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!