Thursday, January 31, 2008

Game Night - Jan. 31

Cancelled due to weather.

We're still planning on having a gaming night on Feb. 14th. And we'll be asking the Feb. 14th when they would like to schedule new dates.

Wednesday, January 30, 2008

DTV Transition and the Coupon Program

For Patrons asking about the DTV Transition and the Coupon Program -- -

https://www.dtv2009.gov/ApplyCoupon.aspx

What is the digital television transition?
At midnight on February 17, 2009, all full-power television stations in the United States will stop broadcasting in analog and switch to 100% digital broadcasting. Digital broadcasting promises to provide a clearer picture and more programming options and will free up airwaves for use by emergency responders.
What is the TV Converter Box Coupon Program?
Congress created the TV Converter Box Coupon Program for households wishing to keep using their analog TV sets after February 17, 2009. The Program allows U.S. households to obtain up to two coupons, each worth $40, that can be applied toward the cost of eligible converter boxes.
A TV connected to cable, satellite or other pay TV service does not require a TV converter box from this program.
Consumers have a variety of options. Options to explore include:
Keep your existing analog TV and purchase a TV converter box. A converter box plugs into your TV and will keep it working after Feb. 17, 2009, or
Connect to cable, satellite or other pay service, or
Purchase a television with a digital tuner.
Have more questions? Visit our FAQs for more information!
Not sure if you need a Converter Box? Click Next.

WEAR A NAME BADGE

The new generic STAFF badges are here.

If you do NOT wear the badge with your name on it,
then you must start using a generic one!

Please remember to leave these name tags for others too!

Thursday, January 24, 2008

Bookmobile ACES Afterschool Outreach Grant Program

The bookmobile staff has been developing an afterschool program for students at LaPetite Academy, Goodings Grove, Butler, and Schilling schools. Funding for this program, entitled ACES: Access Creates Excellent Students, has been provided by an LSTA grant.

January 24th is our first official visit out in the field. We will be at the schools on an alternating basis every Thursday from 4-6 through the end of May.

If questions arise, please ask.

Bookmobile Winter Programs

Bookmobile patrons kicked off the New Year in celebration of National Puzzle Day with onboard activities, puzzle sheets, and a raffle.

Super Bowl is the current focus of events on the bus. Patrons may vote for their favored Super Bowl team and enter to win a sports themed raffle.

Feb. 11th through Feb. 23rd, children may vote for their favorite 2008 Monarch, Caudill, or Lincoln nominated books. Kids are earning "Bookmobile Bucks" by drawing book reports for Monarch books or by commenting on the Caudill blog
http://rebeccacaudill.blogspot.com/ or the Lincoln blog http://abelincolnawards.blogspot.com/.

Cancelled -- Basic First Aid

The Basic First Aid class, scheduled for Sat. Jan 26 has been cancelled due to low registration.

Thanks.

Tuesday, January 22, 2008

Teen Gaming Night

Calling all gamers! The library is holding two open sessions of Guitar Hero and DDR! Stop by the library on Thursday, January 31 at 7 pm and Thursday, February 14 at 7 pm to get in on the action (sessions end at 8 pm). For teens in 6th grade and up!

(This is an open session -- teens do not have to register to come).

Wednesday, January 16, 2008

Early Voting Sites

Registered voters can cast an early vote before the February 5th primary election. Early voting takes place from Monday, January 14th to Thursday, January 31st.

Early voting hours are available at the following locations:

Mon-Fri 8:30am-4pm at the Homer Township Administration Building,
14350 W. 151 St

Mon-Fri 9am-4pm at the Village of Homer Glen Offices,
14933 S. Founders Crossing

Mon-Fri 8:30-4:30 and Sat 9am - 12 noon at the Will County Clerk's Office, 302 N. Chicago in Joliet

Voters will need to bring a valid form of ID, such as a driver's license or state ID.

Residents of Homer Township can not vote in Cook County. For more information, including a complete list of early voting sites, click here.

Also, voter registration begins again in Illinois on February 7, 2008.

CLOSED

The library will be closed on Monday, January 21st in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. day. We will reopen on Tuesday at 8:30 am.

