A West Chicago Public Library Reader shares the excitement of an expanded SWAN catalog.
We are in our final days of preparation and data loading in adding 19 libraries to our SWAN family. Our March press release provided an overview of the extended SWAN network.
As you visit SWAN libraries, we hope that you continue to report on #SWANspotting throughout our extended network of 97 libraries. We’ve got a few more to share from our library visits in the past week.
Glen Ellyn Public Library’s website provides an update for library users on joining SWAN. Remodeling circulation and meeting spaces is also underway, making the library extremely busy and exciting. Stop in for a #SWANselfie
One patron found time to relax with a good book and a comfortable reading spot. Happy #SWANspotting!
Keep an eye out for inflatable swans. If you follow Twitter or Instagram, consider using the #SWANspotting hashtag.
Residents of St. Charles experienced #SWANspotting on March 10th at the annual St. Patrick’s Parade. The St. Charles Public Library staff greeted the community and announced joining the SWAN network on May 1st. Congratulations to the the Library! They took 2nd prize honors for their entry. Along with SWANs in leprechaun attire, library staff promoted the expanded library network and featured “more of what you love.”
Be on the lookout for inflatable swans at your library. If you see one, take a selfie and announce your #SWANspotting adventure! We will feature your entries on this website.
Check out our updated SWAN membership map, including all 97 of our members in 2018!
The following 19 libraries will be joining the SWAN network in April and May of 2018. We appreciate the consideration and care the library leadership and staff took in selecting SWAN to create one of the largest library consortium in the US.
Batavia Public Library District
Bensenville Community Public Library District
Bensenville Elementary School District #2
Bloomingdale Public Library
Carol Stream Public Library
Geneva Public Library District
Glen Ellyn Public Library
Itasca Community Library
Kaneville Public Library District
Messenger Public Library of North Aurora
National University of Health Sciences
Oak Brook Public Library
Saint Charles Public Library District
Sugar Grove Public Library District
Theosophical Society in America
Town and Country Public Library District
Villa Park Public Library
West Chicago Public Library District
Wood Dale Public Library District
Since its origin in 1974, SWAN has had a place in the Reaching Across Illinois Library System (RAILS) Burr Ridge office. This close-knit community has received the benefit of RAILS’ support for everything from financial grants to resource sharing, expertise of RAILS staff, and a place to call home.
In 2016, as a step towards SWAN’s continued strategic operational independence, a lease and build-out agreement were signed and a new facility is finally ready for our staff and membership. We’ve moved in and are excited to share that our new address is:
System Wide Automated Network
800 Quail Ridge Drive
Westmont, IL 60559
SWAN staff are thrilled about the new building, especially the large windows to let in plenty of natural light. We’ve also built out our office to accommodate flexible scheduling, meaning that staff may be working from the building or off location, and there are flex offices to save and share space.
Staff are also able to look out upon a (frozen) pond and we’re located right next to a beautiful forest preserve.
Earlier this month, RAILS threw a going-away party for SWAN staff to celebrate our long history together, as well as wish us luck moving forward in our organization’s future. SWAN has been incredibly fortunate to work alongside RAILS for so long, and we loved the variety of swan cakes and decorations. Check out this coconut cake and this buttercream frosting confection!
SWAN has had a very busy 2016, and we’re looking forward to this coming year and our continued mission of improving library services to our membership. We hope RAILS and SWAN members, as well as others in the library community, will stop by soon to say hello.
The Franklin Park Public Library District is the newest member of the SWAN community, joining 78 other libraries in promoting resource-sharing and accessing a collective library catalog of more than 8 million items.
Becoming a SWAN member library also means that patrons have a host of different ways to interact with their library accounts: Franklin Park patrons can use their library cards at any of SWAN’s locations and check out materials, select items from the catalog to have delivered to their home library, or can choose to have their items delivered to a member library of their choice (known as “Pick Up Anywhere”).
In addition, patrons can receive email, text, phone, or print notifications about their account, as well as receive these notifications in their language preference, like English, Spanish, Polish, and more.
To get familiar with the new look of the library account and catalog, check out these short video tutorials and other account information.
Being a part of the SWAN community means promoting library accessibility and usability to fit every patron’s unique needs. SWAN is always striving to improve service to our members, and is excited to welcome Franklin Park Public Library District.
Lansing Public Library patrons can expect to see a much larger collection of materials in their catalog today—about 8 million items are now available to the Lansing community, as well as new ways to access and interact with your library account.
The changes come as Lansing Public Library goes live within the SWAN library consortium and becomes its newest member to enjoy the benefits of participating in the 79-library community.
However, Lansing is no stranger to SWAN, having been one of the original nine libraries to come together in the spirit of resource-sharing back in March 1974. The other eight libraries include Alsip, Dolton, Eisenhower, Elmhurst, Harvey, Northlake, Oak Park, and Park Forest.
As a member today, Lansing patrons can use their library cards at any of SWAN’s locations and check out materials, select items from the catalog to have delivered to their home library, or can choose to have their items delivered to a member library of their choice (known as “Pick Up Anywhere”).
Patrons can also receive email, text, phone, or print notifications about their account, as well as receive these notifications in their language preference (English, Spanish, Polish, and more).
SWAN promotes library accessibility and usability to fit every patron’s unique needs, and is always striving to improve service to our members. As Lansing patrons are getting used to their new library accounts, these short video tutorials may be helpful.
And of course, a librarian is always available to answer questions.
Welcome to SWAN!
