Author Archive
Job Search Training Session Series at 2001 Delmar Avenue Spring 2023 Sessions
Thursday, March 9th, 2023Secretary of State and State Librarian Jesse White awarded nearly $6 million in pandemic recovery grants to libraries focused on responding directly to the COVID-19 pandemic by modifying services, transforming spaces and developing resources for their local recovering workforce. Funding 211 academic, school, special and public libraries, all of which received grants ranging from $5,000 to over $1 million. A combination of funding sources provided through the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA), both from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, and state technology funds were used to maximize the statewide impact.
SMRLD is the proud recipient of $50,000 of funding from the Illinois State Library’s (ISL) Bouncing Back from the Pandemic grant. As a part of our project, Building a Job Ready Workforce, expert, Frank Alaniz will be presenting a series of job search training sessions.
Job Searching: How to Find a Job – Thursday, March 23rd
Online Job Search Applicant Tracking Systems – Thursday, April 13th
Basics of LinkedIn – Thursday, May 11th
Library Training and Events Room, 2001 Delmar Ave, In person and via Zoom.
Registration Required – Please call
618-452-6238 or go to https://forms.gle/MA9ApYySXSxSq9kA6 to register.
We look forward to sharing more exciting news with you in the future about what we are able to accomplish through our grant funded project, Building a Job Ready Workforce.
*These materials were developed pursuant to a Library Services and Technology Act grant administered by the Illinois State Library using funds provided by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services.
Six Mile Regional Library District, Welcomes Masters of Social Work Intern, Hayden Ellis
Friday, February 17th, 2023
Available at 2001 Delmar Ave: Monday 10:30-2:30; Tuesday – Thursday 11:00-2:30; & Friday 10:30-2:30
Hayden Ellis joins the SMRLD as a Masters of Social Work intern. Hayden received their Bachelors in Criminal Justice from Southern Illinois University of Edwardsville. Hayden is currently enrolled at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville in the Master’s program. Hayden’s goal at the library is to help and connect a customer who is in need with the services and resources provided within the community. Hayden has a passion for helping others and using solution-focused practice to help customers through any crisis in their life. Hayden also has experience with crisis work, as they currently work as a Mobile Crisis Responder in East St. Louis.
Social work in libraries is a new and evolving field within social work practice. When working in libraries, social workers can be useful in many different ways. Library social work merges macro and micro practice to serve client needs by serving as a learning resource, building community networks, and providing crisis intervention. Hayden will be accessible to any client who is in need of connection to resources available within the 62040 area by phone at 618-452-6238 ext. 732 or email at [email protected]
What Hayden Can Help You With
Assist with resources for:
- Legal needs
- Housing
- Paying bills
- Food
- Job assistance
- Mental health
- Obtaining ID’s and government documents
Provide:
- A listening ear
- Validation for your experiences
- Empathy and compassion
- Someone who will use your pronouns
- A judgement-free zone
A Love Letter to the People 62040
Monday, February 13th, 2023
Dear 62040,
From the depths of our hearts, the Six Mile Regional Library District wishes to express our sincerest gratitude for the love and support you have shown us throughout the years. Your patronage and appreciation for the services we provide brings us immense joy and pride.
We know that libraries hold a special place in many people’s hearts, as they are a sanctuary for learning, discovery, and connection. We are humbled and honored to be a part of that tradition, and we are proud to provide our community with access to the wealth of knowledge and resources that we offer.
We see you, dear residents of 62040, in our library every day. We see you checking out the latest bestsellers, studying for an upcoming exam, or sitting quietly in a corner, lost in a novel. We see you attending our programs and events, meeting up with friends and loved ones, and making new connections. We see you, and we are truly grateful for the trust you place in us.
We are committed to continuing to improve and expand our services to best serve your needs. We will continue to offer new and exciting materials and programming that will inspire and delight. We will continue to be a safe and welcoming place for all members of our community, no matter where you come from, or what your circumstances may be.
We hope that you will continue to visit us, use our resources, and engage with us. We want to be a part of your lives, and we want you to be a part of ours. We hope that you will continue to love and cherish your library, as we love and cherish you.
