Community libraries have come such a long way. Once just traditional houses of books and periodicals, they have expanded into comprehensive centers of knowledge and personal enrichment.

And while our library has long offered a broad range of programs and services, we know that 2008 will usher in an even brighter library era with the opening of its new facility scheduled for this summer. Even now, though, there are exciting new things getting rolled out at the library. 

For those with the noble resolution to become United States citizens, there is the Civics and Citizenship Toolkit which has just been added to the library’s literacy collection.   

“The kit certainly has all kinds of things to help people achieve citizenship,” said Sally Schuster, the library’s public relations coordinator. 

This self-study resource for immigrants includes a comprehensive guide for new arrivals written in both English and Spanish, flash cards with questions and answers about naturalization, a book of short lessons based on the current naturalization test, a DVD designed specifically for permanent residents offering an informative overview of U.S. history, citizenship and the naturalization process, and even pocket-sized versions of the Constitution and Declaration of Independence.

Or perhaps your goal this year is to become a bona fide writer, moving from casual scribe to published author. If so, you will be interested in a special series that just kicked off last week. Our library has collaborated with seven other libraries in DuPage County to present a seminar series, “Inside Writing and Publishing,” which features Chicago-area authors.

“This is going to be a great program. It’s a great way for any would-be writers, or those who are just interested or curious to actually meet published authors.  It offers a multitude of opportunities and should be very interesting,” Schuster said. 

The libraries’ staff members worked together for over a year to develop and coordinate this program. The series runs through Thursday, Feb. 28. 

“There was a lot of coordinating to be done, but it’s been a fun collaboration,” Schuster said. “The series will include a children’s author, magazine publisher, nonfiction writer, fiction writer — a whole variety.”

If 2008 is the year that you wish to make some kind of lasting, indelible mark here in Addison, think along the lines of the library. Many opportunities exist for your name to be emblazoned on a plaque at the new facility in exchange for a monetary donation. A fundraising campaign focused on local companies and other organizations has already begun. 

“There is a whole series of things (at the new library) that names can be attached to,” Schuster said. “There are naming rights available for the children’s library, community meeting room, terrace seating area, conference room, quiet reading room and study rooms. This isn’t limited to corporations — any interested individuals should just call. You can be remembered forever and always.”

You can go all out and donate $500,000 for naming the children’s library or donate $1,000 for naming a section of display shelving. For more information about naming opportunities at the new library, call the Friends of the Addison Public Library at (630) 458-3328 and leave a message.

The Lions Club of Addison has already stepped up to the plate, donating $2,500 and attaching its name to the library’s fountain. The club has a history of generosity toward the library and so this gracious move simply followed suit.   

An upcoming program featuring personalized bricks will provide another opportunity for individuals to support the library, at $50 per brick, and leave a bit of their legacy here in the village.

For more information about the library’s many program and services or to make an online donation, visit www.addisonlibrary.org.