Ms. Lou

Looking for a New Book?

2012-01-25T14:34:00.001-06:00

Check out a few of the new titles we have received this month!

     Juvenile Non-fiction
Food: 25 Amazing Projects...by Kathleen Reilly
Come and Eat by George Ancona
Butterfly or Moth by Melissa Stewart
A Butterfly is Patient by Dianna Aston
Magical Illusions by Jon Tremaine
It's Snowing by Gail Gibbons
Not a Buzz to be Found: Insects in Winter by Linda Glaser
What Am I? Illinois by Anne Lewis

     Juvenile Picture Books
Silvercious, Pinkalicious, and Purplicious all by Victoria Kann
Maddie's Monster Dad by Scott Gibala Broxholm
11 Experiments That Failed by Jenny Offill
Snowy Valentine by David Peterson
The Pig Scramble by Jessica Kinney
Zip It! by Jane Lindman

     Juvenile Early Readers (Blue Tape)
Star Wars: Journey Through Space by Ryder Windham
Star Wars: The Story of Darth Vader by Catherine Saunders
Star Wars: I Want to Be a Jedi, Star Wars: A Queen's Diary, and Star Wars: Ready, Set, Podrace
    all by Simon Beecroft

     Juvenile Fiction
Eddie: The Lost Youth of Edgar Allan Poe by Scott Gustafson
Love of the Game by John Coy
Bad Kitty for President by Nick Bruel
Planet Middle School by Nikki Grimes
Oh Boy, Mallory by Laurie Friedman
Saving Arm Pit by Natalie Hyde
Bye for Now: A Wisher's Story by Kathleen Churchyard
Flyaway by Lucy Christopher
Dora's Backpack by Leslie Valdes
Belle: The Amazing Ashtonishingly Magical Journey of an Artfully Painted Lady by Mary Lee Corlett
Spunky Tells All by Ann Cameron
The Unforgotten Coat by Frank Boyce
Aftershock by Bernard Ashley
Count Me In by Sara Leach
Ivy and the Meanstalk by Dawn LAiramore
Circle of Secrets by Kimberly Little
Tuesdays at the Castle by Jessica Day George
Liesl and Po by Lauren Oliver
Floors by Patrick Carmen
My Life as a Stuntboy by Janet Tashjian

     Young Adult Fiction
Hallowed by Cynthia Hand
Cinder by Marissa Meyer
Outlaw by Stephen Davies

Lego Family Day

2012-01-21T14:33:00.000-06:00

Last Saturday was our annual Family LEGO Day at the Library. We had a number of families come out to build with these unique blocks, creating everything from gas stations to Star Wars ships to a replica of our library. This event is so much fun! Every year we are amazed at the creations that develop before our eyes. Hope you and your family join us next year! Here are just a few of the projects. Come see the rest on the Youth Services photo frame!

P.S. There was even a little figure of me...complete with a pony tail!

New Young Adult and Juvenile Titles

2012-01-09T11:10:00.000-06:00

What's new on the shelves? Here is what has come in to the Library the last few weeks!

Juvenile Books
The Forgotten Warrior by Erin Hunter
Magical Mischief by Anna Dale
School Days According to Humphrey by Betty Birney
Ten Rules for Living with My Sister by Ann Martin
Water Balloon by Audrey Vernick
Super Chicken Nugget Boy and the Pizza Planet People by Josh Lewis
Mystery of the Missing Everything by Ben Winters
Smells Like Treasure by Suzanne Selfors
The Pirate's Blood and Other Case Files by Simon Cheshire
The Surge by Roland Smith
How to Break a Dragon's Heart by Cressida Cowell
Mason Dixon: Pet Disasters by Claudia Mills
Icefall by Matthew Kirby
Bigger Than a Bread Box by Laurel Snyder
Soldier Bear by Bib Tak
The Aviary by Kathleen O'Dell
The Dragon's Tooth by N. D. Wilson
Waiting for the Magic by Patricia MacLachlan
Maggie and Oliver or a Bone of One's Own by Valerie Hobbs
Legend by Marie Lu
Sprinkles and Secrets by Lisa Schroeder
With a Name Like Love by Tess Hilmo
Go West, Amelia Bedelia by Herman Parish
Hound Dog True by Linda Urban
Saga by Conor Kostick

Young Adult Books

Daughter of Smoke and Blue by Laini Taylor
Name of the Star by Maureen Johnson
Caleb's Wars by David L. Dudley
Sharp Time by Mary O'Connell
The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater
Desert Angel by Charlie Price
Wherever You Go by Heather Davis
Just Your Average Princess by Kristina Springer
The Silence of Murder by Dandi Mackall
My Name is Not Easy by Debby Edwardson
The Future of Us by Jay Asher
Checkmate by Walter Dean Myers
The Lovely Shoes by Susan Shreve
My Brother's Shadow by Monika Schroder

January Activities to Break the Boredom

2012-01-05T10:00:00.001-06:00

The Lincoln Public Library is always a great place to visit, but in January we have some special activities to tempt you out of the house!

January 14th is our annual LEGO Family Day. Families are invited to bring in their own building blocks (or use ours) and create masterpieces in miniature. We do ask for advance registration due to the limited number of spaces provided, so call 732-5732 as soon as you can. Registration closes on January 12 or before if all the spaces are filled earlier. We invite everyone to come see what the kids and parents create. The event will be from 9:30 until 11:00 in the Library Annex.

TEENS: Some of you have requested a time to get together and talk about the books you have enjoyed reading. We listened! So on the third Friday each month (after school), invite some friends and come talks in the Annex Community Room. This will be your group to format in whatever way you wish to take it, so come and share your ideas.

Winter Stories will be offered for ages 5 - 7 on Thursday, January 19 at 3:30 Pm and for ages 3 - 5 on Wednesday, January 25 at 10:00 AM. We do ask that you call 732-5732 to register so we can plan accordingly.

Although I am not going to spill all the beans in this post, be sure to watch for our February announcements. Wow! Are we ever going to have a lot happening that month!

See you at the Library!

Cozy Reads for Cold Days

2012-01-05T09:50:00.000-06:00

We have some interesting displays in the Youth Services Department this month. The first half of the month will be books about Martin Luther King, Jr. and the work he started with civil rights. Then the last half of the month we will celebrate squirrels, as January 21st is Squirrel Appreciation Day!

New books on our shelves are located as you enter the Annex building or on top of the Young Adult bookcases. Take a look at these new titles!

     Picture Books:
Butterfly Tree by Sandra Markle
Red Sled by Lita Judge
Francis Woke Up Early by Josephine Nobisso

     Blue Tape Books:
Buzz Beaker and the Putt-Putt Contest
Clifford Makes the Team by Norman Bridwell
Star Wars: Join the Rebels
Star Wars: Clone Wars, Watch Out for Jabba the Hutt by Simon Beecroft
Star Wars: What's a Wookie? by Laura Buller
Star Wars R2-D2 and Friends by Simon Beecroft
Star Wars: the Clone Wars, Yoda in Action by Simon Beecroft
Star Wars: Clone Wars, Anakin in Action by Simon Beecroft
Star Wars: Star Pilot by Laura Buller

     Juvenile Non-Fiction Books:
Elapsed Time at the Olympics
Tai Chi for Beginners
The Great Depression, 1921-1937 by Jane Bingham
Swirl by Swirl: Spirals in Nature by Jyce Sidman
Heaven is for Real Kids by Thomas Nelson
Heaven, God's Promise for Me by Anne G. Lotz
Just a Second: A Different Way to Look at Time by Steve Jenkins
Learn to Speak Dance: A Guide to Creating, Performing and Promoting Your Moves by Ann Marie Williams

Books to Browse

2011-12-15T15:00:00.000-06:00

Look for these selections on our new book displays:

Picture Books and Easy Readers
Sammy in the Sky by Barbara Walsh
The Twins' Blanket by Hyewon Yum
Bumble-Ardy by Maurice Sendak
Bad Kitty and Bad Kitty Christmas by Nick Bruel
The Carpenter's Gift by David Rubel
No Two Alike by Keith Baker
Samantha on a Roll by Linda Ashman
Cows to the Rescue by John Himmelman
Fly Guy vs. the Flyswatter by Ted Arnold

Chapter Books:
The Always War by Margaret Haddix
Haunted Party by Iza Trapani
The Secret Kingdom by Jenny Nimmo
13 Gifts by Wendy Mass
Cabin Fever by Jeff Kinney (Diary of a Wimpy Kid)
A King's Ransom by Jude Watson (39 Clues)
Hound Dog True by Linda Urban

Young Adult:
Ruthless by Sara Shepard (Pretty Little Liars #10)
Dark Life by Kat Falls
A Web of Air by Phillip Reeve
Ultraviolet by R. J. Anderson
Saga by Conor Kostick
Edda by Connor Kostick
The Dragon Turn by Shane Peacock
A Wizard of Mars by Diane Duane (Young Wizards series)
Rip Tide by Kat Falls (Dark Life series)
The Only Ones by Aaron Starmer
Ashes by Ilsa Bick

Non-fiction:
Charles Dickens and the Street Children of London by Andrea Warren
The Big Red Horse: The Story of Secretariat and the Loyal Groom Who Loved Him by Lawrence Scanlan
Treasury of Greek Mythology: Classic Stories of Gods, Godesses...by Donna Napoli
Blizzard of Glass: The Halifax Explosion of 1917 by Sally Walker
(Watch for Ms. Lou's Book Look review on LDN)

Don't see it on display? Ask us to hold it for you when it comes back in!

December Happenings and Winter Wonders

2011-12-08T14:26:00.000-06:00

December has been a busy month at the Library! Santa made his yearly visit this past Tuesday and listened to holiday wishes. Ninety four of our library friends had their pictures taken with him and received a candy cane. Some even completed a Christmas craft while waiting their turn to sit on Santa's lap. We love seeing the excitement of our young ones as they check out all our Christmas stories on display.