With all our hearts,
Six Mile Regional Library District
How Can the Six Mile Regional Library District Help You Make and Keep Your New Year’s Resolutions?
Tuesday, December 27th, 2022As the New Year approaches, many of us are thinking about making resolutions to improve our lives in some way. Whether you want to make healthier choices, find a new job, save money, or learn a new skill, the Six Mile Regional Library District can be a valuable resource to help you achieve your goals.
One way SMRLD can help you make and keep your New Year’s resolutions is by providing access to a wide range of resources that can support your goals. Whether you want to learn a new skill, improve your health, or broaden your horizons, the library is a great place to start. For example, you can find books, magazines, and online resources on topics such as exercise, nutrition, mindfulness, and personal finance.
Another way that SMRLD can help is by providing a supportive and inspiring environment for learning and personal growth. We offer programs and events that can help you achieve your goals, such as workshops, classes, and book clubs. These programs are often led by experts in their fields, and they provide a great opportunity to learn from others who are also working towards similar goals.
The public library can also help you make and keep your New Year’s resolutions is by providing access to technology and equipment that can support your goals. For example, if your resolution is to start a small business, SMRLD has computers and other equipment that you can use to create a business plan and get your venture off the ground.
Additionally, the library can also help you stay accountable and motivated to pursue your resolutions with tools and services that can help you track your progress and stay on track, such as reading logs, goal-setting worksheets, and online databases. You can also connect with others who are working towards similar goals through library programs and events, which can provide valuable support and encouragement.
In short, the public library can be a valuable resource to help you make and keep your New Years resolutions. Whether you want to get in shape, learn a new skill, or improve your financial situation, the library can access to a wide range of resources, a supportive and inspiring environment, and tools and services to help you stay on track, the library can be an invaluable partner in your journey towards personal growth and self-improvement.
To learn more about how SMRLD can help you email us at [email protected]; call us at 618-452-6238; or visit us at either of our locations, 2001 Delmar Ave or 2145 Johnson Rd, Granite City, IL 62040.
Job Search Training Session Series at 2001 Delmar Avenue Fall 2022 Sessions
Monday, August 15th, 2022Secretary of State and State Librarian Jesse White awarded nearly $6 million in pandemic recovery grants to libraries focused on responding directly to the COVID-19 pandemic by modifying services, transforming spaces and developing resources for their local recovering workforce. Funding 211 academic, school, special and public libraries, all of which received grants ranging from $5,000 to over $1 million. A combination of funding sources provided through the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA), both from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, and state technology funds were used to maximize the statewide impact.
SMRLD is the proud recipient of $50,000 of funding from the Illinois State Library’s (ISL) Bouncing Back from the Pandemic grant. As a part of our project, Building a Job Ready Workforce, experts, Frank Alaniz and Dawn Mushill will be presenting a series of job search training sessions.
Registration Required
Thur., Aug. 18 or Sept. 22, 1:30-3:30 PM – WOWing Potential Employers
Wed., Sept. 7, 1:30-2:30 PM- Online Job Applications: What Do I Need to Know?
Wed., Oct. 12, 1:30-3:30 PM – Basics of LinkedIn
Please call 618-452-6238 or go to forms.gle/d3HYC9szEHgrBZrG6 to register
We look forward to sharing more exciting news with you in the future about what we are able to accomplish through our grant funded project, Building a Job Ready Workforce.
*These materials were developed pursuant to a Library Services and Technology Act grant administered by the Illinois State Library using funds provided by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services.
Job Search Training Session Series at 2001 Delmar Avenue
Wednesday, May 25th, 2022Secretary of State and State Librarian Jesse White awarded nearly $6 million in pandemic recovery grants to libraries focused on responding directly to the COVID-19 pandemic by modifying services, transforming spaces and developing resources for their local recovering workforce. Funding 211 academic, school, special and public libraries, all of which received grants ranging from $5,000 to over $1 million. A combination of funding sources provided through the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA), both from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, and state technology funds were used to maximize the statewide impact.
SMRLD is the proud recipient of $50,000 of funding from the Illinois State Library’s (ISL) Bouncing Back from the Pandemic grant. As a part of our project, Building a Job Ready Workforce, expert, Frank Alantz will be presenting a series of job search training sessions.
