More Suggestions

ALA WINNERS:
http://www.ala.org/mgrps/divs/alsc/awardsgrants/bookmedia/index.cfm

Young adults:
http://www.ala.org.ala/mgrps/divs/yalsa/booklistsawards/quickpicks/qphome.cfm

Murder Mystery
http://www.stopyourkillingme.com/

Fantasy:
http://bestfantasybooks.com

Good Reads
http://goodreads.com
A site at which you can comment on books, and see what others are reading. There are specfic groups on the site.

WhatShouldIReadNext.com

reader2.com
Search for book recommendations

AllReaders.com
"Search for a book to see recommendations.

WHAT TO READ

Do you need help in finding something to read? We have suggestions.
Go to http://ala.org/ala/divs/alsc/awardsgrants/bookmedia/index.cfm

For young adults try: http://www.ala/mgrps/yalsa/booklistawards/quickpicks/gphome.cfm

Meeting Minutes - School, Village, Library

Can't attend village board meetings, or school board meetings? The Homer Library will be making available the minutes of the Village of Homer, and Homer Library board meetings.

Minutes of the Heritage School Board can be found at their website:
www.heritage.k12il.us

Click on School Board Meetings & Agendas

WIFI here

Did you know that the Homer Village Hall has wifi? Many people take advantage of that service by bringing their laptops here to use. No computer? The library has 5 available for public use.

Delivery information

Many of you are returning books to the Homer Community Library for return to the Urbana or Champaign libraries. Please keep in mind that your books may not get back to those libraries for several days. You may want to call the Urbana library or the Champaign library to renew your books, before returning them here, in order to avoid late fees.

Position available

The Homer Community Library is looking for someone who loves people and books, and who can work 12 hours a week at the Homer Community Library.

If you are that person, call us at 217-896-2121 during library hours, or mail us to get an application.

The job entails working 12 hours a week, extra hours as needed. You must be able to help patrons find materials, manage circulation, and help with or direct children's programming, and other programs throughout the year. You must be computer literate.

For more information, call us at 217-896-2121 during library hours. We are open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

More in the library

Our library now has one of the best collections of musicals on videos in the area. They have been paid for by a memorial gift. Whether you like a classic such as Les Miserables, or a contemporary one like Cats, we've got them. Come in and see what we have.

The Army of Women

Want to help cure breast cancer? Join the Army of women. Thousands of women together can provide a huge database to collect information on the cause and treatment of breast cancer. Go to armyofwomen.org to find out more.

Cataloging

As of this minute, we have cataloged 6493 items. How many to go? We'll find that out later.

Food Preservation

Dr. Phil Dzuik will be presenting a program on preservation of food, that is, the produce that you grew in your garden. Hear his advice at the FS on University
Avenue in Urbana. He will be there on Friday, June 26 at 3 p.m. He has a wealth of experience in all aspects of growing and preserving produce.

Visitors

Good news! Company is coming in September. Five, maybe six of them! What fun we will have.

What’s new in the Homer Library? The following books have arrived:
A Dream to Call My Own by Tracie Peterson;
Always Looking up by Michael J. Fox;
Vision In White by Nora Roberts.
Other books include Eldest by Christopher Paolini,
First Family By David Baldacci,
Just Take My Heart by Mary Higgins Clark,
Mountain Top by Robert Whitlow
You may also enjoy The 8th Confession by James Patterson,
Matters of the Heart by Danielle Steel,
Wicked Prey by John Sandford.
Other new bestsellers will soon be on our shelves.


To date, we have processed 6028 items, and more are being done each day. Thanks to all of you who have donated such good materials to us.
Check the DVD shelf and you will see that we have added a large number of items, many of which were donated. You will also soon see many more DVDs of musicals.
Middle and High School students may sign up for Go Wild @ the Library. It runs from June 8 to July 31, 2009. Read whatever you want and be rewarded with some cool treats. Reading one book will get you a Twilight prize, read 4 books for another wild prize and when you read 8 books you will be rewarded with a t-shirt of your choice. Continue reading to enter your name in our grand prize drawing for a gift certificate to Charlie’s Grubb & Sudds.
Kindergarten through 5th grade students should come in and check out our reading campsite. You may even find some wild animals lurking in the bookshelves. You never know what you will encounter at the Homer Community Library!
Our hours are 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Wednesdays we open at 9 a.m. and close at 2 p.m. Saturdays we open at 10 a.m. and close at 2 p.m. Our phone number is 896-2121.

Home again

Obviously it's been awhile since I last posted. Life happened. The kids were sick. We got sick. We hiked. We went to the zoo and the Children's Museum. We celebrated a birthday - Gracie's 5th. We got better. We flew home. Back to work now. Would we do it again?? In a heart beat!

Friday

Stinking dead skunk is still by the side of the road.

Took the kids to the Children's Museum yesterday - Bob the Builder exhibit. Cousins and church friends were there, too.

Today is piano practice and final lesson before recital tomorrow night.

Youngest grandkid calls Dan, "Daddy" or "Papa." Doesn't call me anything. Has a huge temper and throws himself backwards when not happy. Grandpa Dan is a huge help with baby issues, such as changing poopy diapers.

Weather is perfect today. Gotta get out.

Sunday the parents return. They've been to Nashville TN and Greenville, SC. We'll all be glad to see them return!

Time Change

At home we are up before 6 on workdays. Daughter and her family sleep in until 8 or so. Here, I have time to myself before bedlam starts.

Toddler calls his grandfather, "Daddy." Son used to call all men "daddy." Favorite phrase - where are you?

Saw a west coast jay. It is a darker blue than midwestern blue jay.

Rain today. Indoor noise level forecast - high. The grass is a bright spring green. Kids antsy. Jan gets them for the afternoon. Total of 7 cousins, 4 are my daughters. Bless you, Jan.

TUESDAY

We went to the zoo. Saw native creatures that I don't want to meet in the wild, like cougars, and black bears but I know they are around. One girl not feeling well. Jan has offered to keep all the grandkids today to give us a respite.

Older boy is a great help. He knows the what, where and how of things around the house that we need to know. Older girl not feeling well. Hope Motrin will help her feel better. She doesn't cope well with being sick - a normal reaction.

Toddler misses parents, but too young to verbalize or understand why they are gone, or that they will return. Younger girl doing fine. Sticks to Grammie (that's me!!)

A dead skunk by the roadside. Everytime we go by, we have a discussion about black and white kitty kats.

Older two are practicing for piano recital on Saturday. One is diligent, the other not. He might prefer playing the trumpet.

We're slowly getting used to the routine - no big problems yesterday- but it is a full time job for two people. A new appreciation for our daughter, who is relaxing in Nashville while hubby is at convention.

Typical Oregon weather - cloudy, cool, could rain.

INTERVAL

Daughter called - going with hubby to Nashville - annual convention. Great. We can drive down and spend some time with her.

Daughter called - no one to stay with the kids. Can we help?

Arrangements made - off we go

They leave - I need to get the breadmaker going for Sunday dinner. Think it's not working right. No time to grind and fix coffee. Should have gotten up much sooner.

Only slightly late for church. Had trouble staying awake. Glad we sat near the back.

Back home - breadmaker didn't work right - more on that later. Called daughter for the 2nd time. She had no idea of the problem.

With much effort got the meal on the table. WITH coffee!! Got the meal cleaned up.

