Category Archives: Announcements and Press Releases

Lincoln City Libraries Announces Elimination of Overdue Fees

Thursday, 01 September 2022 10:19

0 Comments

Lincoln City Libraries (LCL) today announced that effective September 1, it will stop charging overdue fees on all library materials. Library patrons will still be charged the repair or replacement costs for lost and damaged items.

LCL will also forgive overdue fine debts, but not lost/damaged item debts. Items not returned 21 days after the due date are considered lost.

Traci Glass, Assistant Library Director, said that research shows overdue fines serve as a barrier to equitable access and dissuade the use of library services by lower income families, in addition to not being an effective tool in the return of library materials.

“It is the mission of Lincoln City Libraries to foster the power of reading and provide open access to all forms of information to enrich lives every day,” Glass said. “This policy will enhance our ability to provide important access to all Lincoln residents.”

Glass said that overdue fines represent only 1%, or about $99,550, of the LCL budget. The elimination of overdue fines was recently approved by the City Council as part of the 2022-2024 City budget.

Lincoln City Libraries eliminated overdue fines for youth materials in 2019.[brCL]

Lincoln City Libraries Offers Book Sets to Teachers

Tuesday, 02 August 2022 15:22

0 Comments

Lincoln City Libraries has announced it will offer sets of children’s books for teachers to borrow through the Classroom Loan Bag Program. Most sets are current or previous Nebraska Golden Sower Award chapter book nominees, including the 11 chapter book nominees for the 2022-2023 school year. There are 48 sets available and each set contains 15 to 25 copies of the same book.

All home, public and private school teachers with a Lincoln City Libraries card may check out the sets for one or two months at a time. Book sets must be picked up and dropped off at Bennett Martin Public Library, 136 S. 14th St., during regular business hours.

To make reservations for August 2022 through July 2023, contact Librarian Garren Hochstetler at 402-441-8546. Teachers may also visit Bennett Martin Public Library or call 402-441-8530.

One Book – One Lincoln 2021 Title Announced

Tuesday, 07 September 2021 10:19

0 Comments

Lincoln City Libraries has announced that Hidden Valley Road by Robert Kolker is the book selected for the 2021 One Book – One Lincoln Community Reading Program. The book is available for borrowing from libraries in print, large type print, as well as downloadable audio and ebook formats.

Hidden Valley Road tells the story of a midcentury American family with twelve children, six of them diagnosed with schizophrenia, that became science’s great hope in the quest to understand the disease.

Robert Kolker is the author of Hidden Valley Road, an instant #1 New York Times best-seller and selection of Oprah’s Book Club that was named a Top Ten Book of the Year by the New York Times, the Washington Post, and the Wall Street Journal. His previous work includes Lost Girls, also a New York Times best-seller and New York Times Notable Book.

A community-wide online book discussion is scheduled on Saturday, October 9, at 2 p.m. and a virtual author visit is scheduled on Tuesday, October 26, at 7 p.m. Preregistration is not required. Visit the library’s website for login information.

The runners up for the 2021 program were Transcendent Kingdom, by Yaa Gyasi, and Interior Chinatown, by Charles Yu. The book selection process began in February when a 16-member selection team of community readers narrowed 196 nominations down to the top three. Librarian Caitlin Lombardo is the staff coordinator for One Book – One Lincoln.

LCL has sponsored the annual program since 2002 to encourage reading and dialogue by creating a community-wide reading and discussion experience.

Lincoln City Libraries Offers Special Services During Pandemic

Wednesday, 09 September 2020 13:49

0 Comments

Lincoln City Libraries reminds residents that it offers numerous programs and services to help keep families safe during the pandemic. A library card is required to access the services.

• HelpNow for Homework provides free homework help and online tutoring. Tutors are available via instant messaging from 2 to 11 p.m., all week for all ages in the areas of math, English, science, social studies and more. Spanish-speaking tutors are also available.
  
• JobNow provides live interactive online help combined with other online resources to provide employment assistance. Help is available from 2 to 11 p.m., all week.
  
• Book Bundles are available in two options. Grab & Go book bundles include three to five pre-selected books for children. This option is available at all branches. Bound to Please book bundles can be made for children, teenagers or adults. To create a bundle, email library@lincoln.ne.gov and provide a list of your preferred books or authors, or use our online form. Staff will have the bundle ready to pick up at the branch of your choice in a few days. Limit 10 books per request.
  
• Home Schools and Remote Learning Page provides links to resources for parents helping children learn at home.
  
  

Lincoln City Libraries Announces 2020 One Book – One Lincoln Title

Tuesday, 08 September 2020 10:27

0 Comments

Lincoln City Libraries has announced that Dear Edward by Ann Napolitano is the book selected for the 2020 One Book – One Lincoln Community Reading Program. The book is available for borrowing from libraries in print, large type, compact disc as well as downloadable audio and eBook formats.

In Dear Edward Napolitano tells the story of 12-year-old Edward, the lone survivor of a plane crash as he struggles to find a place for himself in a world without his family. An uplifting story, full of hope and dry humor, with an underlying message about the decency of strangers.

Ann Napolitano is the author of the novels A Good Hard Look and Within Arm’s Reach. She is a graduate of Connecticut College and received her MFA from New York University. She lives in New York City with her family.

Awards and Honors for this Book

To enhance readers’ enjoyment of Dear Edward, library staff is available for virtual book discussions, which can be scheduled for contacting Caitlin at 402-441-8575. Virtual events are also being planned including a visit by the author on November 15th.