Congratulations to our advisory services team! The team has been named the 2025 recipient of the Readers’ Advisory Service Award by the Illinois Library Association. This award recognizes excellence in planning, developing, and providing readers’ advisory services for adults.
“We are fortunate to have such a knowledgeable, passionate advisory services team, all of whom care deeply about our community finding great things to read, watch, and listen to that enrich their lives,” says Amy Koester, the library’s director of public services.
Led by supervisor Brenna Murphy, the team includes Rummanah Aasi, Amber Ilisie, Amy Giacomucci, Andrew Hazard, Paul Kim, Aubree Lanman, and Sharon Weinberg. You will most often find them on the first floor, helping people find their next great read, movie, or music.
Innovative Recommendation Services
The team helps patrons behind the scenes when you don’t see them, too. For Bookmatch and Screenmatch, community members answer a few questions and receive personalized book, film, and television recommendation lists. In 2024 alone, the team provided nearly 1,500 book suggestions and more than 200 film and television recommendations. Each recommendation includes a personalized annotation. Participants regularly share that their recommendations are both perfectly attuned to their personal interests and include titles they would not have found otherwise. This year, the team is piloting match services for Skokie book clubs. They are always thinking of new ways to connect with community needs and interests.
Contributing Suggestions on the Website
The advisory team offers ongoing services to help readers and viewers discover new books and movies. Beginner’s Guide blog posts blend appeal-based explainers with expert staff recommendations in areas like historical fiction, self-help, and fantasy. “Whatcha Reading” is a YouTube series where staff discuss current reads in an engaging, accessible format.
Book Discussions
The team leads the library’s book and movie discussion events—many of which are hybrid to provide greater accessibility—to connect with new patrons with different interests. These events include the Fantasy and Mystery Book Clubs, film screenings and discussions, and events building community through reading, like the Book Trails Walking Club and Reading Parties. They also
support accessibility through Talking Books, which emphasizes audiobook-accessible titles.
Even More
The team is always willing to help patrons learn and use the online reading and streaming resources: Libby, Hoopla, and Kanopy. Stop by the advisory service point anytime to get to know the members of this team.
Congratulations to the entire team!
