Sarah Ann Long, North Suburban Library System Director   ABOUT SARAH
  • bio
  • advocacy
  • ALA Presidency
READ SARAH
  • weekly column
  • archives
  • publications
WATCH SARAH
  • speeches
  • video editorials
  • What's New
SCHEDULE SARAH
  • speech topics
  • speaking calendar
  • book sarah

With a successful career that includes positions in virtually all types of libraries, Sarah A. Long can easily be characterized as a strong leader with a eye on the present and a vision for the future. An accomplished, career leader, manager, motivational speaker, author, columnist, and on camera talent... More
 
Our Libraries

Sarah Long’s weekly column, Our Libraries, is published it the Chicago Daily Herald. The Herald is Chicagolands's third largest daily newspaper with a circulation of approximately 128,000. If you have an idea for a column topic, please suggest it.

5-5-2008
Good reads suggested from across the pond

4-28-2008
Mental workouts equally essential as physical ones

4-21-2008
Podcasting helps easily bring information to you

4-15-2008
Get Smart With Money at the Library Near You

4-7-2008
Celebrate poetry with library, online features

4-1-2008
Time for librarians to leave desks, feel pulse of community

3-25-2008
Consulting users is key when creating Web sites

3-17-2008
Photo display introduces children to Anne Frank

3-10-2008
AARP driving course helps you know when to retire the car keys

3-3-2008
Promoting health is a cause worth uniting for

2-25-2008
Good Libraries Promote Higher Test Scores for Kids, Study Shows

2-19-2008
Libraries Share Books and Readers Benefit

2-12-2008
Media group helps people tell 'other side' of the story

2-5-2008
Running the steps a way to tune into your inner Rocky

1-23-2008
PolyTalk enhances multicultural library community

1-14-2008
Where do we get our information?

1-6-2008
Libraries Are a Key Part of Cities’ Revitalization Plans

12-23-2007
Writer finds passion for non-fiction kids' books

12-18-2007
Library taxes worth every penny

12-10-2007
Library's child, teen areas are 'shockingly popular'

12-3-2007
Naming all species was man's lifelong passion

11-25-2007
Get the buzz about services, programs at your library

11-18-2007
WRLR: 'For the people, by the people'

