News, Events, & Classes
StoryWalk® at Worthen Park, 2599 Parkview Drive
Friday, April 1st, 2022
Six Mile Regional Library District, in partnership with the Granite City Park District, is excited to present the StoryWalk® at Worthen Park, 2599 Parkview Drive.
A StoryWalk is an innovative way to get people of all ages out walking while reading children’s picture books thereby combining nature and physical activity with literacy.
Pages of a picture book are transformed into signs that are then laid out on a trail inviting families, children, and others to follow the path of pages. While reading along, participants will discover each of the 20 stations located throughout the park along the walking trail. These stations allow families to enjoy activities focused on reading, singing, movement, and other skills which are crucial to early literacy.
The StoryWalk is a free activity available to all residents during the park’s open hours.
Our first title will be in honor of former Six Mile Regional Library District’s employee, Judy Modrusic. Judy worked in the circulation department for many years. We chose a fun book set in a library’s children department, Chicken Story Time by Sandy Asher in her honor. When walking the StoryWalk, you can follow along as feathered friends return to the library each week. With its eye-catching illustrations and fun activities, this book is sure to be a hit with children and adults alike!
The StoryWalk® Project was created by Anne Ferguson and developed with the help of Rachel Senechal, formerly of the Kellogg-Hubbard Library in Vermont over a decade ago. You can now find StoryWalk® projects installed in all 50 states and internationally in countries including, Germany, Canada, England, Bermuda, Russia, Malaysia, Pakistan and South Korea.
Individuals, families, or organizations may sponsor a month of Six Mile Regional Library District (SMRLD) StoryWalk for $75. The sponsor’s name or logo will be featured on the opening frame of the StoryWalk located in Worthen Park.
Each donation will contribute to the cost of supplies, including book copies, lamination, and mounting paper. Books will be prepared in advance and installed by library staff. Each book will be displayed for approximately one month.
For more information on this StoryWalk, and the other programs and services the Six Mile Regional Library District offers, please visit our website, smrld.org, and follow us on Social Media.
To sponsor a month please complete the Six Mile Regional Library District StoryWalk® Sponsorship Form and return it with payment to Six Mile Regional Library District, 2001 Delmar Avenue, Granite City, IL 62040 or email to [email protected]
StoryWalk® Grand Opening
Worthen Park, 2599 Parkview Drive
Saturday, May 7, 2022
10:00 AM
Six Mile Regional Library District, Welcomes Masters of Social Work Intern, Sydnie Vahling
Tuesday, March 1st, 2022
Sydnie Vahling joins SMRLD as a Masters of Social Work intern. Sydnie received her Bachelors in Social Work at the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign. Sydnie is currently enrolled at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville in the specialized Master’s program. Sydnie’s goal at the library is to help and connect any customer who is in need with the services and resources provided within the community. Sydnie has a passion for helping others and using solution-focused practice to help customers through any crisis in their life.
Social work in libraries is a new and evolving field within social work practice. When working in libraries, social workers can be useful in many different ways. Library social work merges macro and micro practice to serve customers needs by serving as a learning resource, building community networks, and providing crisis intervention. Sydnie will be accessible to any customer who is in need of connecting to resources available within the 62040 area by phone at 618-452-6238 ext 732 or email at [email protected].
Six Mile Regional Library Receives Edwardsville Community Foundation’s Healing Illinois Grant
Tuesday, August 17th, 2021Six Mile Regional Library District received a Healing Illinois grant from the Edwardsville Community Foundation. The grant was available to schools and libraries to assist in the efforts to teach children and adults about racial differences through books.
The Edwardsville Community Foundation is a group of local business and community leaders founded to impact the quality of life in the local communities, including: Edwardsville, Glen Carbon, Hamel, Moro, Dorsey and Worden and surrounding areas.
Six Mile Regional Library District used these grant funds to create multigenerational book kits. Each kit is designed to help facilitate conversations no matter the age.
There are eleven kits divided into two categories, Tough Topics and Experience Stories. The Tough Topics kits are primarily composed of non-fiction books about various issues including anti racism, immigration and activism. The Experience Stories kits are composed of fiction books that highlight lives of characters of minority backgrounds including, African Americans, Muslims and Asian Americans. All kits include one adult book, one teen book, one juvenile book and one picture book, plus a folder containing discussion questions.
