CHRISTMAS STORY RAFFLE

Sheri Gad won the tickets. She was called and I left a message. The tickets are in the drawer under DVD's.

Bookmobile Family Reading Night Winner

Josh K. has won the Family Reading Night Prize which is on the Bookmobile Dept. desk. It is wrapped in a clear balloon printed bag with a red bow. His name is a tag tied to the bow.

Thank you.

Patron Holiday Gifts to the Library

If a patron brings in a holiday gift, please make a note of the patron's full name, the date and a brief description of the gift. Please place this information on Patti's desk so that a thank you letter may be sent out.

Thank you.

QUILT RAFFLE

We have changed the tickets for the quilt raffle. We are using the printed version instead of the blue raffle tickets. If you need more, see Patti. The patron can have half of the ticket (with the quilt picture) and the bottom half with their information will go in the jar.

MITTEN DRIVE

The YAC's are sponsoring a MITTEN DRIVE. Patrons can drop off NEW mittens, gloves, hats, and/or scarves. When they make a donation they should put their name on a (die cut) mitten and hang it in the library. The mittens and pens are on the table next to AS Help desk. All donations will go to a local charity. The end date has not been determined yet.

Q&A

There are new Q&A brochures regarding the expansion/renovation available for patrons. Please review them and pass them out at Circ. There are copies on the PR wall and in the meeting room for patrons to take. There is also a few copies at Circ on the bulletin board for reference.

TV RAFFLE

There is a TV raffle on the table in front of Circ. Drawing will be Dec 19th. At this time, staff is NOT eligible to enter. I will let you know if that changes.

FOLGER'S FLAG

Folger's Flag has been called. They will be out to repair the banners at the exit. They will also be changing the banners. The winter banners are on the work table behind Carol W.

MIKE HIKE

The Homer Library Staff raised enough money to be a 3-star sponsor for the Mike Hike. Thanks to everyone for their participation and generosity.

QUILT RAFFLE

We are selling raffle tickets for the quilt hanging in the Internet room. The quilt was a [fund raiser] donation in honor of PFC Michael C. Olivieri. Raffle tickets (at Circulation) are $5/each or 5 tickets for $20. They must put their name and phone# on each ticket. A winner will be pulled January 2nd. DO NOT KEY THE MONEY IN THE CASH REGISTER. There is an envelope in the cash register under the money tray. Please place the money there.

November is Food For Fines Month!

From November 1st to 30th, Homer Library patrons can pay off library fines with food instead of cash. Bring in one non-perishable food item and we'll waive $1 off existing fines or returned overdues. Paying for late fees for InterLibrary Loan items and replacement fees of lost items is not included in this offer. Up to $20 in overdue fines will be waived for each donation from the following list of acceptable items:

+ Canned fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, or poultry

+ Canned soup (no packaged soup)

+ Boxes of cereal, pasta, rice, or dried beans

+ Jars of peanut butter or jelly

Offer valid only during the month of November. Only non-perishable, undamaged, unexpired, and labeled items will be accepted. Additional donations are welcome. All donated food will be given to local food banks for distribution. Thank you for your support!

ONLINE FORMS

Two new online forms:

Look under the section marked LIBRARY SERVICES on the right side of our web page.

Use our Community Service/Internship form to request hours.

Proctoring: Request a proctored exam through our proctoring request form.

Refer questions to Alex.

FOOD FOR FINES

We will be doing this again for the whole month of November.

Everything is the same as last year (except the date/year).

I put 1/2 page copies at the circ desk and will get a couple of full page ones out soon.

Macy's Museum Adventure Pass Program

TheProgram will continue for another year!!! We hope to be working with Innovation Experts
through the upcoming year as the program’s fiscal agent.

15 museums have agreed to stay in the program. They are:

Air Classics Museum
Arlington Heights Museum
Bronzeville Children's Museum,
Brookfield Zoo
Cantigny Park Museum
Chicago Botanic Gardens
Cuneo Museum and Gardens
Elgin History Museum
Elgin Public Museum
Graue Mill and Museum
Lake County Discovery Museum
Mitchell Museum of American Indian
Oriental Institute Museum
St. Charles Heritage Museum
The Children's Museum in Oak Lawn

Some of their passes might change and we will update you
when these changes
occur.