Ms. Jamie has held two craft sessions this month as well. Children ages
5 - 7 heard a Gingerbread story and made gingerbread houses to take home. Today the older ones are doing a "Take Away" craft that they can give to someone special. These simple gifts can easily be made at home for more gift giving.

Are you ready to get out of the house after Christmas? If the weather permits we will be have three special activities in January.

On January 14 from 9:30 - 11:00 AM we will hold our Family LEGO Day. Families are invited to come build with these versatile blocks, using ones they bring from home or some we have here at the Library. We do ask that the participants be 8 years and older as the small blocks can be a choking hazard for young ones. This is a popular event and space is limited so mark these dates on your calendars for next month: Registration will begin January 3 and continue through January 12 or UNTIL the slots are filled, whichever comes first.

Once the blocks are all put away, two Winter Story Times are on the calendar as well. The first one will be Thursday, January 19 at 3:30 PM for children ages 5 - 7 years old. Then on Wednesday, January 25 at 10:00 we will hold another one for younger ones ages 3 and 4 (and any 5 year-olds that are not in school).

These activities should help chase away the cabin fever! Don't forget to take a look at the new book displays and browse through the stacks to find a perfect book to curl up with on these long, dark evenings.

Even though most people are working on their Christmas lists, the Youth Services Department has started working on the Summer Reading Program! Keep checking the blog to hear about that as well as some special activities in February.

Happy Holidays!

Come Find a New Selection at the Library!

2011-11-23T11:02:00.000-06:00

When new titles arrive in the Youth Services Department, we display them by the desks for a month as well as post signs to let you know what titles might be currently on loan to someone. If the book is not on display when you come in, one of the clerks can request the title you might like to read. Then it will be held for you when it comes back in to the Library!

For the Little Ones:

Monkey: A Trickster Tale from India by Gerald McDermott
Snow by Nanacy Wallace (board book)
Strega Nona's Gift by Tomie DePaola
A Christmas Tree for Pyn by Olivier Dunrea
George Flies South by Simon James'
The Lighthouse Christmas by Toni Buzzeo
Levi Strauss Gets a Bright Idea by Tony Johnston
Bippolo Seed and Other Lost Stories by Dr. Seuss
A Christmas Spider's Magic by Trinka Noble

Walter Wick's puzzle stories:
On a Scary, Scary Night
Dream Machine
Cool Collections

New American Girl Books:
Meet Cecile, Cecile's Gift, and Troubles for Cecile all by Denise L. Patrick
Meet Marie-Grace, Marie-Grace and the Orphans, and Marie-Grace Makes a Difference
all by Sarah M. Bickley

For young readers (fiction):
Snow in Summer by Jane Yolen
Gooney Bird on the Map by Lois Lowry
The Medusa Plot by Gordon Korman (A 39 Clues book)

For Young Readers (non-fiction):
Christmas in Williamsburg: 300 Years of Family Traditions by K. M. Kostyal
               (Look for my review on lincolndailynews.com in December)
Gymnastics by Heather Schwartz
Ice Fishing by Bridget Heos
The Case of the Vanishing Frogs: a Scientific Mystery by Sandra Markle

Biographies:
Beethoven for Kids: His Life and Music by Helen Bauer
Derek Jeter: Spectacular Shortstop by Keith Greenberg
Stephenie Meyer: Dreaming of Twilight by Katherine Krohn
Danika Patrick: Racing's Trailblazer by Karen Sirvaitis

For Young Adults:
The Outcasts by John Flanagan (author of the Ranger's Apprentice series)
In the Forests of the Night by Kersten Hamilton
Seizure by Kathy Reichs (Book #2 of the Virals series)
The Death Cure by James Dasher (Book #3 of the Maze Runner series)
Inheritance: the Vault of Souls by Christopher Paolini   (Book #4)

Family Reading Night

2011-11-18T10:15:00.000-06:00

The Library's Readers Theater Group performed two skits last night at the Library's Family Reading Night: Casey at the Bat and Peddler Polly and the Story Stealer. Nine young readers did an excellent job bringing these two stories to life!

Family Reading Night at the Library

2011-11-10T11:39:00.000-06:00

Thursday, November 17, 6 - 7 PM is Family Reading Night in the Library Annex. Here at Lincoln Public Library we appreciate the many families who use our library for both the materials that can be borrowed and the activities that are scheduled. This is a great night to celebrate our family/library partnerships.

The Library Readers Theater will perform two skits that evening. Casey at the Bat by Ernest Lawrence Thayer, the traditional poem about the legendary Mudville baseball player will be one of the skits. The second skit is Peddler Polly and the Story Stealer by Aaron Shepard. Polly stumbles into a mystery where stories are disappearing from town. Can she find the culprit and save the stories?

The Theater group has been practicing and learning all about beginning drama techniques. They are excited to have a chance to share their enthusiasm with others. Be sure to bring your families to the performances to support this group. Your young ones will delight in seeing people they know as "performers" and see how stories "come alive" through theater.

Be sure to check out the many book displays, visit the librarians with your questions, and pick up information about Santa visits and crafts coming in December. We hope to see many of our library friends that evening!

Attention Teens!!!

2011-11-03T12:10:00.000-05:00

The Library will be hosting teen activities again very soon. We currently have four interested teens working on ideas for the coming months.

Would you be interested in serving on a panel to help plan activities? Have some great ideas, but not sure you want to join a group? Just want more information? We need your thoughts!

Call the Youth Services Department and leave a message for Jamie Kaiser or me, 732-5732.

New Books!

2011-11-03T11:59:00.000-05:00

We have some new selections to curl up with on a chilly autumn day. Those marked * or ** are ones I personally recommend!

For Younger Readers:

The Perfect Christmas by Eileen Spinelli
The Halloween Cat by Christina Ricci (Dora book)
Leaf Trouble by Jonathan Emmett
Where's My T-R-U-C-K? by Karen Beaumont *
Sneeze, Big Bear, Sneeze by Maureen Wright
Bailey by Harry Bliss
Passing the Music Down by Sarah Sullivan **
The Sniffles for Bear by Bonny Becker
When the Leaf Blew In by Steve Metzger
Worms for Lunch by Leonid Gore *
Hiccupotamus by Aaron Zenz **

For Young Adult Readers:

Destined by P. C. Cast (newest House of Night series)
The Limping Man by Maurice Gee (Salt series Book #3)
The Iron Knight by Julie Kagawa (Iron Fey series)
A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness
XVI by Julia Kerr
Glow by Amy K. Ryan
Forgiven by Janet Fox
Pretty Little Liars series by Sara Shepard

Upcoming Events

2011-10-19T14:15:00.000-05:00

This has been a busy fall here at the Library! I apologize for the long absence of postings. Many employees on the Youth Services Staff have taken vacations (including me) and then began a busy schedule of story times and craft classes. Craft classes end in October with story times wrapping up the first week of November. If you are interested in participating in the winter/spring sessions you may fill out a form at the Youth Services Desk. We will notify you when it is sign-up time.

Young children are invited to bring in a special stuffed animal friend to join our Sleep-Over Adventure Club on Friday, November 4 (before 4 PM). Over the weekend we will take pictures of their stuffed friend doing various library activities, such as reading books, listening to story time, or working a puzzle. Then the children may pick up their friend on Monday and we will give them a poster with the pictures.

Don't forget that Daylight Savings Time ends November 6. The days are already getting much shorter and chiller. Our long, hot summer seems to have finally ended!

Things will not really be slowing down in November. Sign-up is currently underway for Readers Theater Group. This group is for children 8 and up who have a curiosity about acting and drama. This group will meet November 3, 8, 10, and 15 from 3:30 to 4:45. During those times youth will learn about scripts, stage directions, how to develop a character, voice, and other beginning theater activities. Skits will be rehearsed and a performance will take place at Family Reading Night on November 17. Scripts are not memorized, as this is a Readers Theater.

Everyone is invited to attend the Library's Family Reading Night on November 17, 6:00 PM in the Library Annex. Come support our Readers Theater Group, enjoy the skits, and check out the new materials that have been arriving this fall!

Look for information about our December activities soon.

P. S. Can you guess where I went on vacation?

Upcoming Events

2011-07-08T15:20:00.001-05:00

It is so hard to believe that we are close to ending the Summer Reading Program! The Teen Summer Reading Program ends Saturday, July 16th. For all other readers, remember that all your logs are due in no later than the end of business hours July 23. Please do not put them in the drop boxes! Sometimes the light weight of the logs means they get caught and we do not find them until days later. I send the shirt order in first thing Monday morning as soon as the shirt shop opens! That allows them to have all of our shirts ready for pick up on time and no one has to wait for a shirt.

We have been seeing some exciting reading going on this summer. If you have any great books you have read, be sure to share the titles with your friends so they can come in and check out the same ones you liked. We have also gotten in some great new books that can be found on the bookcase by the Youth Services Desk (J) or wire rack (JE) or Young Adult bookcase.

Two Thursday Events are left in July. The 14th of July Nitro Joe returns! This entertainer is a scientist from the St. Louis area. He has journeyed to Lincoln before. In fact he was due here last year but an accident occurred with his equipment and he had to cancel, so everyone is looking forward to seeing him Thursday. If you haven't called to register, do so ASAP! The last Thursday Event will be a magic act with Richard Landry, another performer that has been a favorite in past years.

Be sure to check on your school's progress toward winning a trophy. The knights are marching across the bulletin board to the castle. A couple have even made it past the fire breathing dragon. See you at the Library!

Knight For Hire

2011-06-26T11:28:00.000-05:00

Thursday's Event was Karl M. Kindt III from St. Louis, MO who dressed in full knight's armor and regaled us with tales of knights, dragons, and chivalry!

