Dec 28, 2012

The library will be closed on Monday, December 31, 2012 and Tuesday, January 1, 2013 and return to regular hours on Wed., Jan. 2. Happy New Year to one and all!

Dec 19, 2012

New Bestseller

Notorious Nineteen, the latest edition in the long running Stephanie Plum series by Janet Evanovich has just arrived at the library and is available for circulation starting today!

Dec 17, 2012

Holiday Hours


Melvin Public Library will be closed all day Monday, December 24 and Tuesday, December 25 to celebrate the holidays.  Merry Christmas to all our library patrons!

Dec 4, 2012

eBooks at Your Library

Audiobooks and eBooks are available anytime from any place with MyMediaMall digital library.  Patrons with a valid library card can checkout and download digital content from this online service, available free to all patrons in the Illinois Heartland Library System.  Check out this link at MyMediaMall to get started!

Nov 27, 2012

Patterson Books

Is it possible for a library to sustain itself adding only James Patterson books to the collection?  It may soon be.  This is an author who went from writing one book a year, to a book a month, to a new book every 2 and 1/2 days.  How does he do it?  Simple--he doesn't write them anymore.  For a great noir article on the subject check out James Patterson’s “Books”: A Novel Not by James Patterson by Keir Graff; you'll get quite a chuckle out of it!

Nov 20, 2012

The library will be open regular hours on Wednesday, November 21 and Friday November 23 but will be closed on Thursday, November 22 to celebrate the holiday.  Happy Thanksgiving to one and all!

Nov 19, 2012

More New Books

A new book recently added to the library's collection is Killing Kennedy by Bill O'Reilly, popular author of both Killing Lincoln and Lincoln's Last Days.  Other new titles are Full Disclosure by Dee Henderson, Close Your Eyes by Iris Johansen and Shadow in Serenity by Terri Blackstock.

Nov 12, 2012

New Books

New books recently added to the library's collection include NYPD Red by James Patterson, Changing Habits by Debbie Macomber, Low Pressure by Sandra Brown, True Believer by Nicholas Sparks and a copy of the classic, Emma by Jane Austen.

Oct 30, 2012

Halloween

Halloween is just around the corner and the library has a nice collection of books for this holiday.  Do you have your costume planned?  If not, check out one of our books with costume and face painting instructions.  We will also have treats for the youngsters so be sure to stop at the library during the village's 5 to 7 p.m. trick or treat hours before attending the Halloween party hosted by the Melvin Woman's Club to be held at Community Hall from 7 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, October 31.

Oct 24, 2012

Friends of the Library

Thanks to all the vendors, shoppers and supporters who attended the library's fundraising Fall Fling on Saturday, October 20.

We had great weather and a good turnout for this event which featured displays, raffles, drawings, breakfast snacks and lunch.  Many thanks to the Friends of the Library for making this event possible!

To join the library friends or volunteer for library events please call the library at 217-388-2421 or stop by and visit and ask about volunteer opportunities!

Oct 15, 2012

Fall Fling

The library's fundraising Fall Fling event is just around the corner!  Similar to the Spring Fling, which was so well received, the Fall Fling will also feature vendors and displays, raffles and drawings, muffins, coffee and a delicious and fun, themed lunch.  The Fall Fling will be held this Saturday, October 20, 2012 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Melvin Community Hall on Main Street in Melvin.  Hope to see you all there!

Oct 5, 2012

Library Fundraiser


Friends of the Library will be serving pie and drinks at the "Melody and the Message" free concert to be held Sunday, October 7, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. at the Melvin Community Hall on Main Street.

This event will be an evening of original Christian music featuring local musicians and composed by Melvin's own Allison Arends.

Sep 28, 2012

eBooks

eBooks are available to all of our library patrons and just like borrowing books from the library, you may check out eBooks at no cost.  Simply go to the library catalog website and choose the tab for Media Mall.  Devices supported include most popular eBook readers as well as computers, smart phones and other portable devices.  Webjunction has many useful articles and tutorials if one needs help.

Sep 25, 2012

Fall Fling

Friends of the Melvin Public Library are planning a fall event similar to the extremely successful fundraising event held last spring.  The Fall Fling will be held Saturday, October 20, 2012 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Melvin Community Hall on Main Street in Melvin.  Stay tuned for more information.

Sep 17, 2012

Pageturners

The library's book club The Pageturners will next meet on Monday, October 8 at 7:00 p.m. at the library and the book for discussion is "Rescue" by Anita Shreve.  Call 388-2421 or email the library to reserve a copy in your name.

Sep 5, 2012

Summer Reading Program

The Summer Reading Program for youth at Melvin Public Library ended on August 31.  This year over 30 children participated and won prizes for reading books all summer long.  We'll have details on total number of books read and who read the most soon!