Found loaf of homemade bread in the frig. Cut into it - found the missing thingy that mixes the ingredients. I wasn't losing my mind after all.

No evening service = business meeting.


MONDAY

We'll go to the zoo! We load up, and stop at favorite lunch spot. Already it's mid afternoon. Had a great meal. But forgot the diaper bag. Can't go without that. Now too late for the zoo, we head home. We'll go tomrrow.

Two year old took nap. Find him with no diaper on. Now we make sure he wears something to bed that he can't take off.

MONDAY

It's raining. Maybe the Children's Museum. Grandbaby kept diaper on all night. During earlier visit, thought grandson to be very happy guy. This trip, learned how strongwilled he is. And strong.

Progress

Even with taking a week off, we are up to 4406 items cataloged. Our newest are Geometry of Sisters by Luanne Rice and Tea Time for the Traditionally Built by Alexander McCall Smith. But please be patient. They are not quite ready to go out yet.

Update on the cataloging

We are now up to 4260 items that have been cataloged.

If you have a website, or would like to have one, you might enjoy looking at Website Magazine, in our magazine rack now.

Story of a local World War II veteran

Copy and paste the link below into your browser to read about local resident and UIUC gardening expert Dr. Phil Dzuik - our Dr. Phil.

http://will.illinois.edu/WWII/stories/C569/

Fruit and books and books about fruit

Thursday, March 26 at 1 p.m. is the day for the Small Fruits workshop at the library. There is no fee for attending. So all you gardeners eagerly awaiting to get out in the garden, don't miss out.

Meanwhile, the cataloging goes on, almost 3400 so far.

Cataloging

We're up to item #3398 in our cataloging project. Our volunteers, including library board members, patrons, and community residents, have made a lot of progress. But there's lots more to do. We've done almost all of the donated books, and just beginning on items already in the collection.

Do you need help in managing costs in a time of job losses and budget squeezes? Check out the internet blogs. You may find some very useful information.

I have been researching for information about HR875, which deals with the food supply. Our government is concerned that we can't take care of outselves. They like to impose more and more restrictions for our own good. The concern with HR 875 is that it might affect backyard gardens, etc. More on that later.

Cataloging continues

To date, 3146 items have been cataloged. Previously, we have sorted, pulled duplicates, wrapped, not all in that order, and checked card files in preparation for the cataloging effort. All donated books are now on the shelves, and we are thankful for all who have donated materials to us.

Summer Time

Do you need ideas to keep your kids busy in the summer? Check our bulletin board. There are five pages of programs for children ages infant to 18, all sponsored by or led by people from the University of Illinois. Sports, business, engineering, foreign languages, and computers are just of few of the activities offered.

Are you tired of winter?

If so, join us at the Homer Library on March 26 at 1 p.m. and learn about growing fruits. Local agricultural expert, Phil Dzuik,will be presenting a program on growing small fruits.

It won't be long before the early veggies can be planted, things such as peas and lettuce, if the soil is friable enough. Some of us just can't wait!

A WRITING CONTEST FOR CHILDREN

Does your child like to make up stories? The Youth Literature Festival is sponsoring a writing contest for children, grades Kindergarten through 5th. The prizes include a savings bond of $100 for first place winners, and $50 for runners-up, plus a book and Contest certificate.

You can pick up an entry form in the library.

Progress

To date, 2848 items have been cataloged. That may or may not sound like a lot, but there are hundreds and hundreds to go. All of the cataloged books are donated or new purchases. We have not even begun to catalog the books that are already in the collection.

Book Club

The next meeting of our book club is February 25 at 4 P.M. We are reading Margaret Truman's murder mystery, Murder on Capitol Hill. Who killed the senator?

Additions to the collection

Over 2500 items have been cataloged so far, most of them donations of all types. We have yet to start on cataloging books already in the collection.

Materials for the blind and disabled

Do you have a problem reading? Whether it is blindness, inability to hold a book, or turn pages, there is a solution. Large print books, books on cassette or CD are available. Just ask.

BOOK SALE

The Homer Library is holding a fundraising book sale. A large selection of used books in good condition are available for purchase. Here's an opportunity to purchase books by your favorite author for a very low price.

The sale will be ongoing during regular library hours:
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday - 2 to 7 p.m.
Wednesday 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

We're Growing and Changing!

CHANGES At the Homer Library

It seems that change is a constant right now in the Homer Library. We are hard at work cataloging our books onto a website. Thousands are done. Hundreds more are waiting to be cataloged. The end result will benefit both our members and our librarians.

On January 30, thirty children and their parents enjoyed a program on Egypt. They got to smell some of the aromatics that are part of Egyptian culture. They heard a story of an ancient Egyptian, and the challenges and danger he faced in pursuit of the lady he loved. The children discovered how life was lived and how death was treated. They learned big words, such as mummification and hieroglyphic writing. The presenter from the Spurlock Museum also displayed artifacts.

The next event will be Reading is Fundamental, when each child in the Homer Grade School, grades K through four, gets to pick out and keep a new book . We look forward to providing this opportunity for the children.

Our new adult fiction includes The Associate by John Grisham, Mounting Fears by Stuart Woods, Run for Your Life by James Patterson, A Darker Place by Jack Higgins, Riven by Jerry B. Jenkins, Midnight Sons by Debbie Macomber, Train Your Brain by Ryut Kawashima, Who Needs Classical Music? By Julian Johnson, and The Returning by Ann Tatlock.

Was FDR a good president? Was the New Deal a good program? Should we emulate it to fix present problems? Read Jim Powell’s take on current problems in his new book, FDR’s Folly, and see what you think.

If you don’t have a barcode on your library card yet, please stop in and get one. It will only take a minute.

We are open from 2 to 7 p.m on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Wednesdays, we are open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, you will find the library open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Our phone number is 896-2121. Visit us in the blogosphere at http://www.homerillinois.blogspot.com/

Changes

If you are in the village hall on a weekday morning, you will see library people hard at work. We are putting our catalog onto a website. Hundreds if not thousands have already been cataloged. Hundreds are waiting to be cataloged. The end result will benefit both our members and our librarians.

On January 30, thirty children and their parents enjoyed a program on Egypt. They got to smell some of the aromatics that are part of Egyptian culture. They heard a story of an ancient Egyptian, and the challenges and danger he faced in pursuit of the lady he loved. The children discovered how life was lived and how death was treated. They learned big words, such as mummification and hieroglyphic writing. The presenter from the Spurlock Museum also displayed artifacts.

The next event will be Reading is Fundamental, when each child in the Homer Grade School, grades K through four, gets to pick out and keep a new book . We look forward to providing this opportunity for the children.

Our new adult fiction includes Train Your Brain by Ryut Kawashima, The Associate by John Grisham, and Mounting Fears by Stuart Woods.

et tu, Brutus?

CHANGES At the Homer Library

It seems that change is a constant right now in the Homer Library. We are hard at work building our catalog onto a website.

Meanwhile, since the Berean Bookstore in Champaign is closing, we took advantage of that and bought a collection of Christian fiction and other books at a discount. Look for books by Lynn Austin, Gilbert Morris, a biography of Ben Carson, and one of Michael Reagan. We have a new Veggie Tales DVD, The Pirates Who Don’t Do anything. and two other DVDs for young people, Hermie the Common Caterpillar, and The Ballard of Little Joe.

