Christmas Party

Lincoln Public Library Board and Staff invite you to a Christmas party and quilt presentation:

Saturday, December 16th, 2006
2:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Moses F. Rittenhouse Library
4080 John Charles Boulevard,
Vineland, Ontario


Enjoy light refreshments, meet the quilt maker, Donna Bothen, and join us in the presentation of The Gift, the Rittenhouse Anniversary Quilt.

Library Board Applications

The Town of Lincoln has posted the application for Library Trustees online at http://www.lincoln.ca/siteengine/activepage.asp?NewsID=59

Please contact the Corporate Services Department for more information and the deadline for applications - 905-563-8205.

Telling our Stories Contest

Submissions to the Telling our Stories contest will be accepted only until November 30. If you have a 'feel good' story about the Lincoln Public Library or libraries in general, we would like to read it! You can either submit your story online or bring it to the library and we will ensure that it is inputted. The top three stories will receive cash prizes ($1500 first place, $1000 second place and $500 third place) plus $250 will be donated in the name of the top 6 winners and the 10 runners-up to the libraries named in their entry forms. Everybody wins in this contest.

The date to rate entries has been entended until December 15. Lincoln already has two entries, and we would like to see more from our great customers.

Check out the contest website for more information: tvo.org/tellingourstories

Tell the province about our great library!

Part-time Job Opening

The Lincoln Public Library is searching for a Part-time Circulation Assistant to work at both the Fleming (Beamsville) and Rittenhouse (Vineland) locations.

The position is responsible for circulation functions such as checking in and out library materials, issuing borrower cards and explaining circulation policies to patrons. Other duties include answering general information requests, shelf reading and assisting patrons on the public Internet computers.

The successful candidate will require a college diploma, customer service experience, working knowledge of computers and the Internet and a valid driver’s licence.

Please direct written applications in confidence by November 30, 2006 to:
Jill Nicholson Chief Executive Officer
Lincoln Public Library Board
4996 Beam Street Beamsville, Ontario L0R 1B0
Fax: (905) 563-1810
email: nicholso@lincoln.library.on.ca
www.lincoln.library.on.ca

Library Board Trustee Applications

The Town of Lincoln will soon be advertising for interested applicants for the Lincoln Public Library Board.

A Board member must be at least eighteen (18) years old, a Canadian citizen and a resident of the Town of Lincoln who is not employed by the Board or the Town. Members hold office for a term concurrent with the term of the appointing council.The Library Board holds regular monthly meetings (except July and August), and there are also additional meetings for the Board's standing and ad hoc committees.

For more information on the Lincoln Public Library Board, contact Jill Nicholson, CEO, at 905-563-3875.

For more information on the application process, contact the Clerk of the Town of Lincoln at 905-563-8205. Check the local newspapers for the Town's official applications notice.

January Book Group

The Adult Book Group will next meet on January 17 at 7:00 p.m. in the Fleming Library meeting room. We will again be discussing Canadian Historical Fiction.

For more information on the Lincoln Public Library's Adult Book Group, contact Jill Nicholson at 905-563-3875.

All Candidates Meeting

The Library Board posed two questions at the All Candidates meeting for the November 13 municipal election. Here are the questions and the answers from the candidates.

Question #1: The Fleming Library is exceedingly overcrowded. Would you support the building of a larger library facility in Beamsville?

Robert Condotta: We'd have to look at all the other needs and the costs involved and it's hard to say right now if the library would be on the list, but of course libraries are important.

Question # 2: Our public library serves as one of the finest public access information services in the world. How would you rank the library in importance among municipally funded services?

Jacqueline McPherson: It's an unfair question because I've always been a library supporter. Libraries are such an important resource no matter who you are or where you live. There's always one there. But I do agree that the Fleming Library is bursting at the seams and we do need a new library in Beamsville.

Tell us what you think about the issues affecting the library!

