Naperville Public Library- Press Release

Naperville -- Most Efficient & Busiest Public Library in US

Nation-wide rankings for public libraries were issued this week by “American Libraries”, the official magazine of the American Library Association, and the Naperville Public Library, for an unprecedented ninth time in a row, was ranked #1 in the 100,000 to 249,999-population category. More than 9,000 libraries from across the nation were ranked.

The rankings focus on busyness and library efficiency. Libraries that have low costs per item checked out, high number of visits per capita, and high number of check-outs per staff member receive higher rankings. The rankings are the result of Hennen’s American Public Library Rating Index (HAPLR), a weighting of 15 different factors.

“Again being ranked #1 is truly a singular achievement!,” explains Donna Dziedzic, Executive Director, Naperville (IL) Public Library. “It reflects the Library's long standing dedication to give Naperville residents the best possible value for their Library tax dollar and our community's continued high usage of all our Library services and facilities. We work hard to be exceptional stewards of the tax dollars we receive. These rankings demonstrate, on a national level, our commitment to fiscal prudence and efficiency.”

The Naperville Public Library operates three full-service facilities, the Nichols Library, 200 W. Jefferson Ave., 95th Street Library, 3015 Cedar Glade Dr., and the Naper Boulevard Library, 2035 S. Naper Blvd.

From May 2007 to April 2008, NPL checked out more than 4.4 million items. (4,432,349 exactly) During that same period more than 1.7 million people visited our three buildings (1.774,755 people) and more than 1.3 million unique visitors clicked on our website. (1370774 user sessions)

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Naperville Public Library Now Selling Recycling Bags

The Naperville Public is expanding on its green tradition of re-using or circulating one book among many people. The Naperville Public Library is now selling reuseable bags for carrying library materials or anything else!

“In recent years the Library has taken many steps to reduce its impact on the environment,” explains Marcia Lebeau, Assistant Director for Administrative Services. “However, most of the efforts have been less evident to the public. We’re very excited about extending our green emphasis on recycling and re-using by offering the public the opportunity demonstrate their support of our efforts with the purchase these very sturdy bags.”

These royal blue bags are made from a sturdier fabric than the bags available in most grocery stores. Because of the sharp edges of books, the thinner bags don’t hold up very well. In addition to a convenient pocket in the front, the Library bag also has longer shoulder-length handles and a bottom gusset that allows the bags to stand open for easy loading.

The bags are available for purchase at the Circulation Desks at all three library buildings – Nichols Library, 200 W. Jefferson Ave., Naper Boulevard Library, 2035 S. Naper Blvd., and the 95th Street Library, 3015 Cedar Glade Dr. They are now selling for the introductory price of $2.

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Be part of Naperville Public Library’s new Smart Investing @ your library® Program

In today’s economy, access to reputable and unbiased financial information is essential for saving, investing, retirement planning, and college financing. Money management can be overwhelming, but it is vital that everyone take control of their personal finances. The Naperville Public Library is one of the best places to go for information about investing.

The Library recently was awarded a $77,848 competitive grant from the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) Investor Education Foundation and the American Library Association. The Library’s winning grant proposal, titled Learn Save Invest, is designed to make the Library a first-stop community resource for investor education. The project will include educational programming, training workshops, online tutorials, a comprehensive investor website, and community partnerships. All Smart Investing @ your library® resources and events are strictly educational. No investment products or services will be sold or promoted.

The Library is currently seeking participants for the Smart Investing @ your library® pilot study. The Pilot Group will be invited to attend special events and training sessions. Participants will provide valuable input on investor knowledge, needs, and interests, as well as how the Library can actively promote financial resources and improve financial literacy.

All feedback will be confidential and will be used only for educational purposes in improving investor education. No contact information will be disclosed to any brokers, dealers, or financial institutions.

This program is made possible by a grant from the FINRA Investor Education Foundation through Smart Investing @ your library®, a partnership with the American Library Association.

For more information about the project or the pilot study, visit the website, www.naperville-lib.org/smartinvesting; or contact Bobbie Rudnick at 630-961-4100, ext. 6328 or brudnick@naperville-lib.org.

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Naperville Public Library Launches Financial Education Website

Need help with your finances or want to learn more about investing? Check out the new Naperville Public Library financial education website at www.naperville-lib.org/smartinvesting for accurate, unbiased investor information 24/7.

The new Learn Save Invest website offers in-depth resources on all aspects of money management. Valuable educational resources and links are provided on topics related to college financing, retirement planning, saving and investing. The site also features special resources for kids, teens, and parents.

The Library is one of only 13 libraries receiving Smart Investing @ your library® grant funding from the Financial Regulatory Authority (FINRA) and the American Library Association. The Library’s two-year project, titled Learn Save Invest, will provide the entire community with the most reputable and unbiased investor resources available. Through grant funding, the Library will be offering workshops, classes, online tutorials, and educational programs.

The Library is interested in your input, so consider joining the Learn Save Invest Pilot Group. Pilot study participants will have opportunities to participate in special programs and will provide valuable feedback on Library resources and programs throughout the course of the project. For more information on joining the Pilot Group, go to the Join the Pilot Group link on the Learn Save Invest website or contact Bobbie Rudnick at (630) 961-4100 ext.6328 or brudnick@naperville-lib.org.

This program is made possible through a grant from the FINRA Investor Education Foundation through Smart Investing @ your library, a partnership with the American Library Association.

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John Spears, 95th Street Library Manager

John Spears 95th Street Library Manager The Naperville Public Library has named John G. Spears as Library Manager of the 95th Street Library, the largest and newest of the three Naperville Public Library facilities.

Prior to joining the Naperville Public Library, Spears was Manager of Community Branches and Adult Programming for the St. Charles City-County Library District. This county-wide library district, part of the greater St. Louis area, operates 12 library facilities. He was responsible for the operation of five branches and the coordination of adult programming throughout the entire library district. St. Charles City-County Library District is a HAPLR ranked library, having been ranked seven consecutive times among the top 10 in its population category of 250,000 to 499,999. Within the same library district, Spears was also Business/Public Management Information Resource Manager, a position that involved assisting governmental agencies, business start-ups, and existing businesses in areas such as planning, demographic research, and marketing. Previously, he was a Branch Manager and reference librarian with the St. Louis County Library, the largest library system in the state of Missouri.

Spears earned a master of science degree in library and information science at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and is working on a master of science degree in public policy administration with an emphasis in policy research and analysis from the University of Missouri at St. Louis. His undergraduate degree is in music history.

While employed with the St. Charles City-County Library District, he was a member of the Fort Zumwalt School District Vocational Education Committee, the St. Charles School-Business Partnership, and the St. Charles County Economic Development Roundtable.

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