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The Ela Area Public Library

The Ela Area Public Library is located at 275 Mohawk Trail and serves an area that includes Lake Zurich, Kildeer, Hawthorn Woods and some unincorporated sections nearby. The up-to-date facility offers traditional library services while continuing to keep pace with the latest technology has to offer. It also provides an incredible variety of programming for its members.

Adult programs that are offered to the community through the library include career counseling, English as a second language and computer classes (with some specifically geared for seniors). The library also hosts an enormous selection of lectures by authors and experts in many different fields. There are even class sessions offered on topics such as cooking, travel and health-related subjects.

The children’s programming here is extensive, with everything from simple play groups to short classes that concentrate on building study skills. Storytime sessions and reading clubs help support a love of books, and many library events provide activities that encourage spending time together as a family.

The library also has programs specifically geared for parents on topics such as childcare, reading and school. Parents can also turn to the Book Safari for help in choosing reading material for their children. The Book Safari is an online database of children’s literature which offers librarians’ reviews of selected books for parents to browse and choose from.

The library has also made a special effort to address the teen population in their programming with a rotating group of programs geared specifically for their age group. Teens also have an online database titled “Check It Out,” which allows them to browse books by category or read reviews of books geared toward their tastes.

“We are trying to do a lot of things with technology,” says Valerie Stern, public information coordinator for the library. The library’s Website www.eapl.org, now offers an “Ask A Librarian” service as well as online databases that cover topics ranging from automobile repair to public records. Digital books are another newer offering, and Stern mentions, “My children especially love the ‘Story Book’ section of the online TumbleBook Library.”

Other fairly new perks for the tech-savvy patron include an e-mail notification service (sign up required) which can be used to hold a book or send due-date reminders. People can also register for library programs through the Website.

More recent offerings at the library include the Magazines 2 Go collection where patrons can check out periodicals that are offered for a period of one week. Those who enjoy audio books will be pleased with the “Playaways” that are now available for three week loan periods—both adult and children’s titles are offered. Playstation 2 fans as well as those who own Xbox 360 or Sony Wii console systems can now find a variety of games that can be checked out for use as the library begins stocking their video game collection.

The library prides itself on keeping innovative programming going to involve the community. The summer of 2007 found the library trying out the “One Book, One Reading Community” program. The idea is to offer one book to community members that they are all encouraged to read and discuss at around the same time. The next book will be announced in the spring of 2008, and the book program will run through May, June and July.

The Ela Area Public Library offers something for every age and every taste. Whether one wants to sign up for a class from the comfort of home, attend a lecture or simply check out a book, the facility has made it simple to take advantage of the many services that it offers to Lake Zurich and the surrounding community.