2020 - Fondulac District Library | East Peoria, IL

FDL Staff Horror Picks

My favorites are Robert Bloch’s Psycho and the film adaptation by Alfred Hitchcock. It’s a classic, and while I’ve seen the movie at least 20 times I still enjoy it just as much, if not more every time. The book gives a lot more insight into Norman Bates’ mind frame and paints his victim in a bit of a different light than the movie does. If you have only seen the movie I highly suggest reading the book!

– Katie Grant, Circulation Assistant

A truly original take on the vampire genre, Let the Right One In explores the darkness of childhood and the hidden seediness of Swedish society within an utterly creepy and dreadful horror story. I fell in love with Thomas Alfredson’s perfectly moody film adaptation first, but the book is even more visceral and haunting. Plus, there are vampires! Stream the Swedish film on hoopla (and skip the American version called Let Me In).

– Beth, Communications Specialist

I still love Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark! Find the eBook on Libby/Overdrive. Another favorite of mine would be Unsolved Mysteries! We have The Best of Unsolved Mysteries DVD on our shelves, plus we have a ton of episodes available on hoopla (although each episode counts as one checkout)!

– Katie Smith, Reference Specialist

I love the old movies from when I was in high school: Halloween, The Fog, The Thing, and Magic. They bring back good memories from that time and the fun we had watching them.

– Tammy Geier, Business Manager

One of my favorite horror writers is Jay Bonansinga, co-author of the novels based on The Walking Dead comics series. He’s very descriptive in his horror, and his characters (the good guys) seem like people you could have a beer with. Plus, he’s equally at home writing nonfiction, which I enjoy.

– Sylvia Shults, Circulation Specialist

My favorite horror author is Junji Ito. Ito is a popular manga artist in Japan who has a really strong grasp on bodily horror and suspense. I love his stories specifically because the antagonizing force never seems to have a direct cause or reason, making them more unpredictable and scary.

– Atlas Agunod, Circulation Assistant

My favorite horror movie is The Thing (1982). I like the unique location of Antarctica and the isolation you feel while watching this film. Also, the special effects and score are awesome!

– Susie Rivera, Reference Specialist

I love The Blair Witch Project (1999) just because it did something unique in making the mundane scary, instead of throwing these zombies or monsters at you. It also felt a little more realistic – it featured getting lost in the woods and experiencing strange phenomena, which could happen to anyone.

– Isaac Jacobs, Reference Assistant

I am currently obsessed with Lovecraft Country by Matt Ruff. I am planning to read the book, but I just finished the HBO series based on the novel. Matt Ruff uses the world of H. P. Lovecraft as a jumping off point to tell a compelling multifaceted story. Identity, power, agency, and race are themes masterfully woven throughout this title.

– Laura Warren, Adult Services Manager

Beth Weimer2020-10-28T13:09:47-05:00October 28th, 2020|

Radiant Child Activities

Radiant Child: The Story of Young Artist Jean-Michel Basquiat

Written and illustrated Javaka Steptoe

This is a wonderful story about a real-life artist named Jean-Michel Basquiat and how his love of art grew from childhood. I enjoyed this book so much, especially the illustrations! Javaka Steptoe won a Caldecott award for his beautiful paintings on every page. Listen to him read his book here!

Steptoe imitated Basquiat’s art style throughout this story. You too can make art in the style of Basquiat! Basquiat liked to draw and paint crowns that symbolized power, strength, and respect. You can pick up a kit to make a crown of your own from the Youth Services department at the library!

The most touching part of Radiant Child for me is when Basquiat finds comfort after a scary car crash. He was probably very afraid to go to the doctor, like many of us are, and didn’t know what would happen. His grandma comforted him by giving him a medical book to study. He calmed himself down and grew braver by drawing bones, hearts, and brains over and over. We all get scared sometimes. Maybe, like Basquiat, reading and drawing can help calm you down when you are afraid. Check out our Story Time in a Box called “Going to the Doctor” for books and activities that will help you learn about going to the doctor so you can be brave too next time.

Another book you might like is Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut by Derrick Barnes and Gordon C. James. Which artist do you think influenced the art in this book?

Check out Radiant Child, “Going to the Doctor,” and pick up a crown craft kit from the library today!

