Germantown Public Library

ALPLM SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT
Free Admission for Illinois Students Through May. At a time when many families face financial hardships, the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum is offering a bit of relief by letting Illinois students visit for free. “As the weather warms up, we know families will be looking for new activities that are both safe and affordable,” said Melissa Coultas, acting executive director of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. “We’ve already taken steps to make the museum as safe as possible. Now we’re making it even more affordable for visitors.” The special offer, which applies to students from kindergarten to college, runs through May 31.
The usual prices are $6 for children 5-15 and $12 for students 16 and older. School groups visiting in March, April and May pay $4 per student. This offer makes the museum free for every Illinois student, whether they’re on a field trip or a family vacation. Guests must schedule their visits in advance at PresidentLincoln.Illinois.gov. School groups of 15 students or more schedule visits through VisitSpringfieldIllinois.com.

Congratulations to Joan Young!!  I am excited to announce that she is the winner of the quilt raffle.  One of the Jr. High students was kind enough to pull a name for me when the group visited the library today.  Thank you to everyone who participated in the raffle. The library appreciates the support.

The 25th Anniversary Quilt Raffle drawing scheduled for January 15th has been postponed until March 1st.  Unfortunately, Covid-19 has put a damper on many of our community’s festivities and this is another one.  The library director is currently under quarantine due to close contact with a family member diagnosed with Covid and will not be able to participate in the drawing on the 15th.  The library board of trustees has decided the postponement is reasonable due to these circumstances.

GERMANTOWN PUBLIC LIBRARY CURBSIDE AND APPOINTMENT ONLY SERVICE:

With the increasing numbers of COVID-19 in our area we have decided to limit library service to Curbside pick up and appointment only service for entry to the building.  These changes will be in effect Friday, November 20, 2020 through at least January 3, 2021.  We will update with new information as it becomes available.  Please call us at 523-4820 to make appointments.

Here’s what the changes will entail:

• Overdue fines will not accrue.  You may renew your items online or call us to renew. 
• Books should be returned to the outside book drop only. 
• Interlibrary loan will be available.
• Computer use will be by appointment only for 20 minute sessions.

The library hopes to continue to support the community as much as possible during these difficult and unusual times.  The following services will continue during the closure:

• Staff will be at the library to offer phone and email assistance.  Please call us at 523-4820 or email gma@gtownlibrary.org with any questions or concerns.  We will get back to you as soon as possible.  You may also leave messages on our Facebook page. 
• Wi-Fi will continue to be available on library grounds. 
• Electronic Resources: eBooks and eAudiobooks are always available online through our website www.gtownlibrary.org You can also download the free Cloud Library app via yourcloudLibrary.com or from the Apple App or Google Play stores. 
• Access to World Book Encyclopedia online is available from our website.  Explore our website for more resources and ideas under the “Book Lover’s Links” and “Kids Corner” tabs.  
• Fax and copy services are available.  Please call ahead for an appointment.

We are taking steps to ensure the Germantown community has access to information and resources during this time.  Patrons should refer to the library’s website, www.gtownlibrary.org, Facebook page or phone line, 523-4820, for up-to-date information regarding these changes.

We understand and apologize for any inconvenience but feel we must prioritize the safety of our staff and the public.  Thank you for your patience, understanding and patronage.  Please remember the situation is rapidly changing and we will constantly re-evaluate and make changes as needed based on community conditions and guidance from public health officials. 

Kami Komm, Library Director

Board of Trustees, Germantown Public Library

Family reading night- Thursday, November 19.  Book Bingo – Grab Bags – Story – Turkey Craft.  Watch the Storytime video on the Germantown Public Library Facebook page on November 19th which will include a story and instructions for a turkey craft.  You can use materials you have at home to complete the craft.  You will need paper, scissors, glue, markers, crayons and anything else you want to decorate your turkey. 

Stop by the library to get a Library Grab Bag November 16^th – November 30^th.  Each bag will contain assorted items one of which will be a Book Bingo Card.  Complete a regular Bingo – 5 across, down, or diagonal and get one entry into a prize drawing.  Complete a blackout bingo card (cover all squares) and get 5 entries into a prize drawing.  Bingo cards must be submitted to the library by January 14^th 2021.  The drawing will be held on January 15^th 2021 in conjunction with our 25^th anniversary quilt drawing.

The library will be closed on Tuesday, November 3rd for Election Day.

Rend Lake College is running a scholarship contest through Q106 radio station. New students wanting to try for a full ride, should text “full ride” to 618-439-4100.

Thursday evenings in October will be craft night at the Library from 5 pm – 7 pm.  Stop by for a Grab n’ Go craft kit.  Each craft has a fall theme.  You may need some supplies of your own such as scissors or glue.  Some kits have small pieces so they are not recommended for children 3 and under.  We will have coloring sheets available for our younger patrons.  There is a limited number of crafts so they will be available on a first come first serve basis.  

We’re trying something new since we are not able to have group story time. Come by and try the Story Walk. It is posted in the windows on the north side of the library. Let us know you participated by sending a selfie, posting on Facebook, or sending a message to gma@gtownlibrary.org.

Are you interested in helping our library continue to grow and improve?  Consider running for the Library Board of Trustees in the April 2021 election. 

Candidates may begin circulating nominating petitions for signatures on September 22nd.  Application must be filed between December 14 and 21, 2021. 

For a petition or for more information, please ask at the front desk.