Happy New Year!

As 2011 draws to a close we wish to thank all the patrons who visit and use the library and help to keep it a thriving community asset! Happy New Year from everyone at Melvin Public Library!

Wedding Ring Found

We are passing on the news that a woman's wedding ring was found on the sidewalk on Main Street in Melvin on Saturday, December 10, the day the Santa Train was here. If you have any information or know who may have lost it please call 217-388-2228.

Holiday Hours

The library will be closed on Saturday, December 24, for Christmas Eve and will be be open all normal hours during the rest of the holiday season. Merry Christmas!

The Help

The DVD movie version of "The Help" starring Viola Davis was released yesterday and as you may know it is based on the bestselling book by Kathryn Stockett. There is a lot of Oscar buzz for this film so if you like to read the book before you see the movie stop by the library and pick up a copy soon!

Things to Read

The library has over 9000 book volumes in its collection, nearly all of which circulate. There are also 25 magazine subscriptions, some weekly, some monthly, that you may check out. The newest magazine the library carries is HGTV, and there are also cooking, entertainment, decorating, health, consumer and news magazines available.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving is just around the corner and we want to take this opportunity to thank all the library patrons for their support and use of the library! Thanks for all the time and food you've donated to help at our fundraisers, and thank you for all the donations and memorials; the library's success is due in large part to the support of our community.

Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

National Alert Test

On Wednesday, November 9th at approximately 2:00 PM, FEMA and the FCC will test the Emergency Alert System. The test will be very different from the ones citizens are used to hearing. The test will come from FEMA and it will be approximately 30 seconds in length. All radio, television, cable and satellite operators will air the test at exactly the same time. Click here for additional information from FEMA.

New Books

New books recently added to the collection include The Best of Me by Nicholas Sparks, The Christmas Note by Donna Van Liere, Mercy, book 3 in The Rose Trilogy by Beverly Lewis, The Litigators by John Grisham, The Ideal Man by Julie Garwood and Kill Me If You Can by James Patterson.

Happy Halloween!

Trick or Treat hours in Melvin are from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. on Halloween, followed by a party for all kids at Community Hall on Main Street. Hope to see lots of Trick or Treaters at the library, we have yummy treats waiting for you! Happy Halloween!

Change to Pageturner Selection

Calling all Pageturners! Due to a last minute unavailability of Sarah's Key, the book the group had planned to read and discuss at the November 14 meeting, the group will instead move on to the next book on their reading list, Room by Emma Donoghue. Copies have been ordered and will be available for check out at the library by the end of this week. If you had signed up for the last book you will automatically be signed up for this book instead.

Donation Received

Thanks to a generous donation from Gary and Michele Nettleton in memory of Melvin resident Bob Arends, the library has added several new books to the young adult collection.

The books are in honor of Bob's military service as a United States Marine and include Soldier, Alpha Bravo Charlie, Tanks, Military Helicopters, Marine Corps, and The Kids' Guide to Military Vehicles.

Prize Winner

Congratulations to Tucker Pabian, winner of the Summer Reading Challenge grand prize for reading the most books throughout the summer months. Tucker won a book titled The Encyclopedia of the Age of Dinosaurs. Way to go Tucker!

Library Services

The library offers a myriad of material formats and services including print books for adults and youth, magazines, movies on videocassette and DVD, audiobooks, large print books and reference material including microfilm of the local newspaper dating back to 1897.

The library has a public access computer and high speed Internet service, a fax machine, a copier, tax forms and student financial aid forms, Book's for Babies program, summer reading program for youth and an adult book discussion group.

We can also borrow nearly any item a patron might request that is not on our shelves through interlibrary loan services.

Upcoming Fundraiser

Friends of the Library will be hosting a fundraising lunch on Saturday, October 15 at the Community Hall, 108 E Main Street, Melvin. Nashville recording artist Jordan Carter will be appearing that evening along with the Rick Flessner Band. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. so come out and enjoy some great music and support the library!

