The Library’s Ins & Outs newsletter is published quarterly and mailed to addresses within the Library District in February, May, August, and November. Below is an abbreviated version of the 2026 summer issue. To see the full, printed newsletter, pick up a copy at the Library.
Newsletter sections:
From the Director – America 250: We the People
As we celebrate the impressive longevity of our country this summer as part of America 250, we are reminded of the institutions that help make it so resilient. These include our schools, places of worship, civic organizations, local businesses, parks, and, of course, our unique public library system.
Benjamin Franklin played a key role in the evolution of America’s public libraries, helping establish the Library Company of Philadelphia, a subscription-based lending library — still around today! In 1790, Franklin donated a collection of books to the Massachusetts town that bears his name, creating what is often recognized as the nation’s first public library. A few decades later, the nation’s first tax-supported public library was established in Peterborough, New Hampshire, in 1833.
Closer to home, tax-supported public lending in Libertyville began in 1921, when Cook Memorial Library opened in the Ansel B. Cook Home,just steps from what is now the Cook Park Library.
Today, your Library serves many roles through its two locations in Libertyville and Vernon Hills:
- Engaging Children: Libraries are often one of a child’s first introductions to learning and exploration, where stories spark curiosity and imagination. Our community is deservedly proud of
its excellent schools, and the Library supports children’s growth beyond the classroom, offering a place to discover new ideas and develop a lasting love of learning. - Lifelong Learning: The Library is a resource for those building new skills, learning English, and exploring a wide range of ideas and perspectives that support personal growth.
- Community Space: In a digital world increasingly shaped by screens and online engagement, the Library remains a truly shared public space, offering a place to connect with others and be part of a community.
These roles may look a bit different than they did a century ago, but our purpose remains the same: bringing people together around learning, opportunity, and a shared sense of community — values that have shaped American life for 250 years.
— David Archer, Library Director
America 250 Community Events
Find more information about America’s Semiquincentennial and these events at cooklib.org/america250.
Stars & Parks Adventure
June 1–July 31 • Libertyville
Take a stroll through history while enjoying the beauty of Libertyville’s parks during this fun, interactive community adventure. In partnership with Libertyville Recreation and Libertyville Historical Society. Learn more at cooklib.org/starsandparksadventure.
Passport to the Parks
June 1–August 31 • Vernon Hills
Celebrate America’s 250th birthday with a community-wide scavenger hunt. Explore new-to-you spots around Vernon Hills for a chance to win fun prizes. In partnership with the Vernon Hills Park District. Learn more at cooklib.org/passporttotheparks.
Library Cards for Everyone – Even Babies!
Starting June 1, residents of all ages can get a library card — even the littlest library users. By removing the minimum age requirement, we’re expanding access to make it easier for families to connect with the Library from day one. Many families already bring babies and toddlers to story times, check out board books, and read together at home, so this change aligns our card policy with how patrons are already using the Library. Learn more at cooklib.org/getstarted.
The Library @ the Libertyville Farmers Market
The Lucy Booth
Stop by the Lucy Booth for on-the-spot book recommendations and the latest Library news, weather permitting. DROP IN
Thursdays, May 28–August 27, 9 am–12 pm • In Cook Park (No Lucy Booth on 6/18)
Outdoor Story Time (birth-age 5 w/ caregiver)
Take a break from shopping and join us at the Story Time Tree for a story. Everyone is welcome! DROP IN
Thursdays, June 4–August 6, 10–10:15 am • In Cook Park (No story time on 6/18)
Summer Parades
Cheer us on and show your Library pride!
Libertyville Days Parade
The parade starts at the Libertyville Metra Station and heads south on Milwaukee Avenue to Rockland Road.
Saturday, June 20, 10 am
Vernon Hills Fourth of July Parade
The parade starts at Deerpath and Atrium Drive, heads south to Sullivan Drive, then West to Aspen Drive.
Saturday, July 4, 9 am
Vernon Hills National Night Out
Join us for a night of fun with neighbors and community law enforcement. Walk around the vendors’ tents, grab a bite to eat, and don’t forget to visit the Library table!
Tuesday, August 4, 4–8 pm • Hartmann Park
Bookmobile Update
In our last newsletter, we shared that the Library will be getting a new Bookmobile this year. While our current vehicle has served the community well, it’s time for an upgrade that will help us better each everyone in the District. Since that announcement, the vehicle shell has arrived at TechOps, where the interior will be customized to meet our needs.
What’s next?
While the vehicle is in production, we’ll finalize the exterior wrap that gives the Bookmobile its signature Cook Memorial Public Library look and start planning the transition from the current vehicle to the new one. Our goal is to have the new Bookmobile on the road later this summer or early fall.
Visit cooklib.org/bookmobile for details and updates, and follow us on social media for a sneak peek at the new wrap design!
June 1–July 31 • All Ages
Make the Library part of your summer as we celebrate America’s 250th anniversary. We invite your whole family to become Library stars and EXPLORE our offerings, DO fun activities, and READ books.
