July, 2017 - Fondulac District Library

FDL Reads: Spill Zone

Spill Zone by Scott Westerfeld and Alex Puvilland

Reviewed by: Dave Gibbons, Library Volunteer

Genre: Science Fiction (Graphic Novel)

Suggested Age: Tweens, Teens, Adults

What is the book about?: Collectors are paying top dollar for Addison’s photography, and for good reason. The photos she takes are of the reality warped weirdness of the Spill Zone – an area devastated during the cataclysmic event that claimed her parents and struck her sister mute. She has successfully skirted the law so far but when she is tasked by an eccentric millionaire to acquire something from within the Zone she will have to break the rules for survival one last time, but at what cost?

My Review: This is a graphic novel that really takes advantage of the medium. Using a seemingly simple technique of “coloring outside the lines” Puvilland’s skillful color use contrasts the “real” world with the Spill Zone, providing a quasi-abstract feeling that heightened my sense of unease in a way that can only be done in a comic. The stunning art enhances bestselling author Scott Westerfeld’s masterful storytelling in which he weaves a tale that in less skilled hands could quickly fall back on genre tropes and become forgettable. If there is any downside, it would be that this book feels more like the first chapter of a longer epic then a standalone book. Though the critique of “I want more” is not a bad problem to have.

Three Words That Describe This Book: color theory, mysterious, intense

Give This a Try if You Like… Stranger Things, Paper Girls by Brian K. Vaughan, original X-Files

Rating: 4/5

Find it at the library!

About FDL Reads

Welcome to FDL Reads, weekly book reviews from Fondulac District Library. Librarians (and possibly some other guest reviewers) review all types of books, from children’s picture books, young adult favorites, to the latest adult thriller, and share their thoughts each week at fondulaclibrary.org. If the book is owned by Fondulac District Library (or another local library), you’ll see a direct link to the catalog entry and whether or not it is available. If it is checked out or at another local library, you will be able to place a hold as long as you have your library card and PIN numbers. As with any book review, these are our opinions…we disagree amongst ourselves about books frequently. We all have different likes and dislikes, which is what makes the world an interesting place. Please enjoy, and keep on reading!

admin2017-07-26T14:30:06-05:00July 26th, 2017|

#FDL: Five Facts About 3D Printing

This part of the printer is called a hot-end-assembly. FDL blogger and 3D printer repair woman, Carey Gibbons, replaced the part on the left, which had seen 600 hours of work, with the shiny new part on the right this week.

Did you know that FDL has a 3D printer?

Now you do! Our website has information on how to access our 3D printer related services here. At that link, you can find a general FAQ and another link to our 3D printing request form. But, 3D printing in general is pretty amazing on both small and large scales. Since our own 3D printer just underwent some in-house repairs, I thought it would be a good time to share some 3D printing facts.

Some printers can print with weird materials like chocolate, metal, or wood. Most 3D printers, including the one at FDL, print with two kind of plastic filament – ABS or PLA. While our printer is capable of using ABS, we only use PLA because ABS filament emits toxic fumes. However, some printers are capable of printing with chocolate. Others use metal, mostly for the purpose of casting parts, but uses for metal printing have increased. Popular tech site AdaFruit even has info and tutorials on printing with wood based filament.
The medical community has embraced 3D printing technology. 3D printing has been used in medical technology for everything from creating custom braces for people with broken limbs to models of an individual patient’s brain from MRI scans. And before you think that this technology is only available in the biggest, wealthiest cities of the world, our very own OSF has a model heart library for use in treating patients and saving lives.
3D printing can take a really long time. Even though FDL’s 3D printer looks like a microwave, 3D printing is not like popping a frozen dinner in one and waiting for it to come out in a couple of minutes. 3D printing takes time – sometimes a lot of time. While 3D printing might seem like magic, it’s slow magic, and patience is key. The longest print job we’ve ever done at FDL took 22 hours. But this guy worked on a model motorcycle for over a year, using plastic filament very similar to what we use at FDL.
3D printing a gun is highly unrealistic. When the library got a 3D printer, a few people brought up the idea of the 3D printed gun, either because it had been mentioned in the news or was the subject of a popular crime drama. Most 3D printers in commercial areas for public use have a system of checks to prevent weapons of any kind from being printed. For example, at FDL, print requests are reviewed very carefully and any that are deemed dangerous are denied. Both of the 3D print specialists at FDL are well versed in print files and how certain items can be used. For more information, All3DP has a super informative article about the idea of the 3D printed firearm.
But 3D printing in space is not. In 2014, the International Space Station 3D printed its first object – a ratchet wrench. Many more items have been printed since. In fact, the company BeeHex, funded by a grant from NASA, has developed a 3D printer for the sole purpose of printing pizzas for use in space. The future is now, right?