The Pageturners

The Melvin Public Library book club meets on the second Monday of each month at 7:00 p.m. at the library to review and discuss a book. In September the group discussed Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout and for October 10 the book selection is Full of Grace by Dorothea Benton Frank.

If you would like to reserve a copy of the upcoming book or receive more information on attending a meeting call the library at 388-2421.

Big Change

Talk about a big change in weather--we went from 100 degrees on Saturday to low 40s the last two nights! This is great reading weather, so come on out to the library and pick up a good book.

James Patterson's latest release has just arrived!

New Books

New books at the library include Night Road by Kristin Hannah, Justice by Karen Robards, Smokin' Seventeen by Janet Evanovich and One Summer by David Baldacci. Also new are Miles to Go by Richard Paul Evans, A Heart Most Worthy by Siri Mitchell, Hope Rekindled by Tracie Peterson and Split Second by Catherine Coulter.

Meet Melvin

Thanks to everyone who came out to support the library and the community by attending last Sunday's Meet Melvin event! Our wonderful dessert donors include Gayle Ford, Lolita Siems, JoAnn Althouse, Lynn Duke, Vicky Duke and Pat Donovan. Food donors include Lorie Ford, Lynn Duke, Cheryl Kurtenbach and Melvin Convenient Store and helpers that day were Lynn Duke, Lorie Ford, Bill and Helen Curtis, Diane Dawson and Jackie Allen.

Meet Melvin

The annual event Meet Melvin will be held this Sunday, August 14, 2011 from 3:00 to 7:30 p.m. at the Community Hall on Main Street. Come out and enjoy games for kids, face painting, a cake walk, bingo and performance by a young area choir.

Friends of the Library will be holding a fundraising luncheon from 4:00 until 6:00 p.m. and will serve hot dogs, chips, desserts and drinks for a nominal charge so come out and support the library and have some fun!

GCMS Falconer

Many thanks to Kayla Dunahee, GCMS Class of 2010, for donating the high school yearbook, The GCMS Falconer, to the library. The library's yearbook collection begins with a 1935 Melvin High School yearbook then continues through the Melvin-Sibley years and on through the GCMS years.

Summer Reading Challenge

Just a reminder to all young people that the library's Summer Reading Challenge continues into August. The more you read the more prizes you can win! We currently have 25 children participating and lots and lots of books have been read. With less than a month to go before school resumes, now is a good time to sharpen up those reading skills!

More Weather Plus Books

Well we've finally had a little rain although it is still plenty warm, and there are lots of good books at the library to keep you company. Just in are Danielle Steel's newest novel Happy Birthday and Escape by Barbara Delinsky.

Other new titles in the collection include Now You See Her by James Patterson, Fallen by Karin Slaughter, Another Dawn by Kathryn Cushman and Stolen Life, the amazing true survival story by Jaycee Dugard.

Heat Wave

It's official, we're having a heat wave! From now through the weekend, temperatures are expected to hit the middle to upper 90s each day with little relief at night.

There is nothing better to do in weather like this than sprawl in the air conditioning and enjoy a good book. Or sit in the library and pass the time reading, we are happy to act as a cooling center for those who need relief from the heat.

Pageturners Meet Tonight

The library book club The Pageturners will meet this evening, July 11, at 7:00 p.m. at the library and the book for discussion is Off Season by Anne Rivers Siddons.

Sibley 4th of July Celebration

Join us at the Sibley 4th of July celebration where Friends of the Library will be running the bingo booth at Lake Park as well as partnering with the Melvin Park Board at the funnel cake stand. Here's a link to the day's festivities http://www.sibleyfourthofjuly.com/Schedule_of_Events.html

Upcoming Fundraiser

Friends of the Melvin Public Library are sponsoring a fundraising Pork Chop Dinner on Sunday, July 3, 2011, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Ford County Fairgrounds following the Community Church Service. The meal includes pork chop, baked beans, potato salad, applesause and a beverage for $7.00 per plate. Items can also be purchased individually and bake sale goods and deserts will be available. Come join us!

