For as long as I've been at Indian Trails (and that's a looong time...), NSLS has been there for me every strp of the way. When I first began library school, I often threw myself upon the mercy of the wonderful staff. All of us, as I frequently remind my staff, are smarter than any of us. Our patrons usually have no idea how essential NSLS is to our mission--but we certainly do.

Happy Birthday, NSLS, and many more!

— Sally Decker Smith, Indian Trails Public Library District [Permalink]

Within the first month of my first position as a school librarian I was visited by NSLS ambassadress extraordinaire Sharon Ball. By the time she left I felt connected to the communitee of school librarians and to NSLS itself. I lost my sense of isolation. NSLS personnel are unfailingly welcoming and informative. What would we do without them?

Kathy Wawer
School Librarian
Sandburg Middle School

— Kathy Wawer, Sandburg, Carl Middle School [Permalink]

One often overlooked group that I would like to give a big "pat on the back" to is the van drivers. They are out there dealing with all of the things that most people do all they can to avoid. In that I mean hot weather, cold weather, snow, rain and the dreaded traffic.

They certainly deserve a huge amount of credit.

— Tim Murphy, [Permalink]

I have learned many new ideas and ways of introducing new ideas to our library from cultural diversity programs to the latest DVD and CD retrieval furniture. I have always admired the staff at NSLS for their knowledge and kindness - the exemply library philosophy.

— Barbara Adrianopoli, Schaumburg Township District Library [Permalink]

Thanks so much to NSLS for assisting in my life-long learning. Material often was remote and unavailable in my tiny home town library. Through NSLS services, I can have practically any material delivered almost to my doorstep.

And your courses are fabulous!

Susan B. Garland

— Susan Garland, North Suburban Library System, Winnetka-Northfield Public Library District [Permalink]

NSLS has made a huge impact on Youth Services Librarians. There are many interest groups where we get a chance to interact with colleagues at other public and school libraries. Our CoP, workshops, book discussions, and group meetings, all facilitated by the wonderful Sharon Ball, have been instrumental in connecting all of us to the larger whole of the library world. Thank you, thank you!
Lolly Gepson, Youth Services Librarian, Northbrook Public Library

— Lolly Gepson, Northbrook Public Library [Permalink]

Thanks, NSLS, for all the training and networking opportunities the system offers. I have benefited greatly from them all. And thanks, too, for the system's terrific staff members, past and present. They have made a significant impact on my professional life. Bob Blanchard, Des Plaines Public Library.

— Bob Blanchard, Des Plaines Public Library [Permalink]

Congrats, NSLS! I've been so thankful for the professional development opportunities you've made possible for me. What great programs I've attended over the last 11 years...Michael Cart, Peggy Sharp, computer and internet workshops, mock book award committees...all so valuable for a school library/media director! I look forward to more!

— Letty Erikson, Elgin Academy [Permalink]

I wanted to return to the workforce in librarianship after having taken a 10+ year hiatus to raise my children. Most of my skills were not up to date especially since computers were rapidly being used in every phase of library work. One of the significant reasons for my successful re-entry into the workforce was my volunteer work at a local library along with my attendance at NSLS workshops. During a two-year period, I was able to take over 50 hours of workshops offered at NSLS. Instructors were always very helpful with follow-up questions. The workshops offered at NSLS allowed me to re-enter the library workforce as a librarian who was proficient and knowledgeable in current practices. I continue to take continuing education workshops to keep up with changes in my field. Thanks NSLS.

— Carol Jeuell, Children's Memorial Hospital [Permalink]

NSLS has taught me so much! I've taken many technology classes and attended informational lectures over the years and they make it easy to keep up-to-date on the latest technology and trends. Thanks NSLS!

— Kathleen Olsen, Cook Memorial Public Library District [Permalink]

Illinois residents receive so many benefits from the memberships of their local libraries in library systems. Unfortunately, these are all too often only recognized when people move out of state. By means of the resource sharing and networking which NSLS facilitates, library patrons enjoy outstanding services provided by staff members kept updated by many system-sponsored continuing education opportunities and best-practices discussions. Worldwide resources are available at little or no cost via system-supported ILL and delivery. As a public library patron and director for over 30 years, I feel most fortunate to have had the help of library system staff and programs during my career. And NSLS never forgets the personal touch, which makes life and learning much more enjoyable. Here's to the next 40 years of enhanced library services thanks to Illinois systems!