Post by Carey Gibbons, Reference Specialist

About #FDL

Welcome to #FDL! #FDL is a twice weekly update on all things Fondulac District Library and East Peoria. Twice a week, library staff will make posts that highlight some aspect of library life and relate it to you – our readers. Have you ever wanted to know which Dewey number represented a certain topic? Are you looking for book recommendations based on your favorite television show or television recommendations based on your favorite book? Have you ever wondered about the secret details of librarian life? If the answer to any of these questions is yes, then #FDL is for you. We look forward to writing posts that are informative and entertaining and hope that you enjoy getting better acquainted with Fondulac District Library.

admin2017-07-26T09:49:30-05:00July 26th, 2017|

Free GED Classes this Fall

Fondulac District Library is pleased to announce it has again partnered with the East Peoria Chamber of Commerce and the City of East Peoria to offer a free GED preparation class this fall. The class, materials, and required tests will be FREE to qualified participants. Individuals must meet participation requirements to earn free GED test vouchers.

Registration and testing are required for the classes and will be held Thursday, August 24 OR Thursday, August 31, 2017. People interested in the classes must register and take the eligibility tests on one of the two dates being offered. Register in-person between 5:00 PM and 6:00 PM. The test will begin promptly at 6 PM.

Classes will be held Thursdays, September 7 to December 21, 2017, from 5:30 to 8:30 PM. Students must attend all class sessions to get the most from this program.

Please read the additional important information located at:
https://www.fondulaclibrary.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/GED-Flier-and-FAQ-Fall-2017.pdf.

Please contact epged2017@gmail.com or (309) 431-1341 with questions.

genna2017-07-25T09:37:40-05:00July 25th, 2017|

Check Out Magazines at the Library

Fondulac District Library carries a variety of popular magazines for both adults and children. Enjoy your favorite titles without the cost and hassle of managing a subscription.

All issues can be checked out for one week and renewed once.
Cardholders can have a maximum of 10 magazines checked out at any time.
The library keeps issues for the current calendar year and one previous calendar year.

Choose from a selection of more than 75 titles for adults, including, but not limited to:
Better Homes & Gardens
ESPN the Magazine
Family Handyman
Field & Steam
InStyle
Make
This Old House
Time

Magazines for kids include, but are not limited to:
American Girl
Highlights
National Geographic Kids
Sports Illustrated for Kids

A complete list of the library’s magazine subscriptions can be viewed here.

Please visit or call the library at (309) 699-3917 with questions.

Elizabeth Anderson2017-07-24T08:05:33-05:00July 24th, 2017|

#FDL: New Fiction for Fall

These titles are up for publication in August and September.

Title: The Bedlam Stacks

Author: Natasha Pulley

Pulley’s follow up to her 2015 novel, The Watchmaker of Filligree Street is a mix of fantasy, steam punk, and magic realism. The story opens in 1859 England with a bed-ridden Merrick Tremayne, a character who is recovering from terrible leg injury. Tremayne is soon recruited by the India Office to go on mission to Peru to gather quinine, a cure for malaria. Filled with tales of a cursed woods, lost time, and animated statues, this novel will appeal to fans of magic realism and fantasy. (Publication: August 2017).

