Resolutions for 2013

Setting your New Year’s resolutions? Here’re some suggestions from the LME Library that can make 2013 great!

1. Resolve to get more fit.  Our 5th season of LME Library’s Biggest Loser starts January 9th.  This 8 week program can help you get a kick start on your fitness goals.  Did you know the library has a great selection of workout DVDs and offers yoga, Zumba, and hooping classes?  Our yoga group meets on Mondays and Fridays at 9am.  Zumba is a workout class for adults featuring Latin music and dance for a great cardio workout while hooping works your core, hips and thighs.  Zumba is on Tuesday evenings at 6:15pm and hooping is on Thursdays at 6pm.  No preregistration is required and participation is free. Come to the staff entrance on Walnut Street (near Harvey Stahl Plumbing) for classes that take place after the library is closed.  Don’t forget the cookbooks!  The LME Library also has variety of cookbooks for those looking for healthy recipes.  
2. Resolve to declutter your home.  Are you looking for a place to bring your used books, DVDs, or ink cartridges?  Donate them to the LME Library!  Items not added to the library collection go to the Friends of the Library for their booksale.  Over the years, the Friends have supported the library by donated materials, equipment, furniture, and funds for children’s programs.   The Friends are also collecting empty inkjet cartridges for recycling. Cartridges can be deposited in our collection bin at the library.
3. Resolve to stop paying overdue library fines.  You can when your books are never overdue.  Sign up for Shoutbomb text notifications or email alerts, and you will always know when your loan period is up.  Then you can renew your books online, by text message, in person, or by phone.  Don’t forget that you can return all items in the drop box outside the library even if the library is closed.  You can also use our e-book service (http://alliance.lib.overdrive.com) and the e-book will expire when the loan period has ended. 
4. Resolve to save money.  Your LME Library has many services.  We are the only Wi-Fi hotspot in Princeville offering free wireless access.  If you don’t have a computer or Wi-Fi device, we have 9 public access computers for use.  Want to read a book by your favorite author?  You can borrow it from our library or one of the 180+ libraries in our region.  We have audios, magazines, and DVDS as well as e-books.  Last year over 46,000 items circulated from the LME Library.  Our databases include full-text magazines articles from nearly 3,000 publications, newspaper articles from Peoria & around the US, e-books & audio books, kids interactive books, genealogical research sources, and fiction read-a-like lists.  We offer a variety of children & adult programming—last year over 6,300 participants attended one or more of our 550 programs.
5. Resolve to read more.  Reading is an active mental process – by reading, you think more and become smarter.   It is a fundamental skill builder–books provide information that goes deeper than just classroom discussion.  It improves your vocabulary –while reading books, especially challenging ones, you will find yourself exposed to words you wouldn’t be otherwise.  Reading gives you a glimpse into other cultures and places –books can expand your horizons by letting you see what other places have to offer before you visit them.  Reading has many benefits–in addition to improving your focus and concentration, reading is entertaining and fun!

It’s a whole new year, and we want to make it easy to start and keep your resolutions.  Stop in or visit the LME Library website at http://lmelibrary.org. You'll be glad you did!

E-book Frequently Asked Questions for Libraries

E-books are very popular right now and librarians worry about being able to keep up with the demand.  The issue is amplified by the fact that several large book publishers continue to deny libraries access to their e-books and others make e-books available under difficult terms. Since libraries need a way to organize and circulate their e-book collections, they have different concerns from the home e-book users.  As a result, many librarians are asking, “What can I do to advocate for fair e-book lending practices?”

To assist libraries in informing the public about e-book lending practices, the American Library Association (ALA) released today the “ALA E-book Media & Communications Toolkit,” a set of materials that will support librarians in taking action in their communities.  One of the tools in the toolkit is a frequently asked questions page that provides some basic information about the depth and scope of this problem. 