Telling Our Stories Contest

Telling Our Stories is a province-wide contest that highlights and celebrates the positive impact of Ontario public libraries. Beginning Ontario Public Library Week, from October 16, 2006, until November 30, 2006, the Federation of Ontario Public Libraries (FOPL) invites Ontarians to share their personal stories of how a public library has made a difference to them or their families.

The top three winning stories in both English and French will be awarded cash prizes (First prize $1,500; Second prize $1,000; Third prize $500) and will be featured in the media. In addition, a donation of $250 will be made in the name of the top three winners in both official languages and the top 10 combined English and French runners-up to the Ontario public library named in their entry forms.

To ensure high participation by Ontario residents, both for story submissions and public voting for their favourite stories, the Federation of Ontario Public Libraries has partnered with Ontario's educational media organization, TVO. TVO will promote the contest on air and encourage Ontarians to participate at tvo.org/tellingourstories.

Ontario's French-language educational broadcaster, TFO, is also promoting the contest on air and online. French language submissions can be made at tfo.org/racontonsnoshistoires.

Entries that meet contest criteria will be short-listed and then reviewed by a distinguished panel of judges. Stories will be entered into a searchable online database that is accessible through the contest website at tvo.org/tellingourstories and the public will be invited to vote online for their favourite entries. Short-listed stories will be published in a booklet to become part of a province-wide advocacy kit for use by public libraries at the local level.

Telling Our Stories is open to Ontario residents aged 18 or older. Stories must be no longer than 500 words in length and may be submitted online in English at tvo.org/tellingourstories or French at tfo.org/racontonsnoshistoires, or by fax or regular mail from October 16 until November 30, 2006 at midnight. The winners will be announced at the Ontario Library Association Super Conference in Toronto on January 31, 2007.

Library's website has changed!

The Lincoln Public Library has revamped its website. The look is cleaner and easier to read.

Check it out!

November Book Group

The Adult Book Group will be meeting November 15 at 7:00 p.m. in the Fleming Library meeting room. This month's topic is Canadian Historical Fiction.

For more information, contact Jill at the Fleming Library, 905-563-7014.

Ontario Public Library Week 2006

Celebrations for Ontario Public Library Week 2006 will be held from October 16th to 22nd. The theme, “Libraries: The world at your fingertips”, celebrates libraries of all types across Canada and the ability to access the world through the interconnectivity of libraries.
A strong library system is the cornerstone of a strong community. Ontario Public Library Week recognizes the important contribution Ontario's public libraries make to education, literacy and life-long learning in Ontario communities. With more than 1,100 service points throughout Ontario, public libraries’ patrons have access to over 100 million items and make over 66 million visits to local libraries across Ontario annually. And now virtually every library branch in the province also provides access to electronic information through the Internet.
Public libraries, dedicated librarians and devoted volunteers across the province are planning special activities to mark Ontario Public Library Week 2006. Check the Lincoln Public Library’s website, www.lincoln.library.on.ca, for events such as Bob Lindsey’s author reading on Oct. 18 at 7:00 p.m. at the Fleming Library.

October Book Group

Everyone is invited to October's Adult Book Group which will take place October 18 at 7:00 p.m. in the meeting room of the Fleming Library. Bob Lindsey, a Lincoln resident, will be reading from his book, Royal Spring. This reading is part of the Niagara Reads Niagara author initiative which takes place in all Niagara libraries in the month of October.

Following the reading, there will be a discussion of books by Niagara authors and books set in Niagara.

Community Survey

The Lincoln Public Library is conducting a community survey until November. The Library is requesting input from the community to determine current successes and future library needs. The survey is available in two formats: in print at either library location or online on our website at www.lincoln.library.on.ca.

Please participate in our survey to help us make your library the best it can be!

Niagara Reads Niagara

The Lincoln Public Library is pleased to participate in the area's first Niagara Reads Niagara. All Niagara libraries are hosting author readings to highlight books written by local authors or about the Niagara area.

Lincoln Public Library is honoured to have Bob Lindsey read from his book, Royal Spring, on Wednesday October 18 at 7:00 p.m. All are welcome to attend.