Knight for Hire

2011-06-23T12:26:00.000-05:00

Today's Thursday Event featured Mr. Karl M. Kindt III of St. Louis, IL who told us about what knights wore and their code of chivalry. He also told some interesting knight stories (with dragons). How does he know so much about knights? He IS a knight!

Want to know more about what he talked about, see pictures of him riding his horse, or just learn more about knighthhood? Visit his website knightforhire.com

Don't forget to check the Blog next week for some pictures of out past events, or stop by the Youth Services' desk to see even more in our changing picture frame.

Wow! Summer Reading is Off!

2011-06-13T15:24:00.000-05:00

The Library's Summer Reading Program is off to a great start! We have over 420 readers signed up to read for prizes! Some story time classes are full and others are close to capacity. Craft class sign ups have never been better.

We had our first Thursday event last week with the staff and Readers Theater members presenting a Midsummer Day Festival (Medieval style). Needless to say, St. George and the Dragon were super star hits!

It is not too late to be a part of this fun filled program. Come in to the Youth Services desk at the Lincoln Public Library Annex and we will help you get started.

Our Thursday events for the next two weeks are geared for school age readers. Swords and Roses, a choreographed sword fighting team, will be here June 16, and a true knight in full armor will be our guest on June 23.

The Thursday Event for June 30 is appropriate for all family members. Elsenpeter Marionettes will perform the story of "Sleeping Beauty!"

Don't miss out on the fun. Castles, knights, Kings, Princesses, dragons, fantastic new books...what could be more thrilling! And it is all free. We only ask that you register for accurate planning.

Come see us today!

A Midsummer Knight's READ!

2011-06-01T12:10:00.000-05:00

Lincoln Public Library District's Summer Reading Program: A Midsummer Knight's READ has begun with a sign up week through June 4. While signing up to read for prizes (ages 6 months through 12 years), story times (ages 6 months through age 7), crafts (ages 8 - 12 years), and Thursday Events (families) you can play the fun games set up in the Youth Services Department in the Annex. We even have a castle you can go inside to read some of your books!

The Teen Summer Reading Program begins June 6. Want more information? Call 732-5732 and talk to someone in Youth Services. If you can't make it in this week, come in sometime in June to get started. Everything is free! You just need to register!

Thursday events for June can be found on our calendars on our home page. Please register for these events one week in advance for accurate planning.

Get started on the Summer

2011-05-24T14:09:00.000-05:00

Get started on reading this summer with one of these new releases:

Young Adult:
Compulsion by Heidi Ayarbe
Date Rape by Jessica Wilkins
Acting: A Practical Guide to Pursuing the Art by Jason Skog
The Rogue Crew by Brian Jacques

Juvenile non-fiction:
Meadowlands: A Wetlands Survival Story by Thomas Yezerski
Seabird in the Forest by Joan Dunning
Hatch by Roxie Munro
I Spy With My Little Eye: Baseball by Brad Herzog
Irena Sendler and the Children of the Watson Ghetto by Susan Goodman Rubin
Becoming Invisible: From Campouflage to Cloaks by Carla Mooney
Ways to Help in Your Community by Claire O'Neal
Balancing Work and Play by Camilla de la Bedoyere
C. S. Lewis: Twentieth Century Pilgrim by Janet Hamilton
Geronimo: Apache Renegade by George Sullivan
Pilotless Planes by Carla Mooney

Picture Books:
Pretty Princess Pig by Jane Yolen
Dino-Basketball by Lisa Wheeler
LaRue Across America: Postcards from the Vacation by Mark Teague
Diego and Papi to the Rescue by Wendy Wax
Clancy and Millie and the Very Fine House by Libby Gleeson

Juvenile Chapter Books:
Wheel of Misfortune (Dragonslayer Academy) by KAte McMullan
Tales from a Not-So-Popular Party Girl (Dork Diaries) by Rachel Russell
Good Job, Kanani (American Girl) by Lisa Yee
Aloha, Kanani (American Girl) by Lisa Yee
Young Cam Jansen and the Circus Mystery by David A. Adler (Blue Tape)

Ready for a New Read?

2011-04-26T10:28:00.000-05:00

Juvenile Easy Fiction

Dora's Picnic by Christina Ricci

Happy Mother's Day Mami by Leslie Valdes

Spring Is Here by Will Hillenbrand

Juvenile Fiction and Mysteries

Dork Diaries: Tales From a Not-So-Fabulous Life by Rachel Russell

Clue in the Castle Tower by Sarah Buckley (American Girl Mystery)

The Secret River by Marjorie Rawlings

Till Death Do Us Bark by Kate Klise (63 Old Cemetery Road Mystery; Illinois author)

The Hidden Gallery (Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place) by Maryrose Wood

Young Adult

Plague by Michael Grant (Gone book #4)

Awakened by P. C. Cast (House of Night Book #8)

Emperor of Nihon-Ja by John Flanagan (Ranger's Apprentice Book #10)

Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver

Something Terrible Happened on Kenmore by Marci Stillman

Non-Fiction Juvenile and Young Adult

Soccer Rules and Regulations by Clive Gifford

Into the Unknown: How Great Explorers Found Thier Way By Land, Sea, and Air by

Stewart Ross

Bomb Squad by Michael Newton

It Gets Better by Dan Savage

Yellowstone National Park by Tracy C. Read

Olivia's Birds: Saving the Birds from the Gulf Oil Spill by Olivia Bouler

Tom Thumb: The Remarkable True Story of a Man in Miniature by George Sullivan

New Arrivals

2011-04-12T11:27:00.000-05:00

Looking for a new book? Try one of these new arrivals at Lincoln Public Library District Youth Services Department.

Juvenile Easy Titles:
Dora Helps Diego by Laura Driscoll
Itsy-Bitsy Babies by Margaret wild
Trixie and Jinx by Dean Koontz
Tess's Tree by Jess Brallier
Cinco de Mouse-O by Judy Cox
The Sunflower Sword by Mark Sperring
Tiny Little Fly by Michael Rosen
Hogg, Hogg, and Hog by Margie Palatini
Bless This Mouse by Lois Lowry

JuvenileTitles:
Game Day Jitters by Rich Wallace
Do You Sing Twinkle?: A Story About Remarriage and New Family by Sandra Lewis
Sir Lancelot, Where Are You? by Kate McMullen
Throwing Heat by Fred Bawen
Stink and the Incredible Super-Galactic Jawbreaker by Megan McDonald
Stink and the Ultimate Thumb-wrestling Smack-down by Megan McDonald
Pinocchio by Carlo Collodi

Mystery Titles:
The Trouble With Chickens by Doreen Cronin
A Bundle of Trouble by Kathryn Reiss (American Girl)
The Silver Guitar by Kathryn Reiss (American Girl)

Young Adult:
Listen by Nancy Coffelt
The Things a Brother Knows by Dana Reinhardt

Non-Fiction Titles:
Totally Human: Why We Look and Act the Way We Do by Cynthia Nicolson
Digging For Troy: From Homer to Hisarlik by Jill Rubalcaba
From Then to Now: A Short History of the World by Andres Krystdforski
Oil Spill: Disaster in the Gulf of Mexico by Elaine Landau
Animal Jokes by Pam Rosenberg
Food Jokes by Pam Rosenberg
Riddles by Pam Rosenberg
How They Croaked: The Awful Ends of the Awfully Famous by Georgia Bragg
Father Abraham: Lincoln and His Sons by Harold Holzer
Miley Cyrus by Amie LEavitt
A Dazzling Display of Dogs by Betsy Franco
Peaceful Pieces: Poems and Quilts About Peace by Anna G. Hines
Rocks and Minerals by Steve Tomecek
The Cat's Pajamas by Wallace Edwards

New Young Adult Titles

2011-04-05T13:48:00.000-05:00

Our Young Adult sections continues to grow. Not only is it a popular place for teens to browse, but many adults find great reads there as well! Check out some of these new titles:

Hero by Mike Lupica
Trapped by Michael Northrop
Agatha H and the Airship City by Phil Foglio
Virals by Kathy Reichs
Empty by Suzanne Weyn
Her and Me and You by Lauren Strasnick
Please Ignore Vera Dietz by A. S. King
Wish by Joseph Monninger
Sweet 15 by Emily Adler
Fall for Anything by Courtney Summers
Death Benefits by Sarah Harvey
Banished by Sopjie Littlefield
Flash by Michael Cadnum
Mindblind by Jennifer Ray
Radiance by Alyson Noel
The Cruisers by Walter Dean Meyers
Forbidden Sea by Sheila Nielson
Tyranny by Leslie Fairfield (graphic novel)
Heart of a Samuri by Margi Preus (Newbery Honor Book)
Lies by Michael Grant
Remembering Green by Lesley Beake
The White Horse Trick by Kate Thompson
I am Number Four by Lore Pittacus
Sapphique by Catherine Fisher
Rosebush by Micahel Jaffe
Half Brother by Kenneth Oppel
The Lost Hero by Rick Riordan
Payback Time by Carl Deuker
The Ring of Solomon ( A Bartttimaeus Novel) by Jonathan Stroud
Premiere by Melody Carlson
Iron Daughter by Julie Kagawa
Iron Queen by Julie Kagawa

If it's Spring, there must be butterflies!

2011-03-30T13:18:00.000-05:00

For the past two weeks I have had young readers stop by my office to ask when the butterflies are coming. Well, they are here!

That's right! The butterfly larvae arrived on Tuesday morning and are now in my office window! The little wigglers have already started to grow. It is amazing to watch how quickly(about three weeks) the caterpillars will grow, spin their chrysalises, and then hatch as beautiful Painted Lady butterflies.

This is such a fun spring tradition to share with our community. We invite young and old alike to stop by often to help us "Celebrate Spring!"

Great Non-fiction Books

2011-03-28T10:04:00.000-05:00

We have added a number of interesting non-fiction titles to the collection this spring. Come in and find a book on a subject that is of interest to you!

