News
Book Order Delays
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.
Explore More Illinois Now Available

Free and discounted museum passes with your Lake Bluff Library card
Weeding 101
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.
New Committee of the Whole Format Approved
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
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library
Lake Bluff Public Library is pleased to announce that Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is now open for enrollment in Lake County, thanks to the Lake County Regional Office of Education Foundation (LCROEF). This program delivers a free, high-quality book each month to every child from birth to age five—no matter the family’s income—to foster a lifelong love of reading.
A Message from the Friends
04/14/2025
Dear Friend,
As we said in November, there has been so much change and excitement at the Lake Bluff Public Library, and it only continues in 2025. We are so excited to welcome Natalie Starosta as the new Library Director.
The Friends of the Lake Bluff Library is a dedicated group supporting our local library in its mission to provide vital services and resources to our community. We are proud to philanthropically support Lake Bluff Library.
Library Transitions to New Book Vendor
04/04/2025
The Lake Bluff Public Library is in the process of transitioning to a new book vendor to improve the availability of new materials for our patrons. Over the past six months, we have experienced longer-than-usual delays in receiving new books, and we sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.
We appreciate the patience and understanding of our community as we make this change. The new vendor will help streamline our ordering process, ensuring that new materials arrive more quickly and reliably in the future.
Library Board Votes to Extend Pilot Hours
03/20/2025
The Lake Bluff Public Library Board of Trustees voted at the March 18, 2025 Board Meeting, to extend the Library’s current Pilot Hours through August 2025. The Board will revisit the issue at its July Board Meeting, where it will determine whether to reinstate Sunday hours or add additional evening hours starting in September, following Labor Day weekend.
Lake Bluff Public Library Welcomes New Director
02/19/2025
The Board of Trustees of the Lake Bluff Public Library has announced the appointment of Natalie Starosta as the Library’s new Director. Ms. Starosta will begin her role on Monday, March 10, 2025, following a nationwide search for the position.