11-12-2007
Technology test can help libraries stay in the loop

11-6-2007
Personality tests can help make workplace stronger

11-2-2007
Book targets what it takes to make library a success

10-29-2007
Trip to Ireland sparks fascination with its past

10-17-2007
Library provides 21st century treasure hunt into local history

10-8-2007
Annual library meeting brings nations together

10-2-2007
Audiobooks bring new dimension to novels

9-24-2007
How the Internet will change libraries is at the front of my mind

9-17-2007
Library 2.0 makes use of new technology to get patrons involved

9-10-2007
House tours a fascinating glimpse into glamorous past

9-4-2007
Children's story hour moves to digital world

8-27-2007
Authors, Web sites help you find good reads with less trouble

8-24-2007
Librarians dish their favorite books

8-13-2007
Internet provides vital outlets for health info

8-6-2007
Harry Potter series has brought families together

7-29-2007
Fiber art gives new life to tradition of quilting

7-24-2007
New Cook library director brings much experience to post

7-16-2007
Technology will continue to boost popularity of libraries

7-9-2007
Braille didn’t quite pop out of thin air

7-2-2007
Younger generation creating new idea of community

6-25-2007
Library trustees form backbone for public service

6-18-2007
Library program discusses growing diversity

6-11-2007
Library, Ravinia bring patrons free tickets

6-4-2007
Services help explore options for grant help

5-29-2007
Cicadas perpetuate cycle of life

5-21-2007
Internet presents new wonderful, horrible world of possibilities

5-14-2007
Formula for scientific success must include inspiration

5-7-2007
Libraries give art a place to flourish

4-30-2007
Without walls, communication flourishes

4-23-2007
If you're in the need of something to read, check out these resources

4-16-2007
Recordings preserve voices of history

4-9-2007
Des Plaines library stays true to founding patron’s views

4-2-2007
As technology marches on, ‘born digital’ documents gain ground

3-26-2007
Librarians’ career achievements put in the spotlight at banquet

3-19-2007
Public preference shows changing face of libraries

3-12-2007
Internet usage is essential for young people of all income brackets

3-5-2007
Librarian shares love of children’s literature

2-26-2007
Couple forms group to help books cross borders

2-19-2007
Digital immigrants must keep up with the natives

2-12-2007
Libraries follow the stream of technology

2-5-2007
As Internet use grows, so does fight for control

1-29-2007
Sources are key when searching for information on the Internet

1-22-2007
‘Great Courses’ breathe new life into learning

1-15-2007
Knowledge flowers at Lenhardt Library

1-8-2007
Take some book tips from the professionals

12-26-2006
Story of the year is you, the consumer

12-18-2006
Success came looking for Margaret Mitchell

12-11-2006
Interlibrary loan systems show librarians have a history of sharing

12-4-2006
Libraries continue to answer public tastes

11-27-2006
Study reveals disturbing information about profession

11-20-2006
Des Plaines reaching for the world with sister program

11-13-2006
Pioneer brought computer system to library world

11-4-2006
All you need to know about Illinois is just a click away

10-30-2006
Beautiful music is made at IFLA meeting

10-23-2006
Film honors lifetime of a librarian

10-16-2006
Festival shows how poetry can soothe the soul

10-10-2006
Libraries move into the virtual world

10-2-2006
Waukegan library fundraiser brings author home

9-25-2006
Nextbook pushing the envelope for reading

9-11-2006
How Sept. 11 changed privacy issues at libraries

9-4-2006
This Labor Day, remember the professionals who run your library

8-28-2006
Skokie library goes green for remodeling

8-21-2006
When it comes to learning, there is power in numbers

8-13-2006
Ever-changing landscape adds new dimensions for librarians

8-7-2006
Diversity a key issue for local libraries

7-31-2006
Storytelling still alive in a high-tech world

7-24-2006
Conversation skills crucial to maintaining harmony

7-17-2006
In troubling times, New Orleans-area libraries shine like a beacon

7-12-2006
New Orleans Welcomes ALA Conference

7-5-2006
Lazy hazy days of summer reading are here

6-27-2006
Deerfield library will never forget Jack

6-19-2006
Librarians vigilant about copyright laws

6-14-2006
Web site can give you a view of your local history

6-5-2006
Library cultivates right to speak, ability to listen

5-29-2006
Project preserves memories of those who serve

5-21-2006
Program for visually impaired honored

5-15-2006
Mom, it’s never too early for baby’s first book

5-10-2006
Librarians pay visit to medical school

5-2-2006
Survey shows Americans value their libraries

4-24-2006
Information overload creates the need for special libraries

4-17-2006
Sometimes it can take a village to build a library

4-11-2006
Libraries find a new way to deliver the goods

4-3-2006
Future of libraries is south of the border

3-27-2006
Program makes reading a hot ticket for kids

3-20-2006
Because of library, new procedure saved eye

3-13-2006
Our libraries link readers, and writers in workshops

3-3-2006
Chicago connections play roles on Hollywood’s biggest night

2-27-2006
Trying podcasting for the first time has me hooked

2-20-2006
Spend some time in Abe’s shoes

2-13-2006
Exhibit details how death of ideas stokes the fires of genocide

2-6-2006
Consider more than books at your local library

1-30-2006
Library of the future is all about you

1-23-2006
Google advice puts Internet resources at your fingertips

1-16-2006
Memoir can provide written legacy for future generations

1-10-2006
Give voice to the joy of reading

1-3-2006
Public trustees shape the future of our institutions

12-27-2005
Offer help to a helping profession

12-19-2005
DDR contests drawing big crowds

12-13-2005
Web site offers information about education, careers in Illinois

12-6-2005
Discovery show to unveil world of anime

11-28-2005
Technology is changing role of librarian into that of a teacher

11-21-2005
Pages of the past preserved on Internet

11-13-2005
Books, too, help those who are experiencing tough times

11-8-2005
Wikis may change how we work, research

11-1-2005
Some libraries have ghost stories that rise off the shelves

10-26-2005
Recovery efforts for libraries continue

10-16-2005
Sometimes tax dollars are not enough

10-7-2005
Libraries looking to the future with e-books

10-3-2005
Towering 'Giants' dinosaur skeleton exhibit awes visitors at Gail Borden Public Library in Elgin

