A Look Back at Des Plaines

Images of America: Des Plaines is a new book, just released today! 

Part of a series of local pictorial histories produced by Arcadia Publishing, it affords a fascinating glimpse into the Des Plaines of the past. Using photographs from it’s own substantial archives, along with those of local residents, the Des Plaines History Center collaborated with our very own David Whittingham of the Readers’ Services department here at the library to create this unique treasury our city's memories.

I grew up here in Des Plaines so I've always figured that I know this town pretty well. It's landmarks and history feel familiar to me. Among this book’s 200 photographs, there were places and incidents I recognized instantly, like the old McDonald's, the Methodist Campground, and the crash of Flight 191. But there were also a number of surprises inside, like the legacy of Socrates Rand and the town’s reputation as a leisure destination. Part nostalgia and part discovery, Images of America: Des Plaines uses photographs to tell the intriguing story our city.

The book will be available for purchase at the: 

Friends of the Library Holiday Book Sale

Saturday, December 1st from 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM in  Friends Room B/C. 

David Whittingham will be there so come and get your book signed by the author! What a wonderful gift idea for a long-time resident.

On December 14th from 5:30PM to 7:30 PM celebrate with us at a book launch party here at the library! Author David Whittingham will talk about making the new book. Plus, we'll have an introduction to the new Des Plaines history portal, desplainesmemory.org by librarian Steven Giese.

You can also buy Images of America: Des Plaines at the Des Plaines History Center's gift shop or online at Amazon.com. 

and a partridge in a pear tree

Today I got a sneak peak at the Friends of the Library annual Holiday Book Sale, and it is the shopping event of the season. I saw pop-up books and chapter books for kids, LP records and VHS tapes for anyone into vintage, along with popular fiction, classics of literature, beautiful coffee table books, cookbooks and more, all in excellent condition, perfect for gift-giving.

I bought 12 great gifts for under $10. And I didn't have to crawl out of bed to stand in line at 4 AM or even set foot in a mall or a superstore to get them. None of these gift gyrates to dance music or requires batteries, unlike the $50 Fijit on my daughter's list, but I know that each and every one will be enjoyed by its recipient. Who doesn't love a book, lovingly selected just for them?

I'm so thrilled with the low impact on my budget, I feel the need to repeat myself: 12 great gifts for under $10, satisfying my thrifty nature and giving a little something back at the same time. Buy a gently-used book from the Friends Book Sale and you'll be a multitasking force for good - recycling while encouraging literacy and supporting library programs that benefit our community.

Tomorrow is your chance to find that perfect gift that won't break your budget. If you know any readers, this book sale is sure to have something they'll love. The Des Plaines History Center and Des Plaines Art Guild will be there with even more unique and affordable gift ideas, too.

Don't miss it! Saturday, December 10, 2011from 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM in Friends Rooms B and C.