Library News

Author Fest Event with Jason Fagone Was a Smashing Success

November 15 2024

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our special Author Fest event with Jason Fagone, author of The Woman Who Smashed Codes. More than 175 visitors attended Jason's presentation about the remarkable life of Elizebeth Smith Friedman and her connection to Geneva's Riverbank Laboratories. Afterward, Jason signed copies of his book and chatted with attendees.

We would like to extend our gratitude to Preservation Partners of the Fox Valley for opening the Fabyan Villa prior to the presentation, allowing attendees to see firsthand where Elizebeth Smith Friedman began her work.

We would also like to thank the Geneva Library Foundation for sponsoring Author Fest. This program series has inspired readers of all ages to explore the magic of storytelling and the rich history of our city. For more information about the Foundation, visit the Geneva Library Foundation's website.

Freedom to Read Week

September 23 2024

During the week of September 22-28, the Library will be celebrating “Freedom to Read,” as part of the nationwide Banned Books Week. This annual event was launched in 1982 in response to a sudden surge in the number of challenges to books in libraries, bookstores, and schools. Typically held during the last week of September, Banned Books Week highlights the value of free and open access to information and brings together the entire book community in shared support of the freedom to seek and to express ideas.

The Library’s “Freedom To Read” celebration will include a book display and patron polls on the second floor, a Banned Books puzzle on the community puzzle table, social media posts, and a Banned Books reading list.

Land and Sea: Visions of Our Natural World

September 18 2024

Land and Sea is a visual exploration of the natural world, showcasing land and seascapes that invite contemplation and celebrate nature's beauty. Participating artists include Charles Cassell, Thomas Celewicz, Rupali Kumbhani, and Katie Simcik.

An artists’ reception will be held on Thursday, November 7, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. The reception is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served.

Land and Sea will be displayed in the Library's gallery space through January 2025.

Happy First Day of School

August 22 2024

Back-to-school season is a great time to visit your library! We have resources and programs for students of all ages.

Pre-School: For our littlest learners and their families, we have story times, drop-in crafts, and themed early-learning kits to check out.

Elementary: Join us after school for book clubs, drop-in activities, and plenty of space to work on homework. We have homework help kits, as well as online resources specifically designed for kids to research and explore.

Middle and High School: Hang out in our expanded teen space, reserve one of our study rooms to work on homework and group projects, or use our recording studio for audio and video production, taking photos, and editing content. We also offer online resources for research and test prep.

We wish all the students, teachers, and staff in our community a wonderful school year ahead!

Welcome Willow!

August 21 2024

On Saturday, August 10, the Library officially welcomed Willow, an interactive garden kaleidoscope sculpture, commissioned with generous funding from donors Ken and Sharon Celic. The sculpture was designed by R.C. Anderson, a sculptor based in Door County, Wisconsin. Representatives of the Library staff and Board of Trustees were present at the dedication, along with members of the Geneva Library Foundation board. The Foundation’s fundraising activities support projects like Willow, as well as programs like our One Book, One Community author visit, and enhanced spaces throughout the Library.

Be sure to give Willow a spin on your next visit to the Library!

Explore Art and Science in Our New Gallery Exhibit

June 12 2024

The Library is pleased to present Prairie and Particles: Exploring Nature and Physics Through Cyanotype by artist Georgia Schwender. Her work is a visual exploration that intertwines the realms of high-energy physics research and the delicate ecosystem of the tallgrass prairie, both symbolizing our origins and the essence of continued learning.

Georgia Schwender has been the visual arts coordinator at Fermilab National Laboratory since 2001, curating and coordinating over 100 exhibits. Her work has been exhibited nationally at the Schingoethe Museum/Aurora University, Woman Made Gallery, Zhou B Art Center, Water Street Studios, and internationally at Stills Gallery, Scotland, and Quatre Villes Partenaires de Croissy, France.

Prairie and Particles will be on display through August, and there will be an artist’s reception on Thursday, July 25. Join us in celebrating the artist and learning more about her work. For more information visit https://gpld.org/event/10931107.