Cool School Clubs by Karen Kenney
How to Build a Prize Winning Robot by Joel Chaffee
Food for Thought: The Stories Behind the Things We Eat by Ken Robbins
They Called Themselves the K. K. K.: The Birth of an American Terrorist Group by Susan Campbell
Henry Knox: Bookseller, Soldier, Patriot by Anita Silvey
Chief Joseph: The Voice for Peace by Lorraine Hopping
The Arabian Nights by Wafa Tarnowska
The Battle of Nashville by Benson Bobrick
Explore Rocks and Minerals: 25 Great Projects, Activities.. by Cynthia Brown
Peregrine Falcon: Dive, Dive, Dive! by Naralie Lunis
The Ultimate Survival Guide by Mike Flynn
Sky Sailors: True Stories of the Balloon Era by David Bristow
Snow White by Brothers Grimm
Little Red Riding Hood by Gennady Spirin
Understanding the Stock Market by Helen Thompson
Investing Money by Helen Thompson
Understanding Credit by Helen Thompson
Liberty's Voice: The Emma Lazarus Story by Erica Silverman
Tsunami! by Kimiko Katikawa
Tecumseh: Shooting Star of the Pawnee by Dwight Zimmerman
Witness to Disaster: Tsunamis by Judy Fradin
Energy Island: How One Community Harnessed the Wind by Allan Drummond
65 Short Mysteries You Can Solve With Math by Eric Yoder
Dark Emperor and Other Poems of the Night by Joyce Sidman
Modeling Clay Animals: Easy to Follow Projects by Bernadette Cuyart
How Football Works by Keltie Thomas
Tillie the Terrible Swede: How One Woman, A Sewing Needle, and a Bicycle Changed History by Sarah McMenemy
Gold! Gold from the American River!: January 24, 1848: The Day the Gold Rush Began by Don Brown

Ready to Read some Great Picture Books?

2011-03-22T14:02:00.000-05:00

The Library has the following new books in the Juvenile East Collection (Picture Books):

My Cold Went on Vacation by Molly Rausch
Arbor Day Square by Kathryn Galbraith
Amelia Bedelia's First Apple Pie by Herman Parish
Stanley's Little Sister by Linda Bailey
Perfect Soup by Lisa Moser
Not Me! by Nicola Killen
Shadow by Suzy Lee
Little Pink Pup by Johanna Kerby
A String of Hearts by Laura Elliot
Hero Dad by Melinda Hardin
Kindergarten Diary by Antoinette Portis
Dragon Stew by Steve Smallman
A Pig Parade is a Terrible Idea by Michael Black
Miss Tutu's Star by Leslea Newman
Tickle, Tickle! Itch, Twitch! by Julie Olson
No by Claudia Rueda
Socksquatch by Frank Dormer
Eliza's Kindergarten Pet by Alice McGinty
Dora's Fairy Tale Adventure by Leslie Valdes
At the Carnival by Leslie Valdes (Dora)
A Humpback Whale Tale by Justin Spelvin (Diego)
Mini Racer by Kristy Dempsey
Otis and Sydney and the Best Birthday Ever by Laura Numeroff
The Story of the Leprechaun by Katherine Tegen
Thomas the Tank Engine: Anniversary Edition
The Wonderful Book by Leonid Gore
The Trucker by Barbara Samuels
Frankie Stein Starts School by Lola Schaefer
Chicks Run Wild by Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen

New Juvenile Books at the Library

2011-03-15T14:52:00.000-05:00

Sweet Treats and Secret Crushes by Lisa Greenwald
Melonhead and the Big Stink by Katy Kelly
After All, You're Callie Boone by Winnie Mack
Magical Misadventures of Prunella Bogthistle by Deva Fagan
Stink and the Incredible Shrinking Kid by Megan McDonald
Under the Green Hill by Laura Sullivan
Butterfly by Sonya Hartnett
The Hole in the Wall by Lisa Rowe Fraustino

The Crowfield Curse by Pat Walsh
The Wonder of Charlie Anne by Kimberly Fusco
The Search for Wondla by Tony DiTerlizzi
Mr. Stink by David Williams
Seaglass Summer by Anjali Banerjee
One Crazy Summer by Rita Williams Garcia
Because of Mr. Terupt by Rob Buyea
Silver Rain by Lois Peterson
Clara Lee and the Apple Pie Dream by Jenny Han
Moon Over Manifest by Clare Vanderpool
Turtle in Paradise by Jennifer Holm
The Call by Michael Grant
I Survived the Shark Attacks of 1916 by Lauren Tarshis
Never Blame the Umpire by Gene Fehler
Mission Unstoppable by Dan Gutman
Saving Zasha by Randi Barrow
Black Radishes by Susan Lynn Meyer
The Romeo and Juliet Code by Phoebe Stone
Elvis and Olive: Super Detectives by Stephanie Watson
The Candymakers by Wendy Mass
Girl's Best Friend by Leslie Margolis

LEGO Family Day

2011-02-19T15:10:00.001-06:00

Looking through LEGO books was fun!

Building Buddies

Red, White, and Blue

Take a look at What Just Arrived

2011-01-27T10:47:00.000-06:00

Board Books:

Counting Christmas by Karen Katz
Ellie's Tea Party by Nancy Parent
Run, Round Bear
Silly Bear Songs (Winnie the Pooh)

Picture Books (Fiction JE):

Goldie and the Three Hares by Margie Palatini
How Do You Read to a Rabbit? by Andrea von Konigslow

Chapter Books (Fiction J):

Benched (Kicker's Book 3) by Rich Wallace
Hide and Seek by Katy Grant
Museum of Thieves by Lian Tanner

Mystery (Fiction JM):

The Vanishing Violin (Red Blazer Girls Book 2) by Michael Beil

Non-Fiction (J):

Baseball and Softball by Gabriel Sanna
Speaking Secret Codes by Sheri Bell-Rehwoldt
Who Wants Pizza? Kid's Guide to History, Science, Culture of Food by Jan Thornhill
Naked Eggs and Flying Potatoes: Unforgetable Experiments by Steve Spangler
How the Sphinx Got to the Museum by Jessie Hartland
Before They Were Famous: How Seven Artists Got Their Start by Bob Raczka
The Omnivore's Dilemma by Richie Chevat
Breaking Secret Codes by Jillian Gregory
And Picasso Painted Guernica by Alain Serres
Space, Stars, and the Beginning of Time by Elaine Scott
Star Wars: The Visual Guide Ultimate Battles by Jason Fry
The Ultimate Guide to Pro Football by Shane Frederick

Non-fiction (Biography):

The Notorious Benedict Arnold: A True Story by Steve Sheinkin
Charles Darwin by Kathleen Krull

Fiction (Y):

Across the Universe by Beth Revis

New Arrivals at Lincoln Public Library District

2011-01-14T11:32:00.000-06:00

In Blue Tape:

We Are In a Book by Mo Willems

In Juvenile Collection:

The Snowball Effect by Deb Loughead

Magic Below Stairs by Caroline Stevermer

The Fantastic Secret of Owen Jester by Barbara O'Connor

Rocky Road by Rose Kent

Daughter of Winter by Par Lowery Collins

Wolven by Di Toft

Twenty Gold Falcons by Amy Gordon

The Prince of Mist by Carlos Ruiz Zafon

In Young Adult:

Winter Shadow by Margaret Buffie

The Beautiful Between by Alyssa Sheinmel

Incarceron by Catherine Foster

The Iron King by Julie Kagawa

Sugar and Spice by Lauren Conrad

Gone by Lisa McMann

If the book is currently checked out, don't forget to put in a request for it. We will call you when it comes in! Want to do it from home? Come in to the Annex circulation desk and request a pin number. (Those under 16 will need parent's permission.) Then you can look through our on-line catalog to see if LPLD or others in the RPLS system have the book you want to read.

Family Lego Day

2010-12-30T10:28:00.000-06:00

LEGOS are returning to the Lincoln Public Library Annex! Last January we had our first LEGO experience which was such a success that everyone wanted to do it again. So we are! On Saturday morning, January 22, we will host a Family LEGO Day from 9:30 - 11:00 AM. Bring your own LEGOS or use the library's; just come have fun building and sharing with others who enjoy creating with these colorful, imaginative blocks.

We do ask that participants be 8 years and older due to the choking hazards of the toys and register for the event. No projects are to be started before coming to the library that day. Refreshments will be provided for participants. Drawings for a special LEGO toy and book will be held. SPACES ARE LIMITED!

Registration begins January 10 and will continue until January 20 or until all spaces have been filled.

The public is welcome to come in that morning to see the creations and visit with the participants. We will be open for business.

This is a great way for the whole family to spend a cold, wintry, Saturday morning. Check out the video from last years' LEGO Day in the archives.

Ivy is a mother AGAIN!

2010-11-29T20:01:00.000-06:00

Ivy had her LAST litter of babies on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. Here is a look at our new sweet ones. Even though they have been fun to watch, they will be going to homes in a few weeks. They are only true "babies" for less than two weeks. Ivy has already taught them to eat and drink on their own, but still nurses as well. She certainly lets them know when she will no longer be their food source! She is a good "Mom" giving them baths and calling them in to take a nap in their house. Woe be to the little piggy who doesn't mind Mama!

Do any teachers out there need a class pet? My office needs to return to normal after being a guinea pig maternity ward this fall!

Family Reading Night 2010

2010-11-21T10:30:00.001-06:00

Narrators 1 and 3 begin the show with "Mind Your Manners"

Narrator 2 concentrates on the story.

Actors take their places to be introduced in the second skit.

Humpty Dumpty is being questions by Joe Dumpty about the fall from the Wall.

The Three Pigs explain to Joe what happened the day of the big wind.

Actors from the 2010 production take their bows.