Registration Required
June 1, 2022 1:30 – 2:30 Job Searching -Where Do I Even Start?
June 15, 2022 1:30 – 3:30 How to Write an Effective Resume (will include time for brief resume reviews)
August 24, 2022 1:30 – 2:30 Job Searching – Where Do I Even Start?
August 31, 2022 1:30 – 3:30 How to Write an Effective Resume (will include time for brief resume reviews)
September 7, 2022 1:30 – 2:30 Online Job Applications – What Do I Need to Know?
To register call 618-452-6238
We look forward to sharing more exciting news with you in the future about what we are able to accomplish through our grant funded project, Building a Job Ready Workforce.
StoryWalk® at Worthen Park, 2599 Parkview Drive
Friday, April 1st, 2022
Six Mile Regional Library District, in partnership with the Granite City Park District, is excited to present the StoryWalk® at Worthen Park, 2599 Parkview Drive.
A StoryWalk is an innovative way to get people of all ages out walking while reading children’s picture books thereby combining nature and physical activity with literacy.
Pages of a picture book are transformed into signs that are then laid out on a trail inviting families, children, and others to follow the path of pages. While reading along, participants will discover each of the 20 stations located throughout the park along the walking trail. These stations allow families to enjoy activities focused on reading, singing, movement, and other skills which are crucial to early literacy.
The StoryWalk is a free activity available to all residents during the park’s open hours.
Our first title will be in honor of former Six Mile Regional Library District’s employee, Judy Modrusic. Judy worked in the circulation department for many years. We chose a fun book set in a library’s children department, Chicken Story Time by Sandy Asher in her honor. When walking the StoryWalk, you can follow along as feathered friends return to the library each week. With its eye-catching illustrations and fun activities, this book is sure to be a hit with children and adults alike!
The StoryWalk® Project was created by Anne Ferguson and developed with the help of Rachel Senechal, formerly of the Kellogg-Hubbard Library in Vermont over a decade ago. You can now find StoryWalk® projects installed in all 50 states and internationally in countries including, Germany, Canada, England, Bermuda, Russia, Malaysia, Pakistan and South Korea.
Individuals, families, or organizations may sponsor a month of Six Mile Regional Library District (SMRLD) StoryWalk for $75. The sponsor’s name or logo will be featured on the opening frame of the StoryWalk located in Worthen Park.
Each donation will contribute to the cost of supplies, including book copies, lamination, and mounting paper. Books will be prepared in advance and installed by library staff. Each book will be displayed for approximately one month.
For more information on this StoryWalk, and the other programs and services the Six Mile Regional Library District offers, please visit our website, smrld.org, and follow us on Social Media.
To sponsor a month please complete the Six Mile Regional Library District StoryWalk® Sponsorship Form and return it with payment to Six Mile Regional Library District, 2001 Delmar Avenue, Granite City, IL 62040 or email to [email protected]
StoryWalk® Grand Opening
Worthen Park, 2599 Parkview Drive
Saturday, May 7, 2022
10:00 AM
Six Mile Regional Library District, Welcomes Masters of Social Work Intern, Sydnie Vahling
Tuesday, March 1st, 2022
Sydnie Vahling joins SMRLD as a Masters of Social Work intern. Sydnie received her Bachelors in Social Work at the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign. Sydnie is currently enrolled at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville in the specialized Master’s program. Sydnie’s goal at the library is to help and connect any customer who is in need with the services and resources provided within the community. Sydnie has a passion for helping others and using solution-focused practice to help customers through any crisis in their life.
Social work in libraries is a new and evolving field within social work practice. When working in libraries, social workers can be useful in many different ways. Library social work merges macro and micro practice to serve customers needs by serving as a learning resource, building community networks, and providing crisis intervention. Sydnie will be accessible to any customer who is in need of connecting to resources available within the 62040 area by phone at 618-452-6238 ext 732 or email at [email protected]
Librarian Reads: October 2021 Book Review and Recommendation
Tuesday, October 12th, 2021
Anxious People by Fredrik Backman
I absolutely fell in love with this story. And, while it has a slow start, it is well worth the journey. Backman has written a poignant comedy of errors, or idiots.
