2020 - Fondulac District Library | East Peoria, IL

Celebrate National Cupcake Day

Want to add a little sweetness to your day? National Cupcake Day is December 15^th, and FDL is going to show you where to read all about these fun treats and learn how to make some yourself. The most popular way to celebrate this holiday is by eating cupcakes, but there are also other things you can do. Try following along with a new recipe from one of the many cupcake cookbooks available, or help the little ones make a craft like the one outlined below. Here are some book recommendations to get you in a baking mood:

Little Mouse and the Big Cupcake by Thomas Taylor

Pinkalicious and the Cupcake Calamity by Victoria Kann (also available on hoopla)

Babymouse: Cupcake Tycoon by Jennifer L. Holm

The Big Book of Cupcakes by Betty Crocker (also available on hoopla)

Enjoy Life’s Cupcakes for Everyone by Betsy Laakso (also available on hoopla)

.

Paper Cupcake Craft

Supplies Needed:

2-3 pieces of paper (use different colors, if you like)

markers/crayons

scissors

glue

Instructions:

Set aside one piece of paper to use as a base.
Using your remaining paper, draw a trapezoid and a cloud, then cut out those shapes. Try to make the shapes smaller than half a page.
If you are using white paper, decorate the shapes you cut out. The trapezoid shape will be the cupcake wrapper, and the cloud shape will be the frosting.
Glue the two shapes onto the base sheet of paper you set aside at the beginning.
Use your remaining paper scraps to cut out sprinkles and a cherry to glue on top.

– Cindy, Youth Services Assistant

Beth Weimer2020-12-14T16:18:35-06:00December 15th, 2020|

#FDL: Easy Holiday Craft Books

Get crafty at home this year! We have a wide variety of craft books at our library. These are actually just a few from our holiday craft collection. Create easy, trendy crafts from items found in nature or around your house to cheer up your home this holiday season.

Place one or more of these books on hold and pick them up through our drive-up window or the atrium.

‘Tis the Season to be Felt-y

Included are over 40 whimsical felt crafts to celebrate Christmas with handmade style. Create pretty ornaments like Beaded Star Baubles, Sparkly Icicles, a Shining Star Tree Topper (and a partridge in a pear tree) to a pink poinsettia wreath, Yule log, snow bunny tree skirt, and lots of stockings to hang by the chimney with care.

Christmas and Hanukkah Origami

Even novice folders will be able to create some of the simple projects in these volumes, although more-experienced enthusiasts will find little in the way of challenges. These are solid sources for some basic objects: heart, egg, small basket, star, pinwheel, etc. Introductory pages outline tips for success and offer inspiration in the form of pictures of advanced origami by master folders.

I’m Dreaming of a Green Christmas: Gifts, decorations, and recipes that use less and mean more

This holiday season, Anna Getty chef, mother, organic living expert, environmental advocate, and writer helps families save money and reduce their carbon footprint without sacrificing style or tradition. She shares favorite holiday recipes for organic appetizers and homemade craft ideas such as pinecone wreaths and recycled sweater pillows.

Christmas Joys: Decorating, Crafts, and Recipes

Make this Christmas the best and brightest yet, with hundreds of gorgeous decorating ideas and delicious recipes. From holiday house tours and ways to deck the halls to handmade gifts and festive feasts, this beautiful book will help you celebrate Christmas in Country Living style. Create stunning wreaths, turn saltshakers into sparkling snow globes, craft Advent calendars from tiny envelopes, bake gourmet-store-worthy cookies, and more to make a truly happy holiday.

The Big Book of Holiday Paper Crafts

Major holidays and all the seasons are the focus of more than 450 paper crafted cards, gift bags, boxes, wall hangings, mini albums, journals, frames, party d’cor and more. This jumbo book from the editors of Paper Crafts magazine has hundreds of ideas for not only Christmas, Valentine’s Day, and Halloween, but also Easter, Thanksgiving, and New Year celebrations. Seasonal themes (spring, summer, fall, and winter) are also covered, plus a special section with ideas to show patriotic pride.