— William McCully, Prospect Heights Public Library District [Permalink]

As a "solo" school librarian, my world is focused on the staff and students in my elementary school, and my workplace training is on educational subjects. NSLS connects me to the larger world of libraries, from professional workshops to resource sharing, and keeps me informed about issues and programs in the area, state and nation. For me, being part of the library system is an important connection to the larger library/information community. Thanks, NSLS for keeping all of us solos in the loop.

Laurie Oh, Fairview School, Mt. Prospect, IL

— Laurie Oh, Fairview Elementary School [Permalink]

Thanks to all at NSLS - keep up the great work!
Joy Steffen
USG Corporation
Libertyville

— Joy Steffen, USG Corporation Research Center [Permalink]

I was proud to represent the North Suburban Library System in Washington, DC during ALA's National Library Legislative Day this past May. Illinois has an active system of library advocates who communicate with our elected legislators in Washington as well as locall in Springfield. We stress the importance of libraries, library related issues and the freedom of expression. The experience left me in awe of the dedicated men and women who feel so passionately about these important issues. I am proud to be a part of this noble profession and grateful to my library system system who enables me to be part of it all.

— Lisa Marie Smith, Vernon Area Public Library District [Permalink]

I've been fortunate enough to work for libraries in three different systems and they have all been excellent. What stands out to me is how well each system tailors its services to their members. When I was under the old Northern Illinois Library System, they offered help and programs geared for smaller, rural libraries. Under the North Suburban Library System, the services focus more on helping larger suburban libraries. Like any library, library systems reflect their patrons and serve their specific needs.

— Alex Todd, Prospect Heights Public Library District [Permalink]

In this month where it is traditional to give thanks, I want to thank the staff at North Suburban Library System. Over the years that I have been in the public library and school libraries they have helped in a multitude of ways. First off, by offering professional development. I've attended trainings on how to repair broken VHS tapes, booktalking ideas, and new YA mysteries to name a few. I've had the opportunity to network with other school librarians, using our collaboration to begin a Battle of the Books competition among schools. They've informed their membership on grants and how to apply for them. Thanks to the staff, I now get to play with $94,000 for history projects, was able to atted a great training on Space, and for every year that I've applied, recieved the per capita grants for Beach Park CCSD#3. Sharon Ball even wrote a recommnedation so I could attend Synergy--a library leadership program.

Bless you all for your hard work. You make our profession better, you help us see the larger picture when it is really easy to focus just on our daily tasks. May you all journey in peace.

— Jeanne Lohfink, Beach Park Middle School [Permalink]

I have seen in the past 20+ years how NSLS has brought groups together who have the same jobs so they can exchange information and help each other - eg., an Author series that my library shared with a number of other libraries; disability information; outreach suggestions. I have also benefitted from the Spanish language classes that were so appropriate for libraries. I also feel that Sarah Long has done a great deal to make libraries an important institution in Illinois. Her column is read by so many citizens who learn so much. My board has always been a part of the system board and has learned a great deal about libraries as well as given a great deal to other libraries.

— Barbara Adrianopoli, Schaumburg Township District Library [Permalink]

In the eight years since I've worked in Illinois public libraries, I've depended on my library system (NSLS) nearly every day for fresh ideas and problem solutions from fellow members of system-supported professional organizations and from system programs, classes, and roundtable discussions. The library system is my support system on the job. I used the system online discussion list this morning to provide a wonderful answer to a discouraged questioner! It's great to know I can call on this tremendous resource to do my best for my library and its community.

— Susan McGowan, Morton Grove Public Library [Permalink]

As a reference librarian, I realize the need to constantly update my skills and knowledge. Not only have I been able to take advantage of the continuing education workshops that NSLS has offered over the years, but I have found the networking opportunities it supports to be just as valuable in keeping me current. Over the years I have been active in both NSLS's Reference Librarians Association (RLA) and in the Youth Librarians Association (YLA). The networking and continuing education opportunities they have provided with NSLS's support and the support of NSLS consultants Anna Yackle and Sharon Ball make Illinois Library Systems a very important part of my professional life. As an RLA Board member and co-chair of the RLA Continuing Education Committee, I feel that the staff support, meeting room accommodations, and communications facilitation (listservs and CoP) that NSLS provides truly benefit all of the library community.

