Earth Day officially falls on April 22 this year, but consider joining the Highland Park Public Library in celebrating the earth every day by making an effort to do something green or earth-friendly each day in April.

Find suggestions at the library in the lobby and the Youth Department as well as on the Youth Department's social media pages — on Twitter, on Facebook, and on Pinterest. You can also make your own pledge to celebrate Earth Day every day — look for the box on the check out desk.  The AV Department has compiled a list of Earth Day films for your viewing pleasure, and don't miss our Pays to Live Green page, where you can calculate your energy costs and savings!

On Earth Day, April 22, ride your bike to the library and receive a packet of seeds to plant in your garden. Stop by the check out desk for a free packet!

Do you have a new Kindle, Nook, Sony Reader, or iPad and need help figuring out how to get a Library ebook onto it?  We offer hands-on help from 2-4pm EVERY Thursday during the month of January!  Just drop by the Group Study area in the back of the Adult Services Department and we'll help you get Library ebooks onto your device.  First come, first served, so we appreciate your patience if we get busy.

Here's what you need to bring, in addition to your Library card:

*iPad?  Bring your iPad and be sure you know your iTunes password, so you can download the app you'll need. 

*Nook, Sony Reader, other non-tablet devices? You'll need your laptop, your device, and the device cable.

*Kindle? Bring your device and your cable.  Also, you MUST know the email and password for your Amazon.com account.

*Android device?  Bring your device and know your Marketplace password to install the app.

Looking for instructions?  See our My Media Mall page and scroll down to "Device Instructions" for step-by-step how-to's.

Did you know we have a fun, fast and easy language learning program called Mango Languages?  The best part is it's free and you can access it anywhere there is Internet with your library card. Mango is the easiest and most effective way to learn to speak a foreign language. Learn more about Mango Languages here.

One of our newer online resources is Universal Class, which offers over 500 online continuing education classes.  The classes meet online, at your convenience, with a real instructor.  Classes cover a wide varierty of subjects: computers, business, arts & photography, crafts, GED prep, health & medicine, writing help, homeschooling, and more!

Classes are available in a diverse range of subjects including computers, business, home & garden, health and medicine, hobbies, and more.  View a listing of class topics.

Get Started!

Step 1: Go to the sign up page to create your account with your user name and password.

Step 2: Go to http://highlandparkil.universalclass.com  to enroll in your class and start learning!

• You are welcome to enroll in up to 5 courses.

• You have up to 6 months to finish each course

• You have access to your course 24/7 via the Internet.

• Attend class and do assignments on your schedule.

• Each course has a real instructor who you may communicate with using e-mail.

note: These are non-credit courses and are provided for your personal enrichment. These courses are not intended to be a substitute for any state, government, licensing, or educational requirements.