Christmas at Home: Holiday Decorating, Crafts, and Recipes

This book has decorating ideas, recipes, and crafts, plus tips galore. Stunning photos show festive table settings; splendidly decorated trees; fun and easy Christmas projects, from wreaths to no-sew stockings; gifts from the kitchen; and gourmet-worthy recipes like Turkey Roulade with Sausage-Cornbread Filling, Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes, Slow-Cooker Apple Cider, and sweet treats like Red Velvet Snowballs and Chocolate & Cranberry Fudge.

*Annotations adapted from publishers

Post by Susie Rivera, Reference Specialist

#FDL is a weekly update on all things Fondulac District Library and books.

Susie Rivera2020-12-14T12:02:04-06:00December 11th, 2020|

FDL Reads: The Magic Fish

The Magic Fish by Trung Le Nguyen

Reviewed by: Atlas Agunod, Circulation Assistant

Genre: LGBTQ, Graphic Novel

Suggested age: Teens and Adults

What is This Book About? This book is about 13-year-old Tien, the son of two Vietnamese immigrants. Tien’s mother speaks mainly Vietnamese and Tien speaks mainly English. This makes it hard for Tien and his mother to communicate, but it makes it even harder for Tien to come out as gay. The story follows Tien as he comes to terms with his identity and figures out how to tell his parents.

My Review: I loved this book so much. I identify as LGBTQ myself, so I related to the concept of coming out a lot, but I can’t imagine how hard it would be if there was also a language barrier between me and my parents. The author told this story so beautifully, and the art was just beautiful. I really appreciated this story and I think anybody who is struggling with their identity should give it a read.

Rating: 5/5

Three Words That Describe This Book: moving, beautiful, touching

Give this a try if you like: The Princess and the Dressmaker, The Witch Boy, Heartstopper

Find it at the Library!

About FDL Reads

FDL Reads is a series of weekly book reviews from Fondulac District Library.

Susie Rivera2020-12-10T17:05:58-06:00December 10th, 2020|

Story Time (Online) – The Gingerbread Man

Welcome to story time! I’m Miss Kris, and today we’re going to read about the Gingerbread Man! But first let’s start with a song!

Song: It’s Time to Hear a Story

(sing to the tune of The More We Get Together)

It’s time to hear a story, a story, a story.

It’s time to hear a story. I’ll read it to you.

So sit on the carpet, get ready to listen.

It’s time to hear a story. I’ll read it to you.

Book: The Gingerbread Man Loose In the School

Written by Laura Murray, illustrated by Mike Lowery, and read with the permission of Penguin Young Reader’s Group.

Song: The Gingerbread Man

(sing to the tune of The Wheels on the Bus)
The gingerbread man ran through the town,
Through the town, through the town.
The gingerbread man ran through the town,
Singing, “You’ll never catch me.”

He ran away from a cow, cow, cow

Cow, cow, cow. Cow, cow, cow
He ran away from a cow,
Singing, “You’ll never catch me.”

He ran away from a sheep, sheep, sheep

Sheep, sheep, sheep. Sheep, sheep, sheep
He ran away from a sheep without a peep,
Singing, ” You’ll never catch me.”

He ran away from a dog, dog, dog

Dog, dog, dog. Dog, dog, dog
He ran away from a dog,
Singing, “You’ll never catch me.”

Then he came to a fox, fox, fox

Fox, fox, fox. Fox, fox, fox
The fox sat on a box and said,
“You can trust me”.

Then the fox ate him, yes sir–ee!

Book: Gingerbread Man Superhero!

Written by Dottie Enderle, illustrated by Joe Kulka, and read with the permission of Pelican Publishing Company.

Flannel Board: 5 Little Gingerbread Men

5 Little gingerbread men on the tray,
One jumped up and ran away.
Catch me, Oh catch me, Oh catch me if you can!
I’m pretty fast, I’m the gingerbread man!