Brutus has been here! He had his photograph taken with two young people from Homer. Who or what is Brutus? Ask a librarian to show you little Miss and Mister April. Who or what is Brutus? You will have to come into the library to find out.

Winter

It's a good idea on a bad weather day to call ahead to see if the library is open. If we can't open because of bad weather, we take that into account in determining whether an item is overdue or not.

We suggest you plan ahead and stock up on reading materials and movies if an extended period of severe weather is in the forecast.

News

Exciting news! The Homer Library board members and staff are beginning to catalog our collection online. In time, you will be able to go to a website and place holds on materials. This is a big project and is expected to take about two years. But it will bring many improvements to the services we offer. Be sure to bring your library card with you the next time you come in so that we can put the bar code on.

New books arriving soon in the library include Every Now and Then by Karen Kingsbury, A Lady of Hidden Intent By Tracie Peterson, and A Love to Last Forever by Tracie Peterson.

We wish you all a very Merry Christmas, a Happy New Year, and hours of enjoyable reading. Or video watching, if that is your preference.

Updates

All of the Boy Scout manuals have been cataloged and put on the shelf. And the latest addition of Accelerated Reader books are on the shelf as well. These new books are in the 2 and 3 level, and are a gift from a donor.

Upcoming Events

Two events will be taking place this week. Our book club on November 19, Wednesday afternoon at 4 p.m., discussing another Cadfael book, One Corpse Too Many, by Ellis Peters. Family Reading Night is Thursday, November 20, from 6 to 8 p.m. This event is for people of all ages.

Additions to our collection

Thanks to your donations, we've been busy putting the following items in our catalog and on our shelves. Thanks!!


Adult Fiction Mortimer, John Rumpole
Adult fiction Sparks, Nicholas The Lucky One
Adult Fiction Young, Wm. Paul The Shack
Adult Fiction Kingsbury, Karen Sunset
Adult Fiction Peterson, Tracie A Promise to Believe in
Adult Fiction Gunn, Robin Jones On a Whim
Adult Fiction Bell, James Scott Deadlock
Adult Fiction Bell, James Scott Try Dying
Adult Fiction Bell, James Scott Try Darkness
Adult Fiction White, Stephen Manner of Death
Adult FIction Gibbons, Kaye On the Occasion of the Last Afternoon
Adult FIction Hosseini, Khaled The Kite Runner
Adult Fiction Iris Johansen Dark Summer
Adult FIction Girard, Danielle The Rookie Club
Adult Fiction Connelly, Michael The Brass Verdict
Adult Fiction Wright, Jason F. Recovering Charles
Adult Fiction Lecard, Marc Vinnie's Head
Adult Fiction Hopkins, Bonnie Seasons
Adult Ficton Wroblewski, David The Story of Edgar Sawtelle
Adult PB Macomber, Debbie 50 Harbor Street
BIO Whalin, W. Terry Samuel Morris: The Apostle of Simple Faith
BIO Floren, Myron Accordion Man
BIO Zetterson, Rolf Dr. Dobson: Turning Hearts Toward Home
BIO Benge, Janet & Geoff William Carey
DVD Mummies and the Wonder of Egypt
DVD Camp Rock
DVD The Forbidden Kingdom
DVD Opus 'N Bill in a Wish for Wings that Work
DVD Miss Pettigrew
DVD Handel's Last Chance
DVD Liszt's Rhapsody
DVD Rossini's Ghost
DVD Bizet's Dream
DVD Strauss: The King of Three-Quarter Time
DVD Bach's Flight for Freedom
Easy Readers Bell, Louise Price Johnny Tractor and His Pals
Easy Readers Johnson, Stephen T. Alphabet City
Easy Readers Stafford, William The Animal That Drank Up Sound
Easy Readers Wilder, Laura Winter Days in the Woods
Easy Readers Lies, Brian Bats at the Library
Easy Readers Hanna Barbera The Flintstones Stone Age Nursery
Easy Readers Lies, Brian Bats at the Beach
JR Paperback Collier, James and Christopher My Brother Sam is Dead
JR Paperback Haugaard, Erik Christian The Samurai's Tale
JR Paperback Alexander, Lloyd Taran Wanderer
JR Paperback Bruchac, Joseph Pocahantas
JR Paperback Denenberg, Barry Early Sunday Morning: The Pearl Harbor Diary of Amber Billows
JR Paperback Park, Linda Sue When My Name was Keoko
Junior Denenberg, Barry So Far From Home
Junior Bio Yoder, Harvey God Knows My Size
Junior Non-Fiction Paul, Tessa In Woods & Forests
Junior Non-Fiction Bailey, Jill The Life Cycle of a Grasshopper
Junior Non-Fiction Bernard, Robin Insects
Junior Non-Fiction Usborne The Usborne Book of Peoples of the World
Junior Non-Fiction Pelzer, Dave The Privilege of Youth
Large Print Sparks, Nicholas At First Sight
Non-Fiction Mortimer, John Famous Trials
Non-Fiction Gingrich, Newt Rediscovering God in America
Non-Fiction Jeremiah, David What in the World is Going On?
Non-Fiction Greene, Melissa Fay Praying for Sheetrock
Non-Fiction Kendall, Joshua The Man Who Made Lists
Non-Fiction Newman, Nell The Newman's Own Guide to a Good Life
Non-Fiction National Geographic Society Wilderness U.S.A.
Non-Fiction McGinty, Alice Celebrating Champaign-Urbana History
Non-Fiction Otto, Donna Secrets to Getting More Done in Less Time
Non-Fiction Maxwell, John The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership
Non-Fiction Stuart, Sarah Anne A Treasurey of Poems
Non-Fiction Alexander, Lloyd The Herbal Medicine-Maker's Handbook
Non-Fiction Chevallier, Andrew Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine
Non-Fiction Doeser, Linda Making Bread at Home
Non-Fiction Cloud, Henry & John Townsend Boundaries
Non-Fiction Swenson, Richard A. The Overload Syndrome
Non-Fiction Wiener, Harvey S. Any Child Can Read Better
Non-Fiction Hayhurst, Jim. Sr. The Right Mountain
Science Fiction Niven, Larry & Edward M. Lerner Fleet of Worlds
Young Adult Alexander, Lloyd The Kestral
Young Adult Alexander, Lloyd The Remarkable Journey of Prince Jen
Young Adult Mass, Wendy a Mongo-Shaped Space

Holidays

The Homer Community Library will be open on Monday, October 13, Columbus Day. We only close for major holidays. So plan on us being open. See you there!!

What's New??

HOMER LIBRARY NEWS
We’ve been busy in the library lately. Cathy has been working on some exciting programming. Watch for her upcoming announcements.
Thursday November 20, the entire State of Illinois will be celebrating Go For the Gold, Family Reading Night. Homer Community Library will have games and guest readers to encourage families to read together from 6 to 8 pm. December 6 you may stop by the library from 10 am to 2 pm to make an ornament for the LIbrary's Christmas tree or one to take home.

Meanwhile, we’ve been adding a lot of new materials. Some of the titles are The Story of Edgar Sawtelle by David Wroblewski, The Lucky One by Nicholas Sparks, The Shack by Wm. Paul Young, Sunset by Karen Kingsbury – the last in the Baxter Family series, A Promise to Believe in by Tracie Peterson, On A Whim by Robin Jones Gunn, and three by James Scott Bell: Deadlock, Try Dying and Try Darkness. And we are working on cataloging the dozens of donated books that people have given to the library.