Developed by the ALA’s Digital Content and Libraries Working Group (DCWG), the toolkit provides resources for library supporters interested in informing the public of the role that libraries play in building literate and knowledgeable communities. Additionally, the toolkit provides guidance on ways to use the media templates, as well as ALA talking points, e-book data, and public service announcement scripts.

“The library community cannot sit by while publishers openly refuse to sell libraries the e-books that they need to serve their patrons,” said ALA President Maureen Sullivan, who recently led several library meetings with publishers. “Librarians and our allies must speak out more forcefully in communities across the country. Everyone needs to know that libraries offer e-books and 21st century library services, but we are unable to offer all the e-reading choices our patrons demand and deserve.”

The Digital Content & Libraries Working Group, a representative group made up of 27 ALA members from various types of libraries, advises the Association on issues related to libraries and digital content, and the provision of equitable access to digital content for all. The group has developed a number of other resources about e-books, including the report “Ebook Business Models for Public Libraries,” a digital rights management “Tip Sheet,” and an E-Content supplement to American Libraries magazine.

Upcoming at the LME Library in December 2012

 

LME Library to participate in the Holiday Homecoming Celebration December 1st

During Princeville’s Holiday Homecoming Celebration, the LME Library will kick off its Foods-4-Fines program.  From December 1 thru December 21^st, you may bring in nonperishable foods items.  For each item donated, the library will forgive $1 of your fines.  Did you find a library item that’s been missing for months?  Bring it in and each item will only be a maximum of $5 in fines and eligible for Food-4-Fines amnesty!  Don’t have any fines?  No problem, we will still be happy to accept your donations!  All donations will go to the local food pantry to benefit those in need.  Note: Fines will not be removed from unreturned items or items returned damaged. 

Santa letters can also be dropped off at LME Library starting on December 1st.  Santa’s mailbox will be out with our other holiday decorations, and children may drop in their letters to Santa. Letters dropped off by December 17th with return addresses will be answered by Santa, so be sure to include them on your letters!

In addition, the LME Library will also have extended hours (3-6pm) during the late night shopping on December 1st.  At the LME Library, you can chase away the cold by sampling our treats, participating in a family craft, or just visiting with neighbors. The Friends of the Library will also be holding their annual raffle so be sure to stop by the LME Library!

November at LME Library

The Biggest Loser Fall Season just ended at Lillie M. Evans Library.  We had 35 participants who lost a total of 200.3 pounds!  The average loss was 5.7 pounds or 2.6% during the 8-week program.  Our biggest loser was Tiffany D. who lost a whopping 11.5%.  of her total body weight—incredible!  Congratulations to all participants for working hard to shed those pounds and stay fit.  Watch for additional fitness events in 2013. 

Our Red Scarf Project is off to a good start.  So far we have collected 20 handmade scarves.  These scarves will be distributed by Foster Care 2 Success in February 2013.  Guidelines are available on the LME Library website http://lmelibrary.org and scarves will be collected through December 1^st.  If you don’t know how to crochet but are willing to learn, there are 2 programs scheduled in November to help you master the art of single and double crochet.  Please join us on November 7 and Nov 14 and bring a “size H” crochet hook.  We will have work sessions from 2:30-3:30pm or 5-6pm both days, and we have yarn available to get you started.  If you already know how to crochet and want to help, you can join us too!

Our popular Glass Ornament program is scheduled November 12 at 6pm.  This program is for participants 13 years and older.  Please register by calling the library (385-4540) or by completing our online registration through our website.  Don’t forget to bring in a photograph—it’s needed to complete your ornament.

Thursday, November 15th is Illinois Family Reading Night 2012.  Join us at the LME Library from 6:15-7:45pm for the Amazing Reading Race.  Family teams will compete head to head in a read-around-town scavenger hunt.  All family members welcome.  Teams must include grade schoolers.  Prizes will be awarded!

