“There’s more to the story,” sounds like a criticism a dissatisfied reader might make to a newspaper reporter.
But this week, the phrase has a different meaning. There’s More to the Story is the theme of National Library week, which runs through April 29. And in Hinsdale, there is a great story to tell.
The library is an amazing place for people of all ages to read, learn, have fun and connect with other community members — often in unexpected ways.
One example is a new event the library is hosting next month. HPL Con, slated for 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 13, gives pop culture fans of all ages the chance to gather and celebrate fandom.
Other events, like Summer Reading Club, are longtime favorites. Readers of all ages will be challenged to keep track of the time they spend reading from June 1 to July 31 to earn prizes. A kickoff party is set for 2 to 4 p.m. Monday, June 5, on the library lawn.
Koval Distillery will host a whiskey tasting at the next HPL After Dark at 7 p.m. Friday, May 19.
Other upcoming programs for adults cover a wide range of topics, from cast iron cookware to crochet to calligraphy. Teens can head to the library for drop-in game time, balloon dart painting, studying for finals and advice on starting college.
Younger kids can eat doughnuts with Dad, draw comics and drop in for storytime.
People don’t even have to leave their own homes to take advantage of library offerings. Illinois Libraries Present, a partnership between Hinsdale and more than 190 libraries across the state, has offered a series of virtual events featuring bestselling authors, actors and more.
Programs, of course, are not the only thing the library offers. Its book and digital collections offer countless titles for readers of all ages.
Cardholders can access e-books and e-audio books; streaming movies, music and TV; digital magazines; and digital newspapers, from The Hinsdalean to the New York Times.
Did you know you use the library’s 3D printer? Set aside extra copies of that juicy novel for your next book club meeting? Checkout a variety of devices, including a microphone, projector and Kindle Oasis?
Patrons also can access the library’s digital media lab to compose or edit a musical masterpiece, take photos for Etsy, record a podcast, shoot hi-def video or scan cherished family snapshots.
Notary services are available at the library as well, by appointment only.
A Hinsdale library card can even get you free admission (for up to four people) to Brookfield Zoo, the Illinois Holocaust Museum, Naper Settlement and other museums.
As to the rest of the story, well, that’s up to library users to write.