Local History Books

For a taste of local history, check out our newest acquisitions: Born in the Illinois Cornfields, and Life Down on the Farm, both by Alvin Decker; and Here Stands the Law by Donald Richter. The latter book covers a time of lawlessness in Vermilion County, of lynchings and mob rule, and how law was restored. Question: Is Sheriff Hardy Whitlock related to Herbie Whitlock?

Homer Library News Sepetember 2008

What’s been going on in the Homer Library lately? Lots, actually.
Cathy would like to hear from you about the possibility of starting a book club. You can fill out a form indicating your areas of interest. There will be a meeting on September 17 at 1:00 P.M. to discuss specifics.
Meanwhile, we keep adding materials. The newest bestsellers are Rough Justice by Jack Higgins, Promise Texas by Debbie Macomber, and Being Elizabeth by Barbara Taylor Bradford, with more on backorder. Anyone who loves children or horses will enjoy Hope Rising, and Bridge Called Hope, both by Kim Meeder. Kim and her husband operate a horse rescue ranch in central Oregon. As the horses are healed, they are made available for children to ride, with emphasis on abused, neglected children and those who have suffered the loss of a loved one. The results are quite amazing and wonderful.
We’ve been adding to our travel section and will continue to do so over time. There is an excellent book on cruising Alaska; Frommer’s Cancun, Cozumel and the Yucatan 2009; and New York City 2008, with more on backorder.
For junior age children, there is Hank Zipzer: Niagara Falls, or Does It? and Hank Zipzer: I Got a “D” in Salami, both by Henry Winkler. Or they might enjoy Artemis Fowl: The Time Paradox, or Pendragon: Raven Rise by D. J. MacHale.
Our newest DVDs are Journey to the Center of the Earth and Nim’s Island. You can also find six donated Winnie the Pooh, Little Bear and Jay Jay DVDs, a set of four Bananas Comedy DVDs, and some World War II DVDs. There’s something for everyone.

Convertor Box

Have you got yours yet? If not, the Homer Library has a $40 coupon to use when you go to buy one. It is free to the first person to ask for it. Just ask at the desk.

Our new books include more of the Camp Confedential series for young adults. For the junior age children, we have Summer Camp Secrets - a series of two
books. For the parents of aspiring entrepreneurs, there is Beyond the Lemonade Stand by Bill Rancic.

Other books for juniors are Friends for Never by Nancy Krulik, and The Boy Who Couldn't Swim by Deb Lucke.

Our newest adult fiction book is Quicksand by Iris Johansen.












t

News for students!

Are you studying online? We now have a Mac laptop available for use only by people taking classes online. This is in addition to our four desktop computers.

If you desire to use the Mac, please be prepared to show a current student identification.

Mystery Authors

Do you enjoy reading mysteries? Check out the website listed on the left side of our blog for authors and titles. You might find a new author whom you really like.

Homer Library News

Homer Library News

What’s new? New best sellers on our shelves include Tailspin by Catherine Coulter, Rogue by Danielle Steel, Sail by James Patterson, Fearless 14 by Janet Evanovich, 7th Heaven by James Patterson, Forbidden by Beverly Lewis - the continuation of her latest Amish series, Whole Truth by David Baldacci, 3rd Circle by Amanda Quick, and Sunday at Tiffany’s by James Patterson. We have four new large print novels, Land of My Heart and To Dream Anew by Tracie Peterson, and The Coming Storm and A Promise for Ellie by Lauraine Snelling.

In May and June, we added 342 donated items to our collection. We are grateful to all those who have donated books and videos, and to Christine Tarrant, who has helped with the cataloging.

We have held six sessions of the Summer Reading Program, with two more to go. The girls and boys have learned about and played games from the past, using materials children might have used way back when. The children also have read many books this summer. Children who read in the summer have an easier time when school begins again.
Sue Jones has been a great help with the program.

Correction

Homer Library News: Correction

The latest Homer Library News contained an error. Our Wednesday hours are
9 a.m. to 2 p.m. We apologize for the error.

Homer Library News and Summer Reading Program

HOMER LIBRARY NEWS

The big news in the Homer Library is that the Summer Reading Program starts June 5 at 1 p.m. Miss Cathy has been hard at work preparing to play, because that is just what the children will be doing. But not just any old play. Miss Cathy has come up with all kinds of games, indoor and outdoor. It should be a really fun program.

We could use some help with supplies, things like pop bottle caps, buttons, decks of cards, leftover stickers, or any small item that could be glued onto cardboard. Please put items in a ziplock bag and bring them into the library, or put in the bookdrop. What does Miss Cathy want them for? I have no idea, but you boys and girls had better come and find out.

Meanwhile, we are very busy cataloging the donated materials that people have given us lately. From May, 2007 to April, 2008, we added almost one thousand books, and 795 of those were donated. We’ll probably add a similar amount this fiscal year. Our thanks to all who have donated.

Our new books include Shadow of Power by Steve Martini, 20 Wishes by Debbie Macomber, When the Light Goes Out by Larry McMurtry, Hokus Pokus by Fern Michaels, Phantom Prey by John Sandford, Dead Heat by Joel Rosenberg, 7th Heaven by James Patterson, Forbidden by Beverly Lewis, young adult book by Rick Riordan titled The Lightning Thief, and Eat, Love, Pray by Elizabeth Gilbert.

New DVDs soon to arrive include The Great Debaters with Denzel Washington, Bella, Enchanted, and National Treasure 2.

Our phone number is 896-2121 and our blog is at homerillinois.blogspot.com.

New Books

We recently acquired more books from Human Kinetics, a local publisher of books on health and fitness. You can find them on the top shelf of the display rack in the center of the library. Some of the topics covered are mountain biking, pregnancy, cheerleading, triathlons, back problems, nutrition and fitness, and yoga. Check them out!

What's new for you in the Homer Library?

HOMER LIBRARY NEWS

We invite all Homer preschool age children (3-5 years old) to attend our Preschool Storytime, led by Miss Cathy. The dates and times are May 14 and May 28, 10:00 to 10:30. She will have stories to tell and crafts to do. Another May event will be the final Reading is Fundamental (RIF) distribution of the school year.

The Summer Reading Program will begin the first week of June. Specific day and time will be announced soon. The theme this year is Get in the Game, Read! Boys and girls ages five to ten are invited to participate.

Our new books are Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert, Read All About it by Laura and Jenna Bush, The Penderwicks of Gardam Street by Jeanne Birdsall, and 7th Heaven by James Patterson, and The Forbidden by Beverly Lewis.

For romance fans, we have added some brand new Harlequin Historicals. There’s a new Junie B. Jones, a new Magic Tree House, a Star Wars, the Seven Sleeper Series by Gilbert Morris, some fantasy and science fiction, and a variety of others. And over time, we will be adding hundreds more donated books.

The library is open from 2 to 7 every week day except for Wednesday. On Wednesday, we are open 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.; and Saturdays, we open at 10 a.m. and close at 2 p.m. Our phone number is 896-2121. Visit us on the web at homerillinois.blogspot.com.

Computers

The Homer Library offers four computers for use by the public, 2 Vistas and 2 Macs. On most days, they are heavily used. To increase availability, we have set a limit of one hour when other people are waiting for their turn at the computers.

