Durand Village Library

07/20/2026

06/17/2026

Next week!

Join us for an evening exploring the powerful role railroads played in shaping Illinois and the American experience. Historian and writer Mike Matejka will present What’s Coming Down the Line? The Railroad in the American Mind on Wednesday, June 24, at 7:00 p.m. at Durand School. Learn how railroads helped drive economic growth, population expansion, and become a lasting part of American culture. Hosted by the Friends of the Durand Library in partnership with the Otter Creek Historical Society. We hope to see you there.

06/09/2026

Join us for an evening exploring the powerful role railroads played in shaping Illinois and the American experience. Historian and writer Mike Matejka will present What’s Coming Down the Line? The Railroad in the American Mind on Wednesday, June 24, at 7:00 p.m. at Durand School. Learn how railroads helped drive economic growth, population expansion, and become a lasting part of American culture. Hosted by the Friends of the Durand Library in partnership with the Otter Creek Historical Society. We hope to see you there.

05/25/2026

Saturday Morning/Tuesday Evening at the Library

Immersive Reading!

The idea of listening to an audio book while reading it at the same time from a real book is a growing idea. We wonder how many of the patrons or potential patrons of the Durand Library have tried this idea. Or are considering trying it.

One of the drawbacks (and according to what can be read on line and there are a few) is the double cost of the book. However, since all checkout services are free to residents of the Durand School district, someone trying this idea out need only acquire the audio book.

The best thing is to choose your title and email or call the Durand Library to make sure we have the title in real book format. After acquiring the audio book form, borrow the title from the library. Checkout period at Durand Library is three weeks and of course, renewals can be made by email or phone and there is a convenient book drop when the book is finished.

There are difficulties which may arise. First would be whether the speed at which the audio book is read is convenient for the listener/reader. Too fast, too slow or perhaps just right. Will it help the reader to concentrate on the story or be a distraction. Does this work with more complex texts.

If someone is planning to try immersive reading, please take advantage of the free library services offered in Durand by the members of the Friends of the Durand Library.

About the Library
The Durand Library is a collaboration between the school and the Friends of the Durand Library. All residents of the Durand School district can check out books at no charge.

Library hours are Saturdays 9:00 am to noon and Tuesdays 6:00 to 8:00 pm. For more information, please email [email protected], call or text 815-289-8602 or go to Facebook.com/durandvillagelibrary.

Submitted by
Barbara Flores, President
Friends of the Durand Library

Durand, IL Library (Located in the Durand School)
Temporarily closed. Availability by appointment. Call 815.289.8602