Homer Township Public Library

Many travelers believe that Route 66 in Illinois has more attractions per mile than any other state. With our current economy, people are deciding to remain closer to home on their vacations. For a short day trip, try the "triange route," taking Route 66 to St. Louis, and returning on the Great River Road and the Lincoln Highway. Learn more about Route 66 at this fascinating and fun program!

Armchair Travelers: Russia -- Friday, May 8th at 1:30pm
Michael Gauer will take you on a trip to Russia. Discover the architecture and culture of this country through color photographs and personal experiences. Light refreshments will be served.

Join us as we read A Carrion Death by Michael Stanley. Books are available at the library for check-out. New members are welcome!

Basics of Microsoft Office Excel 2007 classes will be held on May 6th at 6:30pm, May 7th at 6:30pm, May 12th at 6:30pm, and May 16th at 9am. Classes will be held on laptops (provided by the library) in the library's meeting room. Drinks and food are not allowed. Class size is limited to 5 participants. Classes are free, but space is limited and registration is required. Funding for this program is brought to you as part of a grant that was awarded to the Homer Township Public Library by the Illinois State Library (ISL), a Division of the Office of Secretary of State, using funds provided by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), under the federal Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA).

TEENS

Teen Book Discussion -- Tuesday, May 5th at 7pm
We'll be discussing The Key to the Golden Firebird by Maureen Johnson and talking about any other books that we've been reading! Open to teens in 6th grade and up.

KIDS

Author Visit: Suzanne Morgan Williams -- Thursday, May 7th from 4:30 - 6pm
Childrens author Suzanne Morgan Williams' latest book, Bull Rider, has been selected by the Junior Library Guild for their Spring 2009 collection. Join us as Ms. Williams discusses skateboarding, bull riding, and how a young boy copes with the return of a wounded brother from the war. During the program, participants will help create a Rodeo Mural and design their own Brand to be displayed in the library. This event would make a great Scout outing! Please reserve your spot at the library by calling (708) 301-7908. Participation is limited.

MORE INFO

Carol Thomas will provide you with tips and techniques for creating your own handmade cards with stamps. Supplies will be provided, and all participants will leave with cards that they have created! To register for this FREE program, call (708) 301-7908 or email Heather Colby at hcolby@homerlibrary.org.

Applications for this summer's Teen Intern Program are now available! You can pick one up at the library, or you can download one here! There are several events teens can volunteer for:

+ Summer Reading Desk -- marking reading logs and handing out weekly prizes

+ Book Buddies -- reading books and making crafts with a younger "buddy"

+ Teen Advisory Board -- discussing books/collection development, teen programming, and other library topics

+ Teen Techies -- working on teen technology projects, including updating the library's website

+ General Volunteer Duties -- straightening shelves, creating book displays, and craft preparation

+ Teen Readers Projects -- creating book lists, creating tags for books, and writing book reviews for the library's Teen Reviews website

The Teen Intern Program is a fun way to gain volunteer hours, which will look great on college and job applications! The program is open to teens who are entering 6th grade & up (as of Fall 2009). Shifts are usually limited to 1-3 hours per week, and volunteer space for each event is based on first come, first served (dates and times of each event are available on the application). The deadline for applications is June 1, 2009, and applicants will be notified of their schedule by June 8, 2009. There will be no orientation meetings this year, so please read the rules found on the application. We look forward to having you intern at the library this summer!

For more information on library programs, contact (708) 301-7908 or email Heather Colby at hcolby@homerlibrary.org.