Library notes [May 01, 2014]  Butterflies have returned to the library! They arrive as larvae and are displayed for children to watch as the developing caterpillars progress until released as mature butterflies. This annual event in the Youth Services Department is fun for children to check on regularly. (Don't forget to also say hello to Daisy the guinea pig, who is a permanent resident of the library.) Book in a Jar The week of May 12 is Children's Book Week. A "Book in a Jar" contest will start May 12 and continue through May 31. Shredded pages from a book destined for recycling will be on display in jars in both the juvenile and young adult sections of the Youth Services Department. Turn the jar, read the shreds and try to piece together what book it is. The library will draw a name from all the correct entries to receive a free book! You may gather your clues, do some research on your own time if you like and return to submit your guess.

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.

One World, Many Stories

During May, there is a display in the Annex with 16 books set in 16 different countries. On the cover of each is a map of the country where the story is set. A banner of flags above the display invites the reader to explore the world through each unique story. Start your summer vacation early at the library.

Summer Reading Program

The Summer Reading Program is a popular annual event at the library, and this year's theme is "Paws to READ!" Sign-up week will be June 2-7 with animal games to play, but participants may also sign up later. The fun continues until the end of the program on July 26. In addition to children setting their reading goal for the summer, the library will offer story times for children 6 months through 7 years old, art and craft classes for 8- to 12-year-olds, and events on Thursdays for the whole family. All activities are free of charge, but children must sign up to participate. Information packets will be distributed to all of the in-town schools this month with details, or stop by and pick up one if your children are not yet in school. Call the Youth Services Department at 732-5732 with any questions.

The Teen Summer Reading Program registration begins June 9 and continues through July 19. Come in to register and begin reading and recording on your reading logs. Turn in the logs for a chance in the weekly prize drawing and the grand prize drawing at the end of the program. The library will also have a "Pimp Your Paws" pizza party for teens on June 27 at 6 p.m.

Holiday

The library will be closed May 26 in observance of Memorial Day.

Grab and go

The Youth Services Department has a convenient way for busy people to select children's picture books. Look for the rubber-banded groups of books, selected 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.

Circulation news

Fix-it Lincoln — The library now offers a new collection of books on maintenance, repair and upkeep. The books include topics such as automobiles, homes, lawns, health care, musical instruments, boats and much more. Funding for this grant was awarded by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services to the Secretary of State/Illinois State Library.

3M Cloud — This is the new e-book database, which is an addition to the existing Library on the Go database. Thousands of titles are available, with more being added weekly, and can be searched via the online catalog. You will need a PIN number to get started. Stop by the circulation department for the easy instructions to get started.

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.

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.

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].

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]