Library notes NOTE: Due to a database change, the library will not be able to request books or place holds from March 15 until April 11. During these dates, you must show your library card to check out. [March 01, 2013]  Homework Helper program Homework Helper will take a spring break after March 7 and will resume April 8. Homework Helper 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 LCU students with homework and reading skills. 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 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.

Stories and crafts

Story times and craft classes are currently into the winter session, meeting once a week through the last week of March. Age groups for story times are 6 months through 2 years old and 3- and 4-year-olds, which meet on either Tuesdays or Wednesdays at 10 a.m. The 5- to 7-year-olds meet on Mondays at 3:30 p.m. Call the Youth Services Department at 732-5732 to register your child.

Craft classes are for ages 8 through 12 and meet each Thursday at 3:30 p.m. through the last week of March. Children register for each class they want to attend, starting on the Monday before each class. A listing of each craft is posted in the library. Call the Youth Services Department at 732-5732 to register.

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 email April Jensen, circulation manager, at [e-mail].

Links on the library website

The library website has links to many free services, such as Library on the Go, WorldCat, Khan Academy, the improved World Book Web and the Ask a Librarian service, as well as various downloadable forms. Check out what's new!

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