Library notes [November 01, 2011]  Family Reading Night -- The library's Readers Theatre group will once again perform at Family Reading Night, which is open to the public, on Thursday, Nov. 17, at 6. This program is performed by children ages 8 and up and is an introduction to theater performance. It involves few costumes or props, and lines are read rather than memorized. Everyone is welcome to see these beginning thespians take their turn on "the stage." Homework Helper The last day before winter break for the Homework Helper program is Thursday, Nov. 17. The helpers will return to the regular schedule on Jan. 16. This is a free program facilitated by Lincoln Christian University and is available in the library's Annex on Mondays through Thursdays, 3:30 to 4:45 p.m. Children in third through sixth grade can attend on an as-needed basis for assistance from early childhood education majors. Please remember that children must be 8 years old to be un-chaperoned in the library.

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 youth services. 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.

Upcoming events

Tuesday With Santa -- Santa Claus will visit the library again this year on Dec. 6 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. You can 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. Call the Youth Services Department at 732-5732 to sign up.

Crafts -- The library will offer two special holiday craft opportunities in December. On Dec. 1 at 3:30 p.m., children ages 5 to 7 can listen to a Christmas story, then decorate and take home a gingerbread house. On Dec. 8 at 3:30 p.m., children ages 8 and up can make a "giveaway" gift for the holidays. Registration is required for accurate planning, so call the Youth Services Department one week before the event at 732-5732 to sign up.

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.

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 Kindle will be available by the end of the year. 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:

• Nov. 11 -- Veterans Day

• Nov. 24 -- Thanksgiving Day

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

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