High School Photography Contest: PEOPLE • PLACES • THINGS
May 1–31 • Deadline: Sunday, May 31
Show off your photography skills! Prizes will be awarded to the top place in each category.
CATEGORIES
Photos must fit in one of the following categories: People, Places, or Things.
SUBMISSIONS
Email your submission in any or all three categories as a JPG file to hdove@cooklib.org. Contest is open to grades 9-12. Deadline: Sunday, May 31. Generative AI submissions will not be accepted.
WINNERS
Winners and runners-up will be announced the first week of June and shared on the Library’s social media. One winner from each category will receive a $40 gift card to Michaels craft store.
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!
Study Rooms
A High School Study Room is available at Cook Park Library. Students in grades 9–12 can reserve in-person at the lower level information desk or call 847-362-2330 x1153.
Adult study rooms are available to all patrons ages 14 and older. See the Reserve a Room page for information on locations and how to reserve.
Volunteer Opportunities
Questions? Contact Leah for more information.
Teen Tech Tutors (grades 9-12)
Are you good with technology and enjoy helping others? Volunteer for 1-on-1 tech help sessions at the Library. Volunteer work counts towards service hours. Summer applications will be accepted and reviewed until June 30, 2026.
Local History Assistant (grades 9-12)
Interested in helping out the Library behind the scenes? Volunteer to assist with local history services such as photocopying, data entry, and inventory. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Seed Library Assistant (grades 9-12)
Applications for the Seed Library are currently closed. Please register for our upcoming Seed Packaging Event on July 23, 2026, if you are still interested in volunteering for this program.
Summer Volunteers (grades 7-12)
The Summer 2026 Youth volunteer application period has closed. Please see other volunteer opportunities or contact Kevin at kwonch@cooklib.org for more questions and information.
Already a volunteer? Log in to sign up for shifts.