Changing Things Up at the Lincoln Library

There's a lot going on at the Lincoln Branch of the Lewis & Clark Library.

New Hours

For the first time in at least 15 years, the Lincoln Library will have new hours of operation.

Over the summer, the library conducted a survey regarding their hours of operation, and to gain input on the types of programming and events the community would like to see from the library. Last Thursday evening, Dec. 12, Lincoln Librarian Kate Radford held a public meeting to go over the survey results and to get input on three proposed schedules for new hours. Most people wanted to see consistent hours and, according to the survey results and meeting attendees, more people preferred having the library open weekends on Saturdays, rather than Sundays.

After Thursday's discussion, Radford adopted the following schedule, effective at the beginning of January:

Monday through Wednesday from 2 to 7 p.m.

Thursday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Magnets with the new hours will be available at the library. Radford appreciated the feedback from the community and welcomes continued suggestions.

Gallery Rails

Last week, the community room of the library was outfitted with gallery-type wall mounts that allow artwork to be displayed.

Through the end of December, students from April Erickson's Lincoln High School art class have several of their pieces on display.

"It's exciting to be working with the school and to have their work here for people to see, and we're looking forward to working with other artists in the community to have their work exhibited as well," Radford said.

Gadgets and Gizmos

With the Helena branch of the Lewis and Clark Library under construction, the Lincoln branch has acquired some temporary gadgets including a digital pancake maker that can create breakfast creations in various shapes and themes. More information about that will be forthcoming.

Another gadget that folks in the community can take advantage of right now is an etching machine that can help them create a Christmas ornament of their own. The service is free of charge, and blank ornaments are available at the library. Stop in during business hours to get yours in time for your tree, or maybe to give as a gift.

Policy Changes

There have also been a couple of policy changes at the library.

First, Lewis & Clark libraries are now fine-free libraries and only charge for lost items. The policy - developed earlier this year - allows the library to charge a replacement cost if material is more than 30 days overdue and to suspend the borrowers account until the fees are settled.

Radford also wanted to express to people in the community that library cards can be obtained at no charge with photo identification and proof of address, such as a piece of mail, utility bill, voter registration, or hunting license. Replacements for lost cards can also be obtained free of charge at the library.

The last new policy change is that the library card must be brought in, in order for items to be picked up. "In the past, anyone could pick up items on someone's behalf, even without that person's library card. Now, due to privacy issues, only the cardholder or someone they have sent in with their library card will be permitted to pick those items up," Radford explained.

Finally, Radford said they had an astounding turnout for their decorative plate making class on Saturday, Dec. 7 with over 30 people stopping by to create their own works of art.

For more information about upcoming events and library resources, stop by the Lincoln branch Library or call 406-362-4300.