4 Little gingerbread men on the tray,
One jumped up and ran away.
Catch me, Oh catch me, Oh catch me if you can!
I’m pretty fast, I’m the gingerbread man!

3 Little gingerbread men on the tray,
One jumped up and ran away.
Catch me, Oh catch me, Oh catch me if you can!
I’m pretty fast, I’m the gingerbread man!

2 Little gingerbread men on the tray,
One jumped up and ran away.
Catch me, Oh catch me, Oh catch me if you can!
I’m pretty fast, I’m the gingerbread man!

1 Little gingerbread man on the tray,
One jumped up and ran away.
Catch me, Oh catch me, Oh catch me if you can!
I’m pretty fast, I’m the gingerbread man!

No little gingerbread men on the tray
I will have to bake more on another day!

Craft: Gingerbread Man

Craft kits are available to pick up from the drive-up window or atrium while supplies last.

Kit Supplies:

Gingerbread Man template
Googly Eyes (2)
Beads (3)
Ric Rac Strips (4 white, 1 red)
Assorted Jewels

Supplies from home:

Scissors
Glue

Directions:

Cut out the Gingerbread Man template.
Using the kit supplies, design your very own Gingerbread Man!

Closing Song: The More We Get Together

The more we get together, together, together,
the more we get together, the happier we’ll be.
‘Cause your friends are my friends,
and my friends are your friends,
the more we get together the happier we’ll be!

– Sharon and Kris, Youth Services Specialists

Beth Weimer2020-12-10T12:51:03-06:00December 10th, 2020|

Friends of FDL Holiday Gift Basket Drawing!

The Friends of Fondulac District Library are hosting their annual Holiday Gift Basket Drawing! This year, participants may enter the drawing online by filling out the form below by 6 p.m. Wednesday, December 16.

The Friends have made two large baskets this year, stuffed with holiday treats for any family to enjoy, including games, movies, books, socks, masks, Star Wars items, crafts, and more! There are even Kroger, Visa, Chipotle, and Game Stop gift cards!! Two winners will be randomly selected and notified on Thursday, December 17. Participants must be 18 years of age or older and must be able to pick up their basket from the library atrium by 6 p.m. Wednesday, December 23, 2020. Happy Holidays from the Friends of FDL!

Beth Weimer2020-12-17T11:10:57-06:00December 9th, 2020|

Take & Make: Glitter Magnets

Take home this fun little craft from the drive-up window while supplies last! This kit is appropriate for ages 5+ and adult assistance is recommended.

Beth Weimer2020-12-08T16:48:26-06:00December 8th, 2020|

Discover GraphicAudio Books on Hoopla!

If you’ve not been an audiobook fan in the past, or you’d like to try something different, try one of the hundreds of GraphicAudio recordings that have recently been added to hoopla’s digital catalog. GraphicAudio is a publisher of eAudiobooks that are not the run-of-the-mill audiobooks. Their motto is “A movie in your mind,” and they’re not exaggerating. If you’ve ever heard an old-fashioned radio play, then you have an idea of what to expect. These audio recordings include a full cast of actors, not just one. You’ll also hear narration, sound effects, and cinematic music.

You may see the GraphicAudio titles come up when you are searching hoopla for your typical selections, or you can browse them specifically by entering “graphicaudio” in hoopla’s search bar. Search results can be narrowed by listener ratings, popularity, or date of release. Many titles have been split into 2 or 3 recordings, each of which will count as one of your eight monthly hoopla checkouts. And don’t be surprised if there is a brief recorded preview advertising another title that plays before your selection.

What kinds of titles does GraphicAudio offer? There’s a bit of everything available from hoopla, spanning most genres.

Do you like westerns? Try A Lone Star Christmas by William W. Johnstone.