Our Friends of the Library group now has a booksale corner in the library.  A selection of fiction, non-fiction, children’s, and non-print materials are available every day.  Everything is a free-will donation so no prices are marked.  Over the years, the Friends have supported the library by donating materials, furniture, equipment, and funds for children's programs. Books and materials can be donated all year long.

November is National Novel Writing Month, or NaNoWriMo, the world’s largest writing event.  Participants pledge to write 50,000 words in a month, starting from scratch and reaching “The End” by November 30th.  So how can you participate?  Go to http://nanowrimo.org/to register and for more information.  Peoria NaNoWriMo participants can also find local events and community members at http://nanowrimo.org/en/regions/usa-illinois-peoria.  NaNoWriMo is a great time to start that novel you've always meant to write! 

National Novel Writing Month-NaNoWriMo

November is National Novel Writing Month, or NaNoWriMo, the world’s largest writing event.  There are no judges and no prizes but participant’s efforts turn the usually solitary act of writing into a community experience.   Participants pledge to write 50,000 words in a month, starting from scratch and reaching “The End” by November 30^th.  

Although the event emphasizes creativity and perseverance over creating a literary masterpiece, more than 90 novelists who have participated in NaNoWriMo have since become published authors.  The list includes recent best selling authors Sara Gruen (Water for Elephants and Ape House), Erin Morgenstern (The Night Circus), and Marissa Meyer (Cinder).  

So how can you participate?  Go to http://nanowrimo.org/ to register and for more information.  Peoria NaNoWriMo participants can also find local events and community members at http://nanowrimo.org/en/regions/usa-illinois-peoria.  NaNoWriMo is a great time to start that novel you've always meant to write! 

Donating e-books question

I recently received a question at the Lillie M. Evans Library about the possibility of patrons donating e-books to our collection.  While we love the fact that  patrons want to donate their books to us when they are through, it's not possible to donate e-books at this time.  Why not?

Carrie Russell, of theAmerican Library Association’s Washington Office, said this:

"Ebooks cannot be donated because their use is governed by contract rather than the copyright law. Under the copyright law, there are exceptions that allow a user to exercise a right of copyright under certain circumstances. One of the exclusive rights of copyright is the “right to distribute.” But first sale says that once a person lawfully acquires a work that person has the right to distribute that particular copy anyway that he wants. So libraries can lend the books that they purchase, and you can donate books to the library. With ebooks, the contract defines what you can or cannot do with a work. In general, contracts for ebooks you acquire – from iBooks, for example –have a non-negotiable license linked to the work. This is when you click on an “I agree to these terms” button. You are bound by the contract. If you read the contract, generally you will see terms that restrict what you can do. “Non-commercial personal use only” is the kind of language that prevents you from donating. If you violate the contract terms, you violate the license agreement, not copyright law." More information about this issue can be found at: 
http://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/ask-ala-librarian/donating-ebooks

National Save for Retirement Week-Oct 21-27, 2012

National Save for Retirement Week is a national effort to raise public awareness about the importance of saving for retirement. National Save for Retirement Week is held every year during the third week of October, and this year it will be held from Oct 21-27.  This is an opportunity to reflect on personal retirement goals and to determine if these goals are on target.

A nationwide poll taken earlier this year found that most workers are failing to save as much as they could for retirement.  The survey, conducted in March 2012 by BlackRock, Inc., found that nearly six of 10 workers (58 percent) currently are not saving the maximum amount of money permitted by their 401(k) plan.

So when and how do you save for retirement?   Here are some suggestions:

1. Start—much of the retirement advice reminds us to start as early as possible, but it’s never too late to start.  Even employees in their 40s and 50s have options to maximize their retirement savings opportunities.  Of course the earlier you start saving, the more time you have to build wealth, but you can still make retirement a priority no matter what your age. 
2. Develop a plan—having a retirement plan helps you determine how much money you need for retirement, set retirement goals, and identify strategies to reach these goals.  There are online resources and calculators available as well as print resources in the library. 
3. Stay committed—whether you have 40 years or 40 months before retirement, you need to stay focused and committed to your goals.  It’s easy to start but it’s more difficult, especially in these tough economic times, to stick with a planned strategy.  

