tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63278929149499851202024-03-04T22:01:32.099-08:00Friends of the Glenview Public LibraryThe Friends of the Glenview Library is organized exclusively for the charitable, educational, and continuing development of the Glenview Public Library. Friends of the Glenview Public Libraryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00759323986656521733noreply@blogger.comBlogger9125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6327892914949985120.post-57960141399312806142019-01-31T17:43:00.000-08:002019-01-31T17:49:24.125-08:00"Man is condemned to be free." - Sartre<div class="MsoNormal">
The holidays are over, we are already sliding on our new years’ resolutions, and then we get hit with this polar vortex thing. We live in Chicago, so we don’t expect tropical temperatures in the winter, but still. <br />
<br />
In January, things <b>can</b> look pretty bleak, even when the temperatures remain on the positive side of zero. The holiday cheer has evaporated like the moisture in the air and the snow cover obscures any sign of dormant life that may lie underneath. It is also the biggest month for people to change jobs, according to HR Magazine. This is partly because people wait until the beginning of the year (believing the fallacy that nobody hires between Thanksgiving and Christmas) – it is also because people re-evaluate their lives at the end/beginning of each year. <br />
<br />
But there’s another explanation for your antsy, can’t-quite-put-your-finger-on-it unease at this time of year:<br />
<br />
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<b>You have cabin fever!</b></div>
<br />
If you don’t want to dump a good job or relationship just because you’re bored, consider volunteering. <br />
<br />
<i>Psychology Today</i> outlines five benefits to volunteering:<br />
<br />
• Improves health and longevity<br />
• Combats loneliness<br />
• Promotes career advancement <br />
• Builds strong communities<br />
• Contributes to an overall sense of purpose<br />
<br />
These are all great logical, left-side-of-the-brain reasons to volunteer. But in some ways they make volunteering sound too clinical, too calculated. Too <i>what’s-in-it-for-me</i>. Volunteering should be an enjoyable activity, something beyond the fulfillment of our basic needs (like paying rent and putting food on the table). Something that causes us to forget about our own wants and needs for a moment – to focus on someone else’s.<br />
<br />
And, no offense to <i>Psychology Today</i>, there is a much simpler reason to volunteer:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>It makes you feel good!</b></div>
<br />
Tangential benefits include the feel-good kind that come from giving back, supporting a good cause, being part of the community, doing something useful, and making this world a better place. But best of all? You get to work with like-minded people! <br />
<br />
So if you think your life lacks meaning, or your current job leaves you less than fulfilled, make a list of the things you are passionate about:<br />
<br />
• Caring for (or just playing with) puppies<br />
• Caring for (or just playing with) kitties<br />
• Defending animal rights (perhaps becoming a vegetarian)<br />
• Protecting our natural resources (or simply communing with nature)<br />
• Promoting literacy<br />
• Helping the needy<br />
• Supporting research to cure an illness<br />
• The list goes on and on<br />
<br />
After building your list, find a non-profit with a mission that promises to address one of your passions. It doesn’t have to be a big thing and you don’t have to make a second job out of it – a couple of hours per week are enough. <br />
<br />
Take a look at one of the many websites that promote volunteerism, you are sure to find something of interest:<br />
<br />
• <a href="http://www.pointsoflight.org/" target="_blank">Points of Light</a><br />
• <a href="http://www.volunteercenterhelps.org/" target="_blank">Volunteer Center of Northeast Metropolitan Chicago</a><br />
• <a href="https://www.handsonsuburbanchicago.org/" target="_blank">HandsOn Suburban Chicago</a><br />
• <a href="https://www.lakecountycares.org/" target="_blank">Lake County Cares</a><br />
• <a href="https://www.idealist.org/en/?type=VOLOP" target="_blank">idealist.org</a><br />
<br />
Phew! Did you go down a rabbit hole? There are so many options and opportunities that even the curmudgeonliest among us will find something that sparks an interest. Which begs the question:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Why do so many organizations rely on volunteers?</b></div>
<br />
Non-profits are founded to fill various needs in our society that are not addressed by the private sector or the government. I know, I know, everybody should care about the puppies and kitties – but that’s for a future post. The reality is:<br />
<br />
<i>The private sector won’t do it because there is no potential profit in it.</i><br />
<br />
<i>The government won’t do it because they don’t have the money to do it.</i><br />
<br />
Fortunately, there are people out there who care about these issues and are willing to establish organizations to address them. It’s easy to create a new non-profit – all you need is an attorney to help with the paperwork. The hard parts are funding and human resources (you know – us – the volunteers). <br />
<br />
The Friends of the Glenview Public Library knows the value of volunteers. The <b>Irene Overman Kreer Used Book Store</b> has an all-volunteer staff. We take in new donations, price the inventory, help customers find books, and maintain our shelves. And you know what we get out of it?<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>We get to play with books!</b></div>
<br />
So what are you waiting for? Don’t give up your day job --- it pays the bills. Consider volunteering for something with a cause you can get behind. <br />
<br />
And don’t forget to drop in to say “hi” to the volunteers at the <b>Irene Overman Kreer Used Book Store</b>.
