Library corner 1-31

PRINCETON — Today, Thursday, Talk About: Basic Book Repair and Maintenance with library curator Margaret Martinkus will be presented at 6:30 p.m. at the Princeton Public Library.

For more information, contact the library at (815) 646-4511 or tisklib@comcast.net.

SHEFFIELD — The Sheffield Public Library will host a weekly story hour for children ages 3-5 during the months of March and April. A specific day and time will be set after registration. Please call librarian Sue Lanxon at 815-454-2628 or 815-454-2592 to registering your child.

In addition, the library would like to start a monthly book club. Interested adults should call either phone number. Any feedback regarding either of these endeavors would be greatly appreciated.

The library has recently purchased three new laptops for public use. The purchase was made possible by donations from the Conrad Hewitt family, the Sheffield Pride Organization, and the memorial fund at the library. All of the laptops have Microsoft Office, wireless Internet access, and printing capabilities.

New books continue to be added to the collection. Book titles that we do not have can be obtained through the RAILS interlibrary loan program. Audio books can also be ordered for patron use.

Winter hours are Monday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., and Saturday 9 - noon. The library is closed on Thursdays and Sundays.

SPRING VALLEY — Story time is held every Tuesday from 5:30 to 6 p.m. in the children’s room at the Richard A. Mautino Memorial Library. There is a story and a craft-related project during this time for preschool children through second grade. A parent must accompany their child. This is free of charge.

The library is collecting aluminum cans with the proceeds going to the support of the library. The cans may be dropped off at the library during the hours of operation, which are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday to Wednesday; 2 to 7 p.m. Thursday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday; and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. The cans should be tied in a plastic bag and placed in the large box inside the west front door. People living in Webster Park may drop off their bags of cans at 202 Elm St. in the driveway. Call 815-663-4741 with any questions.

The library board meets at 8 a.m. the second Tuesday of every month.

LAMOILLE — Computer classes continue at the LaMoille-Clarion Public Library. Classes are offered on Monday and Wednesday mornings at 10 a.m. and Tuesday evening at 5:15 p.m. Each class lasts about one hour. For questions regarding classes or to sign up, contact the library at 815-638-2356 or email llibrary@live.com.

LASALLE — Join the LaSalle Public Library at 6 p.m. Tuesday for “Civil War Nurse Clara Barton.” Barton earned fame as the first woman to serve as a nurse on the front lines of a battlefield. This first-person program introduces Barton as a tireless worker who faced remarkable challenges in her quest to care for wounded soldiers. Learn about the medical conditions during the American Civil War and about the courage required for a woman who dared to brave the war’s front lines. 

History comes alive in the talented hands of historian Leslie Goddard who tells fascinating stories and creates vivid portraits of some of history’s most memorable women. With experience as a historian, actor, and museum teacher, Leslie Goddard brings a unique perspective to her history presentations.

This program is part of a partnership in a series on the Civil War between the Canal Corridor Association, LaSalle Public Library and Peru Public Library.

Trained as a historian, Goddard earned a Ph.D. from Northwestern University, specializing in U.S. cultural history, American studies, and women’s history. She also holds both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in theater and has worked in the field of museum interpretation for nearly 10 years. Her programs combine her experience as a teacher and actor with her background as a historian and researcher.

Goddard writes and lectures frequently on American history, with particular expertise in the areas of women’s history and Chicago cultural history. She has presented numerous lectures and presentations for museums, libraries, community centers, and civic organizations.

This program is made possible through funds from the Alwin C. Carus Trust and is free and open to the public. For further information, call the LaSalle Public Library at 815-223-2341.

PERU — The Peru Public Library holds a story time for children ages 3 through 5 at 10:30 a.m. every Wednesday. Children will hear stories, sing songs, dance and learn finger plays. Registration is not required. Visit www.perulibrary.org or call 815-223-0229, ext. 5, for more information.