The Lillie M. Evans Library can help you start and reach your retirement goals.  In addition to saving you money by providing books and videos on retirement advice, we have compiled a list of online resources to help you get started:

Materials available in the Lillie M. Evans Library
http://bit.ly/SZiaL5

Retirement publications from the United States Department of Labor http://www.dol.gov/ebsa/publications

U.S. Social Security Administration’s Retirement Planner
http://www.ssa.gov/retire2/

Webinars and resources from the National Save for Retirement Week
http://www.icmarc.org/retirement-week.html

Savings Matters from the Employee Benefits Security Administration http://www.savingmatters.dol.gov/

So join us in celebrating National Save for Retirement Week by starting or reviewing your retirement planning.

October Events at Lillie M. Evans Library

There’s still time to join our Biggest Loser program to shed pounds and get fit! The LME Biggest Loser, Season 4 will continue until October 24. Weekly weigh-ins are at the library on Wednesdays between 9a-8p. A calendar of events is available online through the library’s website, http://lmelibrary.org

We’ve recently organized “Skeins of Hope” a charity knit and crochet group for ages 6^th grade to adult.  Our first charity project is the Red ScarfProject for Foster Care 2 Success.  Guidelines are available on the LME Library website and scarves will be collected through December 1^st.  Watch for knitting and crocheting days coming up in November.  We are accepting donations of completed scarves, yarn, knitting and crocheting supplies.

The Lillie M. Evans Library will be a location for early voting on Monday, October 22 from 8a-6p.  Voters who live in the County of Peoria, outside of the City of Peoria, can vote at any of the Peoria County Early Voting locations. Voters must present a government issued photo ID.  A sample ballot for Peoria County is available online.

In the Children’s area, Tales for Tots, a  new storytime option (with stories, songs and rhymes but no crafts) will be held from 10:30-10:50 on October 3 & 17^th.  There is no session on October 10^th.  Tales of Tots is especially for children 18 months up to 36 months and an accompanying adult. No registration necessary! Drop-ins welcome!

In addition, Mag Mondays have started up again this school year.  Mag Mondays are Gaming Day for 6th-12th graders.  Teens can play Wii Sports, Mario Kart, Just Dance 1&2 or just hang out.  Laptops will also be available for online gaming for teens with signed computer agreements.  October’s Mag Mondays are on October 15 and October 29 from 3:30-4:50pm.  

Watch for details on the upcoming K-5^th movie day on October 18^th.  There is an early out that day and the movie starts at 2:15.  The movie title and details will be available soon on the library’s web page http://lmelibrary.org.

College Changes Everything in Illinois

The State of Illinois has adopted a goal to increase the percentage of adults in Illinois with a postsecondary degree or credential to 60% by the year 2025.  The current rate is about 41%.  The State wants to do more to ensure more young children are in the pipeline for education beyond high school.  In addition, recent data shows that by the year 2018, 64% of the jobs in Illinois will require education beyond high school. To that end, the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) and other stakeholders across the state have launched the College Changes Everything movement to make the general public more aware of the impact education beyond high school has not only on the individual, but on society in general.  Please click here to learn more.

What’s Going on at LME Library in September

As students head back to school, we encourage parents to visit the Lillie M. Evans Library and make sure their children and teens sign-up for the most important school supply of all - a library card.  Everyone who lives in the Princeville School District age 5 and over is eligible for a LME Library card.  Students can access free databases, checkout library materials, and attend programs that provide an added value to the educational experience. No wonder that 84-percent of American’s agree that the public library is important to education. September is Library Card Sign-up Month, so when you register, be sure to enter the “I Got Mine!” drawing.  Each week, there will be an opportunity to win a Princeville Princes discount card.  The final drawing will be for a Casey’s gift card.  If you already have a library card, you can enter the drawing by updating your contact information and getting your picture taken with your card.  This September, open the door to a world of possibilities for the student in your life and sign up for a library card today.