9-26-2005
Project promotes Jewish literature

9-19-2005
Libraries reach out to New Orleans

9-12-2005
Other nations may serve as guideposts for the future

9-5-2005
Good state library thanks to its leaders

8-30-2005
Information overflow poses a challenge

8-22-2005
Lake Forest library meets old and new standards

8-15-2005
Summer reading offers vacation for the mind

8-8-2005
Taking care of workers is a wise investment

8-2-2005
Cats prove their superiority at libraries across the United States

7-24-2005
Culture comes alive at libraries

7-18-2005
Online book clubs offers convenient sampling of books

7-11-2005
Drill cart teams take message to the streets

7-5-2005
Technology helps librarians check books in and out easily

6-27-2005
Scary monsters to bring summer thrills and chills

6-20-2005
Libraries with gardens give readers a rare treat

6-13-2005
Army of volunteers helps librarian hold fort

6-6-2005
Copyrights protect, cultivate creativity

5-24-2005
Through centuries, library’s guiding purpose remains the same

5-16-2005
Books that aren’t used are often discarded from public libraries

5-10-2005
Organizations serve as advocates for libraries

5-2-2005
NorthStarNet serves as information beacon for suburbanites

4-25-2005
Program puts kids, mentors on same page

4-18-2005
Libraries Matter in many different ways

4-12-2005
Libraries keep pace with reading habits

4-4-2005
Celebrate joy of reading during national week of activities

3-30-2005
Program helps Hispanic parents improve English

3-21-2005
Librarians will be needed to fill baby boomer gaps

3-13-2005
Place of stories is a place of possibilities

3-8-2005
Librarians play a vital role in education of kids

2-28-2005
Immigrants not forgotten when it comes to library services

2-21-2005
Wauconda's winning ways honored

2-14-2005
Adapting to new formats is just part of the job

2-7-2005
Boomers set new standards for service

1-31-2005
Chick lit finds its place in readers' hearts and bookshelves

1-24-2005
When it comes to serving the public, sharing makes sense

1-17-2005
Program connects Web users to libraries

1-10-2005
Dewey system still works after all these years

1-4-2005
Libraries can avoid closings by noting shifts in economy

12-28-2004
Volunteers receive their own special gift

12-21-2004
Despite digitizing, libraries aren't going anywhere

12-13-2004
'Polar Express' puffs its way to the big screen

12-6-2004
Exhibit tells the story of Sweetness

11-29-2004
Hollywood produces librarian superhero

11-22-2004
Learning to read starts at early age

11-16-2004
Children discover reading as families collect parish food

11-8-2004
Before you check out, read up on death

11-1-2004
Remember what libraries offer you when you vote

10-25-2004
Libraries on cutting edge of technology

10-18-2004
Librarians focus on boys and books

10-11-2004
People may still be 'reading,' despite drop in literary numbers

10-4-2004
Kids invited to develop an eye for architecture

9-27-2004
Library can help you find volunteer opportunities

9-20-2004
Love of reading begins at an early age

9-13-2004
Director leads library to success

9-6-2004
Live in mail-order home? Watch experts on TV

8-30-2004
Libraries need to go with flow of technology

8-23-2004
There's plenty to talk about at annual library conference

8-16-2004
Program puts kids on reading fast track

8-9-2004
Libraries casting vote for democracy

8-2-2004
Help yourself to handy advice from these books

7-26-2004
Librarian on mission to dispel the stereotype

7-19-2004
She loves sharing a passion for reading

7-12-2004
Conversation is on tap for language lessons

7-4-2004
Publication provides link for farmers, consumers

6-28-2004
Kiosks give books many stories to tell

6-21-2004
Museum hosting Civil War re-enactors

6-14-2004
Business strategies helpful for libraries Daily Herald Reports

6-8-2004
Tax caps take tolls on our libraries

6-1-2004
Lincoln comes alive at Highland Park exhibit

5-24-2004
Therapy dogs prove to be young readers' best friends

5-17-2004
Find information, calm and peace in your library

5-10-2004
Libraries make sure there's a place for art

5-3-2004
Famed explorers discovered the true value of teamwork

4-26-2004
Act protects our right to information

4-20-2004
Librarians get too little compensation for all they do

4-12-2004
Libraries still have to adapt to fit today's 'Digital Natives'