The book kits are great for families to share together, inspire reading, and family discussions. They also work well for small book clubs or anyone interested in a particular topic or experience. You can find the kits in the parent collection of the youth department at our Delmar Avenue location or request one through our online catalog.
Multigenerational Book Kits
Tough Topics
- Activism
- Anti Racism
- Housing Insecurity
- Immigration
- Incarceration
- White Privilege
Experience Stories
- African American
- Asian American
- First Nation
- Latin American
- Muslim American
Important Information for RBdigital Users
Tuesday, March 23rd, 2021
Due to a change in ownership of the RBdigital Media Company, the unlimited subscription model for lending eAudiobooks and magazines is no longer being offered for library licensing. In addition, the new owners announced the intent to discontinue the RBdigital apps and website in the near future.
Digital eAudiobook access on RBdigital ended March 15, 2021. Digital magazine access will end on March 31, 2021.
We do not have a replacement for digital magazines at this time, but we are in conversation with a company who may be able to provide a comparable consortial lending model which is what we are losing in RBdigital. Consortial lending models allow us the ability to offer a robust collection of titles at a cost we can afford.
While we do not have a replacement for the digital magazine content, we do have many other options for eAudiobook material. If you are not a user of the CloudLibrary or Hoopla, both have eAudiobook content and we hope you’ll enjoy our these or our other Streaming Services. Please, feel free to contact us via email at [email protected] or call us at 618-452-6238 with any questions.
We regret having to bring you this news as particularly the digital magazines were very popular with our users. We hope to have a solution in the coming months.
Librarian Reads: November 2020 Book Review and Recommendation
Monday, November 2nd, 2020
Killers of the Flower Moon by David Grann
Who knew? I certainly didn’t. In the 1920s, the richest people per capita in the world were members of the Osage Indian Nation. And why was that? Because they retained the mineral rights to the lands in Oklahoma to which they had been relocated – they owned the “underground reservation” that was rich with oil during the boom times.
While to some this might seem like a really fortunate life, for the Osage it was cursed with murder, misfortune, and disaster. And, for the United States, it was the birth of the FBI. The “Reign of Terror,” as this time in Osage history is known, was only finally dealt with by an undercover team leading the Bureau of Investigation’s first substantial case.
The story illuminates what was possibly one of the biggest serial murder conspiracies in US history and one of the most forgotten. From the 1910s through the 1930s hundreds of the Osage were murdered for their “headrights” – the legal grant of lands, or in this case the underground mineral rights. At that time there were about 2,000 Osage who were registered on the tribal roll; each one of them received a headright, or their individual share in the mineral trust. Headrights could not be sold, they could only be inherited, which made the Osage quite desirable spouses for unscrupulous persons.
At the zenith of the oil boom in Oklahoma, in the 1920s, the Osage had accumulated millions and millions of dollars, equivalent to about $400 million today. BUT the Osage control of and access to their money was limited by restrictions imposed by the US government. Many of the Osage were assigned guardians to oversee and supervise how the Osage spent their money. Becoming an Osage guardian was also a desirable position that was maintained by a handful of untrustworthy people.
This is a tale of families who were being methodically whittled down in order to funnel wealth for easier access by shameless reprobates. Reading like a novel, this book is full of intrigue, mystery, sleuthing, and human interest. Racism against Native Americans is startling and unfortunate. Using primary sources including both published and unpublished letters, diaries, family papers, and records from the FBI and other sources, the author paints a vivid picture. I recommend this title to those who enjoy history, mystery, thrillers, memoirs, and just plain interesting stories.
Tina Hubert, Executive Director Six Mile Regional Library District
Killers of the Flower Moon is available from the Six Mile Regional Library District in hardback, audiobook, as an e-book and an e-audiobook. For more information, visit elibrary.smrld.org or call 618-452-6238 ext. 730.
Ever wonder what your SMRLD librarians are reading? Well now you can follow along at smrld.org/librarianreads with some of their recommendations.
