages 0-6; siblings welcome.
Watch Storytimes On Demand Anytime The library is pleased to offer many recorded storytimes online for all ages, any time that is convenient for you, on our YouTube channel. We’ve got songs, stories and rhymes to enjoy from your home. So, get your clapping hands and listening ears ready! Watch on demand at youtube.com/user/LibVlog/featured.
Youth Services Wakelets Looking for resources to support remote learning and other fun activities to try at home? Check out our Wakelets specially curated by Youth Services staff at wakelet.com/@YouthservicesAHML.
Book Buddies Wednesday, January 6, 6–7 p.m. and Wednesday, January 20, 4–5 p.m. / Zoom
Practice your reading and literacy skills by reading a book together with a high school volunteer. Kids in kindergarten through third grade can sign up for a 15-minute slot. While this program is especially great for kids learning English as a new language, all are welcome. Grades K-3. Note: Registration for the January 20 Book Buddies opens on January 2.
Chess Club Sunday, January 17, 2–3 p.m. / Zoom
Develop your child’s intellect through the royal game of chess in this 60-minute online class with an experienced Chess Scholars coach. Both beginner and experienced players are welcome. Best for ages 6 years old through grade 6.
Desserts, Books, and More: Skunk and Badger by Amy Timberlake Thursday, January 28, 6:30–7:15 p.m. Zoom
The last thing Badger wants is a roommate, and certainly not Skunk, but he doesn’t have a choice. Suddenly everything in Badger’s quiet and ordered life is turned upside down. After he drives Skunk away, Badger starts to miss his roommate and sets out to find him and make amends.
Discuss the book and complete a craft activity. Pick up a copy of the book, along with all the supplies for the activity starting January 2 by emailing kids@ahml.info or calling 847-392-0100, or you can use your own supplies from home. Get the full list of the supplies you will need to gather at home at ahml.info/attend/events. Grades 2-3 with an adult.
We love birthdays! Let us celebrate with your child by emailing your child’s name, birthday, age, address and favorite book or toy. Youth Services staff will write and mail a birthday greeting with a book recommendation. A handwritten note mailed to your home can spark the joy in reading! Please send info for January and February birthdays only to youthprograms@ahml.info. For grades K-2.
TWEENS Create and explore.
Tween DIY at Home Monday, January 4 / YouTube
Learn how to make a DIY activity starting January 4 on demand on YouTube. Supplies can be picked up by emailing kids@ahml.info or calling 847-392-0100, or you can use your own supplies from home. Grades 4–6. Tween Advisory Group (TAG) Fridays, January 8 and February 5 4:30–5:30 p.m. / Zoom
Help your library and community while making new friends. Join like-minded tweens to work on service projects, plan programs and play games. Grades 4–6.
Tween Art BurlapBannerB
Tuesday, January 19, 4:30–5:30 p.m. / Zoom
This is your chance to make your own work of art. You will use a colored piece of burlap to hand sew a design with colored yarn. When you are done, you will have your own work of art to hang. Supplies can be picked up by emailing kids@ahml.info or calling 847-392-0100, or you can use your own supplies from home.
Grades 4–6.
TEENS Meet up online or try something new.
TEST PREP AT HOME
College Knowledge: Test Prep at Home Thursday, January 14, 7–8 p.m. / Zoom
Get the inside scoop on library resources to help you do your very best on ACT, SAT and AP tests, as well as other college and career resources.
Inklings Thursday, January 7, 4–6 p.m. / Zoom
Meet like–minded teen writers online and explore your writing talents. In January, we’ll collaborate to make a choose-your-ownadventure story. Grades 7–12. Teens Advisory Board (TAB) Sunday, January 10, 1–2:30 p.m. / Zoom
This high school volunteer group involves community projects, making your voice heard and earning services hours. Fill out an application to join TAB at ahml.info/teens/ volunteer and receive the link to attend. Email Alice Son at ason@ahml.info with questions.
For high school students only.
Winter Cheer Dispatch Now through Sunday, February 28
Feeling the winter blues? Have no fear, cheer is here! Teens in grades 7-12 can fill out a form to receive a special card by snail mail to brighten up your day. Request a punny joke or maybe a drawing of a narwhal and our teen volunteers will do our best to deliver. Visit ahml.info/teens for more info. Grades 7–12.
Candy Sushi
Friday, January 15, 4–5:15 p.m. / Zoom In this virtual cooking activity, we’ll be making candy sushi. There will be one twist: you have to add something from your own kitchen. Judge each other’s creations on presentation and mouth-waterability, since unfortunately, they haven’t invented a way to taste things virtually yet.
Starting January 2, pick up supplies by emailing teens@ahml.info or calling 847-392-0100. Grades 7–12.
WHAT’S GOOD TO READ? TEEN BYOBOOK CLUB
BYOBook Club Tuesday, January 26, 4–5 p.m. Zoom
Share what you’ve been reading and get recommendations from fellow teens and expert librarians. This meeting’s theme will be childhood favorites. One lucky attendee will win an awesome bookish giveaway. If you’d like help picking out some titles, fill out a BookMe form at ahml.info/book-me and get a list of personalized recommendations. Grades 7–12.
