Myra Mahlke, Woodridge Library Board President since September, 1970, passed away Friday, August 20. She had the distinction of being the longest serving board member in Woodridge.
In her more than 40 years as Board President, Mrs. Mahlke and the Library Board oversaw major changes in the Woodridge Public Library as it has developed to meet the needs of the growing community. This started with renovation of two houses that were used as early Library buildings. It included construction in 1979 of the Library’s first all-new building on Center Drive. Continued growth and demand for Library services led to a major expansion of the Library which was finished in 1997. Responsiveness to patrons and a philosophy of excellent customer service are hallmarks of the Woodridge Public Library and have been promoted by Mrs. Mahlke through the years.
The Board of Trustees and the Library Staff extend their sympathies to Mrs. Mahlke's family.
Library Closed
The Woodridge Public Library will be closed on Monday, September 6, for Labor Day.
Woodridge Art Show and Artist Registration
This October will mark the 10th anniversary of the Woodridge Art Show, the annual exhibit dedicated to showcasing Woodridge residents and the art they create. Up to three pieces of framed artwork may be submitted by Woodridge residents - beginners and experienced artists alike.
Artists interested in exhibiting work may pick up guidelines and an application form at the Library Circulation Desk beginning Wednesday, September 1, or download from the Web site. In addition to exhibiting framed pieces, artists may sell up to eight unframed works on paper or canvas.
There will be a Meet the Artists Reception on Friday, October 1, 6:00 - 9:00 PM.
For further information on the October Woodridge Art Show or upcoming exhibitions call the Adult/Young Adult Department Reference Desk at 630-964-7899 or email
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The State of Library Services
Everyone knows the state of Illinois is in financial chaos. Along with municipalities, school districts, and social service agencies, library systems in the state are also facing severe budget cuts. The nine multi-type library systems that serve Illinois residents outside the city of Chicago have expanded resources and services over the years beyond what any one individual library could provide. Illinois has long been a national leader in resource sharing. Library systems have not had a funding increase in about 20 years, however, and last year their budgets were cut 16%. Of the money that was supposed to come in the FY10 budget and is still being promised, only a portion has been received at this date. As a result, over the past three months, most of the library systems in the state have let many staff members go and severely curtailed services. Read more here...
-- Library Administrator, Susan McNeil-Marshall
Need Computer Training?
Besides computer classes at the Library, did you know that the Library now offers online computer courses to Woodridge Public Library cardholders? You can take them using your home computer connected to the Internet, or drop by the Library and use one of our Internet computers!
Visit the Learning Express Library computer skills section for online tests and courses for Adobe Flash, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, Corel WordPerfect, MS Access, MS Excel, MS Outlook, MS PowerPoint, MS Project, MS Publisher, MS SharePoint Designer, MS Visio, MS Word, and the Windows and Mac operating systems!
Little Pim allows children to learn several languages online, including Russian, German, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Italian, Hebrew, English, Spanish, and French.
This is a new component of the Mango online-language learning system ... the easiest way to learn a foreign language for all ages!
Looking for a New DVD?
Browse our online catalog's listing of new DVDs (most current listed first) - or limit your browsing to feature films.
The Library is now on Facebook! Check out our new page and click the "Like" button to become a fan and show your support. We'll be using our page to highlight events and resources related to the Library and community as well as keeping in touch with our fans.
Don't forget to follow happenings at the Library on Twitter!
Estate Planning
Tuesday, September 14, 7:00 PM
As we age, tax planning becomes more important than ever. Planning for your spouse and beneficiaries can simplify taxes and financial issues, possibly reduce income taxes, and assist the person named as executor or trustee.
Judi Strauss of Strauss Tax Service will explain these tax-related issues and define the terminology – trust, probate, beneficiaries, and so on.
Registration is requested for all programs. Register at the Adult/Young Adult Department Reference Desk or by phone at 630-964-7899.
What Color is Your Brain?
Wednesday, September 22, 7:00 PM
What color is your brain – yellow, blue, green, or orange? Sheila Glazov, author of the book with the same title, offers this engaging and thought-provoking workshop that will help us understand our own personality, as well as the personalities of family members and coworkers.
By understanding brain colors, we can learn to communicate better and build harmonious relationships at home and work. This will be fun!
Registration is requested for all programs. Register at the Adult/Young Adult Department Reference Desk or by phone at 630-964-7899.
Hungrytown: American Folk Music
Sunday, September 26, 2:00 PM
It’s American folk music at its zenith – retro, yet shiny and new. Rebecca Hall and Ken Anderson, having recently returned from a tour of Great Britain, will share their hauntingly beautiful music and their charming personalities.
They are described as an acoustic duo with sweeping harmonies, a warm and expressive alto voice (Hall) and an impressive command of numerous instruments (Anderson). Their deceptively simple compositions are rooted firmly in traditional folk.
Registration is requested for all programs. Register at the Adult/Young Adult Department Reference Desk or by phone at 630-964-7899.
September Art Gallery Showing – Evangeline Y. Alagaratnam, Oil Paintings
During the month of September the Woodridge Public Library will be displaying the works of artist Evangeline Y. Alagaratnam. The display is available for viewing during normal Library hours.
There will be a Meet the Artist Reception, Sunday, September 5, 2:00 - 4:00 PM.
For further information on the September Art Gallery Showing or upcoming exhibitions call the Adult/Young Adult Department Reference Desk at 630-964-7899 or email
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Painting titled, Starved Rock by Evangeline Y. Alagaratnam
Use Our Museum Adventure Pass Program
Learn about 19 museums and places of interest that have free or reduced admissions for Woodridge Public Library cardholders.
Are you interested in being kept up-to-date on Library happenings, including programs, exhibitions, selected new materials, and much more via email? Send us your email address and we’ll put you on the mailing list for our monthly e-newsletter.
Sign up for one or more of our e-mail newsletters and you’ll gain access to upcoming book discussions, the hottest new titles and authors, and professional reviews. You can even link to titles within our catalog and reserve the items directly from your newsletter.