Stay tuned….

Golden Opportunities Books

The Golden Opportunities Coupon Books have arrived!!! The cost is the same as last year - $25. Please make checks payable to Homer Township Public Library Friends. Put the check in the envelope under Sara's desk, fill out the form and give the patron a book. Please do NOT put anything into the cash register. I shortened the form you fill out; all we need is the patron's name, your initials and whether they paid with cash or check. Thanks for selling these books. If you have any questions, please see Sara.

Test

Please disregard. This is a test.

STAFF RAFFLE

There is a staff raffle this week for 5 Wolves tickets for the Saturday, October 15 game @ 7 pm at Allstate Arena. If interested put your name in the can located next to the coffee pot. There will be 2 winners. Names will be pulled this Friday, October 7th.

Expo Winners

Elena Knebel is the winner of the Family Entertainment basket.
Trevor Fithian is the winner of the Teddy Bear/Geek tshirt raffle.
Both have been called and the prizes are on the CD cabinet in the workroom.

MOVED

Running out of Space!
The Non-Fiction Audio book are now on the shelves across from the beginning of the adult Fiction.

Computer Room

The Time Limit Manager is back up.

FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY

THE FRIENDS GREEN FOLDER IS STANDING UP BEHIND THE CASH REGISTER.

Membership Forms need to be filled out for RENEWING members as well as NEW members.

FRIEND memberships are ANNUAL. Existing FRIEND members need to renew and pay annually to extend their membership.

Put a HOMER TOWNSHIP FRIEND sticker on their card (don’t cover the barcode).

There is a place on the sticker to write the current MONTH. New stickers are BLUE 2012.

Green 2011 stickers are good till the month noted on it. (If no month is noted, then their membership will be good until December 2011.

FRIEND MONEY DOES NOT GO IN THE CASH REGISTER— GIVE IT TO SARA.

We currently do not have Friends Raffles but if something were available it would be posted.

Pinata Winner-Bookmobile

Matt won the brown unicorn pinata which is on the bookmobile department desk. His name is on a tag on the prize. A message has been left at his home. Thank you.

PRE SURVEY/POST SURVEY - KEY GRANT

As part of one of the requirements for the KEY grant, we need patrons to complete a survey. There is a PRE-SURVEY at CIRC AND the ADULT HELP DESK. Completed surveys can be given to Heather. In a week or two we will put out a POST-SURVEY at CIRC and the ADULT HELP DESK. Same rules apply. Encourage patrons to fill it out. Entries will go into a drawing to win a Homer Library water bottle and cooler pack. Thanks!

WATER OUTDOOR PLANTS

I just planted new flowers in the outdoor pots in the front of the library. Therefore, we will begin our daily watering. The schedule is on the watering jar. Cooperation from everyone is greatly appreciated.

MEDIEVAL TIMES COUPONS

Apparently, the Medieval Times coupons will not work on-line. They must order tickets over the phone through the 888 phone# listed on the coupon.

FUNDRAISERS

We are having a fundraiser at Buffalo Wild Wings in Orland Park every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday through July 24th. Just bring in the yellow flyer from the reading desk.
We are also having a fundraiser at Five Below in Orland Park Friday-Sunday July 15, 16 & 17. Five Below is located between PetSmart and Walmart. Five Below is a new "(five) dollar and under store geared toward teens/tweens. Make sure you bring in a flyer and check it out!

NEW SERVER & THE INTERNET

Blocked content can not be unblocked as we did before with SonicWall.
The "Site Review" box is on the circ desk and there are blank forms with it.
(It is in the corner by the window wall and is a black box with stars on it.)

Taste of Homer

We pulled winners for Week 1 Taste of Homer Summer Reading Raffle. The prizes are in envelopes (each marked with the winner's name) in the drawer under DVD's.

Cirque Du Soleil

The winner of Cirque Du Soleil tickets is Justin Kemp. He has been called. The tickets are in the drawer under the DVD collection.

