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 MTL NEWSLETTERSEPTEMBER 2026 |
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Keeping You Comfortable, and Keeping You Informed You may have heard some recent discussion about the library’s heating and cooling system, particularly when we’ve had to close for repairs. I’d like to take this opportunity to share some facts about our building, our mechanical system and the work that goes into keeping both operating. First, a little perspective: our library building is now 30 years old. Our mechanical system was replaced 10 ½ years ago with a Daikin VRF (Variable Refrigerant Flow) system. And, our building gets a workout! More than 300 people visit the library on an average day. That’s something we’re incredibly proud of because the library remains a busy, heavily used and well-loved community space. VRF is a sophisticated, computerized commercial heating and cooling system. Rather than heating or cooling the entire building in the same way at the same time, it can independently adjust different areas of the library according to their needs. That makes it extremely efficient and provides better temperature control through a large public building. That efficiency does come with complexity. Our system consists of specialized equipment, refrigerant piping, sensors, electronics, computerized controls and multiple components that must communicate with one another. When something goes wrong, diagnosing and repairing it requires technicians with specialized training and experience with Daikin VRF equipment. And, just like the furnace or air conditioner in your home, even a well-maintained commercial system occasionally needs repairs, particularly as it gets older. So how often have HVAC problems actually kept the library closed? In all of 2025, the library was closed for 61 hours due to heating or cooling issues. With 2,074 regularly scheduled operating hours during the year, that means HVAC issues affected less than 3% of our scheduled operating time. The library remained open more than 97% of the time. So far in 2026, HVAC-related closures have totaled just 13 hours. Of course, our goal is always zero hours closed. However, when a mechanical problem occurs, there are times when the temperatures inside the building make remaining open uncomfortable or unsafe for patrons and staff. It’s our job to make the responsible choice for everyone’s safety. A 30-year-old building and a 10 ½-year-old mechanical system will require ongoing maintenance and repairs. Neither the building nor the HVAC is “new” anymore. The system does remain efficient, and it is one of our most valuable pieces of infrastructure. We will continue repairing it when necessary and planning responsibly for its eventual replacement. Maintaining a public building isn’t particularly exciting, but taking good care of the library is one of our most challenging jobs. After 10 ½ years, the HVAC system may call in sick every once in a while, but most of the time, it quietly keeps showing up every day to keep hundreds of people comfortable! Thanks, Jamie |
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Fall at the Library
As summer begins to wind down, we look forward to welcoming the crisp days and changing colors of fall. September brings a fresh season of programs, displays, and opportunities to connect with your library and the community.
Throughout the month of September, photographer Wm. Stage will present a special exhibit featuring his nostalgic photographs of the Monroe County Fair 2022-2026. Meet the artist at his Art Opening on Thursday, September 10, from 4:00–6:00 p.m. located in the Art Exhibit Hallway on the Lower Level of the Library.
Planning international travel or need to renew your passport? Our annual Passport Fair will be held Friday, September 11, from 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. No appointment necessary!
Have questions about Medicare? Join Melissa Unterseh-Schreder for Medicare 101 with Mel, an educational session about Medicare and how to sign up. Choose from one of two informative sessions on Wednesday, September 16, at 10:00 a.m. or 6:30 p.m. Reserve your seat today! Call the library at 618-939-6232 or email mtl@waterloolibrary.org.
History enthusiasts won't want to miss our special program on Saturday, September 26, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Presented in partnership with the Monroe County Genealogical Society, Jamie Poorman will share "From New York to the Heartland: The Orphan Train Experience in Illinois." Learn about the Orphan Train Movement, view historical memorabilia, and hear stories of those whose lives were touched by this remarkable chapter in American history. Guests are also invited to share their own family's Orphan Train connections.
In the Adult Stacks, be sure to take a moment to explore our special September displays. In recognition of September 11, we will feature a book display followed by a Constitution Week display.
Get Ready for the Library Crawl!
Looking ahead to October, we’re excited to introduce the Library Crawl—a fun way to gather your family and friends and discover some of the wonderful libraries in our area! Pick up a Library Crawl passport the last week in September and start preparing your October adventure. Visit participating libraries throughout the area and collect your passport stamps along the way. Once you’ve completed your crawl, turn your passport in at Morrison-Talbott Library for a chance to win a cool prize! Whether you’re a longtime library fan or looking for a fun fall activity to enjoy with family and friends, the Library Crawl is a great way to explore, discover, and celebrate our local libraries. We hope you’ll join us!