September also kicks off with a new LME Biggest Loser program- the fall 2012 edition.  The LME Biggest Loser runs from September 5 and can help you to shed pounds and get fit. Participants compete for prizes during the 8 week program which will be on display just inside our Walnut Street entrance. Weekly weigh-ins will be at the library on Wednesdays between 9a-8p. There are lots of opportunities to attend programs and workout session. Visit the library’s website at http://lmelibrary.org for additional information.

Story times and a new toddler time are available for our younger members.  FALL Storytime for 3-5 year olds will begin on September 11 and will be a 5 week session on the following dates on Tuesdays, Sept 11, 18, 25, October 2, & 16 @ 9:30 or 10:30 AM (please note there will not be Storytime on October 9th).  You may sign up your child by phone, in person or online through the library’s website. Be sure to note what session time you would prefer in the comments section. Space is limited and sessions fill up fast so please register ASAP.  In addition, there will be a new Storytime option, especially for children 18 months up to 36 months and an accompanying adult. This Storytime will include stories, songs and action rhymes but no crafts. Dates are Wednesdays, September 12, 19, 26, October 3 & 17 (no session on October 10).  The 5 week session runs from 10:30 - 10:50 AM.  No registration necessary! Drop-ins welcome!

In conjunction with the Princeville Heritage Museum, we are sponsoring a Hobo Quilts Program on Sunday, September 16th, 2012 at 3:30pm at the Princeville Heritage Museum.  Author, Debra Henninger will present the program.  Debi is the owner of 3 quilt shops in the area and has recently written a book, Hobo Quilts, based on quilts she designed using hobo signs.   Debi will discuss the history and lifestyle of hobos and present some of the quilts she made in preparation of her book.  Please note this program is at the Museum which is located at 325 N. Ostrom in Princeville and their phone number is  (309)385-1916.  All this and more can be found on the library’s website at: http://lmelibrary.org.

Value of Public Libraries

Here's a great graphic from StateStats.org that highlights the value of public libraries.

FIND A LIBRARY NEAR YOU

FIND YOUR LOCAL LIBRARY
INFORMATION INTEGRATED
WITH GOOGLE MAPS

DATA SOURCE: IMLS

Sources:

• ALA Library Fact Sheet
• Bureau of Labor Statistics - Data
• Bureau of Economic Analysis
• Northwestern University Libraries information
• MIT Library Data
• Institute of Museum and Library Services
• Census.gov - Public Libraries in the U.S. 2009
• ALA - Funding Technology Access Study
• Volunteer Match - Engaging Volunteers
• Pew Internet - Libraries, patrons & ebooks

• ALA Quotable Facts - American Libraries
• Harrison County Library - Facts and Figures
• Stanford University - Library Facts
• Library of Congress - Fascinating Facts
• Libraries for Real Life
• Houston Library - Facts
• Library Journal - Annual Library Budgets Survey
• ALA - State of American Libraries Report - 2012
• NationalService.gov - Benefits of Volunteering
• ALA - Library Operating Expenditures

Thank you to StateStats.org for providing this infographic and other free web guides and tools.

Princeville Walks at LME Library

Princeville Walks is over—so how did we do?  We did great!  As you may know, Princeville Walks was part of our summer reading activities.  Starting May 29^th, participants recorded the steps or miles they walked, ran, or converted from activities.  Each participant kept a log for the 9-week program which ended July 27, and then reported them to us.  Whenever new miles were turned in, we updated our board in the library to see how far Princeville Walks. 

