Library notes [August 30, 2013]  Grab and go -- The Lincoln Public Library Youth Services Department has a convenient way for busy people to select children's picture books. Look for the rubber-banded groups of books, chosen with a coordinating theme. Each grouping contains four to five books, and the stories center around a particular animal or activity. Just "grab and go" to the circulation desk and you're on your way! Banned Books for Bowling Teens and preteens are invited to participate in the library's Banned Books for Bowling program. Between Sept. 3 and Nov. 30, read three banned books from the library's selection list. Submit the titles with a rating of each book on the form available in the Youth Services Department. Then receive a coupon for a free bowling game at Logan Lanes in Lincoln. For more information, visit the Youth Services Department in the Annex or call 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.

Stories and crafts

The fall session of Story Time begins the week of Sept. 23. Lapsit for 6 months to 2-year-olds meets on Tuesdays or Wednesday at 10 a.m. Beginning Readers for 3- to 4-year-olds meets on Tuesdays or Wednesdays at 10 a.m. Ready Readers for 5- to 7-year-olds meets on Mondays at 3:30 p.m. A one-time sign-up for the seven-week session begins Sept. 16. Visit the Youth Services Department or call 732-5732 to sign up.

Craft classes for 8- to 12-year-olds will meet each Thursday at 3:30 p.m., starting Sept. 26. The sign-up is one week before each class the child wants to attend and begins Sept. 16. To sign up, visit the Youth Services Department or call 732-5732. A listing of the craft projects is displayed in the Annex.

Costume swap

The library will host a costume swap from 2 to 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 4, and 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 5. Bring a clean, gently used children's costume to the library and exchange it for another one. This is a good way to pass along outgrown costumes and pick up those larger sizes as your children grow. Donations of costumes will also be accepted. You may bring your costumes to the library during business hours Sept. 30-Oct. 3 and receive a ticket to redeem during the event Oct. 4-5.

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

Zinio -- Electronic magazines have arrived. The library has a selection of over 95 titles, and more will be added. Create your account with Zinio from the library website and start reading. Stop by the circulation desk for more information.

Emails and text messages -- The library' s new computer program allows patrons to receive texts or emails for notification of reserved items and overdue notices. If you are interested in this service, talk to a member of the circulation staff.

PINs -- Don't forget to take advantage of a PIN number (password) for your account. With a PIN, you can search the entire Polaris system, see what items you have out, and request and renew books from home.

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].

Going on a trip? -- The circulation staff can put a hold on any outstanding requests you may have so you will get them when you return. Just stop by and let the staff know your travel dates.

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]