Tax Season at Your Library

Events, General

Tax season officially begins January 24th. During this time of year, the library is inundated with questions regarding income taxes. This post intends to address some of our most frequently asked questions.

Where can I get tax forms?

All forms and schedules can be printed from the IRS website. We are happy to print these forms for you. Please come to the library with the name of the form you need.

Can a librarian answer my tax questions?

In most cases, no. We may be able to find basic information online, but it would be best to consult an accountant or use online tax preparation software.

Can you help me fill out my tax forms?

We are not trained to assist in the filing of income taxes. Please consult an accountant or use online tax preparation software.

When is the tax deadline this year?

The deadline to file your taxes is Monday, April 18th. The U.S. Treasury Department is predicting delays in processing refunds, so get your taxes done as early as possible.

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Snow what fun!

Events, Holiday

We are keeping spirits bright at your local library.

Check out the fun events we have going on in December and beyond!

Winter Book Bingo

December 1st to January 31st

Patrons of all ages are invited to compete in our Winter Book Bingo. All patrons have to do is read a library book that fits the criteria of the winter or holiday-themed squares on the card. Participants will be entered to win a $25 Amazon gift card! Come to the library to get your bingo card. Specific instructions are listed on the card.

Santa at the Library

Saturday, December 4th from 2:00 to 4:30 p.m.

Santa Claus will be visiting the library from 2:00 to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, December 4th. Tekamah Public Library Foundation will be handing out a gift to each family. We will also have a coloring table to occupy tots while they wait to tell the St. Nick their Christmas wishes.

We are asking that unvaccinated individuals over the age of two please wear a mask while waiting their turn, as social distancing may not be possible at times. Hand sanitizer and disposable masks will be available.

2021 Holiday Stroll Passport

Until December 20th

We are a stop on the 2021 Holiday Stroll Passport this year! Come to the library to pick up your passport and get a special stamp for visiting the us. Instructions on how to win $100 in Chamber Bucks is written on each passport. We are also able to collect completed passports and turn them in. This event runs until December 20th.

This event is sponsored by Tekamah Area Chamber of Commerce.

Binge Bags

We have a fun new program at the library. Patrons are able to check out a bag containing three movies and a free bag of popcorn. Spend a cold winter’s night in front of the TV with a hand-picked selection of movies. Miss Megan is a bit of a movie buff and has had a lot of fun curating these themed bags.

This program is currently a permanent addition to the library.

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Library turns 105

Events
The library circa 1920.
An undated photo of the library.
Newspaper clipping from 1926.
Newspaper clipping from 1930.
Newspaper clipping from 1956.

Tekamah Public Library will be celebrating its 105th birthday this month. The original Carnegie structure was dedicated on October 25th, 1916, but Tekamah’s library was already a couple years in the making.

The community’s desire for a library had been known since May 1914, when the Burt County Herald reported that the Tekamah Commercial Club was putting forth efforts to secure the funding via a grant.

This money came from none other than businessman and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie’s foundation. Tekamah Public Library is one of 2,509 libraries that were built with this grant money between 1883 and 1929. There were 69 Carnegie libraries constructed in Nebraska, but only a handful are still standing and even fewer are still used as libraries. What we have in Tekamah is truly a precious jewel.

By October 1914, the mayor appointed the members of the first library board: Mrs. Hattie Hopewell, J. A. Clark, J. E. Cornish, A. H. Dixon, Dr. J. P. Merritt, Mrs. J. W. Tamplin, E. I. Ellis, Dr. A. D. Nesbit, and Mrs. Ed Latta. The board selected the current site of the library and it was reported in the newspaper that there was great community support for the project.

A grant of $8,000 (over $200,000 in today’s money) was awarded on November 17th, 1914. The building was designed by Beatrice architect R.W. Grant. Bids for construction and masonry were granted to local contractors.

In June 1916, the library board appealed to the public for donations of books and magazines. They were concerned they would not have the funds to purchase enough books by opening day. Again, the citizens of Tekamah came through. The library had 1200 pieces of material, most of them donated, by November.

This set the precedent for community support of our library, a strong driving force that has continued over a century. This same effort led to the wonderful renovation and addition project that was completed 97 years after the original building came to be. We think we look pretty good for being 105 years old!

We will be celebrating the library’s birthday on Monday, October 25th from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Please stop by for a cupcake and an entry in our prize drawings! We will be giving away some book totes and other goodies.

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Banned Books Week

Events, Uncategorized

The week of September 26th is Banned Books Week. This event is sponsored by the American Library Association, who keeps a record of all reported challenges and bans.

So what is a banned book? This term is used to describe books that have either been challenged or removed from public libraries, school libraries, or school curriculum. These books are often described as offensive or inappropriate for a multitude of reasons.

It is the opinion of the library community that attempting to ban books is a form of censorship and is not acceptable under the First Amendment. Tekamah Public Library adheres to the Library Bill of Rights, which is outlined by the American Library Association. We believe that all patrons should have access to a variety of ideas, viewpoints, and knowledge, including those that some may find offensive or distasteful.

This year, we have a display of 7 books that are on the Top 10 Most Challenged Books of 2020. However, we have many titles that have been challenged or banned over the years. We encourage patrons to check out these controversial books in an effort to combat censorship.

