Library notes [November 30, 2011]  Homework help -- The Homework Helper program is currently taking their winter break. The helpers will return to the regular schedule on Jan. 16. Tuesday With Santa Santa Claus will visit the library again this year on Dec. 6 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. You can make a craft when you arrive, then sit on Santa's lap, have mom and dad take your photo, and follow up with a reminder letter to be mailed to the North Pole. Registration is required for accurate planning. Please call the Youth Services Department at 732-5732. Crafts The library will offer two special holiday craft opportunities this month. On Dec. 1 at 3:30 p.m., children ages 5 to 7 can listen to a Christmas story and decorate a gingerbread house. Registration closes on Wednesday. On Dec. 8 at 3:30 p.m., children ages 8-12 can make a "special gift" for holiday giving. Registration is required for accurate planning, so call the Youth Services Department at 732-5732 to sign up.

The Lincoln Public Library is located at 725 Pekin St., with adult nonfiction and reference materials in the historic Carnegie Building. The Annex directly behind houses adult fiction and the Youth Services Department. All library events are free and open to the public. Online, visit www.lincolnpubliclibrary.org. Hours are Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9 a.m.-7 p.m.; and Saturdays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Phone [phone] for adult services and 217-732-5732 for youth services.

Teen event

Our teen volunteers are planning a New Year's Eve party for grades eight to 12 on Dec. 31 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Call 732-5732 for more information, or look for posters around school.

Upcoming events

Family Lego Day -- The library will again have a Family Lego Day on Saturday morning, Jan. 14. Kids can bring their own Legos or build with the library's blocks. More information will follow.

Winter stories -- Children can come listen to a reading of winter stories. Stories for ages 5 to 7 will be on Thursday, Jan. 19, at 3:30 p.m. and for ages 3 to 5 on Wednesday, Jan. 25, at 10 a.m. More information will follow.

Miss Lou's blog

Louella Moreland, youth services librarian, has a blog that can be accessed by linking through the library website. She lists the library's new books for children and young adults and introduces library programs. Tell her your ideas and suggestions. You can also view videos and pictures of library programs.

Circulation news

Book clubs -- The circulation desk in the Annex is collecting reading lists for all the book clubs in the area. So if you can't remember what you read or what you are supposed to read, we have you covered. Drop off your lists at the desk or email April Jensen, circulation manager, at [e-mail].

Going away for the winter? The circulation staff can put a hold on any outstanding requests you may have so you get them when you return. Just stop by and let the staff know your traveling dates.

Library on the Go

The library website has a link to a feature called Library on the Go. This is an online database of items accessible through many devices -- computer, mobile/portable or e-readers. Access through your Kindle is now available. Log in with your Lincoln Public Library District card number and search for books, music or movies to download and enjoy.

Holiday closings

The Lincoln Public Library District will be closed the following dates:

• Dec. 24, 25, 26 -- Christmas holiday

• Jan. 2 -- New Year's holiday

[Text from file received from Marlene Perry, Lincoln Public Library]