Make the Most of Your Investment in the Library

Who doesn't like a big return on an investment? Your investment of tax dollars in the library always nets a great return but Money Smart Week offers more than ever. From online classes with Morningstar Investments to a free Shred Day event, the Library can help you maximize that return with Money Smart Week - and all of the other resources and services your Library offers!

In addition to Money Smart Week events this week, you can:

• drop in for tech help
• practice English as a Second Language with grammar, conversation and reading clubs
• learn more about newspaper resources for genealogy research
• get job search support at the Workforce Services Division of Will County Mobile Workforce Center
• learn how to get started on Pinterest
• knit or crochet with new friends
• find the latest apps and share your favorites
• improve your skills on Microsoft Word 
• meet an inspirational author

And that's just the events for adults! The amount of return on your investment in the Library is up to you.

National Library Week Recognition by Congressman Foster

Today, to commemorate National Library Week, Congressman Bill Foster spoke on the House floor about how libraries are strengthening and serving our communities.

Full text:

Thank you Mr. Speaker.

I rise today to commemorate National Library Week – and to celebrate how local libraries continue to be a vital resource in communities across this nation.

Libraries have evolved beyond buildings of quiet study into engaging community centers – where people can gather to collaborate on projects, children can come to participate in educational activities, and job-seekers can use as a resource for help finding connections with employers.

National Library Week is a perfect opportunity to highlight the services being provided in libraries, by librarians and staff focused on creating environments where people can not only find the information they need – but use that information to better themselves and their communities.

Counting both public and private, there are nearly 120,000 libraries across the United States, which together employ more than 350,000 people, and provide services to millions of Americans each year.

In my district, I’ve seen this transformation taking place – where access to the latest technologies like 3D printers and laser cutters can often be found at the local library.

Libraries across this country continue to serve as centers of education, research, and community involvement.

Thank you to the librarians and staff who strive to make the local library a gathering place for everyone – the work you are doing is strengthening this country and making our neighborhoods better places to live.

Thank you, and I yield back.