Summer Reading

Summer Reading registration officially begins June 13th but there is are 3 exciting programs that patrons can participate in next week

On June 7th, Bookmobile is having a Medieval Menagerie at Culver Park
On June 10th, Bookmobile will be at Touch-a-Truck Day at Dellwood Park
in Lockport.
On June 10th, Youth Services is having a Marionette Show.

Please mention these programs when patrons ask about the start of summer reading.

Thank you!

Medieval Menagerie-Bookmobile-June 7th

Hi, all!

In an effort to spread the word about the upcoming program,"Medieval Menagerie", at Culver Park on Tuesday, June 7th at 2:00,would you please pass out Medieval Menagerie "tickets" to everyone who checks out? If you run low on tickets, there is a master sheet taped to the cabinet above the sink in the workroom.

FYI-this is an exotic animal show. The animals have been rescued and kept by a not-for-profit company. They would like donations of canned vegetables or fruit. This request is mentioned on the ticket. Donors will receive a small prize i.e. sticker for their generosity.

Thanks. Any questions? Ask Jody O.

BOOKMOBILE SERVICE CANCELED MAY 16

The bookmobile service has been canceled this evening at the Old Oak Estates, Erin Hills, and Skender Court stops. Patrons are asked to visit the library building for new materials.

Thanks!

Sara

Lockport HS Summer Reading List

We have the list for this summers required reading. One copy is posted at circ on the bulletin board by the calendar. Heather and Alex also have copies.
Encourage them to place holds on the book they need to read!

NEW AUDIO COLLECTION

We have been receiving free copies of books in a MP3 CD format.
These are Audio Books and can only be played on a CD player that is able to play the MP3 format.
The cases are the size of DVD cases. Above the spine label will be a neon yellow tag indicating them as MP3 CD.
Newer titles will be put on a new shelf.
The others will be with the other Audio Books by their author's name.
More info is sure to come.

BOOMOBILE SERVICE

Bookmobile service is canceled for Wednesday, May 4, 2011.

POLISH STORY HOUR CANCELED!

The Polish story hour for today, Thursday, April 28th has been canceled!
Mia is calling all the parents but if she doesn't speak to someone and they call, please be advised that it is canceled for today.

Thanks.

Bookmobile Bunny Winner

Frank won the big purple bunny in a bookmobile raffle. The prize has his name hanging off it's neck and is on the bookmobile desk. Please take a photo.

THE EGGS ARE HERE!

There are 18 eggs in the incubator. Hatch date is expected to be Easter weekend. There are white leghorn chickens (white eggs) and "other" chicken breeds (brown eggs). We are having several "Igeekchicks" contests and programs. There are entry forms to guess the number of eggs that will hatch, which number will hatch first (the eggs are numbered), and a general raffle to win a stuffed chick. All of the prizes are on the shelf with the incubator. There is also an egg hunt contest. We are hiding 2 golden eggs in the library every week through April 23rd. If someone finds a golden egg, there will be a message inside telling them to bring it to the Circ Desk. They can redeem the golden egg for a little chick filled with jelly beans. This will be on the CD case. DO NOT LET THEM KEEP THE GOLDEN EGG! Please put the golden egg on Patti's desk. They are not allowed to win more than once.

Homer Township Administration Info Sheet

The Township Administration Office provided a packet of services that they offer to the residents of Homer Township. It will be located in one of the drawers in the black case at circ. Please take a look at it and familiarize yourself with their services.

NEW MAGNIFYING PRODUCT

We now have a "Vision Booster Magnifier" that is only a bit larger than a mouse. This is an accessibility product for the visually impaired. The software is on the computer in the middle of the Adult section that doesn't have Internet.

• The Magnifier plugs into the bottom USB on the front of the Hard Drive.


• There is a switch on its cord and an icon on the computer.

The box with the magnifier is on my desk till we find a permanent place for it. It will not be left on the computer.

See me for a demo. Jody

EZ READERS

IF you haven't read Kitty's email All of the EZ Fiction books in youth services are now arranged by reading level then by author. AND when books are returned that have just a "red dot" give them to Kitty for a reading level sticker.