Sleepover Adventure Club

2010-10-30T08:41:00.000-05:00

Last weekend, we invited our story time members to bring in a special stuffed animal to sleepover at the library. While their friends were "adventuring" we took pictures of them having fun doing activities that their human friends so when they visit. On Monday, our readers picked up their special friend and received a poster with the pictures. I have to thank Ms. Jamie and Ms. Marlene for all the work they did to make this event so much fun! Enjoy the pictures!

New Arrivals

2010-09-19T12:31:00.000-05:00

When we talk about new arrivals at the Library we usually mean new books; however on Friday when I arrived and started my regular opening routine, we had four baby guinea pigs in our animal cage! Our tow "sisters" Ivy and Willow were really Ivy and Will!

The babies are adorable and all are doing fine. Ivy is a good mother. Will is now in a new home of his own and starting to get used to living on his own. The cages are now in my office, as Ivy can be a little aggressive towards unfamiliar humans.

Be sure to come welcome our new arrivals through my office window. If someone says, "Shhh!" it is only because the babies are asleep.

The Raptors Return

2010-06-26T10:59:00.003-05:00

Illinois Raptor Center returned to the Library on June 24 with a program on how to tell that a bird is a raptor and many interesting stories about the outdoors. The hit of the program was the bald eagle which was sponsored by my husband Doug. We learned that this magnificent bird, that was once thought doomed to extinction, is now flourishing in the wild. The symbol of our country and the freedom we cherish once again flies in the skies, even throughout parts of Illinois.

Madcap Puppets Present...

2010-06-26T10:54:00.002-05:00

Madcap Puppets from Cincinnati, Ohio were at the Library on June 17 with "Annie Oakley's Wild West Show." This unique troupe of professional actors use life-size puppets to present stories to young people across the country.

There is Still Time to Get In on the Fun!

2010-06-21T15:37:00.002-05:00

Summer Reading Program 2010, Scare Up a Good Book, will be half over at the end of this week, but we will still have some excellent Thursday Events in July that your family is sure to enjoy.

On July 1, the ever popular Science with Nitro Joe will be back. This man brings science experiments that are not only spectacular, but full of scientific principles that kids will be learning in school.

Magician Rick Eugene will be at the Annex on July 8. Rick is a magician with a twist! He actually tells his audiences how the tricks are done! Even more magical, Rick is a book representative who helps Ms. Lou find great books for the library.

Our very own Chris Miller from the National Weather Service will give a presentation July 15 in the basement of the Carnegie Building. He will be talking about the Wild Weather that can occur and how NOT to be scared of storms.

The last performer of the summer will be musician Mike Anderson. Mr. Anderson has written many funny songs for children and is a musician of many talents.

Be sure to call the Youth Services Department at 732-5732 to register for these event in advance. The first two events of the year were so popular we had to start a waiting list!!!

Wow!

2010-06-12T21:30:00.001-05:00

The young readers in this picture seem to be overwhelmed by the size of this "baby" snake.

The Reptile Experience

2010-06-12T21:21:00.003-05:00

The Library readers and their families had a wonderful, hands on opportunity to get up close and personal with many reptiles and a spider last Thursday. Serengeti Steve from St. Louis was here with a few of his amazing animals, including a mild mannered anaconda. This may be the only time our readers will ever experience being able to see and touch this rather formidable snake, as few people have positive encounters with this animal. Much was learned about truths and myths surrounding reptiles.

We want to remind everyone that we have more Thursday events scheduled throughout June and July. Don't miss out on the fun, Call 732-5732 and get registered!

Teen Summer Reading Program

2010-05-28T13:07:00.004-05:00

The Teen Summer Reading Program is back with lots of cool prizes and a special way of logging reading designed with our older readers in mind. The Teen Program starts June 7 and runs through July 19. Food coupons, movie rentals, pool passes, bowling coupons, and gift certificates are some of the rewards for logging your reading this summer. Turning in just one log will get you started with a packet of coupons. There will be weekly drawings for prizes and a grand prize drawing held on July 21. We have quite a number of new releases in our Young Adult section. Come visit us to see what is new and let us know what you would suggest we add to the collection!

Wow! Summer is Here!

2010-05-28T12:50:00.003-05:00

It has been a while since the last post. We have been busy getting things ready for the Summer Reading Program! The Summer Reading Program theme for 2010 is "Scare Up a Good Book!" The Youth Services Department has been decorated (Ms. Marlene's haunted house is fantastic!), the logs have been made, the prizes have been bought, and the entertainers have been booked. I have visited all the schools to talk about the program and announce the school goals that were chosen by the teachers and principals. Ms. Linda and I have all the story times planned, and Ms. Cindy has all the craft classes ready. New book displays have been put together to help young readers get started toward their goals. We have some really great new books in the collection this year that you are sure to enjoy. The only things we need to do now is get started!

Kick-off Week is June 1 - 5 for readers 6 months through 12 years. There will be special games set up in the Youth Services Department for kids to play when they come in to sign up. Of course, if you can't make it in that week, come in as soon as you can so you can get started toward your summer goal. Be sure to think about how much time you will be reading this summer. If you have not been part of the summer reading program before, come in and let one of us tell you about all the exciting things that will be happening!

Come have a great time with us at the Library this summer, help your school win a trophy for the school library, read some really cool new books, and get prizes just for reading! We look forward to seeing all our friends this summer as we "Scare Up a Good Book!"

Butterfly Update

2010-04-16T14:47:00.002-05:00

The first group of Painted Lady butterflies were released yesterday afternoon. They were a hit with our pre-school story times the past couple of weeks and fit perfectly with our story The Crunching Munching Caterpillarby Sheridan Cain!

The second group of larvae are here and just about to spin their chrysalis. Be sure to stop by my office window and check out this neat spring project.

2010-04-14T20:58:00.002-05:00

2010-04-14T20:53:00.002-05:00

American Girl Tea Party 2010

2010-04-14T20:46:00.002-05:00

Butterflies Are Here Again!

2010-04-02T10:31:00.000-05:00

We have received our first larvae shipment of the Painted Butterflies!!! If you have never seen this amazing metamorphosis occur, stop by my office window frequently to see a bit of nature unfold.

Even though we have done this program for a number of years, it never ceases to amaze me how quickly the larvae grow and change. It almost seems you can see a change from morning when we arrive to evening when we leave!

In another week or so we will receive our next shipment (in case you can't make it in this week). Watch with us in anticipation for the first butterfly to emerge and spread its gloriously colored wings! Then check out a book about our spring friends. We will be happy to help you find one.

Did You Know?

2010-04-02T10:21:00.000-05:00

Were you aware that the Lincoln Public Library has a great young adult collection of both fiction and non-fiction offerrings? It is located across the aisle from the juvenile section on the short bookcases in the adult section.

Why there? Because the books located in Young Adult are for the more mature readers, readers that are beyond the juvenile section in their tastes, but not quite ready to venture into adult material. They may contain subject matter or vocabulary for readers in middle school or high school. This is the section you would browse for materials on teen dating, the steroid controversy in sports, or a teen issues novel, etc. It is, of course, not closed to juvenile readers, but we wish to designate that this section may contain books that young readers may not have the maturity to understand.

Just don't let the title "Young Adult" fool you. Many adults can and do find themselves wandering by these shelves and choosing a book of interest. It also is home to Stephenie Meyer's Twilight series!

Book Believers Book Discussion Group

2010-03-30T10:43:00.000-05:00

Last month we began a new sharing group we are calling Book Believers. It is made up of adults who work with young people and literature. This group is open to anyone who would like to share in the excitement of children's literature. That can be pre-school teachers, elementary/middle school teachers, Day Care providers, homeschool parents, etc. We are keeping the group informal and flexible, knowing that busy schedules mean that it is impossible to make it to every meeting, so each meeting will be a self-contained experience. We will discuss books that are new to the market and our library as well as books the participants have found and are excited about using. Craft ideas, extension activities, and trends may also become a part of what we do. And of course, our staff at the Library is here to assist anyone in finding materials or providing resources that are useful tools for adults working with young people.

Sound interesting? It is! Those who have already attended can't wait to come to another session! After all, there is no long term committment or prep, but the benifit of sharing with others is priceless! Want to know how you can be involved? Call the Youth Services Department and get on our mailing or email list today.

Our next sharing visit will be Friday, April 9 at 1:00 PM. Please call 732-5732 to register.

Are You Ready for Spring?

2010-03-10T09:40:00.003-06:00

It is hard to believe that it is already March! Think spring, everyone. Have you noticed that our "winter tree" in the Annex Community room has started showing signs of spring? Be sure to stop in there and take a look.

Plans are almost completed for the American Girl Tea Party coming up March 30. Reservations are full and so is the waiting list! If you are signed up it is very important to call if you can not attend so that we can let someone else take your spot. We knew this would be a popular activity, but were still surprised by the number of calls. This is wonderful! Obviously we will do this again!

We are still looking for people to contribute to the style show portion of the program, so if you have American Doll matching clothing and would be willing to loan it to us, please call the Youth Services Department at 732-5732.

Story times and craft classes will end March 25, just before the Easter school break. If you want us to call you about sign up times for summer, fill out a contact form at the Youth Services desk. Summer activities tend to fill up quickly!

Book Lists

2010-02-11T14:18:00.002-06:00

There are numerous book lists that parents and young readers can review when they are selecting books. The Youth Services Department compiles lists of Award Winners and other recommended books on a continual basis. However, sometimes a reader just wants to read a book because another reader in our community thought it was great. They now can with a little help from you! We have set up three binders in our department: one for picture books, one for chapter books, and one for Young Adult books. If you have read a book that you think others would like, ask for a form at the Youth Services desk, fill it out, return it, and we will share it with others in our binders. Soon we will have our own recommended reading lists!

