A Better Winnetka

It was a day of seeing, listening and learning as members of the Winnetka‐Northfield Library staff, trustees, Village Council members and interested residents visited the Schaumburg, Des Plaines, Glencoe, Wilmette and Evanston libraries. We saw two very large, new 21^st century libraries; one recently remodeled and updated library; a library in transition; and one lovely older, more modest mid 20th century library. All different, all with something to offer – each a gracious host.

With a library now 60 years old and with plans for an upcoming needs analysis, it is important to find out what programs and services that are being successfully employed by other libraries would work for Winnetka‐Northfield.

We were impressed with the innovation and imagination shown in creating space for children’s activities – murals, furniture learning equipment; with accommodations for the teenager – a teen ”Loft”, for example. The use of technology was everywhere with computer labs for each age group and discipline. Meeting rooms, small theaters, multipurpose rooms all in evidence. We were conscious, too, of much interaction with the community, with the part the libraries played in organizing cultural events – art shows, music recitals.

It was a great day and we all came back to Winnetka tired but so very inspired and with a rousing round of applause for library director David Seleb and John Jansson and Anne Knight, trustees, who put this exciting tour together.

Back to business. At a regular meeting of the Library’s Board of Trustees, November 17, at the Northfield branch, Kathie Hamilton of Northfield, was sworn in as trustee, replacing Gerald Smith. The levy Ordinance for fiscal year 2008‐2009 was presented and adopted. Mr.James Rachlin of Griffin, Kubik, Stephens & Thompson, Inc. explained the tax levy history for referendum years 2005‐2007.

The Library has a new website http://www.winnetkalibrary.org/ which will be formally launched with a weeklong celebration December 2 through December 7. The annual volunteer Appreciation luncheon will be December 3.