</div>
Friends of the Glenview Public Libraryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00759323986656521733noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6327892914949985120.post-31029571390041356582019-01-21T11:27:00.000-08:002019-01-21T11:27:00.209-08:00<br />
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“<b>… it should be obligatory that all living spaces come with built-in
bookshelves.</b>” </i>– Anakana Schofield, The Guardian (1/7/2019)</div>
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<br /></div>
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Anakana wrote these words in
defense of books, authors, and art. She launched her defense after Marie
Kondo’s irresponsible suggestion to eliminate any and all books in our homes that
do not “spark joy.” Anakana provides a convincing argument for leaving books
out of the de-cluttering equation – you can read it <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/books/2019/jan/07/what-we-gain-from-keeping-books-and-why-it-doesnt-need-to-be-joy-marie-kondo">here</a>.<br />
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We’d like to offer some additional support for Anakana’s
argument…
<br />
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggKstV1evct0Vq10WJHtStwwmBfaBb5Tk1sW9gxLWiQKVT6a8Urn4ZEcvQAu47vCr5f1Vhlri3jUJq8OhobCmNqLwoFu9IDbG_4XJxXQVYt4_c3LTFcEL6uNvM_AFp1nlRM9rMLTiEo9Y/s1600/KondoInset.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggKstV1evct0Vq10WJHtStwwmBfaBb5Tk1sW9gxLWiQKVT6a8Urn4ZEcvQAu47vCr5f1Vhlri3jUJq8OhobCmNqLwoFu9IDbG_4XJxXQVYt4_c3LTFcEL6uNvM_AFp1nlRM9rMLTiEo9Y/s1600/KondoInset.jpeg" /></a>A book does not stand alone in our lives. It is not like the
random tchotchke you picked up at your last seminar nor does it fall into the
same category as that apple peeler-corer thingee that you are convinced you would
use regularly if you learned how to bake pies. The books on our shelves,
nightstands, and coffee tables are part of a <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">collection</b> of books we’ve accumulated over days, weeks, months, and
years. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Why do people collect things?</div>
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<br /></div>
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Some people collect things for the investment. They hope
their collection will be worth something one day (think stamp or coin
collections). Other people begin their collections innocently, by picking up a
random object or buying a cute new toy (beanie babies or broken glass). But it
doesn’t really matter WHY we collect; it’s enough to recognize that many of us
do.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Book lovers are collectors, too, even if they do not spend
thousands of dollars scouring used bookstores for the overlooked 1963 signed,
first edition of Kurt Vonnegut’s <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Cat’s
Cradle</i>. Not all book collectors are in it for the money. Book lovers, like many
other collectors, find joy and satisfaction in the collection process: </div>
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<ul>
<li>The infinite selection of possibilities</li>
<li>The near-infinite variety of topics/subjects</li>
<li>The discovery of something new (new author, new book by a known author, old book by a known author)</li>
<li>The hunt for something specific (the elusive first book published by the now-famous bestselling author)</li>
<li>The perfect title for a latent interest</li>
</ul>
</div>
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</div>
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Most book lovers’ collections contain a mix of well-loved titles,
classic titles (some still waiting to be enjoyed), and new acquisitions.