American Girl Tea Party

2010-02-04T15:00:00.002-06:00

How about starting off spring with an old fashioned tea party? Add in an American Doll theme and you have the recipe for our March 30th Event here at the Library! PLanning had begun, but is not finished at this time, so watch the BLog and website for news in the coming month. If you have an idea to share, will be more than happy to consider it.

One idea is to have a fashion show since some girls may have outfits that coordinate with their dolls. Would you like to be one of our models? Or would you loan us an outfit for someone else to model? Call the Youth Services Department at 732-5732!

Highlights from the Lego Tournament

2010-02-01T20:26:00.003-06:00

Building in progress

2010-02-01T20:11:00.001-06:00

Lego Builders

2010-02-01T18:37:00.001-06:00

2010-01-30T17:31:00.002-06:00

Pictures! Pictures!

More Pictures

2010-01-30T17:28:00.001-06:00

Here are some more!

Lego Tournament Highlights

2010-01-30T16:35:00.009-06:00

We had a fantastic turnout for the Library's first LEGO Tournament today! Boys, girls, Moms, Dads, Grandparents were all creating unusual, unique, and fun projects. Lots of participants talked together and shared ideas, parents networked, and everyone stuffed themselves with the muffins Ms. Linda baked. It was quite a sight to see so many young people and adults working together in our library. And think about the creativity it took to complete some of these projects!

A team of four boys showed us the robots they built and programmed for competitions. They also talked about what was expected at meets, and shared their skit that was part of the work the presented. It was amazing the to see their robots knock down walls, pick up rings, and move around the competition board. They would love to see some parents organize a local team, as there are very few small town, Central Illinois teams. I have information at the Library for anyone interested. Just stop by my office.

Thank you all for sharing your morning to make this event a success. We certainly will plan to have another LEGO Day in the future. If you have any suggestions or comments, just email me or tell me about them the next time you come to the Library.

Read to an Animal Afternoon Returns

2010-01-15T10:57:00.003-06:00

The Logan County Humane Society is returning to the Library with another Read to an Animal Afternoon on February 4 from 3:30 - 4:30 PM. They will hopefully be bringing adoptable animals and certainly will answer any questions you may have about pet adoption. Our last reading afternoon was so much fun! The animals loved having boys and girls read to them, sharing lots of hugs (and even sloppy kisses). This is a great way to have young readers practice orally while having a great time as well. Please call 732-5732 to register.

Lego Tournament Update

2010-01-15T10:52:00.003-06:00

A competing Lego team of boys and parent coaches will be at our Lego Tournament on January 30 to display their robot and answer questions on how to start teams. This group has been meeting and competing for the past year in Central Illinois. They will share their experiences starting at 10:30 AM while refreshments are being served. You do not have to be signed up for our tournament to come hear them speak. Wouldn't it be great if we could have more Lego Tournament days at the Library and perhaps help form a competing team of our own?!!

Lego Tournament January 30!

2010-01-06T13:17:00.003-06:00

Have you seen the new window display of the Library Annex? We are "Loving Lego" this month. Building with Lego blocks is such a great and imaginative way to spend time during the cold winter weather! So after visiting the Lego Store at Disneyland last March and reading articles about libraries holding Lego Tournaments, I asked the Youth Services' staff to plan an event here. Have we been busy!

On January 30th, 9 - 11 AM the Youth Service Department at the Library will hold a Lego Tournament for individuals, teams, and/or families. We are not setting an age category for this event as we would encourage whole families to build something together. Parents need to use their judgement on whether to bring small children with their older ones, as Lego blocks can be a choking hazard.

You may use your own Legos or ones that are here. Some projects may be started at home and completed here. (See the guidelines sheet.) We are asking that attendees pre-register by January 25 and pick up guidelines for the event. (We will know which room space is needed.)

Building time will be from 9:00 - 10:30. Refreshments will be provided during the judging between 10:30 and 11:00. Prizes will be awarded a little before 11:00. You do not have to compete in the judging if you do not wish to do so. Just come and have fun.

Teen Youth Advisory Council Meeting

2010-01-06T11:33:00.001-06:00

We will have a meeting January 13 at 3:30 in the Library Annex to discuss ideas for a spring activity for teens. This meeting is open to any teen who wishes to participate. We need your ideas to make these events ones that will be exciting and supported by the teens in Lincoln. Your input is valuable to us and your peers. If you are planning to apply for National Honor Society or need volunteer hours for other organizations, it is a great way to be of service to your community. Please help us keep the library a great place for teens. Come share! Bring a friend!

Fun!

2009-12-21T13:44:00.003-06:00

Do you like riddles? Do like books? Have you read a LOT of children's books? If you answered "yes" to these questions I have a suggestion for some fun. We just added Spot the Plot: A Riddle Book of Book Riddles by J. Patrick Lewis to our collection. Inside is page after page of riddles about children's stories. Some are simple; some are complex. Illustrations can help add to the fun as well. Answers are in the back of the volume in case a riddle has you stumped. Set it up as a game for the family before bedtime. Even young ones will be able to answer a few.

We have received a number of fun and interesting titles recently. Be sure to come by the Library over Christmas break and check out the new book displays. We will help you find a story that is just what you are looking to read on these long, cold winter days!

Happy Holidays!

Family Reading Night

2009-12-06T17:10:00.006-06:00

November was a busy month at the Library, with Family Reading Night having a great turn out of participants. The Readers' Theatre performed three skits and Reader Leaders from Lincoln Community High School came to read stories to our families. Everyone got to choose a book to take home as the evening drew to a close. If you have not attended a Family Reading night yet, save the date for next year! It is always held on the third Thursday in November. Hope to see you next year!

Tuesdays with Santa

2009-12-06T17:03:00.004-06:00

Santa visited the Library the first two Tuesdays of December. Many of our young patrons came to whisper their Christmas wishes in his ear, write out their lists for his mailbox, and make a paper chain for our Community Room. Moms, Dads, Grandparents, etc. took lots of pictures and received a special frame in which to keep their memory photo. And of course, everyone left with a candy cane and special wishes from our staff.

Wanted: Unwanted Lego Blocks

2009-12-02T14:23:00.003-06:00

Are you cleaning out closets and toy shelves to get ready for new toys that will be arriving soon? Have your children/grandchildren grown up/moved out and you find yourself with Lego building blocks you do not want any more? The Library would love to have them! We are asking for donations of Lego building blocks to use for our Kids and Parent Lego Tournament which we hope to hold the last Saturday of January. Just bring in your donations (in boxes or bags) to the Youth Services desk in the Library Annex. Lego building blocks only, please. Thanks!

Tuesdays with Santa

2009-11-27T08:53:00.002-06:00

Santa will be returning to the Library the first two Tuesdays in December: December 1 and 8 from 5:00 to 6:30. The Library has been sponsoring this event for many years. Children may sit on Santa's lap and write letters for Santa's mailbox. Each will receive a candycane along with a Christmas card frame for a special picture. Unfortunately, Polaroid has discontinued their instamatic film, so we will not be taking pictures of everyone this year. We encourage adults to bring their own cameras or camera phones to take pictures. Don't forget to browse the Christmas book selections!

Please be sure to call 732-5732 to register for this event.

Why Must we Register for Events at the Library?

2009-11-06T14:49:00.004-06:00

One of the questions we are often asked is why registration is necessary to attend events at the Library, especially when they are free. The reasons are not always simple. Since we have a small staff, we need to be sure we have people here to help with the event. When planning an event, we need to determine which room will best suit the number of people attending. Of course, when we offer a craft, refreshments, or other materials such as prizes, we need to have some idea of how many to purchase. So, please do your part and give us a call at 732-5732. It only takes a minute and really helps us make the events better for the readers.

Upcoming November Events

2009-11-06T14:34:00.003-06:00

2009 may be winding to a close, but the Youth Services Department at the Lincoln Public Library is still working to bring you some great events in November and December.

Wednesday, November 18 from 2 - 4 PM, the Logan County Humane Society will be at the Annex Community Room with adoptable pets. (Think about giving a wonderful home to one of these lovable animals, or think about Christmas giving!) Children 2nd grade and older will be given the opportunity to read a story to one of the animals while they are here. Register by calling 732-5732.

Thursday, November 19 is our annual Family Reading Night from 5:30 - 6:30 PM. Our Readers' Theatre will perform and then we will break into groups to hear stories. Rumor has it that we will have a few high school leaders here that night! This is a perfect opportunity to check out all the new books we have gotten into the department recently. Be sure to register!

For grades 6 - 8 students looking for something to occupy their time the day after Thanksgiving, we will have a mystery event on November 27 from 2 - 4 PM in the Annex. Refereshments will be served. Bring a friend. Advance registrationis required. Call 732-5732.

Teen Mystery Night at the Library

2009-11-01T14:45:00.003-06:00

On October 30, teens participated as detectives and suspects in solving the case of "The Pharaoh's Curse." The prom queen had been pushed down the school steps shortly after she had been crowned. Who did it? The best friend, the school nerd, the Home Ec teacher, or someone else? Teens inspected the crime scenes and solved the mystery! Look for future teen activities at the library, or join the Youth Advisory Council to help us plan them.

Readers Theatre is Back!

2009-10-15T13:45:00.003-05:00

The Library's Readers Theatre group will begin rehearsals in November, so if you are interested in joining, please call 732-5732 to sign up. You must be at least 8 years of age and able to attend all three rehearsals (November 2, 9, and 16) as well as Family Reading Night on November 19. Rehearsals will run from 3:30 - 4:45 PM. Family Reading Night Performance will begin at 5:30 PM.

This is a beginning drama group that encourages children to explore technics without memorization. Some members from last year took part in a film that was taken to the Rolling Prairie Youth Services Kick-off for Central Illinois libraries. Need more information? Just give me a call.

