Adult Services

Jane Rowland, Library Director

THE CALUMET CITY PUBLIC LIBRARY:
AN OVERVIEW

The City of Calumet City is proud to lay claim to one of the finest public libraries in the south suburban area. The state-of-the-art library facility offers residents a quality collection of Adult and Children's materials in all formats -- over 126,000 books; 8,000 audio recordings (audiocassettes and compact disks); 4,600 DVDs and video cassettes and 333 subscriptions to magazines and periodicals.

The Calumet City Public Library was a charter member of the Metropolitan Library System in the late sixties, and continues to be a trend-setter among MLS public libraries.

AUTOMATION

The Calumet City Public Library has over 32 computers (of those 3 are wireless notebooks), with Public Internet access, available for public use. In addition to accessing the Internet, the computers also have Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Access and Excel), Win-Way Resume (a simple fill in the blanks resume program) available for public use. Contact the Technology Center for more info at 708-862-6220 ext. 224

The library's automated services offer in-depth access to a variety of on-line databases at no additional charge to the patron. Trained Reference Librarians can search the holdings of VIC (Virtual Illinois Catalog) database, First Search, Ebscohost MasterFILE (magazine articles), Reference USA (a database of over 12 million businesses throughout the United States), and the Internet to help meet patrons' information needs. Some of these databases can be accessed from home with passwords available at the Adult Services Reference Desk (708 862-6220 ext. 2). The library's busy Reference Department answers more than 25,000 questions annually.

Patrons have instant access to the holdings of the Calumet City Public Library and over one hundred other MLS libraries through the SWAN automated card catalog (http://swan.mls.lib.il.us/). This catalog lists over 6.8 million books, videos, DVDs, CDs and other materials available from MLS Libraries. If the Calumet City Public Library doesn't have the book or other item you are looking for you can use the on-line catalog to have that item sent to our library for pickup. You can also use the on-line catalog to check your record, see when the materials that you have checked out are due, and even renew them on-line.

COMPUTER CLASSES

The library has available to the public a large number of computer workshops, that are held in its new state-of-the-art Technology Training Center. These workshops cover such topics as how to use a computer, how to use Microsoft Word, how to send and receive E-mail, how to search the Internet, and a variety of other topics. For more information contact the Adult Services Reference Desk (708 862-6220 ext. 223 & 2).

LIBRARY CARDS

Residents of Calumet City are entitled to a Library Card free of charge, upon completion of the application and presentation of proper identification and proof of residence, i.e., two proofs of name and current address, one of which must be a photo I.D. Parents or legal guardians must accompany children under 14 years of age when applying for a card. Cards are available to non-residents for an annual fee of $90.00 per family.

PROGRAMS

The Library offers a variety of programs for all ages. The busy Youth Services Department is popular with children in their toddler years through junior high. They offer story hours, crafts, toddler-time, a Summer Reading Club, puppets, marionettes, drama presentations and many other delightful and interesting programs.

The recently renovated Young Reader Area offers an attractive, gaily decorated room for parents to interact with their youngsters, sharing stories, picture books, and kits targeted for the young library user, age toddler through 2nd grade.

The Adult Services Department offers a variety of programs for the mature library user, including literary programs, book discussion groups, computer classes, bus tours, travelogues, crafts programs, and concerts.

For a current listing of all library programs and services, consult your copy of "Library Links," the quarterly newsletter of the Calumet City Public Library, which is mailed to every business and residence in Calumet City or go the Current Events link on the left side of this webpage.

SERVICE TO THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY

The Calumet City Public Library is a member of the BACC and, as such, serves as the host facility for the monthly educational meetings and seminars co-sponsored by the BACC and South Suburban College, which are held in the library's Community Room. The library is also a member of the Calumet City Chamber of Commerce. The library's well-equipped Reference Department has a wealth of information of value to the business community. Reference USA, Value Line, the Thomas Register, Crain's Chicago Business & the Illinois Directory of Manufacturers are just a few of the resources available. The library houses the annual reports from the Fortune 500 companies, and is also a source for state and federal tax information.

SPEAKER'S BUREAU

The Library Director and the professional staff from the Adult Services and Youth Services Departments are available to talk to community groups and organizations about various facets of the library and its services. Call the Business Office at (708) 862-6220, ext. 244 for more information.