Five ways the Arlington Heights Memorial Library can help you reach your goals
What’s on your list of personal or career goals? Learn a new skill or hobby? Read more, spend less? Get more involved with your community? If these resonate and sound familiar, the Arlington Heights Memorial Library can help turn your action items into tangible results.
1. Learn a new skill or hobby
Explore the Library of Things, a collection of 100-plus unique items that inspire learning and the motivation to try something new. Check out musical instruments including an acoustic guitar or steel drum and cameras and accessories like a photography light box or a GoPro harness for your dog. Library items you can borrow run the gamut from binoculars, sewing machines and bike locks to a metal detector, paper shredder and technology like iPads, a walkie talkie set and a document and photo scanner. Visit ahml.info/borrow/library of_things, and discover firsthand the mantra: “Why buy when you can borrow?”
2. Spend less, save money
Books, movies, music – the list goes on and on of what is available to check out for free at the library in all genres and for all ages. For life-on-the-go, access the library online at ahml.info from your home or office and conveniently stream or download something to read, watch or listen to wherever you are. There are thousands of books, movies, music and more to choose from beginning at ahml.info/borrow/ebooks. Browse the library’s catalog and “borrow, borrow, borrow and save, save, save.”
3. Find a job or improve your business
The library’s Business & Nonprofit Services offer countless resources and classes for small businesses, entrepreneurs, nonprofits and those seeking new skills from marketing to finance to technology that can improve your organization’s efficiency and impact. Access one of the library’s free online databases to do industry research or identify new prospects and ways to help grow your business or nonprofit. And remember, business and nonprofit organizations in Arlington Heights are eligible for business library cards and up to three employees may be authorized for services and materials. Visit ahml.info/services/business to get started.
If you’re in the market for a new job or looking to enhance your current career, the library offers informative programs about career development to help job seekers take the next step. Free resume reviews are also available by appointment for Arlington Heights cardholders. Make an appointment at ahml.info/services/careers.
4. Get more involved with your community
Learn what support and resources our community has to offer at the library’s monthly Resource Hours featuring the Village of Arlington Heights Health and Human Resources Department and Accessibility Resource Hours that feature the expertise of a local nonprofit. Drop in and speak with an expert who can help to connect you to the services you need.
Did you know you can also register to vote at the library? Stop by the library’s first floor Info Desk and staff will assist you in getting registered to vote. Please bring two forms of identification, with at least one showing your current residence address. In-person registrations are not taken at the library in the 28 days before an election, but staff can refer you to an appropriate place any time. Visit ahml.info/services/community_services for more details.
5. Be creative at the makerspace
This fall, the library will launch its newest place for learning and doing – the makerspace.
The future library makerspace is located at 112 N. Belmont Ave., near Recreation Park at the corner of Belmont and Miner. The makerspace will offer opportunities for hands-on experiential learning, with technology and creative equipment and supplies for use. Planned equipment includes laser cutters, 3-D printers, embroidery, quilting and sewing machines, and computers for coding and programming small robots. A professional-grade commercial kitchen will also be included in the makerspace. The makerspace will give users access to equipment they may not have the resources or space to own. Get ready to create at the makerspace.