News

10/16/2025

Earlier this year, on May 28, 2025, the Lake Bluff Public Library shared an update about delays in receiving and processing new materials due to supply chain and distributor challenges. Unfortunately, this situation has reached a new stage: one of our primary book distributors, Baker & Taylor, has announced its intention to cease operations.

This closure will further affect our ability to process new materials and fulfill holds in a timely manner. While we expect some additional delays, we are actively pursuing alternative vendors and retail sources to fill holds and backorders as quickly as possible.

09/16/2025

The Lake Bluff Public Library Board of Trustees meeting scheduled for Tuesday, September 16, 2025, has been cancelled. The next regular Board meeting will take place on Tuesday, October 21, 2025.

08/20/2025

Following careful review and discussion, the Lake Bluff Public Library Board of Trustees voted at their August 19, 2025 meeting to continue the Library’s current operating hours:

07/24/2025

If you’ve recently seen the message, “The collective daily borrow limit set by your library has been reached and will reset at midnight” while using Hoopla, you’re not alone.

Hoopla has become increasingly popular with Lake Bluff Public Library users—and we love that so many of you are exploring eBooks, audiobooks, movies, and more! However, this growing demand has outpaced our current digital media budget.

At the heart of every library is the belief that access to information—without barriers—is a foundational freedom. Literacy isn’t just about reading books. It’s about the power to think critically, to explore new ideas, and to participate fully in our community and democracy.

That’s why we are committed to representing a wide range of voices and perspectives in everything we do—from the materials on our shelves to the programs we offer. Everyone deserves to see themselves reflected, and to have the opportunity to learn from others’ experiences.

05/28/2025

On April 4, 2025, we shared an update about our transition to a new book vendor to improve the availability of new materials for our Library users. While this change is an important step forward, ongoing vendor backlogs—combined with continued budget cuts—have further impacted the timely arrival of new books.

In some cases, we’ve had to purchase titles at retail price due to delays with our discount vendors. This limits how many new materials we can afford to purchase and may lead to continued delays in availability.

Free and discounted museum passes with your Lake Bluff Library card

05/28/2025

By Julie Jurgens, Lake Bluff Public Library, Youth Services Librarian

Even though I grew up on a farm, I have a black thumb when it comes to plants (I’m still sad about my lack of cherry tomatoes the past two summers despite my best efforts), but thankfully when it comes to weeding books, I have much stronger skills.

Some of you might be saying, Weeding books? What does that mean? Well, that’s why I am writing to you today. 

05/21/2025

The Lake Bluff Library Board is committed to making Library governance more transparent, efficient, and accessible. At the May 20, 2025 Regular Board Meeting, the Board voted to consolidate all committee meetings into Committee of the Whole meetings, beginning Tuesday, July 1, 2025. This new structure will bring every Board member together in a single, open forum—allowing you to see every stage of discussion and decision-making.

Why this change benefits our community