Moses F. Rittenhouse Library Tenth Anniversary Celebration

Please check the Library's website for all the Moses F. Rittenhouse Library Tenth Anniversary activities. Highlights include the Speakers Series in September and October, the Openhouse on September 21 and the arrival of Moses F. Rittenhouse's desk that he used in his Chicago office.

Contact Cathy Simpson at the Rittenhouse Library for more information on this important anniversary for the Lincoln Public Library.

Fall Children's Program Registration

Registration for the fall session of children's programs will start the week of September 18. Books and Babies registration begins on September 18 while registration for Tales for Twos and Preschool Storytime begins September 20.

For more information on the programs, contact Miss Gail for Books and Babies and Miss Elisabeth for the other two programs at the Fleming Library, 905-563-7014.

Summer/Fall Newsletter

The Lincoln Public Library'a Summer and Fall Newsletter is now available at both library locations and on the library's website- www.lincoln.library.on.ca.

TD Canada Trust Donation to Summer Reading Program

The Beamsville bank branch of the TD Canada Trust Bank has generously donated $500 to the Lincoln Public Library towards the final wrap up party of the TD Summer Reading Program.

A big thank you to them from all the children who are participating this summer.

Moses F. Rittenhouse Library Anniversary Quilt

As part of the celebrations to mark the tenth anniversary of the Moses F. Rittenhouse Library in Vineland, a commemorative quilt will be created. The public is invited to design a quilt block which will be incorporated into this very special quilt.

There will be five quilting sessions held in both Lincoln libraries during July and August:
Beamsville: Thursday, July 20th, 11a.m. – 12 p.m.; Wednesday, August 9th, 2 – 3 p.m.
Vineland: Tuesday, July 11th, 2 - 3 p.m. ; Tuesday, July 25th, 2 – 3 p.m. ; Tuesday, August 22, 2 – 3 p.m.

Sessions are open to people 7 years of age and up.

Celebrate @ your library!

Lincoln Public Library Strategic Plan

The 2006-2009 Lincoln Public Library Strategic Plan has been posted on the library's website. On the home page, click on Library info, then click on Library Board Page.

Summer Program Registration

Registration for Lincoln Public Library's Summer Program for children begins June 29 at both the Fleming and Moses F. Rittenhouse libraries.

Summer Student Volunteer Program

The Lincoln Public Library is seeking students between the ages of 12 and 15 to participate in our Summer Student Volunteer Program. Students can assist with the following summer programs: Summer Reading Program; Read to Me Program; Library Bingo and weekly programs.

Interested students can pick up an application form at the circulation desk and return it to either Library. Once your application has been received, we will contact you to discuss your placement.

Earn your community service hours @ your library!

Summer Hours Start

Starting June 1st, the Fleming Library closes at 8:00 p.m. Monday to Thursday instead of 9:00 p.m. The hours at the Moses F. Rittenhouse Library remain the same.

Smoke-Free Ontario Act

In accordance with the Smoke-Free Ontario Act, smoking is prohibited at both Lincoln Public Library locations. Additionally, the Act also makes it illegal to smoke within 9-metres (@ 30 feet) of all library building entrances. Thank you for your cooperation.

June Book Group

The Lincoln Public Library Book Group will next meet June 21 at 7:00 p.m. This month's topic is 'Reader's Choice'. The members can present any book they feel will be of interest to the group. For more information on the book group, contact Jill Nicholson at the Fleming Library, 905-563-7014.

2005 Annual Report

The Lincoln Public Library's 2005 Annual Report will be distributed to the community in the spring water and sewer billing. Please check out all the great things we did last year!

If you don't get a water and sewer bill, you can get a copy at either library in Beamsville or Vineland or at the Town Hall.

Summer Student Position has been filled

The Summer Student Position has now been filled.

Watch for more information soon on our plans for our great summer program for children - 'Quest for Heroes'.