Well-read titles remain in the collection because we never tire of the stories
within them. Classic titles remain because, well, they’re classics. And the new
acquisitions provide the promise of new adventures. An individual title may not
“spark joy” but the collection sure does.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Kondo also misses the interior design element of a book
collection. Books add color to any and every room (unless you happen to be one
of those horrible people who remove the dust jackets), they fit beautifully on
your shelves, and they invite casual perusal as well as careful study. </div>
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<br /></div>
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But perhaps most importantly, the books on our shelves hold
the memories of the time spent acquiring them. Where were you when you found
your last great read?</div>
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<br /></div>
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So for all of you book lovers out there - ignore Marie
Kondo’s advice – and visit us at the Used Book Store to add a few new titles to
your own personal collection.</div>
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</style>Friends of the Glenview Public Libraryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00759323986656521733noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6327892914949985120.post-15228696890939201832018-04-23T13:43:00.000-07:002018-04-23T13:44:28.529-07:00<b>North<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Shore Senior
Center’s Annual Super Senior Day, Thursday, May 24, 2018</b><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Friends<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>of the
Glenview Library: Super Senior 2018, Lauren Szwiec<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
Late
on a Tuesday November afternoon in 2013, an attractive woman appeared<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>before my desk in the Friends of the Glenview
Library Used Book Store in the Glenview Public Library and asked if she could
be one of our volunteers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Luckily for
me, the opening we had available at that time was with me on Tuesday evenings
from 6:00pm - 9:00pm. Her calendar was
open for her to be scheduled for that time, and so she began.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
The
reason I say “luckily for me” is because if she had been scheduled for some
other time period other than working directly with me, it could<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>have taken some time for me to be aware of
and to understand first-hand<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>how
multi-talented she is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She is computer literate; she can write; she is flexible and willing to do
tasks large or small; she is a “reader” and therefore knowledgeable about
books and authors past and present, and ... fun fact, she always “has wanted to
have a book store”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now she does!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
She
is friendly and likeable, and good with people. As an instructor for the Used Book Store, she updated and totally rewrote our UBS “Bible” – how to do whatever in the
daily life in the Store. She handles our computer classes for new
volunteers who want to learn to research and list our (eligible) books on
Amazon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On duty in the UBS, she is
helpful to each customer as needed, including those who are searching for the
“right” book as a gift for a friend or for themselves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> She is a</span>lways on time (and is actually always early for
appointments) and is creative in thought and deed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can understand<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>why two years
ago I asked her if she would accept the Friends’ Board<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>position as Co-Chair of the Friends of the
Glenview Library Used Book Store.<o:p></o:p></div>
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She did and she is.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Submitted by: Irene Overman Kreer<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Friends of the Glenview Public Libraryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00759323986656521733noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6327892914949985120.post-27458582737766818312018-01-03T07:12:00.000-08:002019-02-01T07:14:26.173-08:00Eat less. Move more.<div class="MsoNormal">
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Perhaps you’re like millions of other Americans who have made the New Year’s resolution to “lose some weight.” Maybe you got one of these new fitness-tracking devices over the holidays to help you stay on goal:</div>
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•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Fitbit </div>
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•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Moov Now</div>
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•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Garmin</div>
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•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Nokia</div>
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•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Misfit </div>
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•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Xiaomi </div>
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So many choices - did you choose your own wearable device or let your gift-giver decide? All of them track your steps, some monitor your heart rate, others are water-proof, and still others measure the intensity of your workouts. Phew – it’s tiring just thinking about it. These gadgets are awesome – they fulfill our insatiable desire for instant and constant feedback. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
Eat less. Move more. That’s the best advice we have heard for losing weight. Simple, right? Well, if you’re like most of those other millions you need more than your new Fitbit to help achieve your goals.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
We can help. Our generous donors have given us:</div>
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<br /></div>
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•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Cookbooks filled with recipes for cooking light/healthy</div>
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•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Exercise books to put a little variety in your routine.</div>
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•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Inspirational books to keep you motivated</div>