— Kathleen Flatow, Ela Area Public Library District [Permalink]

When I got my MLS from Simmons College in 1975, I was working at the Richards Memorial Library in North Attleboro, Massachusetts; we checked out books using a pencil with a date stamp attached to the end. How much has changed in the last thirty years! And I'm so grateful for the networking and continuing education opportunities that NSLS has provided in the 19 years I've worked in Illinois. I would never have otherwise been able to make the transition from pencil to mouse, and beyond!

— Lauralyn Persson, Wilmette Public Library District [Permalink]

It will be difficult to choose from the many ways my own particular system, the North Suburban Library System, has made a difference to my library and to me personally. I'll start with NorthStarNet, the NSLS initiative that assisted public libraries in creating local community webpages. Celebrating it's 10-year anniversary this year, NSN was indeed ahead of its time. In order to inform the public about the Human Genome Project, NSLS provided leadership and resources that enabled local libraries to present programs and acquire material designed to educate patrons about this important scientific advance. Less dramatic but no less important is the ongoing contribution NSLS makes to our professional development with their continuing education program -- lectures and classes on a range of topics from technology to marketing. My colleagues and I are grateful for the assistance we get on a daily basis from NSLS.

— Patricia Groh, Skokie Public Library [Permalink]

The library systems were well developed by the time I became a school librarian. I cannot even imagine doing my job without them. It seems to me that I rely on NSLS for some type of communication every single day of my professional life!

The networking potential, both formal (Community of Practice, classes, website) and informal (meeting other librarians at system meetings and classes) are invaluable. The staff of NSLS is incredible (how do they hire a whole staff of leaders?), and always there to lend a hand in any way they can. Sharon Ball is our school liaison extraordinare, attending our librarians’ meetings with a wealth of information and e-mailing us to keep us up-to-date with library issues.

It seems that whenever I begin to realize that I or my staff need to know about something, NSLS is there to offer a continuing education course on the topic. And, if there isn’t one, they are open to creating one. I look forward to receiving my newsletter online every Friday, and have hired most of my employees through the job postings I am able to announce there.

I could go on and on, but mostly I want to say: Happy Anniversary Library Systems! Thank you for being there NSLS – each and every day!

— Penny Swartz, Niles West High School [Permalink]

Like a lot of other libraries, we lose and acquire new library board trustees on a regular basis. My most recent trustee is quite young and extremely enthusiastic. NSLS's orientations for new trustees helped immensely in explaining the difference between his role and the Director's.

— Richard Lee, Waukegan Public Library [Permalink]

What about the great delivery service we all rely on? The NSLS van service brings many materials to our library each day to the delight of our patrons. Sharing resources opens up a whole new world of materials. We certainly utilize the delivery aspect of the system.

NSLS has also been a great provider of continuing education. Many of our staff have benefited from managerial and customer service workshops.

— Debbie Rosen, Lake Villa Public Library District [Permalink]

Ten years ago when I began working at the Park Ridge Public Library, I was hired as Business Office Manager and also as Manager of the Park Ridge Community Network. The network did not even exist at that time but it was soon to become a partner in the NorthStarNet, community information project just being unveiled by the North Suburban Library System. Over the past years, the NSN project has become an integral art of the service the Park Ridge Community provides to our community and what a wonderful project it is!

The NSN project provides a wonderful opportunity for member libraries to develop a comprehensive Internet presence for their communities through free hosting for community organizations. There libraries and their communities can develop and create information about arts, businesses, religion, health, social services, local media, community organizations, government, restaurants and shopping, demographics, sports and recreation, and a most important calendar of events. Through NSN the Library is able to offer free hosting for local organizations who can then develop websites offering accurate, comprehensive information all linked by NSN and the community networks.

