Marshall Public Library launches its “Reading is so Delicious!” summer reading program on Friday, May 18th. Over the next several weeks, we will host a variety of free activities for children and adults that encourage and support a love of reading. Participants also can win prizes for reading and attending programs!  It is a terrific opportunity to provide your child with reasons to read during the school break and fun things to do!  And this year our program is for the entire family.

Children will keep track of their reading progress by filling out a “Recipe Card” Reading Log. When they have completed a card with the five books titles have read, they will turn the card in at the circulation desk for both a basket prize and a Pizza Hut Book-It certificate.  To complete the program, turn in at least four completed Recipe Cards by June 30th, 2012. A prize drawing will be held at the end of the program.

Kids through age 14 will also enjoy several summer reading programs about food, including a food-themed cartoon or family movie (plus popcorn!) each Wednesday,  a drop-in story and easy food-related craft each Thursday, a chance to play Super Mario Brothers Classic on Wii with a pizza party,  a nature program called “They Eat What?” to learn about the surprising and sometimes gross things animals eat, an Edible Book contest, and a program by the hilarious “Spoon Man”.  And don’t miss our annual favorites, the Furry Friends Overnight (picnic style!), our Prince and Princess Fairy Tale Feast, and of course a wrap-up picnic at the library for those who complete the reading challenge.

Teens and adults are also invited to participate in the reading challenge through June 30th.  A variety of nice prizes are available for reading and attending programs.  Programs for the older set include a chance to see the delightful film, Julie and Julia, and take home a “new” cookbook, a casual “Coffee Chat” book discussion and recipe exchange, a program about J.D. Mullens Dressings of Palestine, Illinois with door prizes and sale items available, a chance to win a cookbook in our Edible Book Contest, and a discussion about the book Like Water for Chocolate by Laura Esquivel with Librarian Alissa Tipton.

Hurry to the library to get started on the yummy fun!

Join the Senior BINGO fun!

Join the BINGO fun at Marshall Public Library! Burnsides Community Health Care Center will host Senior BINGO on the fourth Wednesday of every month, at 10:30 AM in the library’s Dale McConchie Meeting Room.  Everyone is invited and prizes will be awarded. Come join the fun – it’s free!!

Computer classes are back and they are still free!  Classes are now being offered (usually) on the fourth Saturday of each month.  Here's what we have coming up: 

"Introduction to Facebook" –Saturday, May 26^th, 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM
Participants will learn how to set up a Facebook account online, how to post comments and pictures, some “do’s and don’ts” for using Facebook, and more.

“Introduction to Computers” – Saturday, June 9^th, 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM
Items covered in this class include identification of basic computer components, correct procedure in starting up and closing down your PC, how to start programs using the Start menu and icons, mouse functions, etc. **"Introduction to Computers" is a pre-requisite for all other classes.

“Introduction to Microsoft Word” – Saturday, July 28th, 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM
Learn the basics of word processing using Microsoft Word, including opening Word from the Windows screen and Start menu, naming and saving word processing files, entering and modifying text, cutting and pasting text in your document, and inserting clip art.

"Introduction to the Internet" – Saturday, August 25^th, 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM
This class will be an introduction to the basics of using the Internet, including searching, accessing a page on the web with a URL address, printing information from the Internet, and copying documents from the Internet to a word processing program.

Because of space limitations, persons interested in attending a class are asked to come to the library and pay a $10 cash deposit to reserve a place in each of the classes.  The deposit will be returned when the class is attended.  Deposits may be refunded if cancellations are made three or more days in advance.  Please call the library at (217) 826-2535 for more information.

Most of us have inkjet printers at home or work. Next time when you have an empty cartridge, don’t throw it away!  Just put it in a Ziploc bag or the original cartridge box and bring it to the library.  We have a special recycling box near the front doors.  The Friends of the Library will be a small payment for each cartridge with a print head.  Not only will you be helping the library, but you will also be reducing pollution. Cartridges do not decompose for 1,000 years.  Empty cartridges can be remanufactured and reused. Get empties from friends, neighbors, and small businesses, too!  On average, a person uses two cartridges a year. The potential is huge!  Reduce pollution and raise funds for your library one cartridge at a time…You Can Help!

Everyone is invited to our “Coffee Chat” book discussion group every third Wednesday at 10:15 AM.   This is an informal and fun time to share your thoughts on the books you are reading and your favorite authors.  Bring a friend and join the conversation on the third Wednesday of every month.  Coffee and tea will be served in the library activity room.  Call the library at 826-2535 for more information.