Beth Weimer - Fondulac District Library | East Peoria, IL

Unicorn Books Feed the Imagination

Imaginations are a beautiful thing! That imagination flourishes when a child reads a book that flies in the face of reality. Books about unicorns help to fuel that imagination. Unicorns are magical, mystical, one-horned, fairy tales in horses’ bodies. Most children are unaware of the myths surrounding unicorns. They don’t care. All they know is that magnificent, rainbow glittered horses are enchantingly beautiful.

Check out the following books available at the library!

Picture Books

How to Catch a Unicorn by Adam Wallace

Lily the Unicorn by Dallas Clayton

Thelma the Unicorn by Aaron Bladney

A Unicorn Named Sparkle by Amy Young

Unicorn Thinks He’s Really Great by Bob Shea

Unicorns 101 by Cale Atkinsons

Unicorns Are the Worst! by Alex Willan

EZ Readers

Are Unicorns Real? by Ginjer Clarke

Pearl the Proper Unicorn by Sally Odgers

Pete the Kitty and the Unicorn’s Missing Colors by Kim Dean

Unicorn Wings by Mallory Loehr

Uni the Unicorn by Lissy Marlin

EZ Chapter Books

Princess DisGrace, a Royal Disaster by Lou Kuenzler

Sparkleton by Calliope Glass (series)

Unicorn Diaries by Rebecca Elliot (series)

Unicorn Riding Camp by Sophie Tilley

Unicorn University by Daisy Sunshine (series)

Fiction

Even and Odd by Sarah Beth Durst

Unicorn Chronicles by Bruce Coville (series)

Waiting for Unicorns by Beth Hautala

Graphic Novels

Grumpy Unicorn by Joey Spiotto

Phoebe and Her Unicorn by Dana Simpson (series)

Unicorns by Gary Jeffrey

Nonfiction

Unicorns: Magic, Myth and Mystery by Virginia Loh-Hagan

Unicorns by Dana Meachen Rau

The Truth about Unicorns by Molly Blaisdell

Drawing Unicorns and Other Mythical Beasts by Steve Beaumont

– Sharon Crawford, Youth Services Specialist

Beth Weimer2022-01-21T16:39:12-06:00January 21st, 2022|

Switch to Libby!

Have you made the switch to Libby yet? If you’ve been using the OverDrive app to borrow eBooks and audiobooks, you’ll want to download the Libby app soon! Both library apps access the same collection of great eBooks and audiobooks, but Alliance Digital Media Library (ADML) will begin phasing out the OverDrive app in February 2022, making Libby the primary way for users to enjoy the ADML collection. Users can still browse, borrow, and enjoy titles from the library’s OverDrive website and enjoy that content on their devices with Libby.

Reasons you’ll love Libby:

Easy onboarding for new users
A unified bookshelf for all loans and holds
Support for multiple library cards
Direct user support from OverDrive
Best-in-class eBook reader and audiobook player
Improved accessibility features
Wish list syncing
Push notifications
Support for multiple world languages
Access to “Extras,” including streaming video services, educational courses, and more
Sonos speaker integration
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support

Getting started with Libby is easy. Just download the free app from your app store and sign in with your FDL card to start exploring. Ask a librarian for help if needed. And of course, even more digital content is available through the Axis 360 and hoopla apps and collections.

Beth Weimer2022-01-20T17:07:47-06:00January 20th, 2022|

FDL Reading Challenges

Are you in a reading slump, or just love a challenge? Reading challenges can be a great motivator to establish better reading habits and reach your reading goals. Participating in a reading program is an easy way to read more or explore different genres of books while earning fun prizes, and FDL has challenges for all ages throughout the year! Readers can register and track their reading with Beanstack (online or with the free app), or register at the library. Get started by registering or ask a librarian for more info!

Adult Winter Reading Program

Choose Your Gnome Adventure!
Happening now! January 3 – February 28, 2022
Ages 18+

1000 Books Before Kindergarten

Connect with your child, develop their vocabulary, & establish good reading habits!
Self-paced & year-round
Infancy – PreK

100 Club

Explore different kinds of genres
Self-paced & year-round
Kindergarten – 8th grade

Summer Reading Program

June – July (new themes every year!)
Programs for all ages
PreK – Adult

Beth Weimer2022-01-12T16:09:00-06:00January 12th, 2022|

AARP Tax Preparation Assistance

AARP Tax Assistance at FDL

Free tax assistance will be provided through volunteers with the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Program for qualifying individuals for the 2021 tax season. Phone registration begins Saturday, January 15. Call 309-697-3917 on January 15 to schedule an appointment or check eligibility. COVID-19 safety precautions will be followed during appointments. Appointments will be scheduled for Friday mornings February 4 – April 15.