So, if you come in and all machines are busy, you still may be able to use one of them.

Homer Library News

What’s new in the Homer Library this week? For starters, we have four new DVDs coming in: August Rush, Bee Movie, Dan in Real Life and Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium.

New books are coming in all the time, and we are getting more of the donated books on the shelf. Look for new titles in the paperback section. Donated hardback books have their own special section. You might find an older, overlooked goodie. I know I have. There are three large paperbacks by Ann Tatlock , one set in the depression, that gave me a better look at the problems of that time. Another dealt with a broken family, but broken in a way you might not have thought of.

Miss Cathy will be holding a Preschool Storytime at 10:00 on May 9, lasting for 30 minutes. Bring your little one for some fun and learning. Cathy will be assisted by Sue Jones, and will continue the Storytimes until the end of May.

If you don’t have a computer at home, or if yours is old or slow, we have just what you need: 2 new Vistas and 2 Macs with wireless internet. You can call ahead to reserve a time. Printers are available, too.

In addition to all the books, DVDs, computers, VHS tapes, and music CDs, we also have fiction and non-fiction books on CD.

We are open Monday through Friday from 2 to 7 p.m., except for Wednesday, when we open at 9 a.m. and close at 2 p.m.. Saturday hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Our phone number is 896-2121.

Preschool Storytime

Wednesday, April 9, the library will be holding a preschool storytime at 10 a.m., and every other Wednesday through May. The creative Miss Cathy is the teacher. She will have lots of fun planned for the little ones.

What's old is new again

At least at the Homer Library, you can find quite a variety of older, but good, books on the shelf. Since we moved, people have been very generous in donating books. You can find your favorite fiction authors, in hardback or paperback. In time, we will be adding dozens of Dr. Seuss and other children's books. Also young adult and junior books will be finding their way onto the shelves.

Meanwhile, check out our new DVD, Snow Buddies. And wish for spring!!

A SnowDay

Well, it's a mess out there. The schools got out early, and we decided not to open the library today. Any items due today will not be considered late if returned by tomrrow, Friday. Meanwhile, enjoy the snow before it turns to slush.

More Library News

HOMER LIBRARY NEWS

What’s new here? We’ve been very busy, hence the lack of news. We’re busy adding donated books to the collection, preparing for the Reading is Fundamental distribution on February 22, preparing for a Preschool program, setting out tax forms.

The Preschool program will begin March 26 at 10 a.m. and last for one half hour. It will continue every other week through the spring.

Some of our new books include Plum Lucky by Janet Evanovich, Killing Ground by Jack Higgins, 7th Heaven by James Patterson, and Appeal by John Grisham. More will be arriving soon.

Four computers are available for your use: 2 Macs and 2 Vistas. You may also do printouts from the computers.

In memory of Elvira Wakefield, the Homer Home Extension has donated a book to the library, titled Patchwork & Quilted Gifts by Joelle Hoverson. If you want to make a gift and don’t have much time, this is the book for you.

Preschool Storytime

Catherine Fager will be holding a Preschool Storytime beginning March 26 at 10 a.m.- 10:30 a.m. at the Homer Community Library. She is encouraging all local children ages 3 to 5 to attend. For more information, call the library at 896-2121 during library hours.

News and Events

Tax forms are here! More come in almost every day. You can no longer get them at the post office, so this is the place!

The library will be open normal hours on Monday, February 21. We only close for major holidays.

We have been given word of a major home school conference to take place soon. Here is the scoop:

Join us for the Midwest’s only non-sectarian, style-inclusive,
whole family homeschooling conference.
Adult, Child and Teen Workshops!
Exhibit Hall filled with Homeschool Friendly Vendors!
For more information :
www.homeeducatorsconference.org
Or call (630) 585-4635
11th Annual InHome Conference
March 7 - 8, 2008
Pheasant Run Resort and Spa
St. Charles, Illinois
The 2008 conference includes 100's of children and adult
workshops featuring some of the most talented, knowledgeable,
and committed individuals in the homeschooling movement
today, as well as a welcoming ceremony, teen dance, campfire and
many other opportunities to meet homeschooling families.

Register to vote!!

New information tells me that voter registration ends on the 8th of January. Don't delay. Register now at a public library or at the county clerk's office in Urbana, at1776 E. Washington St.

Primary Election registration

February 5 is the primary election date in Illinois. If you are not yet registered, you must do so by January 9. You can register at any public library, including the Homer Library. In Homer, the registration must be done by 2 p.m. in order to get your registration to county clerk by the deadline.

A Christmas Special from Suzanne Beecher

"'Twas The Night Before Christmas at the Book Clubs"

'Twas the night before Christmas and in every house
all good book club readers were clicking their mouse.

They'd hung all their stockings, decorated their trees
And now it was time to sit down and see
What their email had brought them on this Christmas Eve.

A five-minute break to read a good book
Was just what they needed, but oh my--look...

When they opened their email, no read could be found.
"Oh no, we're afraid Suzanne went out of town.
Could she have forgotten to send us our read?
How could she do this in our time of need?"

The readers all panicked, they shivered in fright,
They pined for their emails and settled in for the night.

"Could we have misplaced them? Did we hit the wrong key?
Did it go in our deleted files?" Oh such misery.
And then in a flash, with a stroke of a key,
One by one, they discovered their Christmas Eve reads.

Their eyes how they twinkled, they laughed and they smiled
And they settled into their chairs to read for awhile.

Their hearts were delighted, they felt just like kids,
But it's still such a mystery where that email had hid.
Was it there all the time and they just didn't see?
Or did Santa step in and do a good deed?

Good boys and girls are on Santa's list
And good book club readers he vows never to miss.

It's been a long night, time to climb into bed,
So they shut down their computers and laid down their
heads.

But in the quiet of night, before things came to an end,
They heard, "Thanks for reading with me,
It's so good to read with friends."

I wish you peace and joy,

Suzanne is the brains behind the online chapter-a-day book club. To subscribe or for more information, go to www.ltls.org and click on the box at the upper left. Then choose Book Clubs.

December Library News

HOMER LIBRARY NEWS

What’s new in the Homer Library today? We received our first shipment of music CDs. These are titles and artists that people have requested. Come in and see what we got! There’s some country, some classic rock, some instrumentals, some vocalists. What’s your preference?

The library will be hosting an After Christmas Party on December 27 at 1 p.m. Children ages 5 through 10 are invited to a fun hour of games, crafts, food and fun. Don’t miss it!

Do you need last-minute ideas for Christmas? We got cookbooks, craft books, books that combine the two. We’ve got Christmas CDs and DVDs. Our magazines are full of Christmas ideas.

Our new adult fiction includes The Darkest Evening of the Year by Dean Koontz, T is for Trespass by Sue Grafton, Whole New Light by Sandra Brown, Between Sundays by Karen Kingsbury, and Double Cross by James Patterson.

Others include Hanni and Beth, Safe and Sound by Beth Finke (a book about a seeing eye dog and its master), and Deceptively Delicious by Jessica Seinfeld, the wife of Jerry Seinfeld. She tells how to hide veggies in food in a way that will appeal to fussy eaters. It sounds like something I could have used when my kids were little. We also have three very nice, new knitting books.