TYPEWRITER

A typewriter has been put out for patron use. It can be found next to the copiers and is the same brand as the one at Circ.

• The magnifying reader (that wasn't used) has been removed, but a replacement "product" is coming since accessibility is still important. More on this to come

Sad News

I'm sorry to say that Phyllis Frischkorn a former employee passed away Saturday morning. Phyllis was the library's fourth employee hired in 1983 and left in 2003. She worked at Read School and helped move the library into this building. Phyllis was a loyal employee and a wonderful friend. We extend our deepest sympathies to her children, Anne and Earle. The service will be held on Tuesday at 10:00 am at O'Neil Funeral Home in Lockport.

RED CROSS

There is a donation jar across from Circ; Japan/tsunami Relief Fund. I'm not sure how long it will be on display. All donations will go to the Red Cross.

EGG-CITING NEWS!

We have eggs-citing news! With the wonderful support of the following sponsors:
Dr. Ed O’Brien/Animal Care Clinic
Jeanine Reding/Homer Vision
Jeff Ludwig/Ludwig Feed Store
Barbara Bainbridge/Tiffany's Kennels

and many generous donations from visitors we have purchased an incubator for a Spring Egg Hatch.
Eggs are due to arrive May 4th. We will again feature a live video feed. More details coming soon!

Tax Forms

The tax forms have been moved to the short range between Adult non-fiction and Adult fiction. Alex has put up several signs so patrons will know where to look, but if you see someone searching for them, give them a heads up! Thanks.

Our Easy Picture books are coming with a whole new look!!!! An easy way to find Princess, Star Wars and Super Hero for both you and the patron!!!

COLORING CONTEST

There are coloring contest entry forms at the Circulation Desk. The contest is for ages 2-10. The master form is on the cabinet next to the staff copier if more copies are needed. Entries must be returned to the library/bookmobile by Wednesday, April 13th. There are bookmarks on the Circ counter with information regarding the Victorian Village Easter Egg Hunt on April 16th. That is when/where they will announce the coloring contest winner.

Kidswork Museum Pass

The Kidswork Museum in Frankfort, IL has withdrawn its participation in the Museum Pass program. Unfortunately, they had problems with counterfeit passes.

We can issue passes for Kidswork through March 23/24, and the passes will be accepted through March 31. Please make sure that the watermark is present on each pass that you print.

Thanks,
Sara

3 Things:

1.) Easy Books: Selections of easy books will be placed on the shelving currently holding the federal and state taxes. These selections will contain Easy books (picture books) based on subject/topic. If you missed the staff meeting and need information regarding the easy book changes, please contact your manager.
a. Taxes will be moved to the empty shelving between Adult Non-fiction and Adult Fiction.
b. Goal date: March 18th
2.) ILLs: Out of system ILLs will have a max fee of $30 per book. Patti is making labels for the ILL strips that will state “Out-of-system materials are subject to increased late fees.” This will only affect patrons that have checked out books as of March 8th, 2011.
3.) E-Readers: The library plans on circulating the ereaders on April 1st. Adult Services staff and Circulation staff will be responsible for checking in the ereader and preparing the ereader for the next checkout. Staff will be trained – more information on training to follow.
a. Right now we plan on
i. Checking/discharging ereaders through workflows.
ii. $20 deposit.
iii. $1.00 per day late fee. Late fees will automatically be taken from the $20 deposit.
iv. A max late fee of $25.
v. No renewals
vi. Only Homer Township Public Library patrons can check out the ereaders
vii. Patrons must return the item to a staff member and stay while the staff member checks the ereader to make sure that the item is in working condition and wait while staff resets the device to factory settings.

GOLDEN OPPORTUNITIES COUPON BOOK

The Golden Opportunities Coupon Book is now ½ price at $13!

The books are still under my desk. Please fill out a sheet in the box, leave the money in the envelope and take a book.

If you have any questions, please ask.

Thanks.