Summer Program Assistant Position Available

The Lincoln Public Library is inviting applications for the position of Summer Program Assistant. All applicants must be returning to school in the fall to be eligible. Post secondary students in education or early childhood education preferred. See the library's website, the federal government's online Job Bank or contact either library location for more details.

May Book Group

The Lincoln Public Library Book Group will be meeting May 17 at 7:00 p.m. This month's topic is Canadian Fiction published in the last five years. New members are always welcome. For more information, contact Jill at the Fleming Library, 905-563-7014.

Moses F. Rittenhouse Library Anniversary

2006 marks the 10th anniversary of the current Moses F. Rittenhouse Library in Vineland. The Library will be marking this year with a series of special events, some in conjunction with the centennary of the Horticultural Experiment Station in Vineland and with the Pennsylvania German Folklore Society. Check back for more details soon!

April Book Group Topic

For the April Book Group, members will be reading biographies or autobiographies. New members are welcome to attend. For more information, contact Jill at the Beamsville Library, 905-563-7014.

Fine Amnesty Days

The Lincoln Public Library will be having Fine Amnesty Days from March 27-31. The Library is changing its fines starting April 1 (see a previous entry), so use this opportunity to clear your fines!

Wireless Access in Vineland

The Moses F. Rittenhouse Library in Vineland now has wireless Internet as a trial project.

Book Group

The Lincoln Public Library Book Group will next meet Wednesday March 15 in the meeting room of the Fleming Library. We will be discussing British mysteries this time. Staff have prepared lists and other finding aids to help you find the right book. The Group is happy to welcome new members. Please contact Jill at the Fleming Library for more information.

Preschool Program Registration

Registration for the next session of Books and Babies, Tales for Tots and Storyhour begins March 20. Please check out website for more details.

March Break Programs

Please check the Lincoln Public Library's website for our schedule of March Break programs for children and teens.

Fines are Changing

The Library will be changing the fines it charges for overdue materials effective April 1, 2006.

• Books, CD-Roms, Magazines, CDs - $0.20 per day to a maximum of $5.00
• Bestsellers, some holiday books and Interlibrary Loan Books - $0.25 per day to a maximum of $7.00
• DVDs and Videos - $1.00 per day to a maximum of $10.00

The maximum fine per card will now be $50.00.

We will be having an Amensty Week March 27 to March 31 to help you get a clean slate before the new changes come into effect.

Space Needs at the Fleming Library

The Board and Staff of the Lincoln Public Library are reviewing the space needs at the Fleming (Beamsville) Library. If you use this location, we would like your feedback on what you think of the current facility.

Some topics that are being reviewed are the following:

1)Study space - Do we need more tables and do we need quiet study space?
2)Meeting Space - Do you have difficulty accessing the downstairs meeting space?
3)Wireless access - Do we need to provide more outlets and more tables for wireless users?
4)Internet access - Do we need more Internet computers?
5)Children's space - Do we need a more cosy space to house the children's collection
6)Teen's space - Do we need a larger area for the teen's collection? Seating area?
7)Comfortable seating - Do we need a comfortable seating area for reading and study?
8)Would you like to see a new facility near downtown or would you prefer an addition at the current location?
9)Parking - Do we need to have more parking?

If you have any other concerns or comments, please feel free to add those as well.

Thank you for your input.

Lincoln Public Library now has a teen blog

The Lincoln Public Library has added another blog which will provide information on teen programs, services and the activities of our Teen Advisory Committee.

Check the links section on the right to go to our latest blog!

Wireless Access at the Fleming (Beamsville) Library

The Fleming (Beamsville) Library recently installed a wireless connection to the Internet to all laptop users with a wifi card. Usage has tripled since we started in the fall. We are considering expanding this service to our Moses F. Rittenhouse (Vineland) location. The staff would appreciate your input into the viability of this service to our Vineland customers.

Lincoln Public Library has a blog

Welcome to the Lincoln Public Library's blog! Library staff will be posting information here on new services and programs. We will also be asking for your input on proposed new services, current services and more.

Check back for more information very soon!