Read to an Animal Afternoon

2009-10-15T13:37:00.002-05:00

On Wednesday, November 18 from 2 - 4 PM, the Humane Society and the Lincoln Public Library Youth Services will team up for an unusual and really cool event. Children ages 6 and up can read a story to an adoptable pet in the Library Annex Community Room. Children can practice their reading skills and the animals will get some loving attention! Children can bring their own stories or choose from books we have selected.

All the pets are adoptable. Reading time may be limited depending on the number of readers. Register by calling the Youth Services Department at 732-5732.

After Hours Teen Mystery Event

2009-10-08T14:47:00.003-05:00

Do you like C. S. I. or other crime solving shows on television? Do you like mysteries? Area teens are invited to participate in a "solve the mystery" evening at the Lincoln Public Library Annex on Friday, October 30 from 7 to 10 PM. "The Pharaoh's Curse" is a mystery game where teens get to play the parts of detectives and suspects. Costumes are encouraged but not mandatory. Prizes will be given and snacks will be provided. This event is sponsored by the Library's Youth Advisory Council.
Note: You must be a teen to attend this event. Plan to be at the Annex at 7:00, as the clues are cumulative!

Child I. D. Day

2009-10-08T14:42:00.002-05:00

Lincoln Police Department is partnering with the Lincoln Public Library to offer parents I. D. packets for children ages 3 - 13 years. The event will be held Thursday, October 15 in the Library Annex. Parents are asked to bring their children to the library from 4 - 6 PM on that day where the child will have a photo taken and be fingerprinted. All information is then turned over to the parents to include in a packet to keep in a safe place at home. This information could save valuable time in the event of abductions.

Calling All Teens

2009-09-18T13:57:00.004-05:00

The Lincoln Public Library Youth Advisory Council (YAC) will meet September 30 at 3:30 in the Library Annex. We are looking for teens interested in assisting the Library to plan teen activites. The Advisory Council meets approximately 4 times a year to plan a fall, spring, and summer event.

We really want your input. It is what makes the events fun for all teens! It takes a minimal amount of time out of your busy schedule, it's fun, it helps the Library, and it keeps us up to date on what teens want.

Additional incentive: It can count as volunteer hours for National Honor Society.

Can't come the 30th but want to be involved? Call me at 732-5732 and let me know. Be sure to watch for information concerning the After Hours Teen Event in October!

Tutor, Tutor, Help Me Out!

2009-09-08T13:59:00.004-05:00

As the school year winds up and the review gives way to fresh and new material, the Library is often asked about tutors that can assist young students with homework, research, and basic skills. As we all know, everyone needs help with a concept now and then, but the cost and scheduling of individual tutors may be impractical for most families. So, we put on our thinking caps, looked at options, and have offerred two great homework helping programs for over a year now.

Monday through Thursday from 3:30 - 4:45, a couple of education majors from Lincoln University will be in the Annex to help students, ages 8 - 12 years, do homework, study for tests, or practice skills. They are located in the Annex building. Students may arrive after school, sign in, and start working. Please check the Library website and other postings for availability as the tutors follow the college schedule, not the local school districts'.

What about the student who can't make it to the library after school, or has a question about just one particularly difficult assignment? The second and most exciting program, Live Homework Help, is offerred EVERY DAY from 4 - 10 PM to learners Kindergarten through College and even adult! It is found on our website homepage. Just click on the icon that looks like a sun with orbitting planets, type in your Lincoln Public Library District card number, select the grade level and subject that you want assistance with and you are automatically hooked up with a live tutor who can provide professional help.

This is a safe, professional service to which the library subscribes. It is free to all our card holders. I presented the program to all the local schools and staff last fall. Now it offers even more age levels and a variety of assistance to adult learners, such as resume writing, GED work, and college coursework. FREE! There are even skill building exercises, resources, etc. that can expand on the topics independent of the tutors.

This service is an amazing tool for students, but is currently being under-utilized by our patrons. You can check out a demonstration any time of the day by accessing the program on our homepage. Parents, please do so! Discuss it with your friends, tell your neighbors or we will be unable to keep this service available for much longer. Give us your feedback!

Old and New Faces in the Youth Services Department

2009-08-27T13:56:00.003-05:00

Some of you may have noticed that Aliscia Stein has left her ususal spot in the Youth Services department. Aliscia has returned to being a "Stay-at-Home Mom" again. Since her husband took his new job, Aliscia found she needed to be available for all her daughters' after school extra-curricular activities. We will miss Aliscia's quiet energy and easy smile. We want to wish her, Rebecca, Rachel, and John our best as their family starts their new activities.

The next time you are in the Library in the afternoon, stop by the Youth Services desk to welcome our newest employee Linda Buttell. Linda joined us August 18 from a background of teaching young people, so we know she will do a great job with our Little Listener Lapsit story time. She is already using her creative juices to decorate the Annex Community Room for fall.

School is Starting! Make the Library Part of Your Year!

2009-08-20T15:18:00.002-05:00

Many of our young people are coming into the Library excited (or not) about the start of another school year. It seems like summer vacation just started! We have loved seeing each of our patrons throughout the last few months and want to encourage them to keep Library visits as a part of their regular routine. The Library is a great place to study, find reference materials to help out with a class project or paper, grab an uniterrupted half hour of reading time after school, or join a craft class.

We hope to add a few of our special activities back into the schedule this year as well. I will keep you posted on what ideas we are thinking about. We also welcome YOUR suggestions. Just click on the "Comment" word under this posting and tell us what YOU would like to see the Library explore as a class or club. Please put LIBRARY COMMENT in the subject field of your email so I will know it is not spam.

The Youth Advisory Council (YAC) and our Teen Volunteer Program need new members. Many of our past members have gone on to college this year! You do not have to be a member of both. Check in with the blog or look at the tri-pods to see when the first meeting will be held this Fall. I will also try to notify your school libraries.

Summer Reading 2009 Ends With Fun for All

2009-08-05T09:33:00.002-05:00

Thursday, July 30, our Summer Reading Program: READ on the Wild Side, culminated with an awards ceremony attended by 150 adults, parents, grandparents, and care givers. Prizes were awarded to the top readers in each age category 5 - 12. Pre-school drawing winners and school trophy recipients were also announced. Shirts were then distributed to all the readers who reached their summer reading goal.

As the Youth Service Staff reflected back on this summer's program, we all agreed that this one was extra fun for the readers and all who participated. Of course, we could not have had such success without the support of all the Library staff, the committment of our Library Board, the parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and care givers who not only read with and record logs with the readers, but bring the readers to the Library each week during the program. Our city schools are also a great support to the program. Not only do they allow me to visit with the students every spring to explain what the program has to offer, they also set summer school reading goals for their students. These are tracked throughout the summer, posted on our bulleting board, with trophies being awarded to the schools who reach their goal.

Another component our Summer Reading Program is our wonderful corporate sponsor, Weyerhaeuser, who allowed us to bring in such fabulous family entertainment each Thursday. Last, but certainly not least, we extend a big thank you to all our local sponsors who gave prizes or who gave donations to purchase all the shirts! Amounts large or small are all important to making a happy, fun, reading summer for the young people of our community.

We invite everyone to stop in the Youth Services Department in late August to view our scrapbook of the Summer Reading Program. Reading is such an important life skill. Ask questions about how you can be a part of this important community program that reaches approximately 500 children.

Fond Farewell

2009-07-17T18:02:00.003-05:00

Late this afternoon, our albino guinea pig, Sugar, passed away. We will always remember her red eyes, bad hair days, and "pop corning" jumps. She has given us a number of years of companionship and fun with her unique personality. Zipper and all the rest of us will remember her with fondness. Good-bye, Sugar, we will miss you.

New Addition to Whales of Fun

2009-07-14T13:28:00.002-05:00

For those of you who like to listen to your stories as you read the book, try out our Whales of Fun books. They are the hanging bags on the white cart. We just added a new one with a book and CD: In a Dark, Dark Room and Other Scary Stories.

Summer Reading Program 2009 is Counting Down!

2009-07-10T15:58:00.002-05:00

Well readers, it has been an exciting time this summer as we READ on the WIld Side. We have had great Thursdays Events sponsored by the Weyerhaeuser Company, read TONS of interesting books, and watched the animals cross the bulletin board to the watering hole.

Now we have only two weeks left!!!!

Have you checked the progress your school is making to the goal set by your teachers and principal? Will I be visiting your school this fall with a brand new trophy for your school library?

How are you doing at reaching the goal you set in June? With all the fun things to do this summer it is easy to let our reading slide a bit, so be sure you know how much more you need to read to get your shirt at the Awards Program! I want to hand out lots of prizes and shirts!!!!

If you have enjoyed seeing the pictures on the blog, tell your friends! Ms. Lou has been trying to get postings done each week so that we can re-visit the fun we had at each event. Not only that, but you can let Grandmas, Grandpas, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends in other cities see what you have been doing this summer at the Library. Just give them the link to the library website and tell them to click on Ms. Lou's blog.

Be sure to send me comments as well. Put "Ms. Lou's Blog" in the subject field so I will know it is from one of my library friends. I would love to hear what you would say about our postings!

Silly Safaris Brings Wild fun!

2009-07-10T15:41:00.003-05:00

Silly Safaris brought some very unusual wild animals to the Lincoln Public Library this week. Amazon John introduced some of his animals to the young readers and parents while filling us in on how nature sometimes does not co-mingle well with humans. Through his program he stressed that animals have certain features to protect them in the wild which do not make them great "pets" to have at home.

His animals come to the Safari as abandoned or abused animals and are used in programs to educate children and adults alike. This very funny and kid friendly program had readers screaming with excitement and pleasure! We had such an interesting hour of laughs and learning. Readers were encouraged to take a closer look and even touch the animals under the guidance of Amazon John and parents.

Summer Reading Program 2009 Passes Half Way Point

2009-07-06T20:14:00.003-05:00

It just does not seem possible that Summer Reading Program 2009 is past the half way mark! How are you doing at reaching your goal so that you will have one of our fashionable READ on the Wild Side shirts? Check your log to see how much you still need to go...then hit those books after an afternoon of fun in the sun!