4-5-2004
Raw emotions of poetry slams captivates both young, old

3-25-2004
Wealth of regional information available on NorthStarNet

3-23-2004
Learning to read is easier when fun

3-15-2004
This author writes for a special audience

3-8-2004
Library thrives in riverfront location

3-1-2004
Poet Gwendolyn Brooks' words live on

2-23-2004
Libraries discover there's strength in numbers

2-16-2004
Youths explore potential careers

2-10-2004
Libraries cherish help, support from their Friends

2-2-2004
She's on a mission to make school library cool

1-26-2004
Librarians can come in many different guises

1-19-2004
Libraries doing their part for Character Counts!

1-12-2004
Area library takes Web site to pioneering new heights

1-5-2004
ALA leader protects important rights

12-29-2003
Dickens' tale a holiday tradition for neighbors

12-22-2003
Your taxes allow the sharing of knowledge

12-15-2003
See how books translate to screen

12-8-2003
Library Cable Network marks 20th anniversary

12-1-2003
Librarians reveal the best books on their reading lists

11-24-2003
Quilting keeps librarians in stitches

11-17-2003
NU library rocks with the Beatles

11-10-2003
Circle gives literary talks new twist

11-3-2003
Program lets you make investments in education

10-27-2003
Garden receives treasured pages from the past

10-20-2003
Libraries experimenting with MP3s

10-13-2003
Project perpetuates Jewish culture, ideas

10-6-2003
Librarians answer a very noble calling

9-29-2003
Librarians finally gain action-figure status

9-22-2003
Bears player's love of books, learning make him a good role model

9-15-2003
Navigating the wild, wild Web for info

9-9-2003
Author's universal stories ring true

9-1-2003
East Chicago rallies for reading

8-25-2003
Protecting our right to read gets tougher

8-18-2003
Cat tales illustrate benefits of pets

8-11-2003
Libraries celebrate democracy, free speech

8-4-2003
Children say YES to storytelling

7-28-2003
Services help bridge language barriers

7-21-2003
Service puts books at children's fingertips

7-14-2003
Truth be told, Truman was a straight shooter

7-7-2003
Harry Potter casts his spell on libraries

6-30-2003
Meet the faces behind the books

6-23-2003
Librarians help surf seas of the Internet

6-16-2003
Cultivate teenagers for a better tomorrow

6-9-2003
Music, words are ties that bind communities

6-2-2003
Every child deserves the gift of reading

5-27-2003
Area libraries moving toward 24/7 access

5-19-2003
Books are the belles of this ball

5-12-2003
Moviegoers give Northbrook a big thumbs up

5-6-2003
Training lets seniors keep up with technology

4-28-2003
How does your garden grow in Chicago?

4-21-2003
Celebrating a national treasure

4-15-2003
Writing on the 'Net now a 'blog' into the future

4-7-2003
Those who make a difference honored

4-1-2003
Take time to celebrate a precious resource

3-23-2003
You're a poet and you don't know it

3-17-2003
Libraries provide vital services in troubled times

3-9-2003
Take a cue from sign language to boost baby's IQ

3-3-2003
Free your mind with wireless networks

2-24-2003
Celebrate proud past of women

2-17-2003
Like a true book addict, I literally will read about reading

2-10-2003
Music lovers can catalog their CDs

2-3-2003
Museum preserves horror of Holocaust for future generations

1-27-2003
Internet can be your tool, terror

1-15-2003
Author of 'Red Azalea' is next up for Literary Circle

1-7-2003
Armchair travelers welcome

12-30-2002
Partnerships Promote Reading

12-23-2002
Colleges put emphasis on community with services

12-15-2002
Book groups share the joy of reading

12-11-2002
Library's collection online great boon for history buffs

12-3-2002
Don't let poor vision stop you

11-27-2002
Interlibrary loans create valuable network of information

11-19-2002
Exhibit shows famous faces in many facets of portrait art

11-12-2002
Keep your memories vivid and safe through scrapbooking

11-5-2002
Crack the books for Family Reading Night in their past

10-29-2002
American Indians in Chicago area take pride in their past

10-15-2002
Libraries provide perfect backdrop for work of local artists

10-8-2002
Allure of Italy captured at author's dinner

10-1-2002
Graphic novels' stories appeal to all types of readers

9-24-2002
New state library association president ready for new year rights

9-17-2002
Banned Book Week celebrates our constitutional rights

9-11-2002
Global Web site, area libraries commemorate Sept. 11

9-3-2002
Signing up for a public library card can have its perks

8-27-2002
New grandma now member of 'hood'