– Mikaela, Youth Services Assistant

Beth Weimer2020-10-27T10:22:59-05:00October 27th, 2020|

Teaching Kids About Election Day

With election day coming up, a lot of kids might be eager to understand the concept of voting and why adults think it’s important. If you’re not sure where to start when explaining how election day works or what it means, try using a book that turns the voting process into both a story and a call to action. There are lots of books that make elections easy for children to understand and will inspire them to take part as they grow older, and we’ve put together a list of some of the best.

Picture Books:

Vote for Me! by Ben Clanton

I Voted: Making a Choice Makes a Difference by Mark Shulman

Vote for Our Future! by Margaret McNamara

Equality’s Call: The Story of Voting Rights in America by Deborah Diesen

Vote! by Eileen Christelow

Nonfiction:

Why Voting Matters by Kip Almasy (also available on hoopla)

Understanding U.S. Elections and the Electoral College by Grace Houser (also available on hoopla)

Other Resources:

School House Rock!: Election Collection on DVD

The PBS website also has a collection of materials that can help teach your child about the election process and issues related to it.

– Cindy, Youth Services Assistant

Beth Weimer2020-10-23T13:29:51-05:00October 23rd, 2020|

#FDL: Witchy Reads

Magic Lessons by Alice Hoffman

In a novel that traces a centuries-old curse to its source, author Alice Hoffman unveils the story of Maria Owens, accused of witchcraft in Salem, and matriarch of a line of the amazing Owens women and men featured in Practical Magic and The Rules of Magic. Where does the story of the Owens bloodline begin? With Maria Owens, in the 1600s, when she’s abandoned in a snowy field in rural England as a baby. Under the care of Hannah Owens, Maria learns about the “Unnamed Arts.” Hannah recognizes that Maria has a gift and she teaches the girl all she knows. It is here that she learns her first important lesson: Always love someone who will love you

A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness

Deep in the stacks of Oxford’s Bodleian Library, young scholar Diana Bishop unwittingly calls up a bewitched alchemical manuscript in the course of her research. Descended from an old and distinguished line of witches, Diana wants nothing to do with sorcery; so after a furtive glance and a few notes, she banishes the book to the stacks. But her discovery sets a fantastical underworld stirring, and a horde of daemons, witches, and vampires soon descends upon the library. Diana has stumbled upon a coveted treasure lost for centuries-and she is the only creature who can break its spell.

Year of the Witching by Alexis Henderson

In the lands of Bethel, where the Prophet’s word is law, Immanuelle Moore’s very existence is blasphemy. Her mother’s union with an outsider of a different race cast her once-proud family into disgrace, so Immanuelle does her best to worship the Father, follow Holy Protocol, and lead a life of submission, devotion, and absolute conformity, like all the other women in the settlement. But a mishap lures her into the forbidden Darkwood surrounding Bethel, where the first prophet once chased and killed four powerful witches. Their spirits are still lurking there, and they bestow a gift on Immanuelle: the journal of her dead mother, who Immanuelle is shocked to learn once sought sanctuary in the wood.

The Bone Witch by Rin Chupeco

Tea can raise the dead, but resurrection comes at a price. When Tea accidentally resurrects her brother from the dead, she learns she is different from the other witches in her family. Her gift for necromancy means that she’s a bone witch, a title that makes her feared and ostracized by her community. But Tea finds solace and guidance with an older, wiser bone witch, who takes Tea and her brother to another land for training. In her new home, Tea puts all her energy into becoming an asha-one who can wield elemental magic. But dark forces are approaching quickly, and in the face of danger, Tea will have to overcome her obstacles and make a powerful choice.

Uprooted by Naomi Novik

Agnieszka loves her valley home, her quiet village, the forests and the bright shining river. But the corrupted Wood stands on the border, full of malevolent power, and its shadow lies over her life. Her people rely on the cold, driven wizard known only as the Dragon to keep its powers at bay. But he demands a terrible price for his help: one young woman handed over to serve him for ten years, a fate almost as terrible as falling to the Wood. But Agnieszka fears the wrong things. For when the Dragon comes, it is not Kasia he will choose.

