Library notes [December 30, 2011]  Homework Helper -- The Homework Helper program will return to the regular schedule on Jan. 16. This is a free program facilitated by Lincoln Christian University and is available in the Lincoln Public Library 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 unchaperoned 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 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.

Family Lego Day

The library will again host a Family Lego Day, set for Saturday, Jan. 14, from 9:30 to 11 a.m. in the Youth Services Department. Whole families are encouraged to attend, but kids can also sign up individually or as teams. Kids can bring their own Legos or build with the library's blocks. Registration is required for accurate planning and begins Jan. 3. Register by calling 732-5732. The last day to sign up is Jan. 12, unless spaces fill up sooner. Please remember that children must be 8 years old to be unchaperoned in the library.

Winter stories

The library will offer two opportunities in January for children to listen to winter stories. Jan. 19 at 3:30 p.m. is for children ages 5 to 7, and Jan. 25 at 10 a.m. is for children ages 3 and 4. Stories will be read by Jamie Kaiser of the Youth Services Department. Registration is required for accurate planning, so call 732-5732 to sign up.

Upcoming events

• Pirate Party -- The library will host a Pirate Party for 5- to 7-year-olds on Feb. 7.

• Fancy Nancy Party -- The library will host a Fancy Nancy Party for 5- to 7-year-olds on Feb. 9.

More information will follow, and signup begins Jan. 30.

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 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 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 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 dates:

• Jan. 2 -- New Year's holiday

• Feb. 20 -- Presidents Day

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