This project helped to establish the Park Ridge Public Library as THE information and technology resource for our community, offering an incredible opportunity for a cooperative, integrated project in which the entire community participates with the Library providing the leadership role.

Through direction, assistance, training, support and incredible hardware, software and personnel resources, NSLS has given each of the NSN participants all the tools necessary to provide a wonderful, one source resource of information for their communities. This system-sponsored project offers technology and support that individual libraries could not provide on their own without significantly impacting budgets and staffing requirements. In addition, this collaborative project insures, due to its comprehensive and considerable information base, that each participant’s site is easily located, often placing first in search endeavors.

Thank you to Sarah Long, for her foresight and vision for establishing this community information initiative, to the North Suburban Library System for continuing to fund and support this project, and to the NSLS staff and the many library coordinators who guarantee that community information is provided so well to so many Chicago area communities.

Couldn’t have done it without you!

— Kathy Rolsing, [Permalink]

I have a confession to make. As an active patron of the Ela Area Public Library for almost twenty years, I had certainly benefited from Library Systems, but I didn’t really know that they EXISTED until I became a library trustee. A few months later, I began to serve as my library’s representative at North Suburban Library System board meetings and my understanding and appreciation of my System, and all that it does for member libraries and their patrons, grew exponentially. While I may not have forty years of memories about my System, I can think of at least ten reasons why I am thankful for the North Suburban Library System:

1. Providing excellent opportunities for life-long learning, from trustee training to personal development classes.

2. Increasing my awareness of all types of libraries served by the System.

3. Attending NSLS monthly board meetings offers me with a wealth of information about national, state, and local library issues to bring back to my local library board.

4. NSLS committee work gives me the opportunity to meet and learn from other trustees, library directors and library staff as we work together for libraries.

5. The delivery service our System provides for interlibrary loans. There’s only one word to describe it: AMAZING!

6. Communities of Practice, the online newsletter, the web site (soon to be even bigger and better), and trustee e-mail updates keep me in regular communication with my System and its members.

7. The exceptional NSLS Legislative Breakfast each February. What a marvelous way to bring together legislators, library trustees, library directors, and staff to meet in an informal setting and discuss libraries and the patrons we all serve.

8. The annual bus trip to meet with our legislators and other library advocates for Illinois Library Legislative Day. It is hard to decide what to be most grateful for – the updates on legislative issues on the trip down, the meetings with legislators while in Springfield, or the sharing of our stories and experiences on the trip back home.

9. I am very appreciative that an NSLS scholarship helped make it possible for me to join other library advocates in Washington, D.C. this past May for National Library Legislative Day. We received legislative updates from the ALA Washington office, joined others from Illinois to discuss library issues, and met with legislators or their aides. It was an amazing visit, filled with surprises, and loaded with information about libraries and the legislative process.

10. Last, but certainly not least, I am especially grateful for the people of the North Suburban Library System: the Staff and Executive Director, Sarah Long. Board meetings, committee meetings, Professional Development classes, design and testing of the new web site design, benefit questions, ILL deliveries,
statistical information and reports, consulting services – does the NSLS staff ever go home? They are an amazing team, and I am particularly thankful for all that the NSLS staff does for the trustees, staff and directors of its member libraries.

— Kathy Caudill, North Suburban Library System, Ela Area Public Library District [Permalink]

NSLS, How do I love thee?
(with apologies to E B Browning)
How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.
I love thee to the depth and breadth and height your resource sharing can reach.
When feeling out of touch, I love your workshops to the level of everyone's most quiet need.
I love you freely when your van delivers.
I love you surely when you provide communication and network opportunities.
I love thee (and thy hard working staff) with the breath, smiles, tears, of all my professional life!
.and, I shall but love thee better during the next forty years.

— Randee Hudson, Millburn Community Consolidated School District 24, Millburn Central School [Permalink]

Thank you NSLS (and Sharon Ball!) - for your workshops, CoP, communication, information, and much more. As a fairly new library media specialist, you make my job so much easier.