Overall, we had 21 participants sign-up for the program and 13 turned in miles or steps.  Our major goal was to reach Princeville, Hawaii and we met our goal—Princeville, HI is 4195.1 miles away and our Princeville Walks participants walked a total of 4462.4 miles!  Along the way, we visited the Future Birthplace of James T. Kirk in Riverside, IA (102 miles) and Dorothy’s House and Land of Oz in Liberal, KS (656.9).  Next it was on to the Museum of Clean in Pocatello, ID (1172 miles) and Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum in Las Vegas, NV (1406.2 miles).  When our walkers left the continental United States, they journeyed 2868.6 miles to Butte, Alaska.  Butte is known for its people powered Ferris wheel and for the landmark “sword in the pole.” 

Thank you to everyone who participated in Princeville Walks—many people enjoyed this program, and we hope you did too!  If you were a participant, stop by the library anytime and pick up your certificate of completion.  For those of you looking for more fitness activities, the LME Biggest Loser Fall 2012 will be starting in September.  Visit the library’s website at http://lmelibrary.org for additional information on this and other library programs.

Olympics 2012 London resources

The Olympics 2012 London will kick off tomorrow with the opening ceremonies. Whether you like to watch the games or read about them, there’re lots to choose from.  In the library, we have two new fiction books that take place at the 2012 London Olympics—Gold by Chris Cleave and Private Games by James Patterson.  Former Olympic gymnast, Dominique Moceanu, just released her biography, Off Balance last week, and for those interested in the English locations, we have the Rough Guide to England.   For the younger crowd, we have Great Moments in the Summer Olympics and G is for Gold Medal.

There are websites to catch up on medal counts and Olympic gossip including the official sites like http://www.olympic.org  and http://www.london2012.com.  There is a great video on “How to Follow the 2012 Olympics Online” by Mashable.com at http://mashable.com/2012/07/25/follow-olympics-online/.  Also with all the social media playing such a big role in our society, don’t miss their “Must-Follow Athletes on Twitter” at http://mashable.com/2012/07/24/olympic-athletes-twitter/.

The modern Olympic Games were founded on the principle of education through sports.  Through the games, we find ourselves learning about different cultures, countries, and traditions.  As we enjoy the games and the competition between the best athletes in the world, don’t forget to celebrate the Olympic message of peace and friendship.  


Update:  Books on the Night Stand had a podcast 7/31/12 that had some additional suggestions for Olympic reads!

LME Library has new walk up computer stations

Thanks to the generous donations from the family & friends of Janet Hager, the Lillie M. Evans Library now has two walk up computer stations in the library.  These stations are perfect for searching the library’s catalog, navigating the library’s magazine articles and ebooks, and receiving some assistance from the LME Library staff.  There is no sign-up necessary for these computers, but they are for quick searching and resource demonstration.  Regular Internet users will continue to checkout computer passes and use one of the 7 sit down computers.   The walk up stations are located by the circulation staff so if assistance is needed, the staff is available.

Janet Hager contributed many hours to the library—first as a staff member and then as a volunteer—and we deeply appreciated the dedication and joy she brought with her.  She passed away in February 2012, and we miss her greatly.   Since Janet spent so much of her time at the library, it seems fitting for her to be commemorated in this way.   We have many fond memories of Janet and her commitment to the mission of the library.  These gifts will continue to represent the service and enthusiasm Janet provided to the Lillie M. Evans Library District.

Introducing 2 new subscriptions!

The LME Library has recently purchased 2 new online resources for our library patrons.  These resources are available in the left hand column (with our other library subscription databases) on the LME Library web page http://lmelibrary.org.  Just locate the resource and click on the icon—it’s that easy!  The resources are available in the library or from you home computer.  You will need your LME Library card number for home access.

World Book Web has encyclopedias for early (World Book Online for Kids), middle (World Book Online Info Finder), and advanced users (World Book Online Reference Center.  There are more than 20,000 photos, illustrations & maps; science fair projects; primary sources; read-aloud functionality; games & activities; and computer & web tutorials.  In addition, there is a Spanish language encyclopedia (Gran Enciclopedia Hispánica online) and World Book Discover for more graphically based learners.   Finally, there is The Early World of Learning which offers a wealth of resources to help preschoolers and children in the early grades grasp critical early childhood themes while developing reading and oral language skills. 