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Getting Started with Reader Zone

Summer Reading Program

Tekamah Public Library uses Reader Zone to manage the reading portion of the Summer Reading Program. It is fun and easy to use! Use the instructions below to get started. If you have trouble, please contact the library, either by calling (402) 374-2453 or emailing teklibdirector@gmail.com.

Join

Join our Summer Reading Program by doing the following:
1. Download the Reader Zone app for your Apple, Android or Amazon device.
2. Create your account and add reader(s).
3. Join our program with the code 093fa
4.  Keep logging your reading all summer.
5.  If you don’t have a mobile device, you can sign up at the Reader Zone website.

Reading Goals

Each age group has different daily reading goals.

  • Pre-K to 4th Grade children have a goal of 15 minutes per day.
  • 5th Grade to 12th Grade children have a goal of 30 minutes per day.
  • Adults have a goal of 60 minutes per day.

Please note that these goals are just a guideline and NOT a requirement to participate in the program. Any amount of daily reading is a great benefit to both kids and adults.

Prizes

We are bringing back our beloved prize box for 2021! Kids who are actively participating in the program are invited to choose one small toy from the box each week.

We are also giving away grand prizes at the end of the program! To be eligible, readers must log at least 500 total minutes to be eligible for these prizes. Winners will be randomly chosen out of the pool of eligible readers.

One winner in each age category will receive a Kindle Fire tablet! Smaller (but equally awesome) prizes include reading lights, craft kits, and books.

Tips for Parents

Reading should be fun, not a chore! Use these resources below to help your child foster a lifelong love of reading.

Reading with Your Child

Fun and Effective Ways to Read With Children

18 Genius Ways to Make Kids Love Reading

Parent-Proven Tips to Get Kids Reading

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Eric Carle Story Time

Uncategorized

We were saddened to hear of the passing of famous children’s author and illustrator, Eric Carle. He was 91 years old. His most famous book is the beloved “The Very Hungry Caterpillar,” which was published in 1967! He was renowned for his bright, cheerful illustrations. This week, we are honoring him by reading a couple of his stories.

For our craft, we are including a link to an entire list of Eric Carle crafts. Children will have a blast recreating their favorite characters from his stories.

Eric Carle Inspired Crafts for Kids

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Summer Reading Update

Summer Reading Program, Uncategorized

The start of the 2021 Summer Reading Program is rapidly approaching. The fun starts Monday, June 7th at 5:00 p.m. with an open house at Tekamah Public Library. We will be reading some stories and assisting with last minute signups. Kids who attend will receive a goodie bag and we will have drawings for several prizes! If you want to sign up now or get more information, please go to this page.

JUNE SUMMER READING EVENTS

Library Open House

Monday, June 7th at 5:00 p.m.

Join us for an open house at Tekamah Public Library on Monday, June 7th from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. We are kicking off the 2021 Summer Reading Program with our first in-person story time in over a year. We will also have refreshments, goodie bags, and drawings for prizes.

“All About My Pet” Activity

Monday, June 14th ALL DAY

Children are invited to fill out a coloring sheet that tells the world about their special pet. There is no set time for this event. Simply come in the library anytime on Monday, June 14th. Participating in this activity enters your child for a chance to with a gift card to Chewy!

Pollinator Garden Activity

Monday, June 21st from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.

PLEASE NOTE THIS EVENT IS NOT LOCATED AT THE LIBRARY!

Tekamah Public Library is teaming up with Dodge Country Extension Educator Kathleen Cue and a local beekeeper to educate children about pollinating insects. Join us at the Tekamah Pollinator Garden from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. on Monday, June 21st for some fun bug-related activities. The garden is located just north of the Burt County Plaindealer building at 707 S 13th Street in Tekamah.

Reptiles at the Library

Monday, June 28th from 12:00 to 6:00 p.m.

Johnson’s Sweet Reptiles from Oakland, NE will be setting up outside the library for an afternoon of creepy-crawly fun. They will be bringing an assortment of snakes, lizards, and other critters. Join us Monday, June 28th from 12:00 to 6:00 p.m.

Our activities are also available in a calendar format. We hope you will join us for all the fun events we have planned this month. Check back for our July calendar later this month.

JuneActivities

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Memorial Day Story Time

Uncategorized, Virtual Story Time

This week, we are celebrating Memorial Day with a couple stories about the holiday. Memorial Day is a long weekend that is sometimes referred to as the official start of summer in the United States. We celebrate this day to remember our fallen soldiers.

For our craft this week, we have a link to a bunch of fun Memorial Day crafts you can try at home!

https://blog.ooly.com/fun-memorial-day-crafts-kids/
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Grumpy Story Time

Uncategorized, Virtual Story Time

Have you ever felt grumpy? Other words for being grumpy are grouchy or crabby. It’s a perfectly normal emotion, but it is important to know where it comes from and how to handle it. Today we are reading a couple stories about being grumpy!

For our craft, we have a cute coloring page so you can make your own Grouchy Ladybug. You can print it at home or get a copy here at the library. Be sure to give him some angry eyebrows so he looks EXTRA GROUCHY!

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