By Kelly White
It may still be summer but the Green Hills Public Library District is preparing students for their return to the classroom.
The library, 10331 Interlochen Dr., Palos Hills, is hosting a Back-to-School Collection Drive from now until Friday, August 9.
“One of my biggest goals as a librarian has always been breaking down barrier to access and trying my best to give all children the best Library experience,” Natalie Djordjevic, Head of Youth Services at the Green Hills Public Library District, said. “In that spirit, we wanted to help alleviate the financial strain of the back-to-school season for our community and get children excited about the new school year.”
Library staff members are currently collecting brand new school supplies, including: collecting colored pencils, crayons, erasers, glue sticks, highlighters, loose leaf paper, markers, notebooks, pencils and pens.
All donated supplies can be dropped off right at the library’s Youth Services Desk on the second floor of the library.
“The mission of the Green Hills Public Library District is to inspire lifelong learning and exploration by connecting the community with information and resources,” Djordjevic said. “We are so happy to be able to support patrons by giving them resources to make the school year easier. This leaves a lasting positive impact on those families and community as a whole.”
The library held the Back-to-School Collection Drive event last year and it was an overwhelming success, according to Djordjevic.
The community’s generosity coupled with the wonderful backpack donations from the Hills Chamber of Commerce, allowing the library to donate 50 backpack full of supplies to the children of the community.
“We hope to give out even more this year,” Djordjevic said. “My favorite thing about the event is how full of joy everyone is! I love seeing children excited about school, and the parents are so thankful for the donation.”
Library staff members would like to invite families to visit the Library’s Youth Services Desk on Monday, August 12, at 9 a.m. or 3 p.m. to pick up items that were collected during the Back-to-School Collection Drive while supplies last.