Tuesday, December 10, 2013

Naperville Public Library Rated One of the Best in Nation

Naperville Public Library has earned a 5-star ranking from the Library Journal’s Index of Public Library Service as published in the November 1, 2013 issue of Library Journal. This is the 6th year in a row that the Naperville Public Library has earned a 5-star ranking, earning its first 5-star rating just years after the libraries 2003 opening.

The Library Journal index measures libraries based on circulation, visits, program attendance, and public internet terminal usage on a per capita basis. To qualify for eligibility, libraries must serve a minimum population of 1,000, and have a minimum budget of $10,000, and report data in each of the four categories to state library agencies. This reported data is then collected by the Institute of Museum and Library Services and used in the Library Journal Index. The resulting data signifies how much a library is used by the public.

The Library Journal index gives the top 30 scores in an expenditure group a rating. There are a total of nine expenditure groups with Naperville being in expenditure group $10m-$29.9m. The top ten scores are given a 5- star rating, the next ten scores a 4-star rating, and the remaining ten a 3-star rating.

What the Library Journal index doesn’t measure? “Quality, excellence, effectiveness, value, or appropriateness of library services.” So if you’re a Naperville library visitor, let’s remind the library of how thankful we are of the excellent quality of appropriate library services we receive at a great value. Let’s remind the library of how proud we are of having a 5-star library in our community.

Source:http://lj.libraryjournal.com/2013/11/managing-libraries/lj-index/class-of-2013/all-the-stars-2013-state-by-state#IL

Wednesday, December 4, 2013

Best Ways to Get Rid of Leaves without Breaking a Sweat

As homeowners, the needed but undesirable chore of raking leaves can leave us with sore backs and blisters. The once admirable colorful leaves now create piles of brown muck that the child in most of us no longer desires to jump through. Whether you choose to rake, blow, burn, mulch, or hope the wind carries them away, leaves cannot be ignored. This is especially true you live in an area that produces enough leaves to completely cover your yard. If leaves are left to build up they create a wet mat which can block underlying moisture on the ground and can increase potential for bugs and diseases. Leaves left to build up over grass may not have enough time to decompose over winter and will likely still cover your grass when spring returns, inhibiting new grass growth. Before you take out the rake, consider these options so you don’t have to break a sweat:

Blower/Vac – Gas vs. Electrical

Gas blowers tend to be bulky, they’re loud, they produce fumes, and if you’re not a fan of trying to yank a starter cord, invest in an electrical blower. The upside? No electrical cords to hold you back and they pack a powerful punch through leaves.

Electrical blowers are lighter to manage and are much quieter than gas blowers. You can blow leaves for hours without having to sniff gas fumes, and an easy on-off switch makes it easy to start and stop your leaf conquering project. The downside? Electrical cords can limit your reach. Or just buy a longer cord or two.

Whichever your preference, invest in a blower/vac. This will allow you to ‘vacuum’ up your leaves and dispose of your new ‘mulch’ where it can be usefully composted – like over a garden or plant bed or dusted back over your grass.

Mower

The same mower that cuts your grass can mulch your leaves. Mulching the leaves back into your grass will help fertilize your soil. If you have a push or walking mower, just cut your grass as you normally would but raise the blade to cut on its tallest setting.

If you’re fortunate enough to have a riding mower, adding a mulch kit to your mower is your best option. You can collect your leaves and lay your mulch where needed. If a mulch kit is not an option, cutting your leaves the same way you cut the grass will help with the leaf breakdown process and contribute to fertilizing your soil.

 

The demanding chore of dealing with leaves doesn't have to be a burden. Forego raking, burning, and high emissions by choosing options that help your soil and save your back.

 

How do I know if a home's price is reasonable, or if I'm making a bad investment?

Dan Firks answers your real estate question: How do I know if a home's price is reasonable, or if I'm making a bad investment? Click on link to view: http://youtu.be/bayGz6Z7Gho