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•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Entertaining books to use as rewards for keeping up with your resolutions</div>
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<br /></div>
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Come on in and take a look around – we’re sure you’ll find something. And the added bonus? You’ll get in some of your recommended steps for the day – your Fitbit will be pleased. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
But wait - maybe you are one of the lucky few who have been able to resist junk food and maintain a healthy diet even DURING the holidays. Maybe you hate chocolate and maybe you still fit into your high school jeans. Perhaps one of your resolutions is to read more. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
If you’re a Goodreads or LibraryThing fan you have probably already established a new goal for 2018. We assume that you made your goal for 2017 – exceeded it, in fact. Woohoo! Congratulations! Maybe your 2017 goal was too easy or maybe it was a stretch goal but you did it. Either way, you’ve been basking in the glow of your achievement and suddenly realize that you had better get going on your 2018 goal. We’ve got books for you, too.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Friends of the Glenview Public Libraryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00759323986656521733noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6327892914949985120.post-87524639662518873252017-12-28T16:56:00.000-08:002017-12-28T16:56:03.998-08:00Happy New Year!Best wishes for a fantastic 2018 from Friends of the Glenview Library. Happy Reading and Happy New Year!Friends of the Glenview Public Libraryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00759323986656521733noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6327892914949985120.post-9082507470868065262017-09-28T08:09:00.000-07:002017-09-28T08:09:26.219-07:00Volunteering at the Used Book Store<div style="background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; line-height: 22.5pt; margin: 0in 0in 11.25pt;">
<span style="color: #111111; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">One summer day, several years ago, I was really early for an appointment with my dentist (Eric Lim at Glenlake Dental, in the interest of Hugging the Bear). So I went into the old library and saw that there was a Used Book Store.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #111111; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Used book stores are about my favorite thing on Planet Earth. Up there with puppies, chocolate and the Internet. I went in and spent money, then saw they were looking for volunteers. I could have a three hour shift, once a week. I could sit and read books and talk to people about books and sell books and <i style="box-sizing: border-box;">call it volunteering</i>. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #111111; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">How fast do you think I signed up?</span></div>
<div style="background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; line-height: 22.5pt; margin: 0in 0in 11.25pt;">
<span style="color: #111111; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">In the beginning, my favorite thing was opening a box of new donations. It was like Christmas morning, the surprise and delight of what I might find. First dibs on buying them was pretty fun, too. Reviewing and pricing donations meant that I was also listing books for sale on <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://www.amazon.com/gp/shops/storefront/index.html?ie%3DUTF8%26marketplaceID%3DATVPDKIKX0DER%26sellerID%3DA4VUEOW96OS2B&source=gmail&ust=1506697275710000&usg=AFQjCNGsbaJUNOcKqbBsSAMdKjpCr-XlVg" href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/shops/storefront/index.html?ie=UTF8&marketplaceID=ATVPDKIKX0DER&sellerID=A4VUEOW96OS2B" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #449f37; text-decoration-line: none;">the Amazon.com storefront</span></a>. So my <i style="box-sizing: border-box;">next</i> favorite thing was when a book I listed on Amazon had sold.</span></div>
<div style="background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; line-height: 22.5pt; margin: 0in 0in 11.25pt;">
<span style="color: #111111; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Then, we moved to the new building. If you haven’t been there, the Irene Overman Kreer Used Book Store has a dedicated room off the main hallway and it is <i style="box-sizing: border-box;">fabulous. </i>Donations are up, sales are up, and interest in our cause is higher than it has been in as long as I can remember. All proceeds go to Friends of the Glenview Library. From the <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=https://www.glenviewpl.org/friends-of-the-library/&source=gmail&ust=1506697275710000&usg=AFQjCNHrMrxXVe3XCQZF0pplH2SCQeZcFA" href="https://www.glenviewpl.org/friends-of-the-library/" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #449f37; text-decoration-line: none;">website</span></a>:</span></div>
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<i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="color: #111111; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">“The Friends of the Glenview Library is organized exclusively for the charitable, educational, and continuing development of the Glenview Public Library. Proceeds generated by the Friends ongoing fund raising efforts are used to purchase important items not possible in the Library's regular operating budget, as well as to support special projects.”</span></i><span style="color: #111111; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"></span></div>
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<span style="color: #111111; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">The great thing about volunteering here is that there is something for everyone that loves books. Some volunteers like researching the rare finds among the donations. (I don’t have the patience.) Some like to organize the titles. Or argue in which section a book should <i style="box-sizing: border-box;">really </i>be shelved. (I might sometimes do that.) My new favorite thing? When someone buys a book that I have already read and I know that it is <i style="box-sizing: border-box;">great</i> and can tell them so.</span></div>
<div style="background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; line-height: 22.5pt; margin: 0in 0in 11.25pt;">
<span style="color: #111111; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">The Used Book Store is open during regular library hours. I certainly hope you will visit. If you are interested in volunteering, you can find the application and contact information <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=https://www.glenviewpl.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/FR_volunteer_16.pdf&source=gmail&ust=1506697275710000&usg=AFQjCNH6j9rz5F1GQDJwWViItPUYHx8b3A" href="https://www.glenviewpl.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/FR_volunteer_16.pdf" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">here</a>. </span></div>
