Library notes [December 01, 2012]  New at the library The Lincoln Public Library Annex now has shopping baskets available to use while perusing the stacks for your choice of books, DVDs and CDs. Just pick one up near the circulation desk, carry with you and return it to circulation when you are ready to check out. Homework Helper The Homework Helper program is currently on holiday break and will return in January. Holiday closings The Lincoln Public Library District will be closed the following dates: Dec. 24 and 25 -- Christmas holiday Jan. 1 -- New Year's Day

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.

Upcoming events

The Youth Services Department will again host a Family Lego Day in the Annex. The event will be on Saturday, Jan. 19, from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Registration will begin Jan. 7, and reserving a spot is necessary. Children's story times and craft classes will begin the winter session in February. 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 children's and young adult books and introduces library programs. Tell her your ideas and suggestions. You can also view videos and pictures of library programs.

Circulation news

Paperback exchange -- A paperback book exchange for oversized paperbacks is now available in the Annex.

Gift certificates -- Need a gift idea? You can purchase a one-year library card for an individual or family living outside the library district. The library will provide a gift certificate for presenting, and the recipient can bring it in, along with a photo ID and proof of address, to receive their very own library card.

Book clubs -- The circulation desk in the Annex collects 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, you're covered. Drop off your lists at the circulation desk or e-mail April Jensen, circulation manager, at [e-mail].

Going away on a trip? The circulation staff can put a hold on any outstanding requests you may have so you can 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. Log in with your Lincoln Public Library District card number and search for books, music or movies to download and enjoy.

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