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UPDATES

Updates and more information


November 29, 2023: 

The SWAN Libraries App has unexpectedly been disabled. A new app will be introduced in the new year, but in the meantime, you can use the mobile-friendly library catalog through your phone's browser and still access your account and library card. We apologize for the sudden change of service and appreciate your understanding.

August 23, 2023

The library will be installing new service desks the week of August 28. Service desks undergoing renovation include the first-floor Checkout Desk, the Adult and Teen Services front desk, and the Computer Help Desk. Alternate temporary desks to assist patrons will be nearby and staffed as usual. This project should be complete by September 8. Please excuse the noise and dust during this quick upgrade. We appreciate your patience!

 March 2, 2023

At approximately 8:28 a.m. today, a library staff member found a shell casing on a public desk in the library’s lobby area. Staff called 911 immediately and the Downers Grove Police Department responded within minutes. The library’s opening was delayed while police completed their work in the building. No other casings were found. Library staff were informed of the incident this morning. We care deeply about the safety and mental health of our staff. Resources to support staff in coping with this incident have been made available. The police investigation is ongoing. The library will continue to work with the Downers Grove Police Department and appreciates the Village of Downers Grove’s support.

Anyone with additional information is asked to please contact the Downers Grove Police Department at (630) 434-5600.

See the official press release.

February 21, 2023

We recognize that recently there have been numerous demonstrations of violence, aggression, and hate against marginalized communities in our nation and around the world. As a library, we continue to strive to be a place for everyone to discover, grow, play, and learn. We believe in lifelong learning, and especially in moments of crisis, we view it as our responsibility to provide resources to help cope, process, and understand these types of events as well as draw attention to reliable sources of information. Like many members of our community and beyond, library staff members have needed time to practice self-care and to reflect on the painful events that have happened and continue to happen. We would like to reiterate that the Downers Grove Public Library is a place for everyone and that you are welcome here.

Click here to read the full statement about continued violence, coping, and mental health.

Febraury 1, 2023

The Downers Grove Public Library has been named the #1 library in the western suburbs, as voted by Kidlist readers! We're thrilled to have received this recognition for our Kids Room, which features the children's play area (including our Play Café, light wall, toys, and activities), programming, materials of all kinds, and our wonderful staff.

December 19, 2022:

The Downers Grove Public Library has been recognized as a 5-Star library, named as one of the top public libraries in the country by Library Journal!

DGPL has been named one of the top ten libraries in the country within its budget bracket. This year, Library Journal surveyed 5,359 public libraries; only 258 (4.8%) received a star rating, and only 85 (1.5%) received the highest 5-star rating. The magazine recognizes public libraries based on direct measures of library service including statistics such as circulation of physical and electronic materials, annual visitors, program attendance, and public computer/WiFi use. This data is from the Institute of Museum and Library Services Public Library Survey, which includes the Illinois Public Library Annual Report submitted by the state of Illinois.

“We’re thrilled to receive this honor. I want to congratulate each and every staff member for their contributions to making DGPL a 5-star library! It is affirming that DGPL received this honor as we implemented our purpose statement: ‘DGPL is a place for everyone to Discover, Grow, Play, and Learn’ and our values: lifelong learning, equal access for all, fostering relationships, responsibility, and the freedom to seek, receive, and share information. These stars reflect the staff’s hard work and dedication to making a difference in our community, fulfilling that purpose, and embodying our values.” said library Director, Julie Milavec.

Library Journal, a professional magazine reporting library news and professional practice, recognizes excellence with two annual awards: the Star Libraries recognition and the Movers and Shakers awards, which recognize outstanding library staff.  DGPL is proud to have received both awards this year. In May of 2022, Cindy Khatri and Van McGary were announced as 2022 Movers and Shakers - Change Agents by Library Journal. In 2020, Downers Grove Public Library was rated as a 4-star library by Library Journal, placing DGPL as one of the top 4.4% of public libraries surveyed in that year.

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