Be sure to watch for additional program announcements in the newspaper, on social media, and throughout the library. We look forward to seeing you this fall! Sherri Adult Services Coordinator |
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At Morrison-Talbott Library, we believe everyone deserves
access to great books, movies, and more—no matter their situation. If you or someone you know can’t make it to the library due to illness, a medical condition, or mobility challenges, our Homebound Delivery Service is here to help. |
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The Secret to Hummingbird Cake
by Celeste Fletcher McHale
Southern charm, hilarity, heart-wrenching emotion, and the remarkable bond of friendship. Carrigan, Ella Rae, and Laine have been friends since kindergarten...since the day Ella Rae beat up a boy who tried to pick on Laine. They all still live in the small town of Bon Dieu Falls, Louisiana, and they've been through everything together, from a State Softball Championship to Carrigan's elopement at seventeen. And Laine is still trying to keep the other two out of trouble. But when cancer threatens to rip the trio apart, their world spins in a way they've never known before. How deep do the bonds of friendship go? Through it all, they just may discover the secret to the divine taste of hummingbird cake--and the secret to a friendship that never ends.
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Jane and Dan at the End of the World
by Colleen Oakley
Date night goes off the rails in this hilariously insightful take on midlife and marriage when one unhappy couple find themselves at the heart of a crime in progress, from the USA Today bestselling author of The Mostly True Story of Tanner & Louise. Jane and Dan have been married for nineteen years, but Jane isn't sure they're going to make it to twenty. The mother of two feels unneeded by her teenagers, and her writing career has screeched to an unsuccessful halt. Her one published novel sold under five hundred copies. Worse? She's pretty sure Dan is cheating on her. When the couple goes to the renowned upscale restaurant La Fin du Monde to celebrate their anniversary, Jane thinks it's as good a place as any to tell Dan she wants a divorce. But before they even get to the second course, an underground climate activist group bursts into the dining room. Jane is shocked--and not just because she's in a hostage situation the likes of which she's only seen in the movies. Nearly everything the disorganized and bumbling activists say and do is right out of the pages of her failed book. Even Dan (who Jane wasn't sure even read her book) admits it's eerily familiar. Which means Dan and Jane are the only ones who know what's going to happen next. And they're the only ones who can stop it. This wasn't what Jane was thinking of when she said 'til death do us part all those years ago, but if they can survive this, maybe they can survive anything--even marriage.
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Youth Fall Programs September kicks off a fun-filled fall at Morrison-Talbott Library! Be sure to check out the graphics below for more details on some other programs! Little Movers | Ages 0–2 | 1st & 3rd Wednesdays| Registration Required - Music & Movement at 10:00am: A fun way for caregivers and little ones to interact through music, movement, and a short story.
- Play & Learn from 10:45–11:30am: Stay afterward for optional open-play with a variety of toys.
Celebrate Deaf Awareness Month with ASL Programs!
Join us for three opportunities to learn and explore American Sign Language. No prior sign language experience is needed! - Family Storytime | All Ages | Thursday, September 10 at 6:30pm
- Baby Sign Language | Suggested Ages 6–24 Months | Saturday, September 19 at 10:00am
- ASL Basics | Adults & Kids Ages 5+ | Tuesday, September 22 at 6:30pm
- Sign Language Scavenger Hunt in the Youth Library!
Storybook Creations| Pre-K-2nd Grade| Tuesday, September 15 at 6:30pm Bring stories to life through reading and art! Each session begins with a story, followed by a hands-on art project inspired by the book. Children will explore their creativity, make connections between books and art, and create something special to take home. Registration required. Our Family Fun Night & Magic Show has been rescheduled for Friday, September 25, from 5:00–8:00 p.m. Bring the whole family for an evening filled with magical fun! From 5:00–7:00 p.m., enjoy open-house activity stations featuring crafts, games, and a special scavenger hunt. Throughout the evening, Christian the Magician will amaze guests with strolling close-up magic before wrapping up the night with his hilarious and entertaining Magic & Comedy Show beginning at 7:00 p.m. This free event is open to all ages, and no registration is required. Sincerely, Ms. Stephanie Youth Services Coordinator |
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Ready, Set… Let’s SHARE!: Linking Accounts
The mobile app has become one of the library’s most valuable resources since it’s release. But do you know all the bells and whistles that this app contains? First off, you can customize your screen to best fit the way you view your account. By selecting “Preferences”, you can shift the order of your more frequently used icons. Then there are options to enter light or dark mode, whether you want your home view to be more simplified and the type of text you like, be it standard or open dyslexic.
If there are multiple people in your household, you can use the mobile app to connect their accounts to yours! By clicking “Your Account”, you can select “+ Add” and you can type in the person’s borrower number and PIN and hit “Link”. Once you’ve done that, any checkouts or holds will merge onto one spot. From there, you can manage renewals, holds and fines as well as see the account history. By clicking on “MY BARCODE” near the top of the screen, you can scroll through all of the barcodes you have linked so you can easily hand your phone to a librarian to scan and keep the items separate.
ASPEN also has the ability to view others’ accounts if you so wish. You can even seethe items that are checked out and on hold through both CloudLibrary and Libby.
So whether you’re customizing your view or juggling multiple accounts, SHARE makes staying on top of your library needs a whole lot easier! |
 Genealogy |
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 Illinois Libraries Present |
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