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Online Tax Assistance

Toll-free Nationwide: 888-OUR-AARP (888-687-2277)

2021 federal and state tax forms are not yet available at the library, but supplies will be announced as we receive them.

Beth Weimer2022-01-04T11:47:49-06:00January 4th, 2022|

Adult Winter Reading Program – Choose Your Gnome Adventure!

Every time you open a book, you embark on a new adventure, and we think reading is the best way to brighten up the long winter season! So choose your own adventures this winter by curling up with some new books and signing up for FDL’s Winter Reading Program! Patrons age 18 and older are invited to read/listen to 4 books (or 3 books & 5 magazines) checked out from Fondulac District Library (or attend a library program) January 3 through February 28 to enter the prize drawing. Pick up a reading log from the library or register and track your progress with the Beanstack app or online at fondulaclibrary.beanstack.org. Enjoy your reading journey, even if the destination is ungnome!

Printable Reading Log: Adult Winter Reading Program 2022

Beth Weimer2022-01-03T12:03:43-06:00January 3rd, 2022|

The Wide World of Ability

Every kid has hopes and dreams, and every kid achieves those dreams differently from each other. Everyone has different abilities, and no two people are exactly alike! Here are a variety of books where kids make friends, experience new things, and work hard to achieve their goals. Some of these kids are blind, or have Autism, or need sensory accommodations for noisy places. Try out some of these books and explore how you’re similar and different! (Some books are also available from our digital collections.)

Early Readers

Can Bears Ski? by Raymond Antrobus

Out Into the Big Wide Lake by Paul Harbirdge (Axis 360)

Lucas at the Paralympics and Lucas Makes a Comeback by Igor Plohl

Hello Goodbye Dog by Maria Gianferrari

My Three Best Friends and Me, Zulay by Vanessa Brantley-Newton

This Beach is Loud! By Samantha Cotterill

The Black Book of Colors by Menena Cottin

Older Readers

El Deafo by Cece Bell (Axis 360, Overdrive)

A Boy Called Bat by Elana Arnold (Axis 360)

Wink: A Novel by Rob Harrell (OverDrive)

Get a Grip, Vivy Cohen! By Sarah Kapit

The Chance to Fly by Ali Stroker (Axis 360)

The Many Mysteries of the Finkel Family by Sarah Kapit (Axis 360)

Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus by Dusti Bowling (Axis 360, Overdrive)

True Stories

Unbound: The Life and Art of Judith Scott by Joyce Scott (Axis 360)

Fauja Singh Keeps Going by Simran Jeet Singh

Dark was the Night by Gary Golio

Emmanuel’s Dream: The True Story of Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah by Laurie Ann Thompson (Axis 360)

Rescue and Jessica: A Life-Changing Friendship by Jessica Kensky (Overdrive)

Brayden Speaks Up by Brayden Harrington

The Girl Who Thought in Pictures: The Story of Dr. Temple Grandin by Julia Finley Mosca

General Books about Inclusion

Lovely by Jess Hong

Bodies are Cool by Tyler Feder

Just Ask!: Be Different, Be Brave, Be You by Sonia Sotomayor (Axis 360, Overdrive)

Don’t Hug Doug (He Doesn’t Like It) by Carrie Finison (Axis 360)

– Alice Mitchell, Youth Services Manager

Beth Weimer2021-12-28T13:13:23-06:00December 28th, 2021|

Children & Art

If you asked your child what they think art is, what would they say? Would they think of coloring or making things out of paper? If you would like to introduce your child to art, we have books about artists, art history, and many books on fun ways to create art. Some of the Playaway Launchpads even involve art activities! And you don’t even have to leave home; many art museums provide virtual tours and activities now. Explore more or place a hold using the links below.

