Year: 2016

eBook readers will want to know that as of July 1, 2016, the Overdrive platform will no longer be available.  All titles from that service will be folded into the Cloud Library lending service.  This means there will be twice the number of items available, but we’ll be saving money we can use for other materials and services.  If you’ve been using Overdrive and have holds or titles you’re still reading, you’ll need to place those requests in the Cloud Library.  We have had the 3M Cloud Library available since 2013 and those who use it feel it is much easier.  You’ll need to download a free app from http://yourcloudlibrary.com to get started.  For more information, hover over the “Book Lover’s Links” above and choose eBooks and eAudiobooks.  Or stop in any time we’re open for a helpful brochure or to get some one-on-one help.  We think you’ll love the Cloud Library!

Sat. June 18 about a dozen children and their parents enjoyed a polka party with Uncle Mike on the accordian.  A great time was had by all.  It’s not too late to sign up for summer reading at the library.  Stop in today and get in on the fun!

If you have an iPod or iPod Shuffle you no longer use, please bring it to the library.  We are a drop-off point for Aviston Countryside Manor’s “Music & Memory” program.  They enhance the lives of their residents by creating personalized playlists of musical favorites for each participant.  They have seen vastly improved quality of life for troubled and memory impaired people, just by helping them reconnect to the world through music-triggered memories.  For more information, call Fran Holtmann at 228-7615.

Now that school is out, we look forward to seeing the kids using the library throughout the long, lazy days of summer.  Just a reminder, children under the age of 10 should not be left unattended at the library.  Kids are not allowed to use computers alone unless they are at least 10 years of age.  We welcome children to the library, but we are not babysitters!  Please enjoy using the library as a family.  When children reach the age of 10 and you allow them to come to the library on their own, we appreciate parents’ ensuring that the kids understand they must behave, be quiet and respect the library equipment, library staff and other patrons.  Let’s all have a great summer, enjoying books, movies, fishing poles and all that our library has to offer!

Did you know there is a FREE government website you can use to report identity theft and build a personalized recovery plan?  Go to http://IdentityTheft.gov and answer a few questions about what happened.  The site will help you build your recovery plan, walk you through each step of the recovery process and pre-fill letters and forms to help you deal with businesses, debt collectors and even the IRS.  Hopefully you’ll never need this service, but it’s good to know it’s there if you or a loved one has had their identity stolen.

It’s time once again to sign up for summer reading.  This year’s theme is “Read-For the Win!”  Our first event will be a party here at the library on Sat. June 18 at 10am.  Kids ages 4-12 may sign up any time before then, by calling us at 523-4820, stopping in, or emailing us at gma@gtownlibrary.org.  Keep your reading skills sharp while also having plenty of fun with games, competitions, fun, food and prizes.  Spend your summer Reading for the Win!

This great group of junior high students spent a couple of hours beautifying the outside of the library today, in honor of Earth Day.  They pulled weeds, picked up trash, replaced our worn flag with a new one, carried out paper and cardboard for recycling and washed windows.  (Notice that sparkling shine!)  Then they came inside and recycled old greeting cards into colorful and creative bookmarks.   These and other students of Germantown Elementary were out and about all over town today, beautifying parks, streets and yards.   We appreciate all your hard work, kids!

Do you have a child who struggles with reading or math?  This training may be for you!  Family Matters will present a workshop at the Christian Activity Center in East St. Louis on Wed. April 27 at 12:30pm.  The goal is to help parents understand what support is available at school and how progress is monitored.  Each parent who attends gets a $20 Walmart gift card!  The class is free.  Just call Felinda at 618-874-5615 to register.

Each year we celebrate libraries with a coloring contest and this year’s winners are pictured above.  All entries, from kindergartners through 4th graders, are hanging up at the library.  So stop in and see the great job these young artists have done.  Plus pick up a small surprise when you visit us any time this week!