richardkong.com » Skokie

Coming Together in Skokie

Rich — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 13:58:22 +0000

I’m fortunate to be on the planning committee for a special program called “Coming Together in Skokie.” This program takes the basic “One City One Book” concept that has been used by many libraries and towns across the country and puts a slight spin on it by focusing on Skokie’s incredible diversity. This year, the program highlights the Asian Indian community in Skokie. The book Motherland by Vineeta Vijayaraghavan was chosen by the planning committee and there are many book discussions planned. There will also be many different programs that will offer the community some type of introduction to Indian culture.

Here’s a promotional video about the program:

The Library Strikes Back

Rich — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 14:21:45 +0000

I created this short video for my library’s staff day. It was shown in our auditorium right before our director went up on stage to give her “State of the Library” address. The idea was to make my colleagues feel good about the awesome work they accomplished during this past year and have a little fun at the same time. I think it worked, but in hindsight, I would have added many more words of praise at the end!

Inauguration 2009 at the Library

Rich — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 20:01:11 +0000

MPOW broadcast the inauguration live on 5 plasma screens throughout the building. Lots of people stopped what they were doing to watch. It was moving to see our community sharing this historical moment together at the library. Check it out…

2009 Skokie Madden Bowl I

Rich — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 19:40:44 +0000

This past Saturday, MPOW held its first ever Skokie Madden Bowl. 17 skilled participants battled it out for prizes and bragging rights!

Special thanks to Jeff from the local Gamestop for helping out with the tournament and providing extra XBox 360s and copies of Madden 09.

Addition: My colleague, theanalogdivide, has a nice list of lessons learned from our experience putting the tournament together. Check it out!

Skokie PL wins IMLS National Award

Rich — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 21:08:58 +0000

MPOW is a recipient of the 2008 National Medal for Museum and Library Service! You can read more about it on the Library’s website and on the IMLS website. Here’s an excerpt from the IMLS press release:

“I’m proud, but not surprised, that the Skokie Public Library was one of only ten institutions in the nation to receive the 2008 National Medal from the Institute of Museum and Library Services,” said U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky (D-IL). “The Skokie Library is constantly redefining and expanding its role and has become an indispensible part of our community—providing access to information, resources and services that have helped change the lives of local residents. I congratulate the visionary leadership of Carolyn Anthony and her staff. They have created a local treasure and a model for the country. I can’t imagine a more deserving library than the Skokie Library.”

I have to say that it feels good that Skokie PL is being recognized. I’ve only been here for a little over a year now and I’ve really been impressed with how the library serves its community. Really, though, I think there are many public libraries out there that serve their communities day in an day out to make a difference in people’s lives and they should be recognized, too! So stop on by your local library today and take advantage of what they have to offer. And while you’re at it, express your appreciation to your local public librarian!