*Annotations from the publishers

-Post by Susie Rivera, Reference Specialist

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

Susie Rivera2020-10-23T16:50:40-05:00October 23rd, 2020|

100 Club Reading Challenge

Join FDL’s new 100 Club Reading Challenge! 100 Club is a fun way for kids to build their reading habits year-round while earning prizes! Kids in kindergarten through 8th grade can join the club and track their progress on Beanstack. There’s no time limit for completing the challenge, but the goal is to read 100 books before high school! The structure is simple: read 10 books to complete a badge and earn a prize! Each month, a prize winner will be drawn from active readers, and readers who finish all 10 badges will earn a 100 Club completion prize and get to pick a free book to keep.

Learn more about 100 Club at fondulaclibrary.beanstack.org/reader365 or ask a librarian for help and get your young readers involved in this awesome new reading challenge!

Beth Weimer2023-12-22T16:14:17-06:00October 22nd, 2020|

Story Time (Online) – Halloween

Welcome to story time! I’m Miss Sharon, and today we’re celebrating Halloween season! We usually do trick or treating throughout the library after story time, but this year you can pick up your goodie bag when you stop by the Youth Services department or the drive-up window. Let’s start with our opening 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: Christopher Pumpkin

Written by Sue Hendra & Paul Linnet, illustrated by Nick East, and read with the permission of Little, Brown Books for Young Readers.

Song: The Haunted House

(Sing to the tune of Wheels on the Bus)

The ghost in the house goes “Boo! Boo! Boo!”

“Boo! Boo! Boo! Boo! Boo! Boo!”

The ghost in the house goes “Boo! Boo! Boo!”

On Halloween

The steps in the house goes “creek, creek, and creek”

The cats in the house go “meow, meow, and meow”

The mice in the house go “squeak, squeak, and squeak”

The people in the house go “eek, eek, eek”

Book: When The Clock Strikes On Halloween

Written by Lisa Ferland, illustrated by Pei Jen, and read with the permission of Lisa Ferland.

Rhyme: Five Little Pumpkins

Five little pumpkins sitting on a gate. (hold up 5 fingers)
The first one said, “Oh my it’s getting late” (hands on cheeks)
The second one said, “There a chill in the air.” (arms around self)
The third one said, “But we don’t care.” (swing pointer finger)
The fourth one said, “We are ready for some fun!” (hands in air)
The fifth one said, “Let’s run and run and run!”
Then Woooooo went the wind, (make a “wooo” sound)
And OUT went the lights. (clap hands once loudly)
And five little pumpkins rolled out of sight! (roll hands)

Craft: DIY Halloween Mask

Pick up a craft kit in the children’s department or at the drive-up window and decorate your own festive mask for Halloween! (Foam pieces are self-adhesive.)

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!

Join Miss Kris next week for a Fall-themed story time!

– Sharon, Youth Services Specialist

Beth Weimer2020-10-22T11:15:46-05:00October 22nd, 2020|

Take & Make: Spooky Ghost String Art

Halloween is right around the corner, so what better time is there for making a cute, spooky ghost as a String Art craft! Adults and teens can pick up a kit at Fondulac District Library, available in the Adult Services Department or from the drive-up window (while supplies last).

Kit Contents:

Wooden Board (5.5” x 5.5”)

Acrylic Paint (Black)

Foam Paintbrush

Stencil

Painter’s Tape

Nails (31)

Embroidery/Crochet Thread – White & Black

Supplies Needed (At Home):

Scissors

Hammer

Instructions:

