Circulation

On December 3rd 1818, Illinois achieved full statehood and became the 21st state. To celebrate its birthday, the Moraine Valley Library created a display at the front entrance, and is serving cake at noon. Also, on the State of Illinois website, Illinoisans voted on what are some of its greatest people, places, and moments in a variety of categories: Movies, Businesses, Inventions and Innovations, Buildings, Historic Sites, Scenic spots, Museums, Books, Writers, Heartbreaking Moments, Musicians, Artists and architects, Actors, Entertainers, Scientists, Athletes, Groundbreaking women, Minority trailblazers, Leaders, and Unforgettable moments.

To view the results, click the link below.

Top 200 of Illinois

Before you click “Purchase” on your next online order, or stand in line for deals at a big box retailer, consider these findings of economic studies that show why you should consider shopping small and local.

1. You create jobs in the community

Local businesses create jobs both directly and indirectly. When you shop locally, there are more entry level and full time positions at small businesses for segments of the population, like college students. Also, the tax revenue generated through local sales will also be used to reinvest towards officers, fireman, and public works employees.

2. It is better for the environment

Shopping at a locally owned business saves on food/product miles. If you shop at a local farm stand or grocer that offer local products, it will consume less gas for transportation.

3. A higher percentage of the money spent will be returned locally.

Based on several studies, for every $100 you spend at locally owned businesses, on average $68 will stay in the community. That is 158% more than when you spend it a chain retailer.

4. Nonprofits and charities also benefit

Local businesses donate to community causes at more than twice the rate of chains. Additionally, some local chamber of commerce’s also have scholarships for college students living in district.

5. You conserve your tax dollars

Shopping locally through small businesses means that local sales taxes are returned to the community.

For more information, visit these websites:

Forbes

Andersonville Chicago Study

Chron

Palos Area Chamber of Commerce

Oak Lawn Chamber of Commerce

Blue Island Chamber of Commerce

Brr! It’s colder here than in some parts of Alaska. Fortunately for us, the Caribbean Steel Pan music of Trinidad and Tobago, will warm up the chilly bodies of Moraine Valley students and staff.

To preview Steel Pan music, click here.

To read more about the history of Steel Pan music, click here.

From the NIU website: Liam Teague is Professor of Music and Head of Steelpan studies at Northern Illinois University (NIU), where he also directs the renowned NIU Steelband.

Hailed as the “Paganini of the Steelpan”, his commitment to demonstrating the great musical possibilities of the steelpan has taken him to throughout the world, and he has received many awards from his homeland of Trinidad and Tobago, including the Humming Bird National Award (Silver) and the Ansa McAl Caribbean Award for Excellence.

Liam Teague will perform at the Dorothy Menker Theater theater in next Friday, November 30 at 7:30 p.m.

In honor of Stan Lee’s passing, here is video footage of his 2014 speech at the American Library Association in Las Vegas. Hear the stories behind legendary comic characters, then check out one of our many Stan Lee titles we offer both in print and online.

Main speech

On Villains

Creative Process

Writing

Celebrate then end of National Hispanic Heritage Month with the beautiful diversity, warmth, and cultural richness of Latin America with inspiring works of classical music by Latin American composers. Click on the links to hear a brief selection of composers and performers  whose bodies of work are still being celebrated today.

1) Arturo Márquez: Danzon no. 2 -A modern Mexican classic inspired by a Cuban dance.

2) Tárrega, Francisco: Capricho árabe -Tárrega’s extremely popular Capricho árabe, was composed after a trip to Granada, and is dedicated to his friend and composer Tomás Bretón.

3) Carlos Chavez: Sinfonia india, “Symphony No. 2”- Chavez used tunes, rhythms, and instruments from indiginous Mexican cultures in his symphony.

4) Revueltas, Silvestre: Sensemaya– Mexican composer Silvestre Revueltas used an eponymous poem by Cuban poet Nicolás Guillén as inspiration to depict a sacrifice in a traditional Afro-Cuban religious ceremony.

5) Rodrigo, Joaquín: Concierto de Aranjuez– Undoubtedly, the most famous and most acclaimed guitar concerto ever written.

6) Albéniz, Isaac: Suite española No. 1, Op. 47 – A recital favorite with an unforgettable opening.

To explore more pieces by these composers, select the Naxos Music Library icon that can be found on the Moraine Valley Library website. Find it under Research Tools, and then select, E-Books, Streaming Video, and Digital Media.