Lombard students heading back to class next month will have a free study partner waiting at 411 South Main St.

Helen Plum Memorial Public Library, led by Executive Director Anne Luzeniecki, is offering a lineup of back-to-school resources for the 2026-27 school year. The centerpiece is a School Year Reading Program that opens Tuesday, Sept. 8, for students in grades K-12. Participants can earn free books and other rewards by logging reading throughout the year, with sign-up available online or at the library starting that date, according to the library's website.

Every program is free.

The library said it has help for all ages, from families exploring preschool options to teens approaching graduation.

Study space and homework help

Students who need a quiet spot can reserve one of three tiers of study rooms: Youth Study Rooms on the first floor for younger children and caregivers, Teen Study Rooms in the second-floor Teen Corner, and five adult study rooms also on the second floor. HPL cardholders can book rooms up to one week in advance.

Online homework help is also available with a library card, including encyclopedias, maps and newspaper databases.

Preschool Fair on Nov. 14

Caregivers of children from birth to age 5 can drop in Saturday, Nov. 14, from 10 a.m. to noon for the library's Preschool Fair. Representatives from Lombard preschool programs will be on hand to answer questions about curriculum and enrollment. The event takes place in the Plum Meeting Rooms at the library.

Free author talks via Glenbard Parent Series

The Glenbard Parent Series, affiliated with Glenbard Township High School District 87, kicks off its 2026-27 season Thursday, Aug. 20, with Dr. David Yeager presenting "Start the School Year Strong: The Science of Motivating Young People." All GPS talks are free, offered at noon and 7 p.m. via Zoom, and require no registration, according to the series schedule.

Upcoming GPS speakers include Dr. Angela Duckworth, author of "Grit," on Tuesday, Sept. 15, and a Suicide Prevention Month event with Blaise Aguirre, MD, on Wednesday, Sept. 23. The series also offers programming in Spanish, Ukrainian, Urdu and Hindi.

More resources with a library card

Beyond the reading program, Helen Plum offers borrowable learning games, puzzles and themed backpacks for children from birth through elementary age. Language learners can access the Mango Languages app and LOTE4Kids bilingual storytimes. Adults can tap hundreds of online courses through Universal Class and LinkedIn Learning.

September is Library Card Sign-Up Month, and HPL cardholders who show their cards at participating Lombard businesses, including Babcock's Grove House and MinMax Games, will receive discounts. A Refer-a-Friend drawing enters both the referrer and the new cardholder to win a $15 gift card.

Helen Plum Library is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Sunday, 1 to 5 p.m.

Community calendar

  • Glen Ellyn Carnival: Aug. 20–23, rides, games and concessions for the whole family.
  • Glen Ellyn Festival of the Arts: Aug. 22–23 at Lake Ellyn.
  • MAC 40th Anniversary Festival: Aug. 23 at the McAninch Arts Center in Glen Ellyn.
  • Lombard Farmers Market: Tuesdays through Oct. 6.