Poetry gathering coming to the La Salle Public Library

Poetry is often personal and that makes it all the more powerful to hear read aloud. You’re invited to bring your poetry and listen to others share their work during a poetry gathering Thursday at the La Salle Public Library.

The gathering will focus on the work of Marydale Stewart, a retired college English instructor and librarian. Stewart will be reading from her recent book, Let the Thunder In.

The gathering will be set up as an open mic and open to everyone. It starts at 6pm.

Ottawa library ribbon-cutting today

Relax with your feet up and a good book at the newly renovated Reddick Library.  The 35-year-old public library in Ottawa has undergone a facelift offering more places to relax,  plug in your device and better lighting for reading.

Kathy Clair is the library director.  She says the new quiet reading preserves the warm, cozy feel of a traditional library. Many of the renovations were based on suggestions, but others were out of necessity.

A ribbon cutting occurs at 2pm Sunday at the library.  Learn more by listening to an interview  up at the Classic Hits 103.9 WLPO news page.

World Vital Records available through the Peru Public Library

You know about your parents and your grandparents but what do you know about their parents? You might be able to dig deeper into your family’s history using a program available through the Peru Public Library. Access to World Vital Records is open to you if you have Peru library card.

Library Director Charm Ruhnke says you’ll be able to access the database anytime from anywhere you have internet.

World Vital Records includes family history and genealogy records. You’ll also be able to search U.S. Federal Census images and indexes from 1790 to 1940, military records, and the enhanced Social Security Death Index records.