Rocket Languages is an online language learning site.  Always wanted to learn a foreign language?  Now’s your chance—you can access the site in the library or at home!  There are courses in Spanish, Portuguese, Korean, Japanese, Italian, Hindi, German, French, Chinese and Arabic as well as American Sign Language and English for Spanish Speakers.

We encourage you to explore these and other of our library subscription databases.  Our databases include full-text magazines articles from nearly 3,000 publications, newspaper articles from Peoria & around the US, ebooks & audio books, kids interactive books, genealogical research sources, and fiction read-a-like lists. All these databases and more are available through the LME Library’s web site at http://lmelibrary.org. Enjoy!

Novel Resources at LME!

Looking for help with writing a novel?  There are some materials in the Lillie M. Evans Library that can help!  We have books by several famous authors that give some insights on their writing styles.  One of my favorites, Janet Evanovich, has one called How I Write: Secrets of a Bestselling Author.  Anne Lamott has written Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life and Stephen King’s book is simply called On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft.  In addition to these, we also have Writer’s Market, MLA Handbook and Modern Library’s Writer’s Workshop.   For other titles in our collection, click on the link below:

Search RSAcat for authorship

Also, below are links to some helpful websites:

100 Useful Web Tools for Writers	http://www.collegedegrees.com/blog/2008/06/11/100-useful-web-tools-for-writers/
Amazon’s Self Publishing	http://www.amazon.com/gp/seller-account/mm-summary-page.html?ie=UTF8&ld=AZFooterSelfPublish&topic=200260520
Barnes & Noble’s Self Publishing	https://help.barnesandnoble.com/app/publisher_author/list
CrimeSpace: A place for Readers and Writers of Crime Fiction to Meet	http://crimespace.ning.com/
Grammar Girl: Quick & Dirty Tips for Better Writing	http://grammar.quickanddirtytips.com/
Merriam-Webster Dictionary	http://www.merriam-webster.com/
National Novel Writing Month	http://www.nanowrimo.org/
Writers Write: Your One-Stop Resource for Information about Books, Writing & Publishing	http://www.writerswrite.com/
Writing.com	http://www.writing.com/

Princeville Railroads - June 6th @ LME Library

Don't forget that we will be offering our first of two programs honoring Princeville's 175th anniversary next week.  Those interested should reserve a seat by calling the library at 309-385-4540 or by registering  online through the library’s website.

Princevillle's Railroads Wednesday, June 06, 2012, 6-7pm

Princeville was once served by 2 railroad lines—the Rock Island and the Santa Fe.  Before the 1950s, railroads provided transportation of people and goods throughout the US and linked small towns like Princeville to the rest of the country.  Please join us at the Lillie M. Evans Library on June 6th at 6pm for a railroad program by Jim David.  Mr. David author of the book, The Rock Island Trail: Echoes From the Past, will take us on a journey to an era when railroads provided fast, reliable transportation and describe how an abandoned railway line became the Rock Island Trail. 

June Programs at the LME Library

In addition to our Summer Reading programs for children grades K-12 (starts May 29!), the Lillie M. Evans Library also offers programs for adults.  In June, visit us for help with technology, for fitness activities, or to celebrate Princeville’s 175 years.  All programs are free and open to the public.  Here are the details:

Drop-In Tech Help EVERY MONDAY IN JUNE 10am-noon

Are you new to computers and have lots of questions still left unanswered?  Join us at the Lillie M. Evans Library on Mondays during June for individual assistance.  From 10-noon we will be offering a series of open lab times where anyone can drop in to ask questions or get lessons on computers or technology.  Open labs are on Mondays from 10-noon in the month of June (June 4, 11, 18, 25).  Appointments are not necessary; just stop in anytime between 10am-12pm on Mondays.  Laptops will be set-up in the meeting room or bring your own device—we’d love to see you there!