Anxious People reveals how a shared event can change a variety of people’s lives. Multiple interwoven events are uncovered as the story progresses, hooking readers as layers are peeled away.
When a young boy tries to stop a man from jumping from a bridge. When the man who jumped from the bridge leaves a note for another person. When a young girl contemplates what it might mean to jump from a bridge. What are the resulting impacts? Who do these people become and why?
When a bank robber doesn’t rob the bank and instead flees across the street to enter an open house, and takes a group of strangers hostage – these characters become the worst group of hostages in the world, or so says the bank robber. The hostages include a recently retired couple who purchase apartments to live in while fixing them for resale. A wealthy bank director who is shut off from her (and others’) feelings. A young couple about to have their first baby and who can’t agree on anything. An eighty-seven-year-old woman who is fearless. A real estate agent who just wants to close the deal. And, a mystery man who has locked himself in the apartment’s only bathroom.
The two policemen on the scene turn out to be father and son, and can’t seem to communicate with each other. Yet they try their best to discover who the bank robber is, where they disappeared to, and why the hostages are so reluctant to give a straight answer. It’s a convoluted trail that leads to a world of real insight into the human condition.
Originally published in Sweden as Folk med angest, in the end I couldn’t put it down. Full disclosure – a colleague absolutely hated this book. You be the judge.
Tina Hubert, Executive Director Six Mile Regional Library District
Anxious People is available from the Six Mile Regional Library District in hardback, as an e-book, and an e-audiobook. For more information, visit smrld.org or call 618-452-6238 ext. 730.
September is Library Card Sign-up Month & SMRLD Goes Fine Free!
Thursday, September 2nd, 2021Granite City – September 1, 2021
What’s in your wallet? A Library card gives you access to a wealth of information! September is Library Card Sign-up Month and now that SMRLD is fine free it’s a perfect time to get your Library Card.
Anyone living in 62040 is eligible to get a free SMRLD library card. To get your library card, either fill in the online form at smrld.org/connect/get-a-library-card/ or visit us at 2001 Delmar Avenue or 2145 Johnson Road. There is nothing more empowering than getting your own library card. It gives you access to technology, resources, and services to pursue your passions and dreams.
The Six Mile Regional Library District, along with libraries everywhere, continue to adapt and expand services to meet the evolving needs of our community. Libraries offer everything from early literacy programs to job search assistance, helping transform lives and communities through education. At SMRLD, you’ll find a wide variety of educational resources and activities, including Research Databases and Streaming Movies, Music, eBooks, eAudiobooks, eComics, & eMagazines for all ages.
The Six Mile Regional Library District is committed to providing equal access to every member of our community and eliminating fines offers our cardholders a fresh start to rediscover all that their library has to offer. By eliminating most fines, the library is removing barriers and making access easy, equitable, and enjoyable for everyone. Existing fines for overdue items will be forgiven to ensure that everyone can start a new chapter at their now fine-free libraries. Fees for lost or damaged items will remain on the users account.
Customers are still encouraged to return materials on time but are no longer charged daily overdue fines on most items. Items borrowed through certain interlibrary loan systems will still accrue daily overdue fines. Customers remain responsible for replacement charges for lost and damaged items. As in the past, customers will receive multiple overdue notifications before their account is blocked or replacement costs charged. Blocks and replacement charges will be removed once items are returned.
Libraries have traditionally viewed overdue fines as a means to ensure that customers returned materials on time. Recent research, however, suggests that fines may actually discourage customers from using or returning to the library. Fines can be punitive to the most active and loyal customers, and they can disproportionately affect low-income households. Libraries that have gone fine free report positive public response as well as an increase of customers returning to the library. Many bring back materials that they have had out for years. In addition, most libraries that have gone fine free report that a majority of their customers still return items on time.
Come in and get your fine-free library card today or!
For more information, call 618-452-6238 ext. 710.
—END—
Contacts: Tina Hubert, Executive Director, 618-452-6238 ext. 781
Kate Kite, AD/Delmar Ave Manager, 618-452-6238 ext. 782
Betsy Mahoney, AD/Johnson Rd Manager, 618-452-6238 ext. 785
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