Librarian Reads: October 2020 Book Review and Recommendation
Tuesday, October 13th, 2020
Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
As a teen I was enthralled with horror stories. I grew up reading HP Lovecraft, Edgar Allen Poe, Shirley Jackson, Ray Bradbury, Stephen King, Anne Rice, and more. I left the horror story stage behind and haven’t really read the genre for years. Well, it seems this is a good year to revisit it. I recently spent a Saturday reading this tale from beginning to end – everything else was put on hold.
Mexican Gothic is full of mystery and intrigue surrounded by the supernatural and unknown – a classic gothic novel. It’s more psychological horror than gore. In 1950s Mexico, Noemi Taboada is a glamorous debutante more interested in her own independence than being settled. After receiving a frantic letter from her newly-wed cousin begging someone to save her, Noemi travels to rescue her cousin Catalina, with the promise from her father that she can attend the university of her choice if she will only do this one thing.
Arriving at the husband’s remote old family mansion in the mountains, Noemi has a true mystery to unravel. Catalina is kept secreted in her bedroom and Noemi roams the mansion and grounds trying to deduce what’s really going on. Noemi is a tough cookie; she’s not afraid of her cousin’s new husband who is both intimidating and alluring or the husband’s forbidding father or sister. She uses the husband’s young nephew to escape to the nearby town to send letters back to her family and to seek advice from both the town doctor and local wise woman. The family seemingly has a strange hold over the town and the mountain full of some dark ancient knowledge.
With plenty of menace, this tale evokes the atmosphere of the horror movies from the 1930s and 40s, where violin music would play in the background of the foggy craggy scenery. The story starts a little slow, but builds to a surprising crescendo. I thought I had it all figured out only to discover a truly unexpected ending. I couldn’t put it down.
Tina Hubert, Executive Director Six Mile Regional Library District
Mexican Gothic is available from the Six Mile Regional Library District in hardback, as an e-book and an e-audiobook. For more information, visit elibrary.smrld.org or call 618-452-6238 ext. 730.
Ever wonder what your SMRLD librarians are reading? Well now you can follow along at smrld.org/librarianreads with some of their recommendations.
Brought to you by the Six Mile Regional Library District: The Granite City Press-Record Online Archives!
Tuesday, September 15th, 2020
Brought to you by the Six Mile Regional Library District: The Granite City Press-Record Online Archives!
Granite City – Tuesdayday, September 15, 2020 –
The Granite City Press-Record Online Archives are available free-of-charge to the public through the Six Mile Regional Library District (SMRLD), starting with the decade of the 1960s. Because of the behind the scenes work that has to be done to ensure their readability, the newspapers will be uploaded one decade at a time. In a few weeks SMRLD will be ready to upload the 1970s.
All issues published from January 4, 1960, through December 31, 1969, can now be accessed at www.smrld.org/press-record/. SMRLD IT & Facilities Manager Tallin Curran supervised this project. He remarked, “Many of these issues from the 1960s have as many as 40 or 50 pages per issue. A few have even more. It’s a great mix of local news and advertisements from local businesses that are gone but not forgotten, such as Tri-City Grocery, Carp’s, the Washington Theater, Fleishman’s, and many, many more.”
The Granite City Press-Record was first published on April 22, 1903, as the Granite City Press. It ceased publication with the December 26, 2012, issue as the Press-Record. For many years, the Granite City Press-Record was well-regarded as the place to find out what was happening through the announcements, news, and human-interest stories about the people and places in Granite City, Pontoon Beach, Mitchell, Madison, and Venice, Illinois.
This multi-year project, undertaken by the Six Mile Regional Library District, actually began in 2012, when copyright permission was granted to the Library by Lee Enterprises to digitize and make the newspapers available online. Unfortunately, the costs for digitizing such a large project were prohibitive at that time. The real work began in 2019, when SMRLD signed an agreement with American Digital Memories (ADM) in Oklahoma to have over 369 reels of microfilm scanned and converted into electronic files.
After the many months of converting the microfilm reels into readable files was completed by ADM, it was time for Library staff to begin the arduous job of sifting through the files checking for readability. Files are checked and re-checked for clarity; when adjustments are needed the Library requests corrections from ADM. It generally takes Library staff approximately forty hours from receipt of the mega-files until a full decade is uploaded and ready to read online
Executive Director Tina Hubert said, “It’s been a dream of ours to make the Granite City Press-Record Online Archives available and we are thrilled that dream is finally reality. Keep watching for other decades to be uploaded in the future by liking or following the SMRLD Facebook page.”
