Introducing Playaways
@ Your Library

MP3 player?  iPod?  Blackberry?  Cell phone?  Laptop?  These days you can download books to just about any portable device from services like MyMediaMall and NetLibrary.  The library also has hundreds of books on CD's and cassettes.  We even have preloaded iPods available for checkout.

But if all the different formats make your head spin, you're not alone.  That's why the library is proud to announce the latest audiobook acquisition, Playaways!  Don't panic.  These self-contained audiobooks require nothing from you except earphones.  And the library can provide them to you for a small fee.

So what is a Playaway anyway?

Half the size of a deck of cards, each Playaway includes one pre-loaded audiobook in its own player.  No special device is needed.   Each Playaway is ready-to-listen and is packaged in a protective case, with instructions and a battery.  Hit the play button, and your listening adventure begins.  Place digital "bookmarks" to remember where you left off and control the speed and volume of the narrator's voice.  A lanyard is provided to wear around your neck for portable convenience.  No computer skills, transfer fees, subscription costs, memberships or Internet connections needed.  Check out a Playaway like any other library material.  How great is that!

The library currently owns several titles for children, teens and adults.  For a complete list of Playaways, click here.
 

Businesses within the library district are invited to partner with the library during the month of September for our 8th Annual Library Card Sign-Up promotion (125 business partners in September 2006).  This program will generate great publicity for your business while we do all the work!

Businesses participate by offering free or discounted merchandise or services when customers show their Wauconda Area Library card.  Participating businesses will be listed in the library's newsletter and on the library web site (for the entire year!).  Other promotional materials are distributed to all library patrons. 

Please stop by the library or call us at 847-526-6225 for further information.
 

Muggles Await the Return of Harry Potter!

Are you one of the millions of muggles anticipating the final book in J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, due out July 21?  Have you pre-ordered your movie tickets for the release of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, due hit theaters on July 13th?

Stop by the library to participate in the many ongoing Harry Potter activities until the release of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.  You could even win a copy of the book!

For Grades 4-6

§  Harry Potter Presto Predicto - Fill out a prediction card, telling us what you think will happen in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.

§  Log on to the library's computer network to take the Harry Potter Character Challenge.

§  Harry Potter I Spy - Check out the display with the "Potter-esque" items and see how many you can find.

§  Enter drawings to win a free copy of the new book or Hogwarts School pens.

For Grades 7-12

§  Deathly Hallows Obituary - Write an obituary for the character you think will meet his/her demise.  The predictions will be displayed in the YA area of the library.  Pick up the submission form at the Adult Services Reference Desk or click here.  Two names will be drawn to win a copy of the new book.

§  Bookmark Contest - Design Harry Potter bookmarks for a chance to win a copy of the new book.  Winning artwork will be reproduced on bookmarks and distributed at the library.  Pick up your entry form at the Adult Services Reference Desk or click here.