Creating Art:

Amazing Animal Art by Emily Kington

Scrap Paper Art by Susie Brooks

Art Foam Fun by Hélène Leroux-Hugon

Ralph Masiello’s Bug Drawing Book by Ralph Masiello

Christmas and Hanukkah Origami by Ruth Owen

by Jackie Laredo, Youth Services Assistant

Beth Weimer2021-12-03T15:40:07-06:00December 3rd, 2021|

Bridge to Careers Partnership with ICC

Fondulac District Library is excited to partner with Illinois Central College to host the Bridge to Careers program starting in January 2022 to provide adults with high school equivalency preparation and GED testing, as well as career education and workforce preparation.

Bridge to Careers at FDL will provide participants with free GED materials, guided preparation, and testing for eligible students. Led by ICC instructors, the program will also provide one-on-one transition services training to build crucial skills to become job-ready. Library staff will assist participants with job searching, resume writing, online applications, and career resources to further develop their workforce readiness.

“Partnering with the ICC Adult Education Program allows the library to connect participants to services that can help change their employment prospects,” said Genna Buhr, director of Fondulac District Library. “Bridge to Careers at FDL gives area residents an opportunity to position themselves to develop their long-term earning potential and pursue wider options in the future.”

Phone-in registration begins January 4, 2022, at 9 a.m., with classes starting January 19.^.Classes will be held at the library, meeting in the evenings for 3-hour sessions twice a week through May. Interested individuals should call (309) 694-5240 to register or for more information.

Funding for this grant was awarded by the Illinois State Library, a Department of the Office of the Secretary of State, using funds provided by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services, under the provisions of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA).

Beth Weimer2021-11-29T15:59:13-06:00November 29th, 2021|

Native American Heritage Month

November is designated as National Native American Heritage Month to pay tribute to the rich ancestry and traditions of Native Americans. It’s important to recognize the significant contributions the first Americans made to the establishment and growth of the U.S., and to celebrate the value of their diverse people, traditions, and culture. One way to celebrate Native voices is to read some of the brilliant authors that have new books published this year.

Ancestor Approved by Cynthia Leitich Smith

An Afro-Indigenous History of the United States by Kyle T. Mays

Dog Flowers by Danielle Geller

The Sentence by Louise Erdrich

Firekeeper’s Daughter by Angeline Boulley

Girlhood by Melissa Febos

My Heart is a Chainsaw by Stephen Graham Jones

Notable Native People by Adrienne Keene

Rites by Savannah Johnston

Poet Warrior by Joy Harjo

The Seed Keeper by Diane Wilson

We Are Still Here by Traci Sorell

We Had a Little Real Estate Problem by Kliph Nesteroff

When Two Feathers Fell from the Sky by Margaret Verble

White Magic by Elissa Washuta

Beth Weimer2021-11-24T14:17:46-06:00November 24th, 2021|

Tales from Around the World

Folktales are stories or myths, often with a lesson or message, that are passed on from generation to generation through storytelling. Children can learn about different cultures and traditions through folktales. Here are a few of the great folktales you can find at FDL:

The Magic Orange Tree and Other Haitian Folktales by Diane Wolkstein

A collection of folktales gathered by the author in Haiti with comments on Haitian folklore. From orange trees growing at the command of a child to talking fish, these stories present us with a world of wonder, delight, and mystery.

The Gigantic Turnip by Aleksey Nikolayevich Tolstoy

In this traditional Russian tale, a farmer grows a turnip so big that it takes the combined efforts of him, his wife, six canaries, five geese, four hens, three cats, two pigs, one cow, and, finally, one mouse to pull it from the ground.

The Empty Pot by Demi

When Ping admits that he is the only child in China unable to grow a flower from the seeds distributed by the Emperor, he is rewarded for his honesty.

Coyote Rides the Sun: A Native American Folktale by Amanda St. John

A Native American tale of how the dusty coyote got its coloring, especially its black-tipped tail, and why the coyote is nocturnal.

Once a Mouse by Marcia Brown

When a small mouse’s life is threatened by large jungle predators, a kindly hermit uses magic to change him into a cat, a dog, and a majestic tiger. But the proud tiger must suffer the consequences when he becomes ungrateful and forgets his humble origins.

The Lion Book of Wisdom Stories by David Self

This collection includes fifteen traditional stories drawn from a variety of cultures from all across the globe. Each tale focuses on a different key issue – among them sharing resources, the downfalls of pride, and the nature of true wealth – and offers insight on how they can best be resolved.

– Jackie Laredo, Youth Services Assistant

Beth Weimer2021-11-22T15:49:05-06:00November 22nd, 2021|