Since May of this year, we have added almost 300 books, videos and audio books to the collection. Many, if not most of those items were donated. We appreciate your donations. If the library is closed when you bring in donated items, please bring them to the back of the hall. That is where they will be stored until we can process them.

We wish you all a very merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year of reading!

November's News

Homer Library News

What’s new in the Homer Library this week? Plenty. Two Mac computers and a color printer, for starters. But there’s more now, and more coming in the future.

Our new adult fiction includes Stone Cold by David Baldacci, Now & Then by Robert B. Parker, The Heir by Barbara Taylor Bradford, Home to Holly Springs by Jan Karon, Critical by Robin Cook, Wednesday Letters by Jason F. Wright, Summer by Karen Kingsbury, Just Beyond the Clouds by Karen Kingsbury, Blink of an Eye by Ted Dekker, and Creation in Death by J. D. Robb.

Our new DVDs are Evan Almighty, four original Nancy Drew DVDs, Montana Sky, Ratatouille, Shrek the Third, and five Sugar Movies.

We have 2 music CDs of Patch the Pirate stories, for a total of five stories. These are fun CDs, with upbeat music and stories that teach good character in a way that kids will respond to.

Add to that a large number of paperback novels, many of them in the romance genre. And some for our young adult readers.

Coming up next month is our annual after Christmas party for children ages 5 to 10, or thereabouts. That is scheduled for December 27 at 1 p.m.

You can help veterans in the local VA hospital. Just drop off donated items at the library. Don’t know what they need? See our list of needs.

We want to thank all of you who have helped make this wonderful new facility a reality. It was just one year ago this week that we began preparing for the first move. You helped us move, and move again. You donated some really good materials that we are slowly getting processed and put on the shelves. And you support us by using the library. Thank you.

If you want to help...

Would you like to help the veterans in the VA hospital in Danville, Illinois? Here's how. The Homer Library has a list of their needs, inexpensive items as well as some that are more costly. So you can contribute according to your ability.

We are also acting as a collection point. Drop your donations by any time the library is open, and we will see that they get to the veterans. Thanks in advance for your help. For more information, call the library at 217-896-2121.

We're still settling in

Since last month, we have added 7 easy chairs. Two of them are recliners. Two G-5 Macs are available, with wireless internet access. Look for a pair of PCs to arrive soon, too. A selection of music CDs is coming. We are asking for recommendations from our patrons as to more music CD titles to buy.

If you ordered a birthday calendar, it should be delivered soon. KC Jones has spent many hours preparing it, with help from other library board members. Our thanks to them, and all who ordered calendars. They really help to stretch our budget.

Our One Month Anniversary

Just one month ago today, we moved into our new facility. Board members, employees, family members and community members pitched in together to move from our two classrooms (where we had been housed since January 13, 2007) into our permanent space. There was still some work to do the next day, but the bulk of it got done Saturday.

We're still settling in, to some degree. We've got a new wireless printer. Furniture is on order. New computers will be coming - 2 Macs, and 2 PCs, so you can have your choice.

For those of you who are home during the day, we are open on Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. If you like a quiet library, that's a good time to come in.

Ribbon cutting tomorrow

The scissors are here and ready for the big day. We hope you will stop by and see our new facility. The festivities begin at 2 p.m. with the high school band and chorus, and end with refreshments.

We've come a long way since we began getting ready for the move back in November. We've expended a lot of energy and a lot of money. But we had the funds to do what we needed to do, without debt. Much of that is due to those who have helped us out with big gifts and little. They are all appreciated.

Celebration in the Homer Library - open to all

Come help us celebrate! Saturday, September 22 at 2 p.m. is the Open House/Dedication for our new facility. If you have ever been in the old library on Main Street, and you haven’t seen the new library, you will be amazed.

The Heritage High School band and chorus will be here, as will some local dignitaries. Following the activities in the library itself, refreshments will be served in the dining room, highlighted with cakes by Barb Rumer, including one very special book cake.

Because of the Open House, the library will only be open from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., so that we can set up for the festivities.

In the meantime, be sure to enjoy other Krazee Daze activities.

EVENTS AND CHANGES

The Homer Library will be represented at the Homer Business Expo on Saturday, September 15, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. We will be showing pictures from the past nine months - preparing for the first move, the actual move, our new temporary space, the work in progress in the sanctuary, the final move.

Also, you can order pies from Bakers Square, to be picked up when you want them. You can also get certificates for Bergners. They sell for $5 each, and are worth $10. Find out more about them at the Expo.

Your purchase of pies or coupons will help us fund the Reading is Fundamental program for local grade school children.

Saturday, September 22, is the ribbon cutting for our new facility. The library will be open that day from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. only. At noon, we close to set up for the ribbon cutting. The high school band and chorus will provide music, and there will be refreshments in the dining room. That will include cakes by Barb Rumer.

We have a new schedule for Wednesdays only. We open at 9 a.m. and close at 2 p.m. If you like a nice quiet facility, this would be a good time to come in.

Is there nothing new in the Homer Library??

HOMER LIBRARY NEWS
Is there no news in the Homer Library? Yes, there is. But we have just been so busy that we’ve not had time to share it.

First, we’d like to congratulate Katie Ely. She won the contest for Hedwig, the Harry Potter owl.

We are settling into our new digs. The new library is not finished yet. You will see additions coming over the next few weeks or months.

Our new adult fiction includes Bones to Ashes by Kathy Riechs, A Wrongful Death by Kate Wilhelm, Beyond Reach by Karin Slaughter, Forever by Karen Kingsbury, a Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini, Sweet Revenge by Diane Mott Davidson, Someone to Love by Jude Deveraux, Justice Denied by J. A. Jance, and Presumed Guilty by James Scott Bell.

Our newest non-fiction is Quiet Strength by Superbowl winning coach, Tony Dungy, and co-written by Nathan Whitaker. Our newest DVDs include Are We Done Yet?, The Astronaut Farmer, and TMNT.

We are open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 2 to7 p.m., Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 2p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Our phone number is 896-2121.

CHANGES AND MORE CHANGES

We’re in! We moved over the weekend, and now we are located in the former sanctuary. A dedicated group of people gave up their weekend to get us settled. The result is a beautiful new library. We’re anxious to show it to you.

The other change is a change in hours for one day only each week. On Wednesdays, we will open at 9 a.m. and close at 2 p.m. Please plan accordingly, as the library will be closed, and the building will be locked at 2 p.m.

Home Schooling?

Would you like to make contact with another homeschooling family in the area? This mom has some exciting materials that involves a classic book and learning how to write first person narratives. Call the library for the contact information if you are interested.

MOVING DAY

The day is set! The library will be closed Saturday, August 25, so that we can move. We plan to reopen on Monday,August 27. If you are conversant with the Dewey decimal system, come on out and give us a hand. If you have muscles, we could use your help in moving furniture. An annoucement about the starting time will come later.

If the job is not finished by Saturday evening, we'll continue on Sunday. In fact, we expect to be here on Sunday, too.

Moving? Need boxes??

Do you need boxes for anything? We've got some in really good condition that we need to get rid of. They are good for books, linens, clothing, small items.

Yes, we are going to be moving soon - our final move. We don't have a date yet, but should be in the next week or two.

If you are a teen entering 7th grade through 12th, we are holding a contest for you. All you have to do is read. Each time you finish a book, fill out an entry form from the library. On September 1, we will draw one name. That person will take Hedwig the Owl home. Could you be that person??

