Keep Your Cash While Staying Cool

CUB will offer home energy savings tips at the Indian Prairie Library July 25.

Hear that sound? It’s your home air conditioning system, which has probably been running nearly non-stop since early June. With temperatures stuck in the 90s and even 100s over the past month-and-a-half, many residents have been enjoying a respite from the heat in their climate-controlled homes. But they may be less than enthusiastic when the electric bill comes. If you’re looking for a way to beat the heat and save a little money, too, the Indian Prairie Library has a program for you. A representative from the Citizens Utility Board (CUB), Illinois' non-profit utility watchdog group, will be on hand at the library from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 25, to guide residents through options offered in the electric market – and to offer a few…

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Get Out: Art, Live Music and More This Weekend

Hear music at Cooper's Hawk or attend a benefit and campfire and KLM.

It’s Thursday, and you’ve got no idea what you’ll do for the weekend. Patch is coming to the rescue. We’ve got the best bets for when you're done with work and ready to get out. Check our picks for the activities to hit. 1. ART + VISION Where/When: 5-8 p.m. Friday at Spex, 18 W. 1st St., Hinsdale. Why Go: Event features artwork by Jani Bodell and eyewear by Beausoleil. Pricing: Free. 2. BENEFIT AUCTION Where/When: 7-10 p.m. Friday at Katherine Legge Memorial Park, 5901 S. County Line Rd., Hinsdale. Why Go: Silent and live auctions benefit Campfire. Hors d’oeuvres will be served throughout the evening and a cash bar will be available. Pricing: $50. 3. PUBLIC ENEMIES Where/When:  6:30-9 p.m. Friday at Indian Prairie Library, 401 Plainfield …

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Election 2011: Final Results

The results for Burr Ridge Village Trustee won't be in for a few days, but see who candidates did in other races.

UPDATED 9:15 a.m. Burr Ridge residents voted in a number of races today and we've got the unofficial results. Scroll through this page to see how candidates are faring as results come in. This page will be updated as new information is released. Burr Ridge Village Trustee Five candidates, including three write-in candidates, ran for three open seats on the Village of Burr Ridge Board of Trustees. Votes for write-in candidates need to be checked for inconsistencies and results may not be available until Friday or Monday, said Doreen Nelson, assistant executive director of the DuPage County Election Commission. Check back for updates. Tri-State Fire Protection District One open seat 31 out of 31 precincts reporting Pleasantview Fire …

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Indian Prairie Library Wants to Know Your Story

The Indian Prairie Library is collecting vignettes of how it helps the public as part of its National Library Week celebration.

“'Create Your Own Story' is the perfect theme for National Library Week,” said Jamie Bukovac, director of the Indian Prairie Public Library. “Each of our lives is a story, and each day we add to that story. Libraries offer all the resources anyone could need to enhance or change their life, and thus their story, whether the ‘chapter’ is education, employment, personal growth or enjoyment.” During National Library Week, April 10-16, library patrons are invited to share their own stories about using the library at 401 Plainfield Rd., Darien. Everyone who submits a story will receive a plastic cup and an entry into a drawing for an insulated lunch bag. Ten bags will be awarded each day of National Library Week. “Our members have brought us …

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AARP Volunteers Offer Tax Help at Indian Prairie

The Indian Prairie Library is one of approximately 7,000 AARP Tax-Aide sites connecting volunteers with taxpayers who need help filing.

Some Indian Prairie Library patrons did something else besides borrow books, music and movies Friday morning. They received help preparing their income taxes. Each Monday and Friday morning from mid-February to mid-April, AARP Tax-Aide, a free program offered by the Association for the Advancement of Retired Persons, connects volunteer tax aides with community members to help them with their taxes. “[The tax aides] are so nice, and they do a good job,” said Darien resident Asifa Gehan. “They are humble people.” Gehan has been receiving help from an AARP tax aide for about six years. She came to the library for tax help after her brother, who had been helping her file for years, passed away. She tried figuring it out on her own before …

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Library Offers College, Career Planning Tips March 20

Having a better idea of what to study in college can reduce the need to switch majors, which can be costly.