“Smoke Jensen, Matt Jensen, Falcon and Duff MacCallister together for the first time. They just wanted to get home for Christmas… but fate had other plans. It’s December 1890. A Texas rancher named Big Jim Conyers has a deal with Scottish-born, Wyoming cattleman named Duff MacCallister. Along with Smoke and Matt Jensen, the party bears down on Dodge, Kansas, to make a cattle drive back to Forth Worth. But before they can get out of Dodge, guns go off and a rich man’s son is killed. Soon the drive turns into a deadly pursuit, then a staggering series of clashes with bloodthirsty Indians and trigger-happy rustlers. And the worst is yet to come. The party rides into a devastating blizzard, a storm so fierce that their very survival is at stake. From America’s greatest Western author, here is an epic tale of the unforgiving American frontier and how, amidst fierce storms of man and nature, miracles can still happen.”

Want to try a graphic novel performed as a dramatization? There’s Cemetery Girl by Charlaine Harris and Christopher Golden.

“She calls herself Calexa Rose Dunhill, names taken from the grim surroundings where she awoke, bruised and bloody, with no memory of who she is, how she got there, or who left her for dead. She has made the cemetery her home, living in a crypt and avoiding human contact. But Calexa can’t hide from the dead and because she can see spirits, they can’t hide from her. Then one night, Calexa spies a group of teenagers vandalizing a grave and watches in horror as they commit murder. As the victim’s spirit rises from her body, it flows into Calexa, overwhelming her mind with visions and memories not her own. Now Calexa must make a decision: continue to hide to protect herselfor come forward to bring justice to the sad spirit who has reached out to her for help…”

Are you interested in science fiction instead? Check out S. M. Stirling’s post-apocalyptic Emberverse saga with the first title, Dies the Fire.

“The Change occurred when an electrical storm centered over the island of Nantucket produced a blinding white flash that rendered all electronic devices and fuels inoperable and plunged the world into a dark age humanity was unprepared to face… Michael Havel was flying over Idaho en route to the holiday home of his passengers when the plane’s engines inexplicably died, forcing a less than perfect landing in the wilderness. And as Michael leads his charges to safety, he begins to realize that the engine failure was not an isolated incident. Juniper Mackenzie was singing and playing guitar in a pub when her small Oregon town was thrust into darkness. Now, taking refuge in her family’s cabin with her daughter and a growing circle of friends, Juniper is determined to create a farming community to benefit the survivors of this crisis. But even as people band together to help one another, others are building armies for conquest…”

Personally, I’m a dedicated audiobook fan, but I’m currently listening to GraphicAudio’s version of a book whose CD book recording left something to be desired. I’m enjoying the GraphicAudio version much more. Whether you’re a diehard audiobook fan or giving audio a chance for the first time, you may be pleasantly surprised by GraphicAudio’s offerings, too.

– Melissa, Reference Assistant

*Annotations provided by each publisher

Beth Weimer2020-12-08T13:38:18-06:00December 8th, 2020|

#FDL: Book Giveaway!

Put your name in the form below to win one of these books with a wintery theme!

The Bear by Andrew Krivak

In an Eden-like future, a girl and her father live close to the land in the shadow of a lone mountain. They own a few remnants of civilization: some books, a pane of glass, a set of flint and steel, a comb. The father teaches his daughter how to fish and hunt and the secrets of the seasons and the stars. He is preparing her for an adulthood in harmony with nature, for they are the last of humankind. But when the girl finds herself alone in an unknown landscape, it is a bear that will lead her back home through a vast wilderness that offers the greatest lessons of all, if she can learn to listen.

Migrations by Charlotte McConaghy

Franny Stone has always been the kind of woman who is able to love but unable to stay. Leaving behind everything but her research gear, she arrives in Greenland with a singular purpose: to follow the last Arctic terns in the world on what might be their final migration to Antarctica. Franny talks her way onto a fishing boat, and she and the crew set sail, traveling ever further from shore and safety. But as Franny’s history begins to unspool—a passionate love affair, an absent family, a devastating crime—it becomes clear that she is chasing more than just the birds. When Franny’s dark secrets catch up with her, how much is she willing to risk for one more chance at redemption?