Paint the face of your wooden board. Use thin layers – and let each layer dry completely before painting another layer. (If you paint the edges, be careful when painting rough/textured edges – use a dabbing motion, rather than a basic stroke.)
Let the paint dry completely!
Begin taping your stencil to the board. To correctly orient your ghost, pick a flat edge to be the base – as long as it’s flat, the board can stand on its own when displayed. (The rough/textured edges are not always flat enough to stand on their own. If a textured edge ends up as your base, you might need to get a small easel to display it.) Tape all four corners or edges to keep the stencil in place!
Begin hammering in those nails – starting from the center of the design, and working your way to the outside. (Starting from the outside-in will lead to pinched fingers!) Try to keep the nails straight (up and down) and approximately the same height. (If they’re slightly uneven though, that’s okay! They’ll be less noticeable once the string is on the piece – so no worries!)
Check those nails – make sure they’re secure! If any appear loose, just nail them in a little deeper and check again. (You’ll be tearing the paper out from around the nails, so you don’t want them to move around or get pulled out!)
Tear the paper out from around/under the nails. If tiny bits of paper end up stuck to the nails, just carefully remove them with a tweezer (or even an extra nail) – but don’t stress over it! Tiny pieces, even small remnants, won’t be noticeable once you’ve finished the project.
String the Outline: Begin by tying the white thread to an outside nail (along the outline of the ghost), then secure it by double or triple knotting it. Once secure, cut the loose end off and begin stringing the outline. Wrap the outline twice – once by wrapping toward the inside, then (on the second pass) by wrapping towards the outside.
String the Inside Body: Once the outline is done, you can start connecting random nails to color in the body of the ghost – fill to your heart’s content! Avoid outlining the eyes for now, but feel free to connect points between the nails around the eyes, plus the nails around the body.
String the Outline (Again): When you’re happy with the look of your ghost, make sure to finish off the body with another outline. (Repeat #7) Once that’s done, tie off the string with a double or triple knot around a nail on the border. Cut off the excess – but avoid cutting the surrounding, secured threads!
String the Eyes: Switch to black thread. Begin by outlining one of the eyes – follow the steps used for the body: 1) outline, 2) fill-in, then 3) outline (again). Once finished, you’ll tie off and trim the excess thread. Afterwards, follow the same steps for the other eye!
If you’d like to paint the nails around the eyes black, use the acrylic paint that we’ve supplied – let dry (completely) before adding additional layers. Be very careful and avoid painting the white string by accident! (If you paint the string black, you may want to find some white paint to cover the stains – just let the black paint dry before covering it white white!)
You’re finished!! Display your spooky, little ghost wherever you’d like your tiny haunting to reside!

Thanks for following along with our Halloween Take & Make. Stay tuned for more adult and teen geared Take & Makes in the future!

– Katie Smith, Reference Specialist

Beth Weimer2020-10-20T10:44:25-05:00October 19th, 2020|

National Friends of Libraries Week

October 18-24 is National Friends of Libraries Week! This week is a time to celebrate and show appreciation for our Friends of Fondulac District Library, an amazing group of volunteers who dedicate countless hours of their time to support the library. The Friends of FDL maintain our ongoing Book Sale and host the annual BIG Book Sale, support the troops with holiday cards and participate in the Veterans Day Parade, host and make items for the huge Holiday Craft and Bake Sale, volunteer for events like Star Wars Day and the FOLEPI Enchanted Forest, sponsor our summer reading programs and babysitting classes, and more!

FDL is so grateful for their hard work and staff can’t wait to see their smiles in the library again! We’ve missed our Friends dearly this year since most of their events have been cancelled due to COVID-19, but you can still join the group or make a donation to support their endeavors! New members are always welcome, and membership only costs $5 per year. Learn more about our amazing Friends at fondulaclibrary.org/support-fdl/friends/!

Beth Weimer2020-10-19T10:59:33-05:00October 19th, 2020|

Bilingual Story Time (Online) – Feliz Halloween y Dia de los Muertos

Hi, everyone! My name is Miss Haley, and I’m so happy you’re joining me for story time today. This story time will be a bilingual story time, and bilingual means more than one language. So that means today I’ll be reading and singing songs in both English and Spanish.

Today, we’ll be reading books that have to do with Halloween and a similar Mexican holiday called Día de los Muertos, or The Day of the Dead, that is all about celebrating the lives of loved ones who are no longer with us. Our first book today is filled with musical skeletons who will help us learn how to celebrate Dia de los Muertos, and our second book is about Batty Betty, a witch who can’t seem to get her magic spells right.

Now before we get started, let’s get ready for story time by singing our welcome song, called “Buenos dias (Good Morning).” This song has some hand movements that go along with it, and I would love if you would do them along with me. Are you ready? Let’s sing it in English first and then in Spanish.

**Song: “Buenos dias (Good Morning)”**

English Lyrics:

(To the tune of Frère Jacques or Are You Sleeping)

Good morning

How are you?

Very well, thank you

Very well thank you

And you?

Spanish Lyrics:

Buenos dias

¿Como estas?

Muy bien, gracias

¿Y usted?