Hedwig the Owl

Hey, Teens!

The Homer Library is sponsoring a contest just for you!

Anyone entering grades 7 through 12 may enter

Each time you finish a book, fill out one of the entry forms available at the Homer Library

The more books you read, the better your chances of winning

Oh, yeah, and what will you win?

How about Hedwig. The owl in the Harry Potter books

He’s cute. He’s stuffed

And he could be yours.

Give it a try


Disclaimer. Contest begins August 1 and ends August 31. A Whole Month.
Forms must be turned in by August 31 at 7 p.m.

Harry Potter's Hedwig Owl Contest for Teens

The Homer Library is sponsoring a contest for teens, with Hedwig the stuffed owl as the prize. Each time you finish reading a book, fill out an entry form, available at the library. At the end of August, we will be drawing one of those forms to find out who the winner is.

It's almost time, times 2

It is almost time to make our final move. That may happen before the end of the month. Things are coming together quickly.

And there will be another change, involving time. For Wednesday only, our hours will change. We will open at 9 a.m. and close at 2 p.m. We hope this will be a convenience for some who may not want to go out at night.

The Homer Library's upcoming move

The Homer Library has very special board members. Unlike village board
members, library board members serve without pay. It is strictly a volunteer
position. And yet, these people give of their time and talents, and not just
to attend meetings. They have been very involved in the work that is going
on as we prepare for the final move. Some have spent entire days out there
painting.

We are also blessed to have board members who have the knowledge and
experience to oversee this whole project. There is so much more involved
than what meets the eye. A library facility has special requirements that
other buildings don't have.

Board members are also involved in the Reading is Fundamental program, a
time consuming program, but one of great value to the school children.

We hope that people will visit the new library once we get move, and see
what we have to offer. It will be so much more than ever before.

Progress in the new Library

The Homer Library has very special board members. Unlike village board
members, library board members serve without pay. It is strictly a volunteer
position. And yet, these people give willingly of their time and talents, and not just to attend meetings. They have been very involved in the work that is going
on as we prepare for the final move. Some have spent entire days out there
painting. I think they must dream of painting, ladders, and paint smells, if they dream at all.

We are also blessed to have board members who have the knowledge and
experience to oversee this whole project. There is so much more involved
than what meets the eye. A library facility has special requirements that
other buildings don't have.

Board members are also involved in the Reading is Fundamental program, a
time consuming program, but one of great value to the school children.

We hope that people will visit the new library once we get moved, and see
what we have to offer. It will be so much more than ever before.

Is there any Homer Library news today???

It seems there is no news in the Homer Library lately. Wrong! There is so much going on that I’ve not had time to get the news out.

First – the building. Board members have been hard at work painting our new facility. Kevin Sanderson is putting in the lighting at the same time. The rest of the carpet has been laid, and the older carpet will soon be cleaned by Kevin Wright. Presently, the room is filled with ladders and scaffolding, cans of paint and pans of paint.

Meanwhile, the Summer Reading Program is in full swing. We take a week off for the Fourth of July, followed by three more sessions on the remaining Wednesdays in July. Attendance has been great, and we and the children have had a good time. This past week we were astronauts who had to fix problems on the outside of the space ship or space station. We also learned how long it takes to blow up a balloon with a bicycle pump.

Meanwhile, more audiobooks have come in, along with our usual purchases of new materials. The current shelving is filling up fast. Good thing we’re moving soon!

Our new books include two business guides for the purchase of low-volume copiers and multi-function machines and color laser and ink jet printers. These are quite detailed. New adult fiction includes The Overlook by Michael Connelly, Skin by Ted Dekker, and Never Call Retreat by William R. Forstchen and Newt Gingrich.

We are open 2-7 p.m. weekdays, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays. However, that may change slightly. We’re considering closing early one weeknight, and opening one morning for two hours instead. Please let us know if you have any opinion in the matter. You can call us at 896-2121, come in to the library to discuss it, or take the survey on our blog. The URL for the survey is: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=NA0S2Li9pYuvEaXw0bCEsg_3d_3d

You might find it easier to go to the blog to access the survey. Our blog is at http://homerillinois.blogspot.com/

A NEW SURVEY

The Homer Library is going to make a change in our schedule. And we need your input. We are considering closing earlier one evening each week in order to be open two hours one morning per week.

We need to know if you are interested in having the library open one morning per week, and if so what morning. We also need to know which evening you are lest likely to visit the library, out of the five weeknights that we are open. You can reply by email (homercommunitylibrary@hotmail.com), by phone (896-2121) or give us your opinion when you visit the library.

Or you may take the survey online. It's only one page: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=NA0S2Li9pYuvEaXw0bCEsg_3d_3d

We very much appreciate your input.

Clerical help wanted

Would you like to work in our new facility? We will be moving in next month! We need someone to work about 12 hours a week, checking materials in and out, assisting patrons, answering phones, etc. We need someone who is computer savvy and knows Excel, and who enjoys working with people of all ages. If you are that person call 896-2121, or come in to the library anytime that we are open.

Want to learn more about saving money?

Visit the following website for more ideas: http://www.pfadvice.com/2007/05/09/more-than-books-the-many-ways-your-library-can-save-you-money/

We wish you well, Marnie!

Marnie has been hired at the Urbana Free Library. Saturday, June 2, is her last day. If you see her, wish her well. Marnie has a great deal of technical knowledge that she may be able to make better use of in Urbana. However, we hope Marnie will stop in from time to time.

There's Something Here for Everyone!

Here’s what’s new:
ADULT FICTION
Fresh Disasters by Stuart Wood
The River Knows by Amada Quick
The 6th Target by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro
The Good Guy by Dean Koontz
Sunrise by Karen Kingsbury
The Alibi Man by Tami Hoag
Deep Storm by Lincoln Child
Whisker of Evil by Rita Mae Brown
Hard Truth by Nevada Barr
Whitethorn Woods by Maeve Binchy
Body Surfing by Anita Shreve
The Good Husband of Zebra Drive by Alexander McCall Smith

ADULT NON-FICTION
Stealing Your Life by Frank W. Abagnale

YOUNG ADULT
Un Lun Dun by China Mieville

EASY READERS
Fancy Nancy by Jane O’Connor
Fancy Nancy and the Posh Puppy by Jane O’Connor
Bad Dog, Marley by John Grogan
An Egg is Quiet by Dianna Aston
A Seed is Sleepy by Dianna Aston

AUDIO BOOKS
Night by Elie Wiesel
Wisdom of Our Fathers by Tim Russert
Mayflower by Nathaniel Philbrick
American Gospel by Jon Meacham
Patriotic Fire by Winston Groom
War on the Middle Class by Lou Dobbs
The Cold War by John Lewis Gaddis
10 Days that Unexpectedly Changed America
The Innocent Man by John Grisham
Marley and Me by John Grogan
The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid by Bill Bryson
Flags of Our Fathers by James Bradley

DVDs
Adventures of Milo and Otis
Night at the Museum

Whew! That is quite a list. My fingers are tired, and there must be something there for everyone.

More new stuff for Homer Library

HOMER LIBRARY NEWS

Have you been to the new Homer Village Hall lately? If not, you haven’t seen the progress. The new book drop is in place. Once the brickwork is done, the audio-video drop will go up. The dry wall has been applied in the auditorium/future library. Soon we will be painting.

