Category Archives: Events

Banana Joe named Best in Show

Banana Joe, a five-year-old affenpinscher, was named the Best in Show at this year’s Westminster Dog Show. There is no prize money for this achievement, but Banana Joe takes home a silver bowl along with lots of publicity and prestige.

Banana Joe

Banana Joe

 

More than 2,700 dogs representing 187 varieties and breeds competed for honors at this year’s show which was held at Madison Square Garden.

 

labsThe American Kennel Club recently released its list of America’s most popular dogs. At the top of the list is the Labrador retriever, followed by the German shepherd, golden retriever, beagle and the bulldog.

The library has a large collection of books and DVDs on dog breeds, training, and health. Check our catalog or Ask Us! We’ve also compiled  more online information on pet wellness.

kt

Who Goes First?

Conventions 2012Are you wondering why the Republicans had their convention first this year? Is there a rule about which party goes first?

Since 1956, back when Eisenhower was the president, the party that held the White House has traditionally gone second, so this year the Democrats have their convention after the Republicans.

During the years 1864 to 1956, the Democrats had their convention after the Republicans, with the one exception of 1888 when the Democrats went first.

There is no mention of conventions in the Constitution, and conventions have evolved over the years, along with the process of selecting nominees. The first nominating convention in American history occurred in 1831, when the anti-Masonic Party held their convention in Baltimore. The Democrats and National Republicans followed with conventions in 1832.

Questions?  Ask Us! Interested in government and politics? Check out our subject guide and the 2012 Elections topic page.

kt

Once in a Blue Moon…Again

Attribution: Some rights reserved by different2une

 

Once in a blue moon we do a post about the blue moon.

August 31st will be the second full moon this month, or what’s now commonly referred to as a blue moon. I’d assumed this was based on ancient folklore, but it’s actually a fairly recent definition.

Sky & Telescope says that calendar-based definition is a mistake, but ironically it’s a mistake that likely arose with a Sky & Telescope article in 1946, and which was later popularized on the radio.

Other definitions of “blue moon” refer to a rare occurrence, an actual description of the moon (due to volcanic particles or other odd phenomena that may make the moon appear to be blue), or the third of four full moons in a season.

To learn more about blue moons and their folklore and definitions, we recommend the Library of Congress’ Everyday Mysteries page, and EarthSky’s interesting site.

hk

 

Let the Games Begin!

St. Charles Public Library IL - Olympic 2012 MedalsEvery Olympic Games we meet new athletes and some are remembered for their outstanding performances on the field, while others are remembered for their interesting personal stories.

Is your neighbor an Olympian? If you’d like to pull for our local heroes and heroines, check out the NBC site, which features our Illinois Olympians. Or meet the whole team on the Team USA site.

St. Charles Public Library IL - Olympic 2012 Photo

Doug Mills The New York Times

Did you notice that our Illinois contingent has more women than men? That’s in line with the American team, where for the first time, women are the (slight) majority, and the favorites for gold in gymnastics, soccer, and for lots of swimming events.

St. Charles Public Library IL - Olympics 1948

Image: Associated Press

The New York Times has a fascinating site about American Olympians who competed in the 1948 games in London, most of whom are in their 80s and 90s. The first Olympics after WWII, London was still recovering. Their stories are amazing. Listen to each athlete tell a story, and make sure to click on the little pictures to expand them. I love seeing everyone then and now!

Interested in up-to-the minute results, athlete bios, and information about the various games? Assuming you’re not lucky enough to be in London, take a look at our “Hot Topic” about the Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games.

hk

 

National Adoption Day–November 15th, 2008

National Adoption Day is a “…collective national effort to raise awareness of the 129,000 children in foster care waiting to find permanent, loving families.” Learn much more at www.nationaladoptionday.org.
The library is a rich source of information for anyone considering adoption or dealing with the parenting issues that adoptive families face. You will also find a variety of fiction titles in both the adult and youth collections.
Select titles include:
649.145 ADO Adoption Parenting: Creating a Toolbox, Building Connections
649.145 COG Parenting Your Internationally Adopted Child
362.734 CHI Chicken Soup for the Adopted Soul
362.734 DOR So You Want to Adopt, Now What?

adoption.jpg
The Information Services Librarians can help you find more information. Make a difference in the life of a child…adopt.
jdc

Countdown to National Recycling Dayrecycle day.jpg

Do you know the recycling “rules” for your county? Unfortunately, many people use the “might as well put it in the recycle bin” approach and hope that it meets the criteria instead of properly sorting items. If you want to know more about the specific “dos and don’ts” of recycling for Kane County, check out the Kane County Recycles web page or pick up one of their newsletters in the Library.
mcs

Job Loss: Couples in Job Transition

When one [or both!] spouses experience job loss, it is not surprising that changes in the equilibrium, responsibilities, and expectations about their relationship can happen. The Tri-City Unemployment Group (TUG,) is sponsoring a special presentation by Bonnie Artman, a local marriage and family therapist, to offer guidance, information and insight on facing these challenges together and not only surviving, but learning and growing in the process.
TUGLogo.gif The program Wednesday, November 12, 7:00 PM in the Library’s lower level meeting room, is ideal for those families/couples that have someone unemployed, under-employed, or just looking for a new employment opportunity. Registration is $15 for individuals/$20 for couples. In these difficult economic times and job related stresses, there is help for families to understand and cope with new emotional pressures. Pre-registration is required. Registration forms are available at the Information Services Desk at the Library
TUG is a local group which meets at the Library and offers participants career management services, job-seeking skills, education, and training, in an environment of mutual support, networking, and maintaining a positive outlook. The group meets on alternate Monday evenings in the lower level meeting room at the St. Charles Public Library.

The ABCs of College Applications and ACTs

It’s already that time of year again when future college students will be applying to their schools of choice. This process actually begins much earlier when entrance exams are taken and campuses are visited throughout the country. The library is a great place to research careers, find the right school for a particular area of study, map out a course of travel, and even find helpful materials that will guide students in writing that essential college admissions essay or taking sample ACT or SAT tests. Stop by the Information Services Desk for assistance. Good luck to all future academics–you can do it!
Some upcoming programs for teens include:
Click your way to an “A” **RESCHEDULED** Tuesday, October 7th, 4-5 p.m.
Practice Tests 9:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m.
ACT September 20th
SAT October 4th
The Three Secrets of College Search Success Thursday, November 13th, 7-8:30 p.m.
Register for any of these classes at the Information Services Desk. Space is limited!
JDC