Library notes [February 01, 2012]  Homework Helper -- The Homework Helper program is a free program facilitated by Lincoln Christian University and is available Monday through Thursday, 3:30 to 4:45 p.m., in the library's Annex. Children in third through sixth grade can attend as needed for assistance. Please remember that children must be 8 years old to be unchaperoned in the library. Pirate Party and Fancy Nancy Party -- The library will host a Pirate Party on Feb. 7 and a Fancy Nancy Party on Feb. 9. Both are from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. and are open to 5- to 7-year-olds. They will feature stories, games, a craft to take home and a snack. Kids are encouraged to dress in costume. Call 732-5732 to register soon, as space is limited.

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.

Story time and craft time

Story time -- The winter session of story time begins Feb. 13 and continues for seven weeks. Age groups are 5- to 7-year-olds at 3:30 p.m. on Mondays, and 6 months to 2-year-olds and 3- to 4-year-olds meeting at 10 a.m. on Tuesdays or Wednesdays. A one-time sign-up for the session is required.

Craft time -- The winter session of craft time begins Feb. 16 at 3:30 p.m. and is for 8- to 12-year-olds. Kids sign up no more than one week in advance for each craft time they would like to attend.

Sign-up begins Feb. 6 for either event. Call 732-5732.

Teen Book Club

Read a good book lately? Come share it at the Teen Book Club event on Feb. 17 at 3:30 p.m. This is a teen-led discussion about "the good, the bad and the ugly" in young adult books. All eighth- through 12th-grade students are welcome. Very informal, no registration required, and a snack is offered. Tell your friends. Bring a friend.

Miss Lou's blog

Louella Moreland, youth services librarian, has a blog that can be accessed 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

Gift certificates -- Need a gift idea? You can purchase a one-year library card for an individual or family living outside of the library district. The library will provide a gift certificate for presenting, and the recipients 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 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 circulation 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 units 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 closing

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

• Feb. 20 -- Presidents Day

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