Princeville Walks 2012 May 29th-July 27th

Join us May 29th – July 27th and see how far Princeville can walk!  Register free at the LME Library or online through the library’s website.  You record your own steps and mileage and then report them to us. Walk, jog, run, bike and get moving; it all counts! Check out Purdue University’s site at http://www.purdue.edu/walktothemoon/activities.html to convert other activities into steps. You can join us anytime starting May 29^th. Check in at the library at your convenience to have your mileage added to the total throughout the program.

Princevillle's Railroads Wednesday, June 06, 2012, 6-7pm

Princeville was once served by 2 railroad lines—the Rock Island and the Santa Fe.  Before the 1950s, railroads provided transportation of people and goods throughout the US and linked small towns like Princeville to the rest of the country.  Please join us at the Lillie M. Evans Library on June 6th at 6pm for a railroad program by Jim David.  Mr. David author of the book, The Rock Island Trail: Echoes From the Past, will take us on a journey to an era when railroads provided fast, reliable transportation and describe how an abandoned railway line became the Rock Island Trail. Those interested should reserve a seat by calling the library at 309-385-4540 or by registering  online through the library’s website.

Auten Peonies Wednesday, June 13, 2012, 6-7pm

Are you interested in Auten peonies?  Princeville was once known as the “Peony Capital of the World” due to the industrious Edward Auten, Jr.  From 1925 until his retirement in 1963, Mr. Auten hybridized over 300 varieties of peonies.  Join us at the Lillie M. Evan Library on June 13 at 6pm.  Kathy German will be presenting a program on the Auten peonies and the legacy of Edward Auten, Jr.  Those interested should reserve a seat by calling the library at 309-385-4540 or by registering  online through the library’s website.

Find a Book online search tool

 

Secretary of State and State Librarian Jesse White is joining Governor Pat Quinn and Illinois Superintendent of Education Christopher A. Koch in urging librarians, educators and families to use the free online “Find a Book” search tool to ensure students continue reading while they are out of school this summer.   “Find a Book” provides a way for librarians, parents and children to quickly and easily search for books that match a child’s reading level and interests.  “Find a Book” also helps locate a local library carrying each book title.  “Our Illinois libraries have long promoted year round reading and the `Find a Book’ search tool complements such efforts,’’ said Secretary White. “I encourage parents to read with their children every day to ensure a lifelong love of reading. When children begin reading independently, they are not only making academic gains but opening themselves to new worlds.”

Many studies have indicated that struggling learners score significantly higher on standardized tests taken at the beginning of the summer than they do on the same tests taken at summer’s end. The academic loss is particularly evident in reading, and most pronounced among students from low socioeconomic families who may not have access to books. Studies also show children who read through the summer months maintain more of their academic skills and are better prepared when school resumes.  “Families can prevent the summer reading slide by checking out the free ‘Find a Book’ site and building a summer reading list today,” said State Superintendent Koch. “The more parents help their children make time for reading, the more likely they’ll see successful students.”


 “Find a Book” uses a student's reading score, reported as a Lexile® measure from state standardized tests, including the ISAT, to provide a Lexile range and corresponding list of texts within that range. The Lexile range for a reader is from 50L above his or her Lexile measure to 100L below. If a student attempts to read material above their Lexile range, the text may challenge the student and his or her ability to construct meaning from the reading, and the experience may decrease. Likewise, material below a reader’s Lexile range will provide him or her with little challenge in comprehension.


Users of the “Find a Book” search tool can also find appropriate books without a Lexile measure through a search using the child's grade level and comfort with the typical reading materials at that grade level. The search utility will produce a starting Lexile range that can be further refined. “Find a Book” also offers a Spanish option that allows users to search all of the titles with Spanish Lexile measures.