This Thursday our Event will be Silly Safaris. They have promised us some wild animal fun for all ages. Call 732-5732 and reserve your spot today.

Be sure to thank Cindy, Marlene, and Aliscia for all their hard work checking your logs, handing out prizes, and finding that special book you are just itching to read. I bet the girls at the circulation desk would also appreciate a thank you for checking out and in all your selections.

We have certainly had a great summer with all the Thursday events, special story times and crafts, as well as the fun decorating. Just wait till you see the top reader prizes!

See you at the Library soon!

Nitro-Joe Returns to WOW us with Science!

2009-06-28T15:22:00.002-05:00

Nitro-Joe "wowed" an audience of over 200 on Thursday, June 25 with his science show of "Fire and Ice." Readers were introduced to chemical properties of solid, liquid, ice as well as chemical and physical changes...along with lots of fun and laughs!

Next week's Thursday Event will be Ronald McDonald.

It's Cool at the Library!

2009-06-20T13:54:00.003-05:00

Sugar and Zipper love visiting with everyone who comes into the library annex. Sometimes after lots of excitement and visits they just like to chill out and have a good nap!

While Sugar likes to curl up next to or inside her house (usually with her nose outside the door in case something interesting starts to happen), Zipper prefers to perch on top of her house to snooze. She has even been known to roll over in her sleep and fall off!

Illinois Raptor Society Program

2009-06-18T19:26:00.005-05:00

If you were not at the library today, you missed some great sights! The Illinois Raptor Society from Decatur brought in a read tailed hawk, a falcon, a vulture, and an owl. The hawk was really beautiful and the vulture was really ugly.

They told us how to tell a raptor from other birds. (Since you missed it, I guess you will have to look it up when you come to the library. The handler explained that a BOOK got him interested in learning all he could about the outdoors.)

They also explained how tiny computers were able to record a falcon's dive at over 200 miles per hour. Wow! We even got to watch the owl fly from one handler to the other, then eat its lunch of a dead mouse. (Ugh!!!) Did you know that you cannot hear an owl fly?!

If you missed this Thursday Event, be sure to register for next week when Nitro-Joe, the Science Guy will be here to do all of his wacky science experiments!

Toddler says the library is great!

2009-06-17T18:49:00.002-05:00

This young man was enjoying some quality time with Mom visiting the library last week. Many of our young parents use activities to meet and interact with other parents while their children enjoy story time or other programs.

Are you new in town? You might try coming in to a program with your kids to meet other families in town!

Are You Reading on the Wild Side This Summer?

2009-06-16T13:43:00.002-05:00

Lincoln Public Library District is still accepting signups for Summer Reading Program 2009: READ on the Wild Side. Teens have two extra reading challenges for the summer, including a video contest and Wii reading.

Hurry in today and sign-up so that you can be part of the fun this summer.

Why I Love the Summer

2009-06-14T11:31:00.003-05:00

I think the reason I love summer is because of all the friends we get to see every week. All of the Youth Services Staff works hard to find just the right book to fit for our young readers. Most of the time I think we are successful, even with the large numbers that visit every day.

A while ago as I was helping a young man look for a book and we were discussing different titles he looked at me and asked, "Do you read all these books?" Of course the answer was "No, not ALL."

But I do try to read many of the books on our shelves, especially new titles that may be the rage among our young readers? Why? It helps me fit a book to a particular reader. Reviews are a great start, but actually experiencing a book by reading it lets me have insights to the story that I cannot get by reading a review.

Secondly, it is my job. Wow! How's that for awesome?

Last, but not least, I love books! I love the pictures that pop off a page and make me laugh or cry. I like stories that transport me to another country or time. I love books that give me information that I did not know before. I love stories that can transport me to imaginary worlds and bring me safely home again.

Madcap Puppets First Thursday Event

2009-06-14T11:13:00.006-05:00

Madcap Puppets were at Lincoln Public Library on June 11. What fun to hear our favorite Aesop's Fables told by this talented duo. If you have not signed up for a Thursday Family Event yet, be sure to check the website calendar to see who will be coming!

Summer Reading Program 2009

2009-06-10T18:45:00.002-05:00

READ on the Wild Side is off to a great start. As of the close of the Library today we have signed up over 430 readers from ages 6 months through teens. That is the reason I have not had time to add to the blog recently. We are soooo excited!!!

Remember, if you have not come in to get your logs and information it is not too late! Do it soon so that you too can get in on the chance to win prizes, read fantastic new books, and have loads of fun with us this summer.

What's New?

2009-05-27T10:48:00.004-05:00

The staff of the Youth Services Department is having so much fun decorating for the Summer Reading Kick-off next week! "Lions and tigers and bears..oh my!" Also leopards, giraffes, rhinos, monkeys... There are monkeys hanging from vines over our "stage" area; there are animals flying the model airplane over the young readers tables; there is a safari in the front window; the story tree has monkeys and snakes. Wow!

School goals for the summer are up and the bulletin board will track progress "to the watering hole" throughout June and July. We would love to hand out trophies to ALL the schools in September, so come in and show your school spirit this summer.

Sign ups for story times, crafts, Thursday events, and reading for prizes will take place next week for children 6 months through 12 years. Come in out of the heat and rain to sign up, get materials, play the special games, and start your reading! There are so many things to do this summer!

The Teen Summer Reading Program will begin June 8, but everyone is invited to come check out the special Video and Wii contests!

Grab your Safari hats, a camera, and READ on the Wild Side this summer.

Thank You to our Teen Volunteers

2009-05-21T10:56:00.004-05:00

We are so fortunate to have great teen volunteers in the Youth Services Department at the Lincoln Public Library. With graduations being held, we would like to sincerely thank our two senior volunteers Samara Shane and Sarah Zhang for the work they have done over the past years. These young women have shared many hours with us working on crafts, helping with activities, and of course cleaning books. We wish them the best of luck in their future careers and will miss their smiling faces at the Library.

Three other volunteers will be staying on to help us next fall. If you would like to learn how to become a library teen volunteer, stop by the Youth Services Desk and ask for information. We will be taking summer volunteers as part of the Teen Summer Reading Contest to win a wii player!

Summer Suggestion

2009-05-21T10:50:00.003-05:00

If you loved Stephenie Meyer's "Twilight" series and are looking for something along the same lines for summer reading, try Kelley Armstrong's The Summoning and The Awakening. More than lovable vampires fill her young adult novels, but the suspense, the creepiness, and the mild romance are all there. Send me a message and let me know what you think! Maybe you have another author that you have found as well. Happy reading!

Decorations Go up for READ on the WIld Side

2009-05-14T08:46:00.004-05:00

The Youth Services Department is busy decorating the Library Annex in preparation of this year's Summer Reading Program: READ on the Wild Side. June 1 - 6 will be the Kick-off and Sign-up Week with many "wild games" for young people to play while signing up for summer activities. sign up will continue in June for those not able to stop by the Library that week.

The Summer Reading Program has various levels from 6 moths - teens with readers receiving prizes throughout the summer. An Awards Program in August will complete the program where readers who meet their reading goals will receive a summer reading shirt. Top reader prizes will also be awarded.

There is something for everyone at the Library this summer! It's like a buffet: choose the parts you want to participate in and register! Story times, crafts, entertainment, new books, prizes, and fun...all for free!

Many local sponsors help to make this possible for our young people. Be sure to look at our bulletin board that lists all of our contributors and thank them for their support.

Butterfly Release

2009-05-13T14:47:00.004-05:00

Our first set of butterflies has been released into the wild! The second batch should be hatching any day, so come see them before we releease them as well.

Summer Reading is Coming!

2009-05-12T13:32:00.002-05:00

If you have not stopped by the Library Annex lately you may not have seen some of the really cool decorations going up each day. We are beginning to turn the library's Youth Service Department into a WILD place of reading!

Our window has a diorama depicting our theme: READ on the Wild Side. Ms. Aliscia did a great job on that. Ms. Marlene has begun to put up the backdrop for our Thursday Event area. Wait till you see what she has come up with this year! Be sure to bring in your own camera this year to take pictures, since we will not be taking sign-up pictures this year. (We are saving our Polaroid film for Santa.)

Prizes have arrived and we have just HAD to try out a few! What fun. The new puppets from Folksmania have had us fluffing and cuddling new friends.

We sure hope you are getting excited because we sure are!

We have Butterflies!

2009-05-11T08:44:00.003-05:00

The first batch of Painted Lady Butterflies has hatched! Watching the cycle from caterpillar to cocoon to butterfly never stops amazing us. Each day the staff and many patrons stop by my office window in anticipation of seeing a new and remarkable phase in this promise of spring and renewal.

If you have not had a chance to come in and see this exhibit, the second batch have spun their cocoon and will probably hatch this week some time.

The first batch of butterflies will be released this afternoon, weather permitting. Maybe you will see one flying around!

Butterflies Are Here!

2009-04-30T11:24:00.003-05:00

Two sets of butterfly larvae has arrived at the Library and are installed in my office window. The first group has already spun cocoons! It is amazing to watch how much the caterpillars grow in just one day!!!

It will be about a week or so before we have live Painted Lady butterflies in our habitat. We will keep them on display for 3 - 4 days before releasing them into the wild to make more butterflies.

Be sure to stop by the library often to see this truly wonderous evolution! This is our way of welcoming spring to Lincoln.

Two New Books

2009-04-23T10:46:00.003-05:00

For those patrons who love the "I Spy" series, we have added a new book to the collection from Kidslabel: Spot 7 Toys. It's fun and tough! Find it under J/793.7/TOY.

For those readers craving something after the "Twilight" series, take a look at Kelly Armstrong's The Summoning and The Awakening. Both are in our young adult collection.