Aug 29, 2012

New Books

New books recently added to the library's collection include Friends Forever by Danielle Steel, What Really Happened by Rielle Hunter, Circle of Three by Patricia Gaffney and Babbitt by Sinclair Lewis.

Also new are March by Geraldine Brooks, Guilty Wives by James Patterson, On Secret Service by John Jakes and Coming Home, which author Karen Kingsbury claims will be the final book in the Baxter Family series.

Aug 24, 2012

Legal Help

Melvin Public Library is one of four public libraries in Ford County that host a Legal Self-help Center, an online site that can be used for personal legal help, advice and forms.  This site, provided by Illinois Legal Aid Online, contains a wealth of information about legal services available to the public and can be accessed through the library's website.  Check it out.

Aug 17, 2012

Meet Melvin

Thanks to everyone who came out to support the library and have a fun afternoon at Meet Melvin!  There were lots of entertaining games for the kids as well as face painting and a great turn-out for the cakewalk and bingo.  Lunch was delicious thanks to the hard work of all the wonderful volunteers.

Aug 6, 2012

Meet Melvin

The annual event Meet Melvin will be held this Sunday, August 12, 2012 at the community hall on Main Street.  The event runs from 3:00 to 7:30 p.m. and includes many activities like kids' games, a cake walk, basketball, bingo and new this year, carnival games.

Friends of the Melvin Public Library will be serving BBQ and hot dog sandwiches, chips, desserts and drinks from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. or until the food runs out so join us for this fun afternoon and fundraiser for the library!

Jul 27, 2012

New Books

New books recently added to the library's collection include I, Michael Bennett by James Patterson, the fifth book in the series featuring Detective Bennett; Come Home by Lisa Scottoline, Babbitt by Sinclair Lewis, Loving by Karen Kingsbury, Divine Justice by David Baldacci, Backfire by Catherine Coulter and The Middle Place by Kelly Corrigan.

Jul 23, 2012

Summer Reading

The Summer Reading Challenge continues at the library throughout the month of July and children of any age can participate.  Kids can read 3 or more books, at or near their reading level, record the titles in their book log and win a prize a week.  Over 30 young people have signed up so far and new participants are always welecome!

Jul 10, 2012

May Day Donation

Many thanks to William & Joan Flowers and the Mel-Sib Class of 1962 for making a donation to the library in memory of classmates Donald Dale, Marjory Johnston Williams, David Walle, Billy Welborn, John Manifold, Donald Hillary and Barbara Drager Kahle.

Jun 29, 2012

New Books

New books recently added to the library's collection include Gone to Ground by Brandilyn Collins, The Fifth Child by Doris Lessing, The Breakdown Lane by Jacquelyn Mitchard, Miss Julia's School of Beauty by Ann B. Ross, Downfall by Terri Blackstock, Broken for You by Stephanie Kallos and Deliver Us From Evil by David Baldacci.

Jun 27, 2012

Ford County Fair

The Ford County Fair located here in Melvin continues through Saturday, June 30, 2012.  This is the first year the fair is being held in June and hopes are the earlier date will result in higher attendence.  You can visit the website at Ford County Fair to find out the daily events.

Jun 19, 2012

Book Club

The Pageturners book club meets the 2nd Monday of each month at 7:00 p.m. at the library and discuss a different book each month.  For the July 9 meeting the book for discussion is The Middle Place a memoir by Kelly Corrigan and copies are available at the library.

Jun 18, 2012

Summer Reading Challenge

The Summer Reading Challenge is underway!  Kids of any ages can read books and win prizes all summer long.  Stop by the library to sign up now!

May 29, 2012

Summer Reading

School is out and the library's Summer Reading Challenge is just around the corner.  Each year children can read books, record the titles in their reading logs and win prizes, all summer long!  Last year 30 children read 333 books and a lot of prizes were awarded.  Stop by the library for more information about this program.

May 25, 2012

Paxton IGA Fundraiser

Friends of the Melvin Public Library will be hosting the cookout at the Paxton IGA from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 26, 2012.  Grilled rib-eye sandwiches will be on the menu so stop and see us at the Paxton IGA and pick up a delicious lunch while supporting your local library!

May 16, 2012

New Books

New books recently added to the library's collection include 11th Hour, a Woman's Murder Club mystery by James Patterson, The Lost Years by Mary Higgins Clark, The Innocent by David Baldacci, The Witness by Nora Roberts and the third book in the Walk series by Richard Paul Evans, The Road to Grace.

May 9, 2012

May Day Fundraiser


►►► May Day! May Day!
►►► Melvin Public Library needs your help!

Of the total annual operating budget of $22460, we needed to raise $7228 through fundraising. Due to these economically challenging times we are $1900 short of reaching our goal.

Please help the Melvin Library with a donation!

 $50.00  $25.00  $10.00  other_____

Donations may be sent to Melvin Public Library, PO Box 129, Melvin, IL 60952 or dropped off at the library at 102 South Center, Melvin, IL.