— Katie Kirsch, Lake Bluff Middle School [Permalink]

How valuable is my regional library system to me? Extremely! My work is directly or indirectly impacted by North Suburban Library System on a daily basis. Whether I am sending a package to a fellow librarian via the System van, attending one of many networking meetings, soaking in information from the System's electronic newsletter, nominating a colleague for an award, posting or responding to a post on the Youth Services Community of Practice, emailing Sharon Ball about early literacy, registering for continuing education, or jumping on a bus headed toward Springfield for Library Advocacy Day, I am ALWAYS thankful for my Library's System. The folks at NSLS have helped me grow in areas of librarianship that I never thought I'd even approach. My experience in Springfield last year led to a desire to keep in touch with my legislators - so much so, that when I invited them to Special Education Night at the Library, they attended and remembered who I was! Library Systems in Illinois are the BEST! (Not that I have anything to compare them to, but who'd want to work anyplace else?)

— Holly Jin, Skokie Public Library [Permalink]

I would like to echo the sentiments of Bill McCully. Systems and their respective directors and staffs have been exceedingly helpful in providing training, both formal and informal, to library directors and staff alike, and have served as incredibly useful sounding boards for ideas re services and politics and yes, survival. I've worked for libraries within two systems (Du Page Library System when I first started out; a special thank you to Betty McKinley; NSLS for the last 30 years, a special thank you to the two Bobs [McClarren and Bullen] and to Sarah Long). In addition, Wilmette owes a very special thank-you to NSLS for its help with its Kenilworth Project Plus back in 1975; while that Project did not result directly in an expansion of tax-supported library service to Kenilworth residents, it was ultimately responsible for Kenilworth's establishing its own library district and contracting with the Wilmette and Winnetka/Northfield libraries for library service via a model tripartite contract. Thanks for a meaningful, exciting 40 years of service to Illinois libraries and to library patrons.

— Richard E. Thompson, Wilmette Public (Retired) [Permalink]

Illinois library sytems and directors have provided the most helpful formal and informal training for me as a public library executive director over the past 30 years. I've been fortunate to work with George Curtis (RBLS), Ray Howser (IVLS), Bob McClarren and Sarah Long (NSLS). These have been inspirational as well as educational experiences. Thanks to Illinois system directors and staff for all your help. Keep up your GREAT work for Illinois libraries and citizens!

— William McCully, Prospect Heights Public Library District [Permalink]

There are many reasons North Suburban is a wonderful library system. They provide great services, educational opportunities, and an excellent staff that is always there to help. Digital Past, a local history project that allows libraries, historical societies, and museums to share archival materials online, is the service for which our special library is most thankful. NSLS has been an invaluable resource in helping us find funding to participate in DigitalPast and by providing ongoing training and support. They ask for feedback on their training and listen to what is said - tailoring their programs to meet the needs of members. People from around the world have found our resources thanks to NSLS and DigitalPast.

— Christine Pyle, Lake County Discovery Museum [Permalink]

The North Suburban Library System is a tremendous resource for me as a librarian, especially in the school environment. The NSLS staff members are always incredibly helpful, providing resources and leadership. The range of training offerings have helped me to navigate the library landscape from ILL services to readers' advisory to technology trainings. The networking groups and the community of practice have been a great way to build a professional community and made me feel connected despite being the only librarian in my school building. Thanks NSLS!

— Erin Wyatt, Highland Middle School [Permalink]

The library in my small Southern home town had Carnegie's classic Greek Revival architecture but a woefully small budget. The building's exterior was beautiful but the interior housed too few items. Reciprocal Library services were unheard of.

When I moved to Winnetka in the early 1970's, it didn't take long to find the wealth of books, media, and content of this town's superb library. Soon I realized that through the excellent services of NSLS, I could borrow about any book I wanted. I began to refer to my local library as my Personal Library.
A few years ago I began a serious study of architecture at a local college. I knew that I had NSLS resources behind me to find any book I needed. Soon my desk was filled with splendid reference books from near and far, and I became steeped in the pleasure of writing papers and essays.

I aced that course. The "A" report is framed on my wall. NSLS deserves a significant part of that credit. What a tremendous font of information NSLS can deliver right to you at your local library!

Kudos and thank you to all on the NSLS staff!

— Susan Garland, North Suburban Library System, Winnetka-Northfield Public Library District [Permalink]