Happy Spring

We are gearing up for spring and our newsletter showcases lots of great programs. Is there something that you would like to see at your library? Let us know.

Long range planning underway

We continue to examine usage, need, and how to best serve our community. We will be posting a brief survey on the web site and encourage you to provide feedback. Your input counts!

What do you GEEK?

geek verb
1. To love, to enjoy, to celebrate, to have an intense passion for.
2. To express interest in.
3. To possess a large amount of knowledge in.
4. To promote.

What do you Geek? Everyone has something they are passionate about-- something they geek. Maybe you geek football or hip hop. Maybe you are passionate about organic gardening, classic movies or volunteering. Or maybe you just geek the weather.

Whatever you geek, serious or fun, the public library supports you.
Public libraries inspire and empower. Everyone is welcome. Knowledgeable librarians help millions of people find out more about what they geek, discover new interests, prepare for job or school, and continue their path in lifelong learning. As librarians we are passionate about our community and about finding the information to help you with what you geek.

Libraries improve your life.
We offer innovative geeking opportunities for kids, teens and adults. Come to a couponing class, join a discussion or writing group, use our online databases, update your computer skills, bring the kids to make a craft, learn at a financial seminar - we have it all. Come visit the heart of the community - your public library - and gather with friends and neighbors to explore and enjoy books, programs and more to make your life better.

Geekthelibrary is a national campaign that promotes awareness and advocacy of the public library. So please share what you geek. Share what your library does for you and your community. And help us spread the word that your public library needs everyone's support.

Why visit your library in 2011?

A snapshot of your library reveals:

* You can save money by using the library! The Library offers over 225 magazines and a collection of more than 120,000 books and other items to make life-long learning possible. We have expanded access to thousands of materials that we can get for you. Don't buy it; get in on loan from your library.

* A DVD movie collection is anchored by family and classic films but offers something for everyone. We accept your gently used family or children’s films to help expand the library collection. Save money by using the library. Don't rent it; borrow it from your library.

* Play Literacy Areas @ Homer Library encourage children to become aware of and comfortable with books, computers, and the library. Our new train, lego and creative play areas can stimulate a child’s intellectual and social development and prepare them for learning and school activities. Enjoy and explore the library with your family.

* Teens Rock @ Homer Library! Library teens have a creative personal space to meet with friends for study, homework, and socializing. Grant funds and help from the Friends of the Library group subsidized the teen area, which is bright, inviting, and anchored by art created by our very own library teens. Teens have tons of programs & club activities, too!

* VIP Adults/Seniors offers popular programs for adults including Armchair Travelers, Knitting Club, Cooking Classes, and other educational and inviting programs. We see growing use in these tough economic times. Learn something new and enjoy quality time at Homer Library.

DISCOVER MORE @ Your Library!

• New programs like “Reptile Club” and “Family Literacy” support our community with activities and opportunities to learn and socialize with others.
• The Bookmobile extends library services throughout the Township. With a core collection of 5,000 items it also features contests, special weekly themes, reading clubs, and more that encourage reading, library use and participation.
• Gaming @ Homer Library provides an opportunity to socialize with others, play Guitar Hero, enjoy Dance Dance Revolution, and more. Did you know that studies show there is a direct correlation to game playing and improved school performance? It’s true!
• Wiggles ‘N Giggles and Polish/English Story Time remain favorite preschool children’s programs. They provide opportunities to enjoy the library, books, and more.
• Our Teen Intern Program has 105 active teens, who volunteered 1,047 hours this past year. Library teens undertook community service activities to support the Goodings Grove Lions Club, Homer Twp. Chamber of Commerce, Homer Township, and more!
• Sunday 4-8pm hours increase your access to the library at convenient times.

We hope to see you soon.

Year in Review

It's that time to look back and reflect on this past year. At the library we're reminiscing about the many successful changes and programs to make the library ever more convenient and relevant for you. Homer Library is a community haven for residents and information seekers of all ages, offering materials, computer access, and programs. The Library is also a great neighborhood gathering place and a social destination. Learning continues at every age and stage in a person's life and we note increasing usage during these tough economic times. We hope you stop in soon and see all the changes we have in place!

Save money by using your library...enjoy free DVD movies, read a magazine, check out that brand new book, take a free computer class, register your child for a fun program, join one of our clubs, and benefit from your library more than ever in 2011.

Successful Grant Writing Continues
In 2009 we exceeded our goal of receiving more than one million dollars in grant funding! Creative and talented library staff write many grants to help provide the collections, equipment and programs requested by the fast-growing Homer community. This past year through grant funding we added new computers, equipment, and programming.

Web Convenience
* Homer Library's on the web at http://www.homerlibrary.org/
* Library photos are at http://www.flickr.com/photos/homerlibrary
* Join our conversation on Twitter http://twitter.com/homerlibrary
* Visit us on Facebook - just search Homer Library to find us! Become a fan and find out the latest and greatest to discover even more @ your library!