Title: George & Lizzie

Author: Nancy Pearl

NPR’s book commentator, Nancy Pearl, tackles a marriage in distress in her new novel George and Lizzie. Lizzie, the protagonist, has been married to George for some years but can’t seem to forget her college boyfriend or the psychological consequences of something terrible she did in high school. George knows that he and Lizzie have issues and that she may not even truly love him, but chooses to ignore their problems and focuses on this dental career instead. (Publication: September 2017)

Title: See What I Have Done

Author: Sarah Schmidt

The infamous case of Lizzie Borden is brought to life in this new novel by Sarah Schmidt. August 4, 1892 begins when Lizzie claims to find her parents dead in their Massachusetts home. The reason behind their murder is mysterious to those who knew the Bordens. As investigators try to understand what actually happened on the morning of the killings, the reader is pulled into the various perspectives of Lizzie, her sister Emma, a maid, and a stranger. (Publication: August 2017)

Title: Little Fires Everywhere

Author: Celeste Ng

Little Fires Everywhere focuses on Elena Richardson who is perfectly content with her suburban life in Ohio. Elena’s life is shaken up by the arrival of Mia Warren, a single mother and artist. When Mia begins renting a home from Elena and her husband, everyone seems drawn to the new neighbors, including the Richardson’s four children. Mia’s nontraditional life and mysterious past is intriguing, but also threatening to the suburbanites who become determined to uncover her secrets. (Publication: September 2017)

Post by: Susie Rivera, Reference Specialist

About #FDL

Welcome to #FDL! #FDL is a twice weekly update on all things Fondulac District Library and East Peoria. Twice a week, library staff will make posts that highlight some aspect of library life and relate it to you – our readers. Have you ever wanted to know which Dewey number represented a certain topic? Are you looking for book recommendations based on your favorite television show or television recommendations based on your favorite book? Have you ever wondered about the secret details of librarian life? If the answer to any of these questions is yes, then #FDL is for you. We look forward to writing posts that are informative and entertaining and hope that you enjoy getting better acquainted with Fondulac District Library.

Susie Rivera2017-07-20T15:02:38-05:00July 20th, 2017|

New Exhibit on Display from Local Artist Daniel Botkin

Fondulac District Library announces a new exhibit from local artist Daniel Botkin as the latest installment for its ongoing Fine Arts at FDL program.

His mixed media series, Visions of Johanna: The Life and Lyrics of Bob Dylan, will be on display at the library through August. Botkin’s artwork portrays bold and vibrant interpretations of Bob Dylan’s songs, and features thoughtfully executed elements of surrealism. Botkin studied art at Illinois Central College and Illinois State University and graduated with a B.S. in Art. He has exhibited his work in galleries and juried competitions across the nation and has been the recipient of several awards and grants. He also has published three comic books, which are in the archives of the Graphic Novels Collection at Columbia University, and he has recorded three CDs of his music. To learn more about the exhibit, click here, and be sure to stop by the library to enjoy the artwork!

Elizabeth Anderson2017-07-19T09:29:51-05:00July 19th, 2017|

#FDL: Five Questions

Tom with one of his favorite comic book series, Locke and Key.

Welcome to #FDL’s feature column, Five Questions, where we ask library staff and other East Peoria residents roughly the same five questions. For our next Five Questions column, we’re interviewing Tom Armbruster, one of FDL’s custodians – helping make FDL a awesome place you want to come to. He’s also a Library Friends volunteer.

1. Who are you?

I am the son of A.J and Mary Ann, brother of Elizabeth and Christopher. Husband of Marie, Father of Chad. I am a bassist, the “Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon” Master of the Universe, a pop culture consumer and (according to my mother) an unsung hero. “I’m trying really hard to be the shepherd.”

2. What is your favorite part of working at FDL?

I like seeing all the behind the scenes prep work for the exciting programs that the library does. Like the giant SORRY! Board and the Garbage Masher for Star Wars Day. And getting to see all the new and donated books that come in for the main collection and the Friends book sale.

3. What are you reading/watching/listening to right now?

I’m reading Homeward Bound a Paul Simon biography by Peter Ames Carlin, Unmentionable: The Victorian Lady’s Guide to Sex, Marriage and Manners by Therese Oneill and Good Clean Fun: Misadventures in Sawdust at Offerman Woodshop by Nick Offerman (Which is making me want to buy ALL THE TOOLS and make ALL THE THINGS.). I’m watching American Gods, Fargo, Better Call Saul, and recently became obsessed with Rick and Morty (Wubba Lubba Dub Dub!). I’m listening to “The West Wing Weekly” podcast from Hrishikesh Hirway and Joshua Malina and a mix of “previously unreleased” tracks from Paul Simon on CD. (My car has a CD player.)

4. If you didn’t already have your dream job, what would you be doing?

The Dream Job for me would be to be a professional musician playing bass in a touring band. Don’t need to be a millionaire rockstar, but being onstage and playing music would be a blast.