The SMRLD Facebook can be found at https://www.facebook.com/smrld.org/
The Granite City Press-Record Online Archives can be found at https://www.smrld.org/press-record/
Contacts: Six Mile Regional Library District (618) 452-6238
Tina Hubert, Executive Director, extension 781
Tallin Curran, IT & Facilities Manager, extension 784
#
Celebrate Library Card Sign-up Month with SMRLD and Wonder Woman this September
Thursday, August 27th, 2020Granite City – August 27, 2020
Library cards empower students and fuel academic success
September is Library Card Sign-up Month, a time when the Six Mile Regional Library District joins the American Library Association (ALA) and libraries nationwide to remind parents, caregivers and students that signing up for a library card is the first step on the path to academic achievement and lifelong learning.
Anyone living in 62040 is eligible to get a free SMRLD library card. To get your library card, either fill in the online form at smrld.org/connect/get-a-library-card/ or visit us at 2001 Delmar Avenue. Youth ages 4-18 can receive a free book when picking up their library card. Books are provided in partnership between SMRLD, Transform GC, and GCHS teacher Jennifer Connolly; only while supplies last and only at the Delmar Avenue Library.
There is nothing more empowering than signing up for your own library card. Through access to technology, media resources and educational programs, a library card gives students the tools to succeed in the classroom and provides people of all ages opportunities to pursue their dreams and passions.
Libraries offer everything from early literacy programs to job search assistance, helping transform lives and communities through education. At SMRLD, you’ll find a wide variety of educational resources and activities, including Research Databases and Streaming Movies, Music, eBooks, eAudiobooks, eComics, & eMagazines for all ages.
“Libraries play an important role in the education and development of children,” said Executive Director, Tina Hubert. “SMRLD has programs that serve students of all ages and backgrounds such as 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten, Saturday Science Lab, and TAG our Teen Advisory Group.”
The Six Mile Regional Library District, along with libraries everywhere, continue to adapt and expand services to meet the evolving needs of our community. To sign up for a library card or to learn more about the library’s resources and programs, please visit (www.smrld.org).
This year, DC’s Wonder Woman is embarking on a mission to champion the power of a library card as Library Card Sign-up Month Honorary Chair. In her new role, Wonder Woman will promote the value of libraries and encourage everyone to get their very own library card.
Since 1987, Library Card Sign-up Month has been held each September to mark the beginning of the school year. During the month, the ALA and libraries unite together in a national effort to ensure every child signs up for their own library card.
For more information, call 618-452-6238 ext. 710.
—END—
Contacts: Tina Hubert, Executive Director, (618) 452-6238 ext 781
Erica Hanke-Young, Youth Services Manager (618) 452-6238 ext 787
Kate Kite, Research & Teen Librarian (618) 452-6238 ext 755
SMRLD Bigger than a Building
Monday, May 18th, 2020
As many of you know, the doors to the Six Mile Regional Library District closed on March 17. We hope you also know that while the doors are closed, we are still here providing remote services and increasing our virtual capabilities.
What you might not know is how much we miss you!
We miss seeing your smiles when we recommend a good book, helping with a homework question, or finding just the information you were looking for. We miss hearing what’s happening in your lives and your recommendations for us.
Everyday we are asked when we’ll reopen again.
We don’t have an exact date, but rest assured we are working hard to do just that.
We will phase our reopening. Soon, we hope to offer curbside service at our Johnson Road location so that you can order and pick up materials. The book drops will open in just a few weeks so you can return the materials you have at home. We are rearranging furniture, books, CDs, and DVDs so that you will be able to visit us in-person at our Delmar Avenue library to use the computers, apply for passports, purchase your license plate renewal stickers, register to vote, get items notarized, pick up fishing and hunting licenses, and much more.
Yes, things will look and be different. We won’t have in-person events for a while and there won’t be any seating (other than for computer use) while we have to limit the number of people and comply with social distancing guidelines in the building. However, know that every day we are one step closer to providing you the full service you deserve, expect, and are used to getting from us. We look forward to seeing you soon!
Keep checking our website, Facebook, and other social media for updates.
Save Money at Your Library! 10 Resources We Give You for Free.