<div style="background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; line-height: 22.5pt; margin: 0in 0in 11.25pt;">
<span style="color: #111111; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Contributed by: Anne Bradley</span></div>
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Friends of the Glenview Public Libraryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00759323986656521733noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6327892914949985120.post-35850096733160905422016-12-04T18:11:00.000-08:002019-02-01T07:16:28.431-08:00<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #0b5394;">2016 is coming to a close!</span></h2>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Seems like only yesterday we were in our shirtsleeves tossing burgers and brats on the grill. Oh, that’s right, we WERE grilling in November. But now it’s December, and the holidays are rapidly approaching…<br />
<br />
On the first day of Christmas (or Hanukkah) -- buy yourself a book! It will get you into the holiday spirit.<br />
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On the second day of Christmas – buy your sister (or brother) a book.<br />
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On the third day of Christmas – come back to the bookstore – you’ll find something, for someone.<br />
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We love books. And we believe there is a book for everyone. Actually, we believe there are many books for every person we know.<br />
<br />
When we think of the holidays, or birthdays, or Ground Hog’s day, or the Equinox – we think of books.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Books for every occasion!</b></div>
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At the Irene Overman Kreer Used Book Store, we have:<br />
•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Coffee table books<br />
•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Humor<br />
•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Biographies<br />
•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>History and politics<br />
•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Fiction<br />
•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Self-help<br />
•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Etc.<br />
<br />
And this month, all holiday books are ½ off! <br />
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Last year we placed our holiday books on a cart near the checkout desk. Not this year. This year we needed more space – so we placed them in aisle 4B.<br />
<br />
Many of the books we receive from our generous donors appear to be new. They make great gifts. Others (gently used or deeply loved) are perfect for stocking stuffers or gifts-for-no-reason.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>For the <b>serious readers</b> on your list - biographies, history, politics, and essays – to name a few.</i></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>For <b>left-brained artistic types</b> – art, architecture, photography, and more.</i></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>Entrepreneurial spirits</b> will love the business books.</i></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>DIY’ers</b> are always looking for new projects, and we’ve got shelves of home improvement and craft books.</i></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>And who can resist a good mystery?</b></i></div>
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One more thing… We are selling a number of toys, games, and puzzles from Youth Services. We’ve placed them on the carts outside our front door – many of them are $1.00! But you better hurry --- they’re selling fast.<br />
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We have it all. <br />
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</div>Friends of the Glenview Public Libraryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00759323986656521733noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6327892914949985120.post-22399055942052126432016-09-03T07:23:00.000-07:002019-02-01T07:21:04.871-08:00How Does It Work?<div class="MsoNormal">
We received a call in the Used Book Store the other day – the caller wanted to know about our pricing.<br />
<br />
We get that question a lot.<br />
<br />
As any and all book lovers know, bookstores, in general, are a vanishing breed (dare I say dying, or on life support?). First it was the independent bookstores being pushed out by big box stores like Borders and Barnes & Noble (remember <i><b>You’ve Got Mail?</b></i>). But, as it turns out, we couldn’t sustain two competing big-box stores either, so Borders closed.<br />
<br />
Technology is to blame. But we’ll leave the technology pro/con discussion for a future post.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF89T2mXm42zes0U-wramZtz9LQQ0caBTXbRCGHxMWNkhLEk09w44FWNTFhU3uw6s2Ho1vd_MnuyqG1LtrexxQOCdttQYsDCcWvQoRkP4rJ9rV0DJ52juhysH6gMK_pXwEUARc3R2wN2U/s1600/A+Book+Is.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF89T2mXm42zes0U-wramZtz9LQQ0caBTXbRCGHxMWNkhLEk09w44FWNTFhU3uw6s2Ho1vd_MnuyqG1LtrexxQOCdttQYsDCcWvQoRkP4rJ9rV0DJ52juhysH6gMK_pXwEUARc3R2wN2U/s320/A+Book+Is.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Back to our caller…<br />
<br />
As it turns out, this caller was establishing a library in a new housing development. He didn’t have a large budget, so he was looking for the most cost-effective way of filling some empty shelves. We can only assume he’d called around to some of the few remaining independent used bookstores before reaching us and asking:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>"How much are your books, and how do you price them?"</i> </div>
<br />Most brick and mortar bookstores, even the used bookstores, own or pay rent for their physical locations. They also pay employee salaries and provide them with benefits. These costs are passed on to book lovers in the form of higher prices.<br />
<br />
The<b> Irene Overman Kreer Used Book Store</b> is maintained by the Friends of the Glenview Library, an organization established for "the charitable, educational, and continuing development of the Glenview Public Library. Proceeds generated by the Friends’ ongoing fundraising efforts are used to purchase important items not possible in the Library's regular operating budget, as well as to support special projects."<br />
<br />
The Used Book Store doesn’t have employees; it is staffed by a team of over 60 dedicated, book-loving volunteers. And our generous supporters donate all of the books and materials. This allows us to offer our books at lower prices. <br />
<br />
We use Amazon and Ebay to identify market prices for all of the donated merchandise and believe that with this information in hand we are able to price our merchandise at slightly lower prices than would be listed for the same item, in the same condition, elsewhere – in-store or on-line. In this way, we can offer our patrons the best possible prices while fulfilling our mission of supporting the library.