5. Is there anyone in the DCU who would be able to pick up Thor’s hammer?

Wonder Woman (Marvel Vs. DC) and Superman (JLA/Avengers) both have, but I would also make the argument that Batman could because if Beta Ray Bill could wield it because if he just wanted to protect his people, then Batman, who wants to protect the people of Gotham City, could as well.

Interviewed by Carey Gibbons, Reference Specialist

About #FDL

Welcome to #FDL! #FDL is a twice weekly update on all things Fondulac District Library and East Peoria. Twice a week, library staff will make posts that highlight some aspect of library life and relate it to you – our readers. Have you ever wanted to know which Dewey number represented a certain topic? Are you looking for book recommendations based on your favorite television show or television recommendations based on your favorite book? Have you ever wondered about the secret details of librarian life? If the answer to any of these questions is yes, then #FDL is for you. We look forward to writing posts that are informative and entertaining and hope that you enjoy getting better acquainted with Fondulac District Library.

admin2017-07-18T15:24:14-05:00July 18th, 2017|

FDL Reads: Salad Cookbooks

FDL Reads Special Edition! A message from Dawn Dickey, Reference Assistant:

It’s too hot to cook, so I’ve been checking out cookbooks. I mostly prefer cookbooks that have nutrition information for each recipe, plenty of photos, and ingredients that are relatively easy to find.-Dawn Dickey, Reference Assistant

Cooking Light Big Book of Salads

Shaun Chavis, ed. 288 pp.

The editors of Cooking Light know how to publish recipes that catch the eye of cooks and consumers. This well-rounded cookbook includes

Pictures with every salad recipe + nutritional analysis of each salad
Ingredient guides; “100 Calorie Salad Boosters” (like 1 Tablespoon crunchy Chinese noodles); and “Shout-out” sections for various ingredients, like couscous, mangoes, or artichokes
Try: Soba noodles with chicken and vegetables p. 123; Greek chicken and barley salad, p. 155

Three Words that Describe this Book: colorful, helpful, mouth-watering

Give this a try if you like to try easy-to-make recipes that will likely please your palate!

Rating: 5/5 – top notch!!

Tossed: 200 Fast, Fresh, and Fabulous Salads

by Jane Lawson. 432 pp.

This cookbook has an intriguing title, but for me, the intrigue stopped there. I think the cookbook tries to be trendy but falls short on practicality. For example, the “poolside” section has a recipe for “marinated baby octopus salad,” not something I’m going to take to the pool any time soon – ditto for recipes asking for quail eggs and smoked trout. Not all the recipes have photos, and the text, interspersed with extra-large words, is annoying. And there is no nutrition information for the recipes – an essential for me. Interesting recipes to try: chicken with mixed rice, golden raisins, and cashews (p. 254) or Thai-style chicken salad (p. 329).

Three Words that Describe this Book: trendy suburban eats

Give this a try if you don’t mind slogging through uninspiring text/font to find some interesting recipes.

Rating: 3 out of 5 because of the annoying things & lack of nutrition information

Salad as a Meal: Healthy Main-Dish Salads for Every Season

by Patricia Wells. 360 pp.

The title of this book is a bit misleading. The author writes: “In my own personal definition, a salad as a meal does not need to include lettuce or greens; it can simply be a light and refreshing salad-related entity.” This runs counter to my own definition of “salad” and means that the cookbook contains many types of main dishes. The recipes reflect the author’s location in southern France. For a Midwesterner in the U.S., this poses a challenge in locating ingredients such as fresh mackerel or mussels or buffalo-milk ricotta cheese. There is no nutrition information, and, although there are photos, the photos are often artful garden photos and not photos of the actual dishes. Try: Provence on a Plate (p.92).

Three Words that Describe this Book: fresh, flavorful, unique

Give this a try if you like … cooking with a French flair, especially seafood

Rating: 3 out of 5 for interesting recipes but lacking in practicality

admin2017-07-17T10:59:54-05:00July 17th, 2017|

#FDL: Get Ready for the Game of Thrones Premiere

Winter is here and the battle for the throne of Westeros is upon us. Fans have had to wait an extra three months for season 7 of the popular series to begin this year and the anticipation is at its highest ever. Now, along with spoilers about the new season, the long awaited sixth book in the series is rumored to be completed by author George R.R. Martin. But, fans are still skeptical as the author is known for taking his time (six years) to write this sequel.

