Library notes [April 27, 2013]  Thank you for your patience while the library made the switch to a new database. The change is complete, and any small glitches are now being worked out. If you have any problems accessing the database online from home, please see the staff in the Annex. Homework Helper The last day for the Homework Helper program is May 9. Homework Helper 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 assistance from LCU students with homework and reading skills. Please remember that children must be 8 years old to be un-chaperoned in the library. Butterflies The butterfly larvae have arrived and are busy spinning their cocoons. They will hatch soon into beautiful Painted Lady butterflies. When they are all ready, we will release them outdoors. Stop by often to see the developments in Miss Lou's window.

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.

Story times and craft classes

Story times and craft classes will return for the summer session in June.

Story Time age groups 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 either Mondays or Tuesdays at 2 p.m. Sign-up begins May 28. Come by or call the Youth Services Department at 732-5732 to register your child.

Craft classes are for ages 8-12 and will meet each Thursday at 2 p.m. Children register for each class they want to attend, starting one week before each class. A listing of each craft will be posted in the library. Come by or call the Youth Services Department at 732-5732 to register your child.

Summer Reading Program

Sign-up week for the Lincoln Public Library Summer Reading Program is May 28 through June 1.

Work has already begun to get ready for the summer activities at the library. This summer the program has a travel theme, "Have Book -- Will Travel!" The main program is for preschoolers and grade school children, and it runs May 28 through July 20. Along with reading for prizes, the library will also offer story times, craft classes and Thursday morning entertainment. All elementary students in Lincoln schools will be given an information packet to take home. The reading program for teens runs June 3 through July 13.

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

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]