WINTER READING WINNERS

Winners have been pulled for the Winter Reading Program and final Lettuce Entertain You certificate. We are in the process of calling them. All baskets and prizes are in the backroom. The Lettuce Entertain You card is in the drawer. Baskets have the winning raffle ticket attached. The BONUS Wolves basket has the tickets attached to the front. Additional Wolves prizes are tagged with the winner's name and the items they have won. They are grouped accordingly. Please be sure you give them the correct items.
They are also tagged if they do not have a library card. It would be a good opportunity to offer them one!

STAFF MEETING Thursday, March 3

We will be providing sandwiches and chips courtesy of

Jimmy John’s

at tomorrow’s staff meeting. We’ll begin at 12 noon.

So, come and enjoy a sandwich and

hear what exciting things are coming!

LETTUCE ENTERTAIN YOU

This week's Winter Reading raffle winner is RYAN GREEN.
He has been called and his prize is in the drawer (under DVD's).

STAFF RAFFLE

Congratulations to Shannon. She won the Wolves tickets.

UPDATE: SEVERE WEATHER CONDITIONS

SEVERE WEATHER CONDITIONS

Due to severe weather conditions the library will be closing today Tuesday, February 01 at 2:00 p.m. We will remain closed all day tomorrow Wednesday, February 02 and anticipate reopening Thursday, February 03 at 8:30 a.m. Programs will be rescheduled and due dates for materials will automatically be extended. Late fees for Tuesday and Wednesday will not apply.

When the library is closed, you can still:
+ chat online with a librarian through our ASKAWAY service
+ use our library databases
+ search our catalog.

We apologize for any inconvenience, and hope that you stay safe.

STAFF RAFFLE

We have 6 tickets for a Chicago Wolves game to raffle off for staff. The raffle bucket is on the counter next to the coffee machine. Please only enter your name once. Winner will be pulled February 2nd. The tickets are good for a $17 seat to any game (subject to availability) and will expire on April 10th.

Newsletter

The newsletter is available online. Also, Carol has printed extra copies of the newsletter for hand-out. They are located by the clock at the front desk.

Cirque Du Soleil Tickets

The winner (Ross Karraker) has been called. The tickets are in a HTPL envelope in the drawer under the DVD collection.

Bookmobile Snowman Guessing Jar

A winner has been chosen for the Bookmobile's Snowman Guessing Jar. The patron has been phoned. The prize is a snowman jar filled with candy which has a tag on it with the winner's name. The prize is on a shelf at the bookmobile dept desk.

Please take a photo of the winner.

Thank you!

VIDEO GAMES

New for 2011. We will be collecting gently used (or new) video games for all video gaming systems. Temporarily, donations can be placed on the top of the CD case in the backroom. The number of donations received will determine when the collection will be available for patron check out.

New Locations

Board Games
We have a collection of board games available for in-library use! They are located above the textbooks in the childrens room. Patrons of all ages can play these games. We will be putting small signage on each game encouraging patrons to keep the pieces together, etc.

Teen Book Club Books
The books for the Teen Book Club (which used to be at the Help Desk on Bonnie's side) are now located in the teen area under the new YA books.

Senior Taxes

I have the senior tax registration forms.

Patrons will need to call or stop in the register. We will keep the registration forms at the Adult Services Desk. If someone from AS is not available, please register the patron. The forms are in a blue folder that says “AARP Tax Preparation Sign Up”.
The folder is located by the help desk printer.

Books Moved

GED, English, Language, and Basic Math books are located in the New Book Section between Fiction and NF.

Senior Taxes

Senior Taxes will no longer be drop in. We will be taking reservations (Senior Services will be providing us with the times and lengths of each reservation.) We will need to take these reservations over the phone.

Also, only certain people will be able to come in on Feb 2nd and Feb 9th. If they're doing certain forms, they might not be able to file until the 16th.

Also note, that they are filing the taxes online that day. They are not doing paper forms.

Time clock and leave forms

Starting on Sunday, January 9th we will no longer be using the time clock in the back room. You are to clock in and out at the computer in front.

In the shared drive there is a folder that says employee forms. In that folder there is a leave form that needs to be filled out by the person requesting the leave and signed by their manager and then turned into me so that you are paid. Forms have to be turned in before you take your leave. Except if you call in sick, then your manager will fill out the form.

If there are any question please come and ask.

Carol