If you are new to the series and are interested in getting caught up on the show, the library owns copies of all six seasons. They are popular right now, but we can always place a hold in our system and get a copy for you from another library if ours is checked out. We will let you know as your items are available.

Fondulac District Library has the entire Song of Ice and Fire series if you’re interested in reading the books. We also have the novels in CD book format or available on streaming audio via one of our downloadable apps. Who knows, you may even get through the entire five novels before the sixth one actually comes out. The events of the show have surpassed what has happened in the books at the conclusion of season 5 and very beginning of season 6. It can be confusing as well as intriguing to follow both the show and books, as certain characters who have been killed in the show are still alive in the books. Also, entire subplots and characters have been eliminated in the show or manipulated into new story lines.

For further reading, those interested in the history of Westeros may enjoy The World of Ice and Fire, a beautifully illustrated companion book to the series that offers a detailed history of the Seven Kingdoms and the world beyond.

Post by: Susie Rivera, Reference Specialist

About #FDL

Welcome to #FDL! #FDL is a twice weekly update on all things Fondulac District Library and East Peoria. Twice a week, library staff will make posts that highlight some aspect of library life and relate it to you – our readers. Have you ever wanted to know which Dewey number represented a certain topic? Are you looking for book recommendations based on your favorite television show or television recommendations based on your favorite book? Have you ever wondered about the secret details of librarian life? If the answer to any of these questions is yes, then #FDL is for you. We look forward to writing posts that are informative and entertaining and hope that you enjoy getting better acquainted with Fondulac District Library.

Susie Rivera2017-07-13T17:37:53-05:00July 13th, 2017|

#FDL: Instructional DVDs

Did you know that FDL has instructional DVDs? I briefly thought about creating a video message about our instructional DVDs, but figured I would stick to writing. But we do have a wide variety of instructional DVDs. I know we’re in the digital age and you can learn a lot of things YouTube, but professionally made instructional DVDs will most likely have a higher quality production value, and can be viewed if you do not have access to the internet at home. FDL has instructional DVDs on a number of things, all located in the Special section of our DVD collection, but here are a few specific selections:

Simple Steps to a Greener Home: Produced by GAIAM, Simple Steps features eco-friendly living guru Danny Seo. Seo provides viewers with a green living guide to everything from remodeling to recycling and and shows that sustainability can also be done in style.

Homestead Blessings: The Art of Gardening: This is one of many Homestead Blessings instructional DVDs and takes us out of the home and into the garden. This guide covers a number of gardening styles, from the small container garden to the multi-acre vegetable garden. It also covers gardening for both food and aesthetics and has information for gardening beginners and the “seasoned” professional.

Learn to See, Learn to Draw: In this DVD, Larry Withers teaches viewers not only how to draw, but how to look at life as an artist in order to better learn how to draw. Withers looks at drawing as a skill and helps viewers to see that once they understand their subject matter, drawing becomes much easier.

30 Minute Yoga for Weight Loss: This is another DVD produced by GAIAM, and features yoga instructor Suzanne Deason. While this DVD says that this is yoga specifically for weight loss, it serves as a great beginner’s guide for people of any body type who want to try yoga for the first time.

Anyone Can Play Guitar: Have you always wanted to learn guitar? This helpful DVD will help you learn with no previous music knowledge on your part. The lessons were developed and the DVD hosted by Vern Juran, who has years of experience in teaching private and group guitar lessons.

These are just a few of the instructional DVDs we have at FDL. Feel free to come by and browse our entire selection!

Post by: Carey Gibbons, Reference Specialist

About #FDL

Welcome to #FDL! #FDL is a twice weekly update on all things Fondulac District Library and East Peoria. Twice a week, library staff will make posts that highlight some aspect of library life and relate it to you – our readers. Have you ever wanted to know which Dewey number represented a certain topic? Are you looking for book recommendations based on your favorite television show or television recommendations based on your favorite book? Have you ever wondered about the secret details of librarian life? If the answer to any of these questions is yes, then #FDL is for you. We look forward to writing posts that are informative and entertaining and hope that you enjoy getting better acquainted with Fondulac District Library.

admin2017-07-13T08:37:31-05:00July 13th, 2017|