Summer Challenge Kicks Off On June 1st!

May 29 2024

Make the library part of your summer by participating in the Summer Challenge! Discover what you can accomplish by choosing your own goals and activities and see where your summer journey takes you. Read, watch, listen and attend library programs to earn chances to win prizes!

Kick off the Summer Challenge on June 1, from 2-3 p.m., with Smarty Pants, an award-winning balloon artist who brings innovative balloon fun and a one-of-a-kind event. Then on Sunday, June 2, from 2-3 p.m. you can “Catch the Twain,” with Warren Brown’s interactive and engaging portrayal of Mark Twain.

Register for the Summer Challenge in person at the library or at gpld.readsquared.com starting on June 1, then start logging your activities and earning points. Earn prizes at 10, 20, and 30 points and earn entries into our Grand Prize drawings!

The DIY Workshop is Expanding to the Former Computer Lab

Coming Soon: More Arts and Crafts at the Library!

May 14 2024

Our DIY Workshop is expanding into a new location! Due to the popularity of our craft and maker opportunities, we are moving the DIY Workshop into a larger space on the 2nd floor (formerly the computer lab). This allows us to expand the DIY offerings to our patrons, including a Glowforge machine, Silhouette Cameo vinyl cutter, 3D printer, 3D doodlers, button maker, Sizzix paper cutter, laminator, yarn winder, and more!

In addition to drop-in craft supplies, the newly expanded DIY Workshop will also feature monthly projects for the Glowforge and Silhouette Cameo vinyl cutter. These programs are by registration for individuals and small groups and will be offered at a variety of times throughout the month. Search the Events calendar to choose your project, choose your date and time, and register yourself and up to four others for personalized instruction. Upcoming projects include picture frames on the Glowforge and custom aprons on the vinyl cutter.

We offer a wide variety of hands-on arts and crafts classes. These classes are moving into larger spaces throughout the building, so that we can increase the class sizes and offerings. We look forward to welcoming more participants to these fun and creative programs!

One Book, One Community Recap

April 9 2024

On March 10th we welcomed Karin Lin-Greenberg, author of this year’s One Book, One Community selection, You Are Here. Lin-Greenberg read a selection from the book, then shared a thoughtful and engaging conversation with our Information and Reader Services Coordinator, Lauren Maxwell. If you missed the in-person event or want to watch to the conversation again, you can watch a recording on our Youtube channel.

If you did not get one of the 700 free copies of You Are Here that were given away during the One Book, One Community event, you can still check one out from our collection.

We are grateful to the Friends of the Library and the Geneva Library Foundation for sponsoring our annual One Book, One Community event.

Celebrate National Library Week April 7- April 14

April 4 2024

National Library Week kicks off on Sunday, April 7 with a Family Game Day in the meeting room at 1 p.m. and character visit from Bluey at 3 p.m. Festivities continue throughout the week with cupcake decorating on Monday and bookish crafts on Tuesday and Thursday at 10:30 a.m. Friday night is the inaugural Plot Twist Trivia Night from 7-10 p.m. and the Book Club Bash is Sunday at 2 p.m. To see the full schedule, view our National Library Week event list on our website.

Keep the library love going throughout the entire month of April by contributing to the quilt display in our lobby. Pick up a quilt square at one of our self-checkout stations and share what Geneva Public Library means to you. The squares will be “stitched” onto our community quilt throughout April so everyone will know what YOU love about the library.

Another fun way to celebrate all things "Library" is to take our National Library Week quiz. We will randomly select from among the submissions to win either the Garden Lovers or Puzzle Lovers prize!

List of participating artists in the You Are Here Art Show

Artwork from Inner Paintings Gallery Exhibit

Visit Our Latest Gallery Exhibit, Inner Paintings, by Anna Lentz

April 1 2024

Visit our new exhibit, Inner Paintings, featuring work by artist Anna Lentz, now through April 26th in our lobby gallery. Lentz is a visual artist and arts educator living in Dundee, IL. Her paintings and textiles rely heavily on bright, saturated colors that demand to be looked at. Lentz is inspired by the natural worlds of her woodland home where she practices conservation and agroforestry.