8-20-2002
Technology transforms school libraries into media centers

8-13-2002
Books offer teenagers food for thought, basis for activities

8-7-2002
Books tell how to make most of getting involved

8-6-2002
Becoming a grandmother send columnist on precious quest for info

7-30-2002
Databases put world at your fingertips

7-23-2002
Libraries work to share wealth of staff's knowledge

7-16-2002
Libraries can offer much to non-English speakers

7-9-2002
Books give you a ticket to anywhere

7-2-2002
Technology transforms academic libraries

6-25-2002
Before hitting the ballpark, brush up on baseball history

6-18-2002
When school's out, make sure reading is in

6-11-2002
Flag Day takes on special meaning

6-4-2002
Books can appeal to fathers of all ages

5-28-2002
Curious? Like challenges? Consider being a librarian

5-21-2002
Explore myth and magic through fantasy fiction

5-14-2002
New Ela library combines tradition and technology

5-7-2002
A little employee recognition goes a long way

4-30-2002
Poetry can take kids on trip of heart, mind and soul

4-23-2002
Volunteering has its own rewards

4-16-2002
Celebrate freedom of the mind during National Library Week

4-9-2002
As information grows more complex, so do libraries

4-2-2002
First Monday makes the Internet its beat

3-26-2002
Library proves good training ground for 'Jeopardy!' contestants

3-19-2002
Income tax help is only a question away at the library

3-12-2002
In these troubled times, there's someplace to go

3-5-2002
Librarians help Internet searchers help themselves

2-26-2002
When on the Internet, be sure to buckle your seat belt

2-19-2002
Seeking a shared vision to create better libraries

2-12-2002
Resources for home schooling at your service

2-5-2002
First steps to tracing your family roots start here

1-29-2002
A look at the people behind the books

1-22-2002
Now more than ever it's time to focus on what's important

1-16-2002
Two awards bolster books' prestige resources

1-8-2002
Top reasons why I’m wild about Harry (Potter)

1-1-2002
Partnership makes most of funding resources

12-25-2001
Gifts for fiction lovers and the "'escape artist"

12-18-2001
Pass the word: Books make great gifts for Christmas

12-11-2001
In today's world, teamwork is crucial

12-4-2001
Library membership has state-wide privileges

11-27-2001
Lessons of mentoring are invaluable

11-20-2001
Postcards offer picture-perfect history

11-13-2001
Reading to kids creates priceless family legacy

11-6-2001
Algonquin gets bigger and better with new facility

10-30-2001
For info, your local librarian can be your best resource

10-23-2001
Libraries provide a crucial commodity

10-15-2001
Read Week cultivates good 'Hobbits'

10-9-2001
Literary Circle offers chance to mingle with authors

10-2-2001
Plenty of Resources Available to Help Cooks Stay Current

9-25-2001
Card can be passport to many services

9-18-2001
Libraries at forefront of 'e' information

8-28-2001
Librarians surf Web to help you

8-21-2001
Valuable job-hunting tools are right at your fingertips

8-14-2001
With memoirs, often the truth beats fiction

7-31-2001
Labyrinths lead to exploration, examination of your inner self

7-24-2001
Don't ignore reading problems at any age

6-26-2001
System receives grant to publicize project

6-12-2001
Libraries stay in step with technology through eBooks

6-5-2001
Reading for fun builds foundation for learning

5-29-2001
Web site offers guide to communities

5-22-2001
Ancient concept survives in our modern day communities

5-15-2001
Give baby head start on ABCs

5-8-2001
Checked the Web? There's more info

4-24-2001
Libraries make their way in a new high-tech world

Read Sarah
  • Weekly Column
  • Archives
  • Publications

Copyright © 2008 North Suburban Library System. All rights reserved.
What's New In Libraries Home Page North Suburban Library System Home Page American Library Association Home Page