Rolling Meadows Library begins 2-year celebration of anniversary

Fifty years ago, Rolling Meadows was a city without a public library. A small group of residents set out to start one, and their efforts exploded into a community-wide effort that grew into the library we know.

Today's director, David Ruff, says it's time for the library to give back.

Starting this month, library card holders can enter monthly drawings for $50 gift certificates to area stores and restaurants.

There are three ways to get your name in the drawings: registering for a library card for the first time, having someone new to the library use your name as a reference or renewing your card after it expires. Simple enough.

The contest is the first of many events that will mark the 50th anniversary of the library, Ruff says. Deciding exactly when the anniversary date should be isn't quite so simple, however.

The library's first organizational meeting took place July 24, 1958. From there, residents donated 5,000 books, and Boy Scouts helped raise money by selling raffle tickets (for a fabulous prize -- a stereo radio and a phonograph.)

There are other key dates, Ruff said. "February of 1959 is when the city actually passed an ordinance establishing the library. So that's one possible anniversary date."

Another is February 1960, when the first building opened at 3300 Meadow Drive.

"My guess is we'll probably do something on each of these dates," Ruff said.

Part of the push for the monthly drawings is to let residents know children can have a library card. "We think it's something unique," Ruff said of the program. "We haven't seen anyone do it quite this way."

A committee has just begun planning for the two-year celebration. If you have an idea to share, drop it in the suggestion box on the library's main floor.

No typical bingo night: As part of its own 50th anniversary celebration, St. Colette's parish in Rolling Meadows is hosting an interactive comedy show, "Sister Bernie's Bingo Bash," on Jan. 19.

The show, by McHale Productions, is similar to "Late Nite Catechism," a popular comedy act performed at parishes across the nation, said Darlene Bulak, administrative assistant. The public is invited, and anyone familiar with Catholicism would enjoy it, she added.

"I was raised Catholic with the nuns, so I would definitely identify with it," she said.

Tickets for the 7:30 p.m. show cost $25 in advance at the parish office, 3900 Meadow Drive, or $30 at the door. A cash bar will be available, so the event is for adults 21 and older. Call (847) 394-8100 for more information.