Special 2026 Summer Reading t-shirts for adults and kids go on sale June 1 at the Check Out Desk and the Libertyville Farmers Market. Adult sizes are $10; youth sizes are $5. Cash only.
Sign Up
- Sign up starting Monday, June 1 online at cooklib.readsquared.com or in person at any CMPLD location. You’re also invited to sign up early at the After-Hours Summer Reading Kickoff Party for a chance to win an extra prize!
- Read books and/or complete activities to earn points. Tally 100 points to earn your prize!
- Once you reach the goal, pick up your finishing prize starting on June 15 at your indicated location.
- Littles & Kids (birth-grade 5)
Finishing Prize: a free book, coupons to local businesses, and entry into the grand prize drawing
Grand Prize: a gift card to a local toy store - Middle School (grades 6-8)
Finishing Prize: a free book, coupons to local businesses, and entry into the grand prize drawing
Grand Prize: an Amazon gift card - High School (grades 9-12)
Finishing Prize: a free book and entry into the grand prize drawing
Grand Prize: an Amazon gift card - Adults
Finishing Prize: a limited-edition enamel pin and entry into the grand prize drawing
Grand Prize: a set of gift cards to About Time Bookstore and Trader Joe’s
- Littles & Kids (birth-grade 5)
Programs
For a full list of Early Childhood programs, click here.
For a full list of Family programs, click here.
For a full list of K-5 programs, click here.
For a full list of Middle School programs, click here.
The First Year: Parenting Resources
Welcome to the adventure of becoming a parent! There’s no handbook — though many of us have wished for one.
During the first year of a child’s life, many parents share similar questions about sleep, feeding, health, and play. At the Library, we know big life transitions feel more manageable with support and connection. That’s why we created this resource guide, bringing together insights from caregivers, health professionals, and early childhood experts — all focused on helping families thrive.
Access the guide anytime at cooklib.org/thefirstyear.
Seek and Find
Some of your favorite characters are on the loose and hiding in Youth Services. Earn a hand stamp every time you find one, and remember, these characters change spots every week! DROP IN
Summer Reading
America 250 Book Recommendations: Youth
Programs
For a full list of High School programs, click here.
Essay Contest: Why Do You Think the Library Is Important?
August 1–31 • Deadline: Monday, August 31
Why is the Library important to your community? Is it because it’s a safe space to hang out, because there are books for all kinds of readers, because of the neat programs, or something else? Let us know!
SUBMISSIONS
The submission deadline is Monday, August 31. Essay length should be between 300-500 words. Email your submission as a Word document or PDF to hdove@cooklib.org. Contest is open to grades 9-12. Generative AI submissions will not be accepted.
WINNERS
Winners and runners-up will be announced the first week of September and shared on the Library’s social media. The winner will receive a gift basket of specialty stationery supplies!
America 250 Book Recommendations: Young Adult
Programs
For a full list of Adult programs, click here.
Studio Workshops
Register for a short, 30-minute workshop on a variety of Digital Studio topics. Visit cooklib.org/events to view the schedule and register.
- Set up recording sessions for music or podcasts.
- Digitize VHS tapes, cassettes, and vinyl records.
- Scan photos, slides, and negatives.
- Get familiar with the Cricut machine.
Self-Paced Technology Classes
Learn at your leisure with Udemy’s on-demand video courses taught by top industry instructors. Here are three examples of what you could start learning right now:
- User Experience Design Fundamentals — Design websites and mobile apps that your users love and return to again and again with UX Expert Joe Natoli.
- Critical Thinking in the Age of AI — A course designed to help you strengthen the skills that make us uniquely human. Build practical, future-proof skills for reasoning, judgment, problem solving, and communication.
- Food Photography From Beginner to Pro: A Complete Guide — Master lighting, composition, props, styling, editing, and portfolio building with any smartphone or digital camera.
Get Started
- Create a free Udemy account with your Library card at cooklib.org/udemy.
- Search for the course name or browse categories and topics.
- Expand your knowledge!
LIFE: Ancestry Edition
June 1–August 31
Learn more about American genealogy records by playing a unique version of LIFE. All finishers will be entered into a drawing to win family history prizes! Pick up your game board and info packet at the Adult Information Desk at either Library location.
Personalized English Practice Sessions
Practice speaking English with our ELL librarian in sessions designed to match your interests and goals. Appointments are available in person at Cook Park Library and Aspen Drive Library, and also virtually.
The Bookies’ Pick of the Week
The Bookies are always looking for fun ways to share their favorite new titles, and now you can find them on our podcast! Visit cooklib.org/podcast to listen to our Pick of the Week series, where the Bookies talk about what they’ve been reading — and loving!
More of a reader than a listener? You can also find them on our blog at cooklib.org/blog.
America 250 Book Recommendations
Nonfiction
- The American Revolution: An Intimate History by Geoffrey C. Ward and Ken Burns
- We the People: A History of the U.S. Constitution by Jill Lepore
- America: 250 Years of Freedom by Jack D. Warren
Fiction
Discover more from Cook Memorial Public Library District
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Categories: Library News
Tags: Library News