Ela Area Public Library to Mark 40 Years of Service
Major milestone event will include month-long activities, events and programs that will highlight the evolution of society and the library along with it since 1972.
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Times certainly have changed over the last 40 years, and the Ela Area Public Library has evolved along with them.
During February, the library will host the “Heart and Soul of Your Community 1972-2012” celebration, with a variety of activities, events and programs to showcase how popular culture and modern technology have shaped the services it provides to patrons.
“Technology over the last 40 years has truly changed the use of libraries; people can download books to handheld devices here, utilize computers and the Internet, and take advantage of digital media labs that give people access to technology they might not otherwise get their hands on,” said Matt Womack, Ela Area Public Library executive director.
Womack said that the physical layout of the library also has evolved. Where once it was used as a quiet, independent study area, over the last 20 years is has grown to a place that has required dedicated space for group projects and public meetings.
Meeting rooms large and small have been created to meet that need.
“Libraries really do communicate what is going on in technology and in broader society,” Womack said. “As the wider culture changes, so do libraries.”
Staying ahead of the technology curve is another role the library plays in the community.
“We are not only reactive, but we do considerable forecasting to provide what the community will want in the coming months and years — it’s always a challenge to learn what the next new thing will be and be able to provide it when people want it, in the format they want it in,” Womack said.
Planned programs and activities will serve up a “blast from the past” by exploring music, food, fashion and popular culture over the last 40 years.
Schedule of Events:
1972 Trivia Scavenger Hunt — Feb. 3-29, drop-in any time: In the Children’s and Popular Materials departments, clues will be left to help decode the trivia answer for the week. A new puzzle will be presented each Friday with prizes for raffle winners. Open to all ages.
40th Anniversary Celebration and 7Deez Dance Party — Saturday, Feb. 4, 1 to 4 p.m.: Kids are invited to dress in ’70s style and receive prizes. Activities will include free Culver’s custard with toppings, kids crafts, scavenger hunt, face painting, Chicago Photo Booth for photo keepsakes, appearances by The Very Hungry Caterpillar and Curious George, hula-hooping and a performance by 7Deez Band (2:30 to 4 p.m.). All ages are invited; pre-registration is not required.
Retro Crafts — Saturday, Feb. 18, 2 to 3:30 p.m.: Interactive workshop Knot’s Away will teach participants how to create handcrafts from the 1970s. Ages 11 and older, registration is required.
Fabulous Fashions from the ’70s — Tuesday, Feb. 21, 7 to 8 p.m.: Top designers from the 1970s will be highlighted. Models will display fashions and discuss popular culture of the decade. Geared to school-age children and older; registration is required.
Art of the 1970s — Monday, Feb. 27, 7 to 8 p.m.: Pop Art, Op Art, Earthworks and Feminism will be presented via slide lecture by Jeff Mishur of Art Excursions. Abstract art from the 1950s and ’60s also will be discussed. Registration required.
1972 Historic Cooking — Wednesday, Feb. 29, 6:30 to 8 p.m.: Recipes and tastings of fondue, hot Dr. Pepper, baked chocolate oatmeal cookies and much more. Registration required.
For more information or to register call 1-847-483-3433, visit www.eapl.org or email infodesk@eapl.org.