</div>Friends of the Glenview Public Libraryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00759323986656521733noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6327892914949985120.post-35310211401741743092016-07-29T12:13:00.000-07:002019-02-01T07:21:28.304-08:00<h2 style="text-align: center;">
Happy Anniversary!</h2>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Do you remember what happened in 2006? <br />
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•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><b>Crash</b> won the Oscar for Best Picture<br />
•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The <b>Pittsburgh Steelers</b> won the Super Bowl<br />
•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The <b>Chicago Cubs</b> did not win the World Series (or even make it to the playoffs.)<br />
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It’s OK if you don’t remember - nobody remembers these things. People get excited in the weeks leading up to the playoffs and the award ceremonies; they spend a couple of weeks anxiously cheering for their favorites, then all is forgotten (except for the Cubs thing – we’ve been mourning that one for over 100 years).<br />
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But something else occurred 10 years ago that we haven’t forgotten. Ten years ago one of Glenview’s very own got it in her head the Glenview Public Library needed a used book store. <br />
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If you remember, ten years ago we were still in the old library building… <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Who in their right mind would consider trying to open a used book store in that old building?</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
The first problem was space - most people would have assumed there was no space for such a thing in the old library. But Irene Kreer is <b>not</b> most people. <br />
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Irene pitched the idea for a used book store to Vickie Novak (our Library Director) and the two of them walked through the old library. They found a little unused space on the mezzanine level. It was an odd space – so odd the library staff hadn’t found a use for it in 50 years. But Irene saw the potential and her enthusiasm was contagious. <br />
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The second challenge was set-up costs. Ten years ago (as today) the library operated on a slim budget. There were no additional funds, not even modest funds to help launch a used book store. Even a book store which would ultimately benefit the library by generating additional funds. <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Again, Irene was not deterred. And now she had an accomplice…</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Irene and Vickie make a good team. Vickie went into research mode and soon found some free shelving. Irene rounded up some volunteers to pick up the shelving and install it in the little nook in the library.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVFdF4GZ3u6Z_PWJcIK0b11izL_I7LV1oVl7wqOknGBoAAcXTrtfYKXCk0xHv17dBpQ1fhMkmg1BXEFe142g21cWdKi_btUCT_rKJYGJcMI39LMv14Egur_UNpxk9b6zXqkcjGQngNKmc/s1600/Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="120" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVFdF4GZ3u6Z_PWJcIK0b11izL_I7LV1oVl7wqOknGBoAAcXTrtfYKXCk0xHv17dBpQ1fhMkmg1BXEFe142g21cWdKi_btUCT_rKJYGJcMI39LMv14Egur_UNpxk9b6zXqkcjGQngNKmc/s320/Collage.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />
Word of the new experiment spread. Used books were donated and volunteers appeared out of nowhere. The used book store officially opened on July 17, 2006.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_ZwTZvkTdzt_9hA39ZvEVovTnFA1Un5epB8peEFR-UHKEzf4bHBpMoICrchk38mUQ93NapRZTvrE4uMWmPIBpcxVzDJVEh3YlFaDGE4QI9qy9fzeDev3R9etoqA6Ibxo1iT-NDI4QQQA/s1600/Book_sale+Old+Store.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_ZwTZvkTdzt_9hA39ZvEVovTnFA1Un5epB8peEFR-UHKEzf4bHBpMoICrchk38mUQ93NapRZTvrE4uMWmPIBpcxVzDJVEh3YlFaDGE4QI9qy9fzeDev3R9etoqA6Ibxo1iT-NDI4QQQA/s320/Book_sale+Old+Store.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Fast forward to today… <br />
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The used book store now occupies the southwest corner of the new library building. Irene continues to manage the book store and coordinate over 60 volunteers who keep the book store open during all regular library hours. <br />
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In April of this year, the Glenview Library Board of Trustees honored Irene for her 50+ years of service to the library. During the celebration ceremony they gave Irene the ultimate tribute – they renamed the book store after her.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Please visit us in the <b>Irene Overman Kreer Used Book Store</b> – our inventory is constantly changing due to the donations of our generous neighbors.</i></div>
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Friends of the Glenview Public Libraryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00759323986656521733noreply@blogger.com