Credit: Jack Hartmann Kids Music Channel

Book: Clatter Bash! A Day of the Dead Celebration

Written and illustrated by Richard Keep and read with the permission of Peachtree Publishers.

Flannel Board: Five Little Ghosts (Cinco pequeños fantasmas)

Spanish vocabulary used in this activity:

Colors (colores)

White = blanco
Red = rojo
Blue = azul
Green = verde
Orange = naranja
Brown = marrón

Food (comida)

Strawberry = fresa
Blueberry = arándano
Broccoli = brócoli
Orange juice = zumo de naranja
Chocolate chip ice cream = helado de chocolate
Milk = leche

Book: Batty Betty’s Spells (Los hechizos de Chela la Lela)

Written by Hilary Robinson, illustrated by Belinda Worsley, and read with the permission of the author and School Specialty Publishing.

**Take & Make Craft: Climbing Spider Craft (Artesanía araña trepadora)**

Pick up a craft kit at the library, available in the Youth Services Department or from the drive-up window while supplies last.

Supplies needed at home:

Glue stick
Silver or black marker

Included in library kit:

One oval spider body (black construction paper)
Eight spider legs (black construction paper)
Two googly eyes
Cardboard tube with pre-punched holes
White yarn
Two beads

Instructions:

Glue the spider legs to one side of the oval body.
Turn the body over and glue on the googly eyes.
Draw a mouth using a silver or black marker (silver will show up better).
Take the cardboard tube and thread the yarn through both holes on one side of the tube and then back through both holes on the other side.
Thread one end of the yarn through a bead and tie it around the bead with a double knot. You can wet the end of the yarn to help thread it through the bead. Repeat this step with the other end of yarn and the second bead.
Glue your spider onto the cardboard tube.
Hang the spider from the top of the string.
Take one bead in each hand and pull out to the sides (not down) to make the spider climb.

Credit: Twitchetts

Bilingual Literacy Tip:

Encourage play that involves naming, describing, and communicating.

Set up a zoo with all the stuffed animals. Stage a race with the toy cars. Put your toddler in charge and ask lots of questions.

Proponga juegos que incluyan nombrar cosas, describir y comunicar.

Arme un zoológico con todos los animales de peluche. Proponga una carrera con los autos de juguete. Deje que su hijo dirija el juego y haga muchas preguntas.

Credit: Colorín Colorado

More Spanish-English Halloween / Day of the Dead Books:

The Day of the Dead / El Día de los Muertos: A Bilingual Celebration, written and illustrated by Bob Barner and translated by Teresa Mlawer.

Hallo-what? / Marcelina y la noche de Halloween, written and illustrated by Christel Desmoinaux and translated by Elena del Amo.

I Remember Abuelito: A Day of the Dead Story / Yo Recuerdo a Abuelito: Un Cuento del Día de los Muertos, written by Janice Levy, illustrate4d by Loretta Lopez, and translated by Miguel Arisa.

Calavera abecedario: A Day of the Dead Alphabet Book, written and illustrated by Jeanette Winter.

La viejecita que no le tenia miedo a nada / The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything, written by Linda Williams and illustrated by Megan Lloyd.

Announcements:

Our next Spanish and English bilingual story time will take place on Thursday, November 5th. After that, bilingual story times will be held on the first Thursday of each month going forward.

We’re just about done with story time, so thank you all for joining me today. Let’s sing one more song together to say goodbye for now. This one is a call and response song, so when I point to you, repeat after me, okay? Here we go.

Song: Goodbye Song in English and Spanish

English Lyrics:

Goodbye

So long

To you

My friend

Stay well

And fine

Till we meet

Again

Spanish Lyrics:

Adios

A ti

Mi amigo

Cuídate

Muy bien

Nos vemos

Otra vez

Credit: Burlington Specials

– Haley, Youth Services Specialist

Beth Weimer2020-10-15T12:43:53-05:00October 15th, 2020|

Painting with Food: Kool-Aid

Sometimes it’s okay to play with your food… Pick up a Take & Make kit from the library or use your own supplies at home to get creative and explore painting with Kool-Aid! Kits are recommended for kids ages 4+ and are available from Youth Services department or the drive-up window while supplies last.

– Cindy, Youth Services Assistant

Beth Weimer2020-10-14T17:32:03-05:00October 14th, 2020|