New books on CD have arrived, and more are on the way.

The Summer Reading Program starts June 6 at 1 p.m. It will continue each Wednesday in June and July, except for the Fourth, at the same time, and last for one hour. Our theme this year is Mission Read: To the Library and Beyond. Each week there will be crafts, games, sometimes treats, and a reading promotion. Children who read during the summer will have an easier time when school starts again in the fall.

The final distribution for this school year of books from the Reading is Fundamental Program took place on May 15. Each child in grades K through 4 received a free book of his or her choice. This is the last federally funded distribution for Homer. From now on, we will have to fund it ourselves. Previously, the federal program provided 75% of the cost.

A BOOK YOU MUST READ

Stealing Your Life by Frank W. Agagnale is shocking. The author deals with identity theft, and details all the many ways your identity can be stolen. Even the identity of companies and the dead have been stolen. Your deceased loved ones can be victims, but it is the decendents who will pay the price. He gives ways that you can protect your identity.

Borrow it from your local library, or buy a copy. But whatever you do, read this book.

Back soon with cheerier news!!

Book drop, summer program, audiobooks

The new book drop is up! Please make it easy for us! Use it rather than the one at the old building. The new one is a drive-by type. We've made it easy for you!

The summer reading program begins June 6 at 1 p.m. and continues every Wednesday in June and July except for the Fourth. The theme this year is: Mission Read: To the Library and Beyond. Games, crafts, food and a reading promotion are all part of what we do at the programs.

More audiobooks are filling the shelves. Take one with you on a long road trip. It sure can help the miles go by! If you like to read in the car, as I do, while hubby (or wife) drives, we're got plenty of new books to take along.

Book Drop

The new book drop is in place at our new location. Please don't use the one at 101 North Main Street anymore.

The book drop is only for print material. Please do not put DVDs, CDs, etc. in it. An AV drop will be going up soon.

Lots going on here

Lots going on here!

The Summer Reading Program begins June 6 at 1 p.m. and will run through July 25. This year’s theme is Mission Read: To the Library and Beyond. Children ages 5 to 10 are invited to participate. We will be having games, crafts, a reading promotion and prizes, especially on the last day. Because the Fourth of July falls on a Wednesday, we will not meet that day.

Work on the new library continues. The book drop will soon be in place. In a month or so, the painting will begin in the sanctuary. We can use help with that project. Contact a librarian or board member if you would like to help.

The work on the sidewalk on East Second Street out to the new village hall is ongoing.

The new printer/scanner/copier has arrived and is available for use.

Our new books this week are Whisker of Evil by Rita Mae Brown, Hard Truth by Nevada Barr, Sunrise by Karen Kingsbury, Deep Storm by Lincoln Child, The Alibi Man by Tami Hoag, Body Surfing by Anita Shreve, Invisible Prey by John Sandford, Whitethorn Woods by Maeve Binchy, and How Doctors Think by Jerome Groopman.

We are open from 2 to 7 p.m. weekdays and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays. Our phone number is 896-2121.

New stuff in April

What’s new in the Homer Library this week?

The first shipment of audio books has arrived and is on the shelf. Most of the books are on CD. A few are cassettes. The library won a grant to purchase them, and that money can only be spent for audio books. That’s how grants work.

Our new adult fiction includes Daddy’s Girl by Lisa Scottline, Obsession by Jonathan Kellerman, The Double Bind by Chris Bohjalian, No Legal Grounds by James Scott Bell, I Heard That Song Before, Hide by Lisa Gardner, The Woods by Harlan Coben, Deception by Randy Alcorn and Past Perfect by Susan Isaacs.

The Champaign County Farm Bureau Women’s Committee has donated a book, Barns of Champaign County 2006.

Our new DVDs are Sweet Home Alabama, Blue Collar Comedy, Bewitched, Along Came Polly, The Stepford Wives, and The Valley of Light, a Hallmark production.

Our new children’s books are My Tooth is About to Fall Out by Grace Maccarone and Piper by Emma Chichester Clark.

Book Sale Soon!

As part of the village wide garage sales, there will be a book sale in the old village hall on May 5. In addition to books, there will be a variety of other items, including some furniture. Be sure to stop in.

No fines this week!

In honor of National Library week, now through Saturday, April 21, we are not charging any fines. Bring back an item due last week, or last year. Either way, there are no fines due. What a deal!

What's new? How can you help?

WHAT’S NEW THIS MONTH IN THE HOMER LIBRARY??

Would you like to help make a difference in Homer? Do you see unmet needs here? Do you have ideas to improve our community? Then you should join the Homer Community Improvement Association. They meet each first and third Thursday at the Homer Bank at 7 p.m.

We are in the process of replacing our old VHS tapes with DVDs. You can help, either by donating cash to help with the purchases, or by purchasing them yourself. If you choose the latter, be sure to check with us first to see what titles are needed.

New DVDs include Happy Feet, The Nativity Story, Eragon, Christy – the Complete Series, Rocky Balboa, and The Pursuit of Happyness.

Our new adult titles include Obsession by Jonathan Kellerman, Hide by Lisa Gardner, Past Perfect by Susan Isaacs, Daddy’s Girl by Lisa Scottoline, I Heard that Song Before by Mary Higgins Clark, The Double Bind by Chris Bohjalian, Lethal Justice by Fern Michaels, and No Legal Grounds by James Scott Bell.

April 15 to 21 is National Library Week. Once again, we will be holding a fine free week. If you have books overdue a day or a year, you can return them during that week without having to pay fines. What a deal!

New DVDs

Do you need something to watch while you wait for the weather to warm up and dry out? We've got some new DVDs. Try Eragon, based on the book by the same name. Or Rocky Balboa with Stallone. Or Christy, the complete series of the television show of the same name. Lastly, we have The Nativity Story. All are ready to be checked out.

Book Drop

The new book drop arrived yesterday. It will be several weeks before it is installed. It will offer great convenience to library users and staff. On order is an AV (audio/video) drop, which will sit next to the book drop. We look for it to arrive next month.

Bids were opened last week. Work on the lighting should begin around the middle of next month. Progress is being made!!

What's New in Homer Community Library??

Each year a special calendar is published, giving important dates of Homer individuals and their loved ones. Birthdays and anniversaries of residents, their children, and grandchildren can all be listed on the calendar. You can buy a calendar for $3.00 plus $1.00 for each listing. Extra calendars are $6.00 each, unless you add a second family to the list and want a calendar for those listings.

Contact the librarian at 896-2121 or a library board member for more information or to reserve a calendar.

Gregor the Overlander by Suzanne Collins was honored recently with this year's 2007 Rebecca Caudill program award. This book is available in the Homer Library.

Progress report on the building project: Sara Essig, KC Jones and others have diligently worked on the demolition. Bids were opened this week for the electrical and dry wall work. That work should begin soon. The book drop and AV drop are ordered. We look for them to arrive in a few weeks.

Our newest books are Shadow Dance by Julie Garwood, Web of Evil by J.A. Jance, Bad Blood by Linda Fairstein, Sisters by Danielle Steel, and The Cat Who Had 60 Whiskers by Lilian Jackson Braun.

Marnie Hess graciously filled in for Chris, who was in Oregon following the birth of a grandson. She recommends that the day before the spring time change is not a good time to fly east, crossing two time zones coming home, for a total loss of three hours.