Summer Reading Challenge

Hey Kids! The Summer Reading Challenge begins today at Melvin Public Library. Read three or more books at or near your reading level, record the book titles in your reading log and win a prize! You may win one prize per week throughout the summer.

This year children of any age may participate and parents, caregivers and older siblings may read to the littlest children who may then choose a prize. There will be at least one grand prize winner at the end of the summer for the youngster who has read the most books.

New Computers at the Library

Thanks to a joint project with the village of Melvin and Peach Orchard Township the library has upgraded both computers! The new operating systems are Window 7 and the productivity software is Office 2010.

Many thanks to the village and township for their support and special thanks to Village President Harold Forbes and Village Trustee George Hott for setting up the systems.

Holiday Closing

Melvin Public Library will be closed on Monday, May 30, in honor of Memorial Day and will be back on Tuesday for regular hours, 12:00 to 6:00 p.m. Have a great weekend!

Summer Reading Program

The Summer Reading Program begins in June and children can win prizes while also working on their reading skills over the summer months. This year, due to popular request, their is no younger age limit and children of any age may participate.

Watch for more details coming soon!

New Books

New books at the library include Intervention and Vicious Cycle: An Intervention Novel by Terri Blackstock, I'll Walk Alone by Mary Higgins Clark, The Sixth Man by David Baldacci, Southern Comfort by Fern Michaels, I Love You More by Lisa Gardner and 1oth Anniversary by James Patterson.

Successful Fundraiser

Thanks to all the Friends of the Library for helping to make our Paxton IGA fundraiser a success! Thanks to those who worked hard that day: Ron & Donna Courtright, Norman & Judy Schall, Bill & Helen Curtis, Lynn and Faith Duke and Ed Hinthorn.

Thanks also to the many Friends who donated baked goods and money: Beth Hornstein, Anjanette Christenson, Ed & Kathy Eagleson, Norm & Lolita Siems, Jean Watterson, Dolores Clauss, Donna Courtright, JoAnn Althouse, Judy Schall, Darlene Schall, Pat Reitz, Larry & Wendy Boundy, Sheila Hinthorn, Roger Arends and Janice Ehmen.

The library is fortunate to have such great Friends!

Pageturner Meeting

The Pageturners' Book Club will meet next Monday, May 9, at 7:00 p.m. at the library and the book for discussion is Louisa May Alcott: The Woman Behind Little Women by Harriet Reisen.

We Need Your Help!

The library is having a fundraiser on Saturday, May 7, at the Paxton IGA from 10-2 p.m. The menu includes pork chop sandwiches, chips and a drink for $5 and we are also having a bake sale.

Any Friends of the Library who can donate baked goods would be greatly appreciated! Individually wrapped, serving size portions of cookies, cakes, pies, rolls, muffins, brownies, etc. are most welcome. Thank you for your support!

New Book

Heaven is For Real: A Little Boy's Astounding Story of His Trip to Heaven and Back is the true story of 4-year-old Colton Burpo's experience during emergency surgery and is told by his father, Nebraska minister Todd Burpo, often using Colton's own words. The library has a copy if you wish to read this remarkable story.

National Library Week

National Library Week continues at the library--come and get your free books! Everyone may choose up to five free books from the book sale area each day during Library Week and we've already given away 81 books! There are new books and magazines and movies to check out and several book displays to enjoy so come and see us soon!

National Library Week

National Library Week begins April 10 and runs through April 16th. Come celebrate with us; check out what the library has to offer and join us for our free book give-away!

Tax Forms

Reminder--The library has state and federal tax forms, with both basic and specialized forms available. There is less than a month remaining until the final date to file taxes so stop by and pick up the forms you need now. The public may also efile taxes on the library's public access computer.

Pageturners

The Pageturners book club had a fine old time at their last monthly meeting and a big crowd as well! Fifteen attended and thanks to JoAnn Althouse for sharing her birthday ice cream cake with the group! The club meets next on April 11 and will discuss The Book Thief by Markus Zusak.