Snow by John Banville

Detective Inspector St. John Strafford has been summoned to County Wexford to investigate a murder. A parish priest has been found dead in Ballyglass House, the family seat of the aristocratic, secretive Osborne family. The year is 1957 and the Catholic Church rules Ireland with an iron fist. Strafford—flinty, visibly Protestant, and determined to identify the murderer—faces obstruction at every turn, from the heavily accumulating snow to the culture of silence in this tight-knit community. As he delves further, he learns the Osbornes are not at all what they seem. And when his own deputy goes missing, Strafford must work to unravel the ever-expanding mystery before the community’s secrets, like the snowfall itself, threatens to obliterate everything.

The Glass Woman by Caroline Lea

Rósa has always dreamed of living a simple life alongside her Mamma in their remote village in Iceland, where she prays to the Christian God aloud during the day, whispering enchantments to the old gods alone at night. But after her father dies abruptly and her Mamma becomes ill, Rósa marries herself off to a visiting trader in exchange for a dowry, despite rumors of mysterious circumstances surrounding his first wife’s death. Rósa follows her new husband, Jón, across the treacherous countryside to his remote home near the sea. There Jón works the field during the day, expecting Rósa to maintain their house in his absence with the deference of a good Christian wife. What Rósa did not anticipate was the fierce loneliness she would feel in her new home, where Jón forbids her from interacting with the locals in the nearby settlement and barely speaks to her himself.

*Annotations provided by each publisher

#FDL is a weekly update on all things Fondulac District Library and East Peoria.

Susie Rivera2021-02-04T09:26:45-06:00December 4th, 2020|

FDL Reads: American Dirt

American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins

Reviewed by: Becky Houghton, Reference Assistant

Genre: Social issues thriller

Suggested Age: Adult

What is This Book About?: American Dirt is the story of a mother and son and their journey to escape cartel violence in Acapulco, Mexico that has killed their entire family. Lydia and her son Luca witness the violent murder of Sebastian, their husband and father, after he publishes a newspaper story about the Los Jardineros and their leader Javier. Sebastian along with eleven members of his extended family are killed by the cartel. Escape is the only avenue left to them – escape to the United States. The remainder of the book details the journey northward and the other migrants that they encounter on that journey.

My Review: I highly recommend this book. Lydia and her son, Luca are very realistic, sympathetic and well- developed characters and their struggle to escape from a Mexican cartel that murdered their family is a frightening, thriller tale, but this book is so much more than just an exciting and riveting tale. Cummins has written an almost poetic book filled with the love between a mother and son and those that they come to view as “family.” The journey that Lydia and Luca undertake from their home in Acapulco to Mexico City and on north toward Nogales and eventually into the United States is filled with danger and fear, but it is also filled with people–other migrants from throughout Central America. Many of these men, women and children on the train known as “La Bestia” become a new family as they share the trials and atrocities encountered along the journey. There is violence, rape, hunger, death and most of all fear throughout their travels, but the love between mother and son and their companions over shadows and triumphs over trials. Human courage is displayed. American Dirt was called “the most anticipated book of 2020” and “The Grapes of Wrath of our times” in its early reviews. I agree that it is a beautifully written, but violent tale of the struggles faced by some citizens of Mexico and other Central American countries forcing them to seek a better life in the United States. The book and author have also been criticized as unauthentic. I strongly disagree with this characterization. This is a work of fiction and Cummins never portrayed it as “truth.” Neither is this a treatise on immigration. It is a well-written work of fiction and one that I am glad to have read!

Three Words That Describe This Book: Heroic, Compassionate, Dramatic

Give This a Try if You Like: John Steinbeck’s Grapes of Wrath or Griffin’s Hazardous Duty

Rating: 5/5

Find it at the Library!

About FDL Reads

FDL Reads is a series of weekly book reviews from Fondulac District Library.

