Author visit, voter registration, Birthday Bash all at Hinsdale Public Library this fall

Even though we start planning for our summer events and reading club in January, it still feels like summer passes in the blink of an eye. We could lament the shorter days and cooler weather, but we have so much planned for fall that we can't complain.

First, we want to thank our nearly 2,000 summer readers. Whether you said "Hi" to us at the farmers market, came in weekly to spin the prize wheel or checked out a few extra beach reads, we appreciate you incorporating the library into your own summer plans. A special congratulations to Madison School students! Over 70 percent of the school participated in the library's Summer Reading Club.

As backpacks get organized and beach totes get cleaned, it's a great time to check for the smartest card of all: your library card. Libraries nationwide join together every September with the American Library Association to remind parents, caregivers and students that signing up for a library card is the first step toward academic achievement and lifelong learning.

Need a card? Apply online at https://www.hinsdalelibrary.info.

Is yours expiring soon? We'll send you a postcard to confirm your address and renew for you! Can't keep up with another card? Store a digital copy of your HPL card on your phone when you download our free app by searching Hinsdale Public Library in your app store. Learn more about our app at a hands-on session on Oct. 17.

For those 18 and up, September is also a good time to register to vote. Volunteers from the League of Women Voters will register voters and answer questions on National Voter Registration Day, Sept. 24, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. In order to register to vote, an individual must be a citizen of the United States, a resident of the precinct for 30 days as of the next election, 18 years of age by Election Day and provide two forms of identification, one with the current residence listed.

If you perused the New York Times Bestseller list this summer, you might have come across "The Most Fun We Ever Had." Written by Oak Park native Claire Lombardo, this debut novel was heralded by the Washington Post as "Ambitious and brilliantly written."

Thanks to part of the Hinsdale Public Library Foundation's final gift, Ms. Lombardo will visit the library on Sept. 19 for an evening discussion. Register for this special author event at the library, by calling (630) 986-1976 or online at https://www.hinsdalelibrary.info/events.

The arrival of fall signals another milestone for the library - we are another year older! Our 125th anniversary celebration in 2018 was so much fun that we decided to keep the party going. Join us on Saturday, Oct. 5, for all-ages fun and excitement at our birthday party. Activities include a scavenger hunt, face painting, tours of our art collection, refreshments and more.

Visit https://www.hinsdalelibrary.info/events for more details and a full list of our upcoming fall events.

- Molly Castor is the marketing & outreach manager at the Hinsdale Public Library.