New Books

New books recently added to the shelves include Simple Secrets and Simple Deceit by Nancy Mehl, Head in the Clouds by Karen Witemeyer, I Still Dream About You by Fannie Flagg and Promise Me by Richard Paul Evans. Also new are 3 Ripley Believe It or Not! books and 2 adult craft books.

Pageturners Meet March 14

The Pageturners book club will next meet on Monday, March 14 at 7:00 p.m. at the library and the book for discussion is Half-Broke Horses by Jeannette Walls, who also gave us The Glass Castle. This novel is billed as a fictionalized memoir of the author's grandmother, a woman with quite a story to tell.

Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss!

Celebrate the birthdate of one of the most popular children's book authors ever on March 2--Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss!

Theodore Seuss Geisel was born on this date in 1904. Also visit seussville.com for some great Seuss related activities to celebrate the day.

Reminder--Senior Services Day

Don't forget, the library is sponsoring Senior Services Day next Monday, February 28, from 12:00 to 3:00 p.m. Staff members from the Ford-Iroquois Public Health Department will be on hand to help complete 2010 Circuit Breaker applications. No appointment necessary.

Pageturners Meet at Women's Club

There was a great turnout and interesting discussion Monday, February 14, at the Melvin Women's Club meeting at Community Hall. Sixteen attended as the library's book club The Pageturners discussed The Help by Kathryn Stockett. Thanks to the Women's Club for hosting the group, making a donation to the library and providing delicious refreshments!

Senior Services Day

Staff from the Ford-Iroquois Public Health Department will be on hand from 12:00 to 3:00 p.m. Monday, February 28 at the library to help complete 2010 Circuit Breaker applications.

The Illinois Circuit Breaker Program provides grants to seniors and the disabled to help reduce the cost of property taxes, license plate fees and prescription drugs. The program is for income eligible seniors 65 and over or any person 16-64 that has a disibility.

Income for individuals must be less than $26, 917, income for couples must be less than $36, 212. Please bring 2010 income statements and rent or property taxes paid in 2010. No appointment is necessary.

Great Backyard Bird Count

You can participate in The Great Backyard Bird Count between February 18 and 21 by observing and counting birds for a minimum of 15 minutes then going to http://www.birdcount.org/ to record your results. It's a great family activity and a chance to learn about the local environment and the library has many wonderful bird books to guide you.

New Books

New books recently added to the library's collection include Tick Tock by James Patterson, Port Mortuary by Patricia Cornwell, The Walk by Richard Paul Evans, Oxygen by Carol Cassella, Hollywood Hills by Joseph Wambaugh, To Have and To Kill by Mary Jane Clark and Rescue by Anita Shreve.

Memorial Donations

The library has received several more memorial donations in memory of John Bitner. We would like to thank Todd & Patricia Bailey, Doug & Sue Johnson, Larry & Donna Dueringer, Susan Walker, William & Betty Kurth, Donald & Rita Baker, Scott & Lori Stewart, Mike & Ann Arends, James & Amy Viola, Richard & Donna Siders, J.R. & M.M. Stephens and Roger & Sandy Wycoff.

Book Club

The Pageturners book club will be holding the program for the Melvin Woman's Club on Monday, February 14 at the Community Hall on Main Street. The program begins at 7:00 p.m. and club members will discuss the book The Help by Kathryn Stockett.

New Books

New books at the library include Tom Clancy's latest thriller Dead or Alive, his first novel in 7 years. Also new are The Gingerbread Cookie Murder by JoAnne Fluke, The Confession by John Grisham, Sarah's Key by Tatiana de Rosnay, Oxygen by Carl Cassella and Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout.

Book Club to Meet

The Pageturners book club will meet next Monday, January 10, at 7:00 p.m. at the library. There is no book selection for the January meeting, instead the group will meet to talk about and select the books they would like to read in 2011.

There will also be a white elephant gift exchange so please bring a wrapped tchtochke, which according to Wikipedia is a gewgaw, knickknack, bauble or trinket; something you have around the house you would willingly part with. Light refreshments will be served.