News-Sun, November 20, 2010

North Chicago Library offers fun for all at Extravaganza

By Long Hwa-Shu

On Saturday, North Chicago Public Library showed children that going to the library can be fun – not just for bookish pursuits.

Though its third annual Extravaganza Saturday, the library brought laughter to children with bingo games, arts and crafts, story-telling and face painting. A visit by Truman, the dragon from Kidsville, north Lake County’s family fun newspaper, brought cheers and hugs.

“We want to let the community know what the library has to offer. It’s their tax dollars at work,” said Joan Battley, library director.

“There are a lot of people out of work. We have a battery of 23 computers. People come here to go on-line to search the database for jobs and fill out applications,” she said.“Our staff can help them do their resumes,” she added.

The special program Saturday, however, was tailored not only to entertain children but to show that the community cares for them in addition to providing them with learning experiences.

At the door, North Chicago Fire Department officials handed out pencils, erasers and bracelets and Lake County Forest Preserve offered a display pelts of beaver and otters as well as other native birds and animals.

In the library’s children’s department, visitors could play bingo was played under the supervision of two library staff members, Maria Sanramon and Ruby Baloy. Aaron Battley, 9, was one lucky boy. “I won three times,” he reported happily.

Winners’ prizes included hamburgers and desserts, said Sanramon.

In another corner, Antasha Pabon, a volunteer for arts and crafts, showed children how to glue cutouts together for Thanksgiving collages.

Gabriela Martinez, another staff member, was popular with children who lined up to have their faces painted. When Truman showed up, Tyaiesha, 4, rushed to give it him big hug and broke into a big smile.

The event was not just for kids. Among those present were teenagers and adults, including Melvin Taylor, 16, a junior from Waukegan High School on Brookside, who was sitting in front of a computer sending e-mail messages to friends.

Casey Byas, 51, was playing a chess game on the Internet with people, he said, “from all over the world.”

“It is very relaxing and takes my mind off from a lot of worries,” he said.

Edward Jones, 62, who called himself “a homeless veteran,” however, was in a more serious pursuit. He was searching on the Internet for a job, which he said he has been doing for eight years, with no luck.

For those in need of food, Shields Township Supervisor Gale Strenger Wayne was on hand to tell them that the township operates a food panty in Lake Bluff. However, only Shields residents are eligible.

“No soup kitchen, just bags of dry food,” said she, pointing out that the demand has been great because of the economy. Thanks to the generous donations, she said the pantry has been able to fill its shelves.

Those attending the Extravaganza had a chance to win something before leaving. By turning a wheel, they could win a book mark, a pencil, a magnet, candies and even a free movie.