Library notes [October 02, 2012]  Homework Helper -- The Homework Helper program has returned to the library. This is a free program facilitated by Lincoln Christian University and is available in the 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 homework assistance from early childhood education majors. Please remember that children must be 8 years old to be unchaperoned in the library. Stories, crafts The fall session of Story Time continues through the last week of October, with openings still available. Classes meet once a week. Lapsit is for 6 months to 2-year-olds, Beginning Book Buddies for 3- to 4-year-olds and Ready Readers for 5- to 7-year-olds. There is a one-time sign-up for the seven-week session of Story Time. Choose either Tuesdays or Wednesdays at 10 a.m. for the younger classes, and the class for 5- to 7-year-olds meets on Mondays at 3:30 p.m. Registration is necessary for all classes as space is limited. Register by calling 732-5732. Art and craft classes are offered for 8- to 12-year-olds each Thursday at 3:30 p.m. through Oct. 25. For each class that you want to attend, there is a separate sign-up starting the Monday before the class. A list of crafts is available in the library's Youth Services Department. Registration is necessary for all classes as space and materials are limited. Register by calling 732-5732.

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 Readers Theatre group will once again perform at the library's Family Reading Night, which is open to the public on Nov. 15 at 6 p.m. Readers Theatre is for kids ages 8 and up and is an introduction to theater performance. It involves few costumes or props, and lines are read rather than memorized. Rehearsals will be Oct. 30, Nov. 1, 6, 8 and 13 from 3:30 to 4:45 p.m. You must be able to attend all five rehearsals to be in this activity. Call 732-5732 to register.

Santa Claus will visit the library again this year in early December. More information will follow.

New at the library

The 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 the basket with you and return to circulation when you're ready to check out.

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]