Thanks for your support!
Melvin Public Library Board of Trustees

Apr 30, 2012

Successful Spring Event

Thanks to everyone who came out to participate in the Spring Expo Event this past Saturday at the Melvin Community Hall, it was a great turnout for a first, possibly annual, event.  With many vendors to peruse and a delicious lunch to be had, it was a good place to be on a chilly April Saturday.  Special thanks to Judy Schall and the Melvin Public Library Board of Trustees for all the work on this event!

Apr 27, 2012

Spring Expo Event

Be sure and attend the Spring Expo Event at the Melvin Community Hall at 108 E Main Street in Melvin on Saturday, April 28 from 10:00 to 2:00 p.m.  Many vendors will be there and Friends of the Library will be serving snacks and lunch.  Please join us!

Apr 11, 2012

Tax Filing Deadline

The IRS has announced the tax filing deadline this season will be on Tuesday, April 17 so you still have plenty of time to file your tax forms. The library stocks all the basic state and federal tax forms plus many supplemental forms also. Reproducible or downloadable forms are available for any specialty form that is needed.

Apr 10, 2012

Hunger Games

If you have enjoyed the recently released movie The Hunger Games consider reading the print trilogy written by Suzanne Collins. Melvin Public Library has all three titles including The Hunger Games, Catching Fire and Mockingjay.

Mar 30, 2012

April Book Club

The library's book club The Pageturners will next meet on Monday, April 9, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. at the library and the book for discussion is March by Geraldine Brooks. Copies are available at the library and new members are always welcome.

Upcoming Fundraiser

Spring Event
Melvin Community Hall - 108 E. Main, Melvin, IL
April 28, 2012 10:00 a.m. ~ 2:00 p.m.

Vendors
Scentsy
Tastefully Simple
Pampered Chef
Mary Kay
Norwex
Usborne Books
VAULT Denims
F.A.I.T.H Jewelry
Uppercase Living
STAMPIN' UP
Cookie Lee Jewelry
Mini Massages
Scott's Art Emporium

Donuts/COFFEE * * prizes * * raffle * * lunch

Fundraiser for Melvin Public Library
Please join us!

Mar 16, 2012

New DVDs

Six new movies have been added to the rotating DVD collection at our library this month. They are Buck, Crazy Stupid Love, Captain America: The First Avenger, Cowboys & Aliens, The Taking of Pelham 123 and The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1.

Mar 7, 2012

Pageturners

The Melvin Public Library Book Club "The Pageturners" will hold their next meeting on Monday, March 12 at 7:00 p.m. at the library. The book for discussion is I'll Walk Alone by Mary Higgins Clark and copies are available at the library. New members are always welcome!

Feb 22, 2012

Circuit Breaker Program

The library is hosting Jeanne Brown of the Ford-Iroquois Public Health Department today, February 22, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. Jeanne will be available to provide information and help individuals who may be eligible for financial assistance through the Circuit Breaker Program. No appointments are necessary.

Feb 15, 2012

Closed Presidents' Day

The library will be closed on Monday, February 20, 2012 in honor of Presidents' Day.

Women's Club Program

Thanks to the Pageturners Book Club and the Melvin Women's Club for the program held Monday night at Community Hall. Everyone enjoyed a good discussion and interesting information that was shared about the book and the author, Last Man Down by FDNY Firefighter Richard Picciotto.

Feb 1, 2012

New Saturday Hours

Beginning February 1, 2012 the library will have new hours on Saturdays. Previously the library was open from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. but the new hours will be from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. Let us know what you think about this change!

Jan 31, 2012

New Books

New books recently added to the library's collection include Sleepwalker by Karen Robards, Zero Day by David Baldacci, Explosive Eighteen by Janet Evanovich, Last December by Richard Paul Evans and The Next Always by Nora Roberts.

Jan 30, 2012

Pageturners

The Pageturners' book club will be presenting the February program for the Melvin Women's Club on Monday, February 13 at 7:00 p.m. at the Community Hall on Main Street. The book they will discuss is Last Man Down: A Firefighter's Story of Survival and Escape from the World Trade Center by Richard Picciotto. Phone the library at 388-2421 if you would like to read a copy of this book.

Jan 18, 2012

Lincoln Book

There has been a great deal of interest in the new Bill O'Reilly book "Killing Lincoln: The Shocking Assassination that Changed America Forever" and the library has a copy. Stop by or give us a call at 388-2421 to place a hold on this item!

Jan 4, 2012

Tax Forms Available

It's a new year and a new tax season is just around the corner. The library carries all the basic federal and state tax forms including 1040, 1040A, 1040EZ and IL1040, plus the most requested specialized forms and schedules. We also have a binder of reproducible forms and the public access computer can be used to print forms or even file online if you wish.