FIRST AID

Stop by the library on Saturday, January 26th at 1 pm to learn how to respond to first aid emergencies. This basic class is for adults and teens, and does not provide certification. Registration is required, as space is limited. To register, stop by the circulation desk or call (708) 301-7908.

"Funding for this program is brought to you as part of a grant that was awarded to the Homer Township Public Library by the Illinois State Library (ISL), a Division of the Office of Secretary of State, using funds provided by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS),under the federal Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA)."
--Posted By heather to Homer Township Public Library at 1/15/2008 03:42:00 PM

ENERGY

Applications are available for Energy 2008: A Teen Leadership Academy! Applications available here or at the library.

What is Energy? Energy is a teen leadership academy. The academy aims to help create youth leaders that will assume leadership roles throughout the community. More...

Energy is open to teens in grades 9-12. Applicants do not have to be residents of Homer Township. The deadline for applications has been extended to February 5, 2008 at 5 pm, with the opening session to be held at 7 pm on February 6 at the Woodbine Restaurant and Golf Course (located next door to the library).

For more information, contact Heather Colby at (708) 301-7908 or hcolby@homerlibrary.org.

Thursday, January 10, 2008

HeadsUp Reading! Cancelled

The HeadsUp Reading! sessions at the Homer Township Public Library have been cancelled due to lack of registration.

Patrons registered for the program will be contacted by Inccrra. These patrons will have the opportunity to attend the HeadsUp Reading! sessions at the Orland Park location.

Tuesday, January 8, 2008

CORRECTION:

The dates for the Senior Tax Assistance is incorrect in the newsletter. The correct dates are the first and third Wednesday of the month that is Feb. 6 and 20; Mar 5 and 19; and April 2. The calendar on the web has been corrected. The newspaper will have the correct dates as well.

This was my fault. Sorry! Sara

Monday, January 7, 2008

Sign-Up

A REMINDER----

Program sign-up is on Monday, January 14th. No one is to sign up patrons for any programs until that date. The book is not given to patrons, that preserves patron confidentiality. Staff will sign patrons up for any programs on or after the 14th.

Requests for Bookmobile Books

If a patron would like an item from the bookmobile collection, they are very welcome to have it.

Please check with bookmobile staff regarding the item first to make sure it is on board before sending patrons out to the bus.

We do not want to disappoint anyone if we can avoid it.

The bookmobile has limited space so many items are in storage at the garage and not actually available on the bus. We will be happy to bring requested items back to the library or put them on the bus for patron pick up.

Thanks.

Friday, January 4, 2008

Knitting Classes

The Library is starting a monthly knitting club, meeting the third Tuesday of each month at 7 pm.
Our first meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 15.
All knitters are welcome, from beginners to experts!

"Have Yarn, Will Travel" will teach beginners the basics on January 15th and February 19th. Beginners without supplies can purchase needles and yarn at the meeting from "Have Yarn, Will Travel" for $15.

For more information, contact Heather Colby at (708) 301-7908 or hcolby@homerlibrary.org.

Computer Classes

Homer Township Public Library is offering two computer classes during the month of January.

1st is an Introduction to Computers class (for those with very little or no experience with
computers) on Friday, January 18 at 10 am (ending at 11 am).

2nd is an Introduction to Word class (for those with very little or no experience with Word) on Wednesday, January 23 at 7 pm (ending between 8-8:30 pm).

The fee per class is $10.00 for Homer Township residents and $20.00 for non-residents. All fees are non-refundable. Registration is required. To sign up, visit the circulation desk. For more information, contact Heather Colby at (708) 301-7908 or hcolby@homerlibrary.org.

Wednesday, January 2, 2008

Bookmobile and Illinois Children's Choice Activities

Patrons may come into the library asking for Rebecca Caudill or Lincoln book questions. You may refer them to the blog sites which are:

Caudill http://rebeccacaudill.blogspot.com/

Lincoln http://abelincolnawards.blogspot.com/

Children may earn "bookmobile bucks" for each book read and reviewed. "Bucks" will be redeemable for prizes on the bus until the end of February.

Children may vote for their favorite Monarch, Caudill, and Lincoln book nominees on the bookmobile from February 11-February 23.

Tax forms

The tax forms will be available at the counter by the front door.

We've received a note from the IL Dept. of Rev. that the Illinois Tax forms will not be available until January (so any day now!)