Susie Rivera2020-12-02T13:27:52-06:00December 2nd, 2020|

Browsing from Home

We know that one of the best things about coming to the library is looking at all the books and taking a big stack home. While we can’t do things exactly like we used to, there are plenty of ways for you to figure out what to put on hold next and always have something for you or your kids to read. Try any of these options if you’re wondering how to select books from home.

Let Us Do It for You

Do you usually like to ask a librarian to help you find books for you or your kids? You can still do that! We are still here to help you find the books you want and/or need, and there are multiple ways for you to get in touch with us. One option is to submit an FDL Match request through our website. Simply tell us some of the books you or your child currently likes, and we will pick out five new books for them to read.

You can also call the Adult Services department (ext. 2251 or option 1) or the Youth Services department (ext.1291 or option 2) or contact us via live chat during service hours. Let us know what kind of books you are looking for, and we will place some on hold for you. We’ll notify you when your books are ready, and you can pick them up from the drive-up window or the in the Atrium.

Use the Online Catalog

Do you normally find books by coming in to the library and browsing the shelves? You can still look at everything we have through our online catalog!

Start by going to the catalog and logging in with your library card and pin number. Use the carousel feature on the home page of the catalog to browse recently added titles. Select from the drop down menu to see categories like fiction or nonfiction for adults and children, DVDs, music – even NYT Bestseller lists! Then place a hold and pick up!

You can also search books similar to those you’ve already enjoyed by using the brand new Unbound Content feature in the catalog. Search for a book you like, click on the book, then go to the Unbound Content tab in the middle of the page. From this tab, you can do all kinds of browsing. You can see what other books that author has written, a list of books in the same reading level, and other works in the same genre. You can also read excerpts, reviews, and more. Keep scrolling to the bottom of the page to the Browse Shelf section, select the See Full Shelf button, and you can literally see what’s on the shelf around that book and explore by selecting the book covers or using the arrow tabs.

There’s so much information available in the catalog; you may be surprised at how easy it can be to discover new books on there. Then all you have to do is click the Place Hold button for each book you want to get, and you’ll be notified when it’s ready for pickup. The RSAcat Mobile app is another great option for exploring our catalog when you’re on the go. It links directly to your account so you can search, place holds, and even scan any book’s barcode to see if it’s available at FDL.

Search Our Digital Collections

Your FDL library card gives you access to tons of children’s eBooks and eAudiobooks – even graphic novels, movies, TV shows, and music from hoopla. Download and log in to the Axis 360, Libby, and hoopla apps on your preferred device, filter for adults or children, and start browsing. The items on these apps are organized for browsing by new releases and genres in a similar way to Netflix and other streaming services, or you can search by format, title, author, and subject. These collections are also linked on our website under the Digital Collections tab so you can browse and search these collections using a tablet or computer. Some titles will be available immediately but some may require placing a hold. If you’re unfamiliar with the library’s apps, Susie has provided a great overview of the options here, or you can call the library for assistance getting started.

Find Recommendations Online

Another way to figure out what to check out next is by reading blogs and online reviews. We regularly provide book recommendations here on the FDL website in our weekly FDL Reads blog, Book Talk videos, and more. You can check our Kids’ Corner or Teen Space for recommendations and content specific to kids and teens. We also post New and Upcoming Titles by popular authors quarterly under the Books & More tab so you know when to expect the latest Patterson or Perry release. Some other places to find book lists, reviews, and recommendations online include:

New York Times Bestseller Lists

American Library Association Award Winners

What Do We Do All Day

When you find a book online that you’re interested in, you can even use Google to find the book in our online catalog! Search for the title with Google, and on the right side of the search results where it shows general information like author and publication date, it now also shows if the book is available to borrow from your local library! Select the Borrow link to head directly to our catalog to place a hold.

– Cindy, Youth Services Assistant

Beth Weimer2020-11-30T14:31:49-06:00November 30th, 2020|