FRANKFORT PUBLIC LIBRARY

Preschool storytimes, technology assistance appointments and book club meetings are a few of the events occurring on the same Tuesday in May at the Frankfort Public Library District.

“We’re busy by design! Our goal is to offer programs and services for every member of the community for every stage of their life,” said Library Director Amanda Kowalcze.

A community survey circulated by the library in 2022 showed that Frankfort residents’ number one reason to visit the library is still to borrow some of the more than 100,000 physical items in the collection, including books, DVDs, STEAM kits and internet hotspots. However, the survey showed that visits for other reasons are on the rise, such as using quiet study rooms for telework meetings, utilizing the public computers and WiFi, making fun and creative projects on the 3D printer or Carvey in The Lab, and especially participating in library programs.

“In our Summer 2023 newsletter, we have seven distinct, active book clubs that are currently being offered for a variety of age ranges and genres. We also have programs on everything from the art of paper marbling to survival skills,” Kowalcze said. Library programs are designed to provide opportunities for lifelong learning for the community, whether in the form of skill development or cultural experiences.

If you prefer self-directed learning, the library offers a plethora of resources: online databases covering topics such as auto repair, financial stock information and genealogy; a platform for in-depth, six-week online learning courses; museum pass programs for discounted access to other educational and cultural places across the state; and more.

The library doesn’t stop at the door. Cardholders also have access to over 800,000 digital items, including e-books, e-audiobooks, streaming video and music. Consider streaming an e-audiobook on your commute, or checking out a few e-books to read on your phone or tablet on vacation.

“Plus, when you really need the next

By Melissa Rice

book in your series at 3 a.m., it’s just a click away!” Kowalcze joked. For district residents who are unable to leave their residences due to temporary or permanent mobility issues, the library offers Homebound Delivery. Community members who are interested are encouraged to reach out to the outreach coordinator to discuss the program.

“We want to make sure that every community member is able to access library services,” Kowalcze said.

The library is the place to be for all it has to offer. From a patron-friendly staff to a dedicated Library Board of Trustees, the Frankfort Public Library District strives to serve the Frankfort community.

“We want our patrons to ‘love my library’ as they discover what they can find within our library,” said Jan Look, Library Board President. “We work hard to make that happen.”

Visit the Frankfort Public Library District online at www.frankfortlibrary.org to learn more about all of the services, resources and programs the library has to offer.

Frankfort Fire Protection District

The mission of the Frankfort Fire Protection District is to prevent injury and loss of life to residents and visitors of the district due to fire and accident, both natural and man-made, and to prevent loss or damage to their property and the environment. We do this through education and enforcement of safe practices. We pledge to respond to all life and property-threatening emergencies and attempt to effect rescue of human life first, control fire or hazard second and conservation of property and environment third. Further, we respond to all fires, sudden medical emergencies or exposures to dangerous conditions in a prompt and professional way.

The Frankfort Fire District services an area of approximately 41.98 square miles. This service area covers parts of the Villages of Frankfort and Mokena, along with Frankfort and Green Garden Townships. Located in Will County, the population in 2020 was approximately 43,000 people. The district has 70 members and staffs five stations.

For more information, please visit frankfortfire.org or call (815) 469-1700

Source: www.frankfortfire.org