As part of her exhibition at GPLD, Anna Lentz will lead a workshop entitled “Building Your Own Storybook,” which will take place on the final day of the show, Friday, April 26th at 4:30 p.m. For more information and to register for the workshop, visit the event page at gpld.org.

Attendees of Wine Cheese and Trees in the Meeting Room

Wine, Cheese, and Trees Fundraiser Was a Success

March 1 2024

Over 450 guests enjoyed an evening of wine tasting, delectable cheeses and treats, and musical entertainment by guitarist Mike “Magoo” Mcgohan, all in support of the Natural Resources Committee, the Geneva Park District Foundation, and the Geneva Library Foundation. Between ticket sales, raffles, and the silent and live auctions, the event raised over $60,000 in funds for the three organizations. Thank you to everyone who attended for making Wine, Cheese, and Trees such a wonderful evening!

Attendees of the Wine Cheese and Trees fundraiser mingling in the Collaboration Zone

Guitarist Mike "Magoo" Mcgohan next to our Freya exhibition at the Wine, Cheese, and Trees fundraiser

Two gentlemen discussing various wines at the Wine, Cheese, and Trees fundraiser

You Are Here: A Community Art Exhibit Highlights the Talent in Our Community

February 16 2024

We are proud to present You Are Here: A Community Art Exhibit, as part of the month-long One Book, One Community event. Interested artists were not given a specific theme for their submissions, but among the selected pieces, several themes emerged. Nature was a source of inspiration to many of the artists, while others drew from personal experiences, both joyful and heartbreaking. There are scenes of faraway destinations, as well as familiar local spots. Some artists worked in the abstract, while others created pieces that are stunningly realistic. Whether just starting out, or having worked for years as professional artists, this talented group of individuals shows that we are connected by what inspires us.

Alongside the community art exhibit is our tinyART show, featuring 4”x 4” canvases, each uniquely designed by a member of the community.

Visit our lobby gallery today to experience all the creativity and talent on display!

Painting of a house from the You Are Here Art Show

List of participating artists in the You Are Here Art Show

Member of the Friends of Geneva Public Library checking out books at our book sale

Visit the Book Sale

November 22 2023

Friends of Geneva Public Library are proud to host another Book Sale during the annual Christmas Walk in Downtown Geneva. Find incredible bargains while browsing thousands of gently-used books in all genres. Money from the book sale helps support Library services and programs such as the Summer Reading Challenge and One Book, One Community. Make the Library part of your Christmas Walk festivities this holiday season.

Dates:

Friday, Dec. 1 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. ($5 admission Friday from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. only)
Saturday, Dec. 2 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 3 from 12-4 p.m. (Everything Half Price)

Book Prices:

Adult Hardcover and Paperback, $2
Adult Mass Paperback, $1
Children’s Hardcover, $1
Children’s Paperback, $.50
Board Books, $.50
(Unless marked otherwise)

The Friends accept credit cards, cash, and checks at book sales.

The Sculptures of Joshua Enck

October 9 2023

Members of the community gathered at the Library on Friday, Sept. 29 to celebrate the opening of Joshua Enck: Selected Sculptures in our lobby gallery. The artist gave an informative and fascinating talk, sharing details of his artistic process and the inspiration for his pieces. The show runs through November 29th and serves as a preview to the installation of Hortus, a 14-foot-tall steel sculpture created by Joshua Enck for the Dudley D. and Delores R. Malone Memorial Garden on the building's north side.

Attendees from the talk given by Joshua Enck at Geneva Public Library

Attendees at Geneva Public Library's Book Club Bash

Book Club Bash Was a Blast

September 14 2023

On Sunday, September 10th, over 60 community members gathered at the Library for the annual Book Club Bash. This fun event is a great way to learn about exciting new releases and to share some of your book club’s favorite picks. This year, the Good Book Fairy, Lauren Margolin, was on hand to share some of her top choices. Attendees also learned about the many ways the Library can help book clubs. If you’d like to learn more for your own book club, a great place to start is on our Book Club Favorites page.

