The Highland Park Harvey R. “Bum” Bright Library is not afraid to make some noise and offer pleasant surprises to connect people to learning that includes and goes beyond books on shelves. All over the country, people notice the valuable role libraries, librarians, and library workers play in transforming lives and communities by first transforming the way libraries serve their patrons.
Since its opening in 1930, the Highland Park Library honors and provides for the community’s informational, educational, and entertainment needs. Today, the staff continues to expand upon this central role by bringing in experts, offering free access to online databases and learning sources, assisting parents with literacy development for their children, and offering hands-on exploration of new technology. The Library is now open late, until 9:00 p.m., on Tuesday and Thursday evenings; and the digital resources are available anytime from your computer or tablet.
Let the Library help you power your imagination through creativity and discovery by connecting you to the following services and programs, some of which may surprise you:
Digital Magazines and Newspapers
Anyone with a Highland Park Library card can access over 7,000 magazines and newspapers without paying any subscription fees. Stay current on local, national, and international news by accessing Press Reader or the RBDigital app.
Online Live Tutoring
Tutoring service is available online from 2:00 p.m. until 11:00 p.m. for students in kindergarten to introductory college courses. BrainFuse’s HelpNow online service is accessed with a library card and pairs the student with a real person through online chat and services. HelpNow and Press Reader have been generously provided by the Highland Park Quality of Life Foundation.
Lifelong Learning Adult Programs
One of the newest services to be offered since the launch of the current Library Master Plan is more programming for the adult library user. Programs range from expert lectures, to financial literacy, to health and well-being.
Instruction for Downloadable Materials and Social Media
Because the Library offers so many digital materials and resources, Library staff are available to help get patrons set up for using and downloading the content they want. The Library also offers classes on using the various online resources and apps to make sure each patron can take advantage of the services provided to them.
STEAM Kits
It is never too early to introduce the youngest of learners to science and technology. With fun robots and activities, families can learn together about the many interesting facets of technology and science at home.
Technology Kits for Coding and Robots
Older students looking for hands-on challenges, when it comes to learning coding and robotics, will find it at the Library through robotics kits, virtual reality, and even circuitry kits that use conductive ink pens. The Technology Kits for Tweens and Teens was made possible by a grant to the Friends of the Highland Park Library from La Fiesta de las Seis Banderas.
Puppet Kits
Early literacy skills help set the foundation for a love of learning and stories. Puppet kits are a great way to share reading and engage little readers with characters of the book right in your hand. These kits are great for hosting your own story time at home, too! The Puppet Kit Collection was made possible by a generous donation from the Beverly Drive Book Club.
Libraries are about fostering learning, exploring new technologies, singing and making noise, and sharing ideas and information. Children run giggling with excitement for story time. Visitors are sharing their reviews of new books with one another. Students are deep in to their studies or research in the Reference Room. Teens challenge one another with the robotics, coding them to complete specific tasks. Library staff are answering questions and providing information. This is a day in the life of the Highland Park Library.
For more information on programs and services available from the Highland Park Library, stop by the Library and ask a staff member for an introduction, visit www.hplibrary.info, or call the Library at 214-559-9400. Library hours are Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., and Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The Library is closed on Sundays and Mondays. The Library is located inside the Highland Park Town Hall at 4700 Drexel Drive.
Highland Park Library cards are free for residents of the Town of Highland Park. Please visit during business hours to fill out a library card application. The Highland Park Library faithfully serves as the community’s Connection to Lifelong Learning.