On March 3, 2008 the grand opening of the Cricket Book Collection was held at the LaSalle Public Library. To open the evening, Blouke and Marianne Carus discussed how they obtained the collection and the decision to donate the Collection to the LaSalle Public Library.  Marianne Carus also read from her favorite Cricket Collection book.  Other readers that night included Senator Gary Dahl, LaSalle Mayor Art Washkowiak, City Fire Chief Andy Bacidore, and City Engineer Pam Broviakbr. [Right: Blouke Carus discusses the Cricket Collection and the importance of reading.] 

The 10 week “I’m a Cricket Kid @ the LaSalle Public Library” reading program began that evening.  This program is designed to get children reading selections from the Cricket Collection by offering incentives.  By the end of March, 80 children were signed up for the reading program. [Left: Marianne Carus discusses the Cricket Collection]
 
Adults have been using the collection also.  In February, Project Manage Laura Frizol and Youth Service’s Librarian Donna Blomquist met with the Illinois Valley Community College Adult Children’s Literature class.  Staff showcased and discussed the breadth and depth of the collection.  The group looked at samples of children’s literature from 1940 to the present and explored the relevancy of older titles for today’s young patrons.

Staff and volunteers have been busy adding books to the circulating collection.  To date 3,800 tiles have been added and made available to Illinois Valley area residents as well as libraries throughout the state and nation. [Right: Senator Gary Dahl reads to a group of younsters on March 3rd at the Cricket Grand Opening]