3D render of Hortus sculpture by Joshua Enck

New Sculpture Coming Soon

September 12 2023

The Library is delighted to announce the plans for Hortus, a new public art piece commissioned with generous funding from the Dudley D. and Delores R. Malone Family Foundation. The sculpture will be placed in their namesake Memorial Garden on the north entrance of the building.

Hortus is the work of artist Joshua Enck, a St. Charles native, now living and working in Rochester, New York. Enck’s design was chosen unanimously by the selection committee, from among over twenty submissions by artists across the country. The sculpture will be fully installed later this fall.

Attendees at outdoor Carnival Party at Geneva Public Library

Celebrating the End of Summer Challenge

August 14 2023

This summer, over 2,100 individuals took the Challenge and joined us in reading and using their Library! We celebrated the end of this year’s Summer Challenge with two fun-filled events, an all-ages Carnival Party and a Teen End-of-Summer-Challenge Party.

The Carnival Party took place July 31st at Library Park and featured giant games, fun challenges, prizes, sweet treats, and more.

Our teen readers celebrated on August 3rd with a party planned by some of our Teen Volunteers, which included video games, board games, a pencil case-painting craft, and a waffle bar!

Thank you to everyone who made this year’s Summer Challenge a success! We hope you will continue to enjoy all the great programs, events, and books your library has to offer.

Attendees at outdoor Teen End of Summer Challenge Party at Geneva Public Library

The Big Picture of US

July 26 2023

Visit the lobby gallery between July and September to view our latest exhibition The Big Picture of US featuring the work of artists Claudia Canon and Katherine Kratzer. This show is presented in partnership with the Geneva Foundation for the Arts.

“Paper is the language we choose to tell a story about what matters to us. Nature is beautiful, powerful, and ever evolving. By manipulating paper into themes of nature, we explore both the problems and the possibilities of our world.” --Claudia Canon and Katherine Kratzer

Diversity Equity and Inclusion at the Library

Everyone is Welcome!

July 11 2023

The Library Board of Trustees recently adopted a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Policy outlining the Library's commitment to creating a welcoming environment where everyone can succeed. View the full statement on our website.

Piece of art from the Inner Experience exhibition at Geneva Public Library

Inner Experiences Exhibition

June 2nd - July 22nd

The Geneva Public Library, in partnership with the Geneva Foundation for the Arts, hosts the exhibition Inner Experiences, featuring the work of Chicago-based artist Dimitri Pavlotsky.

Pavlotsky explores the figure by creating interior emotional landscapes. The direction of his prolific art practice has evolved from a thirst for whimsy and self-expression, and as a reaction to his previous academic training and successful career in architecture.

The exhibition is on view in the Library’s lobby gallery.

Laptop and phone displaying the new Geneva Public Library District website

Welcome to our New Website

The GPLD team has been hard at work to bring our patrons a new, user-friendly website that takes a mobile first approach and a design that reflects our incredibe new building. If you have questions or need help navigating our new site, stop by the Library where we would be happy to help you.

Library of Things

We have a new collection for you to check out. Your Library of Things is full of non-traditional items that allow you to save money by borrowing items you don’t use all the time or want to try. Check out technology equipment and tools to capture the moment. Relax with a new puzzle. Entertain guests with a karaoke machine or board game. Utilize new tools to expand your business and be your most creative and productive self.

Browse our Library of Things collection on our website or visit the second floor to see what is available. We have items for you to check out for use in the Library and to go.

Guided Ramblings Exhibition

Geneva Public Library and the Geneva Foundation for the Arts are proud to present Guided Ramblings, an exhibition of artwork created by Geneva High School AP and Advanced Photography students.

The show will be on display in the lobby gallery of the Library from April 27 through May 26.

There will be an artists’ reception in the lobby gallery on Friday, May 5 from 7-8:30 p.m. The reception is free and open to the public.