Tuesday, March 17th, 2020
If you live anywhere in 62040 and need a library card, apply online at card.smrld.org
1. Books
Yes, this is the obvious one. Both of our libraries are chock-full of bestsellers by big names like James Patterson and Kathy Reichs, as well as undiscovered gems by first-time authors and independent presses. Need to do some research? We’ve got tens of thousands of non-fiction titles on everything from fly fishing to decorating your home. Almost every title checks out for three weeks, and if no one else is looking for it, you can renew the books for additional time. Best of all, if we don’t have the book you’re looking for, we can almost always borrow it from another library and have it delivered to either library building for you. How’s that for service?!
But that’s not all! Our library members are also able to access many eBooks and eAudiobooks through the library’s subscription to Overdrive. Read them on a computer, or download them to your portable device. For more information, go here. If you need further assistance, give us a call at 618-452-6238, or email [email protected].
2. Movies and Television Shows
RedBox and Blockbuster have nothing on us. We’ve got thousands of movies and TV shows available for you to check out. Most of them are DVDs, but we have Blu-Ray discs available. Movies and TV shows are available for one week, but like books, if no one is waiting for them you may renew them for additional time. While you may have to wait a bit for the latest releases, we have plenty of other great movies and TV shows to keep you entertained until we have a copy available for you.
Want to stream from your home check out our Hoopla app music, movies, television series, and more, 24/7 with your library card every month – with no waiting!
3. Wireless Internet Access
Forget Barnes & Noble and Starbucks. We let you use our wireless network at no charge for as long as you’d like. Bring in your laptop or other wireless-enabled device and connect to SMRLD WiFi, no password required. On the run? We’ve strengthened our wireless network so all you have to do is pull into one of our parking lots to access it.
4. Internet-enabled Computers
Don’t have a computer? Come use one of ours! We have several internet-enabled PCs available for your use. Just show us your library card or picture ID and we’ll give you an hour of computer time. If it’s a slow day and no one is waiting for a computer when your time is up, you may use the computer until it is needed by another library user.
5. Electronic Research Resources
Sure, Google is free, but contrary to popular belief, not everything can be found through Google! The library subscribes to a wide variety of electronic resources to help you find what you need. Consumer Reports, Ancestry Library Edition (the library version of Ancestry.com), Morningstar Investment Research Center, Price 4 Antiques, NoveListPlus, OmniFile Full Text Select (H.W. Wilson), Science Reference Center, and MasterFILE Premier are just a few of the subscriptions the library makes available to its members.
If you have trouble finding what you need, you can always refer to our…
6. Librarians
Having a hard time finding information on a topic? Just don’t know what to read next? Professional librarians are available to you at the Delmar Avenue library during all open hours. Can’t stop in? Email the reference librarian at [email protected], or give us a call at (618) 452-6238. We are happy to help you, whatever your question may be.
7. Newspapers and Magazines
The library has every issue of the Granite City Press-Record available. Most issues have been microfilmed at the Delmar Avenue library, but some of the more recent ones are available online through NewsBank or as the newspaper itself. NewsBank also gives us online access to recent issues of the Belleville News Democrat, St. Louis Post-Dispatch, and many other newspapers from around the United States.
Available to you are also a wide variety of magazines. Many popular magazines are also available electronically through RBDigital
8. Genealogy and Local History Resources
The library has a wealth of information on the history of Granite City and the Six Mile area. This includes, but is not limited to, historical city directories, school yearbooks, old newspapers, and several volumes written about the local area. We have also acquired subscriptions to the popular genealogy database HeritageQuest.
9. Auto Repair Manuals
Want to do a repair on your vehicle yourself, but need a little help? You’ve come to the right place! Take advantage of the library subscriptions to Chilton Automotive Repair. Download text and images to help get your car running!
10. Programs for the Whole Family
Looking for something to do? Check out our calendar of events and classes! From our children’s storytimes and craft programs, to book clubs and gardening classes for adults, the library has something for everyone. Our programs are free and rarely require registration. Keep checking the calendar because we add new events all the time!
These are only a handful of the benefits you get when you become a member of the Six Mile Regional Library District. And they’re all totally free! Why are you waiting? If you don’t have a library card, sign-up for a temporary card at card.smrld.org
You must be logged in to post a comment.