The Indian Prairie Public Library will help answer two of life's important questions: What college is right for me? and What should I be when I grow up? The library, 401 Plainfield Rd., Darien, is presenting a seminar at 2 p.m. Sunday, March 20 for parents and teens in grades 10-12 on planning for a college major and a career. Career Vision will discuss how identifying a college major and career direction can build a student’s motivation and confidence while reducing college expenses.  Parents can pick up tips on how to explore the options with their high school- or college-age child and choose a major that will be exciting and engaging. This program is free and open to the public. Register at the Kids & Teens Desk of the library or by …

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From The Stacks

Big Apple Reads: 'Brooklyn' and 'New York'

Indian Prairie Library staff review two historical fiction novels set in New York.

Brooklyn by Colm Toibin Reviewed by Indian Prairie Library Staff An immigrant tale set in the early 1950s, Brooklyn follows Eilis Lacey as she journeys from Ireland to New York City to escape economic hardship and begin a new life. This heartwarming coming of age story filled with grit and determination may move too slowly for some, but features interesting characters and lovely writing. Brooklyn was the Chicago Public Library’s selection for “One Book One Chicago” in spring 2010. Read more about the book and visit the author’s Website. New York by Edward Rutherford Reviewed by Indian Prairie Library Staff This book traces New York history from the 16th century to 9/11 by following three or four fictitious families. Their ambitions, loves …

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Jessica Rosenberg

11:00 am on Monday, March 7, 2011

'Brooklyn' was one of the best books I read last year - I really loved it.   more ›

Senator Radogno Offers Traveling Office Hours

Sen. Christine Radogno will offer traveling office hours Thursday, March 10 at the Indian Prairie Public Library.

Can’t make it to Senator Christine Radogno’s Lemont office? The Senator offers traveling office hours every second Thursday of the month in Darien. A representative from Sen. Radogno’s district office will be at the Indian Prairie Public Library, 401 Plainfield Rd. next Thursday, March 10 from 1-5 p.m. “We do our best to address every problem or concern. Often it’s just a matter of pointing people in the right direction—giving them the information on who they need to talk to or where they need to go to resolve their issue,” Radogno said. Frequently, Sen. Radogno and her staff have been able to provide constituents with information on legislative issues, provide help with respect to voter registration, offer insights on handling health care…

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Grab & Go Kids Planner

Get Active With Your Kids

See a ballet, discuss an important book.

Each week, we'll give you the info on the five best family activities or events for the week. You're time-pressed enough, so we're happy to do the research and find the best things to do and places to go, both locally and within reasonable striking distance. Look for the kids’ planner each Wednesday, and help us build the planner with your own suggestions and tips — just add them to the comment box. Even if you disagree with our picks, let us know. We want to hear from you! • KIDS READ TOO BIG PARTY Where/When: 6:30 p.m. Friday at Indian Prairie Library, 401 Plainfield Road, Darien. Why Go: Enjoy this fun evening with activities and snacks for the whole family.  Pick up your copy of the Kids Read Too Book this year, "A Place Where …

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From The Stacks

Hunting a Lost Icon in 'American Buffalo'

Indian Prairie Library staff review this nonfiction story of an almost forgotten American icon.

American Buffalo: In Search of a Lost Icon by Steven Rinella Reviewed by Indian Prairie Library Staff When adventure writer Steven Rinella wins a lottery to hunt and kill one buffalo in the wilds of Alaska, the story begins. Rinella has long had a fascination with the American Buffalo. As the story of his hunt proceeds, he stops along to the way to inform us on the natural history of the buffalo, its meaning in Native and European American culture and its current existence. The adventure aspect of Rinella’s story is amazing. What some people will go through and call it fun! The history of the buffalo and the parallel history of America were fascinating. This is for anyone who likes adventure or natural history written for the interested …

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