Wonders of Woodridge: Woodridge Public Library

Think the  just offers books, videos and magazines? Think again.

The Woodridge Public Library first started in the basement of Village Hall in 1966.  In 1969, the library moved to a house on Forest Glen Parkway and opened with 553 books. By its third year, the library had more than 18,398 items in its circulation.

The library opened in its current location in 1997, and it continues to add new services and formats such as DVDs, audiobooks, a Spanish language collection and wireless Internet access. In 2001, the library's circulation reached 500,000, and in during the fiscal year ending in April, 2009, more than 607,000 items were circulated.

But what I love most about the library are the services beyond the books, movies and magazines that you can check out.

For instance, the No School Specials. If you are a school aged kid (kindergarten through sixth grade) and have nothing to do, come to the library on certain days off and stay busy with LEGOs, board games, movies and more.

The library also holds several art exhibits throughout the year.  In January, the library will host an art gallery showing called "I Have a Voice," a Down Syndrome Photographic Project from GiGi's Playhouse. The traveling gallery is a collection of portraits of children and adults with Down syndrome. Now through February, the library will also highlight an exhibit of various needlework pieces in the window on the west side of the art gallery space.

Beyond the artsy stuff, the library offers dozens of programs on a wide variety of topics, including "Beat the Unemployment Blues," "Dog Training Advice," new tax rules and deductions and the chance to rock the night away with music from Delta 66.

You can also receive free or reduced admissions at more than 19 museums and other locations by presenting your Woodridge Public Library card at the front desk.

Of course, the library also offers book discussions for interested readers. The books are available to check out at the Adult/Young Adult Reference Desk about one month before the discussion.  Check the library's website for a list of book titles.

So whether you're all about the books, or enjoy dabbling in other seminars, sessions or art displays, check out the Woodridge Public Library.  They definitely have something for everyone every day of the week!