genna - Fondulac District Library | East Peoria, IL

Fall Newsletter Available

The latest issue of Community Connection, Fondulac District Library’s quarterly newsletter, is now available! It is mailed to residences within the library district and also is available for download and printing from our website. Printed copies can also be picked up at the library.

Whether you are into history, writing, gaming, music, science, movies, or crafts, we’ve got something planned for everyone at the library this fall! Please take a moment to review the newsletter and mark your calendars with the great lineup of programs happening at Fondulac District Library through December. Enjoy!

Download (PDF, 2.12MB)

genna2015-09-28T10:01:14-05:00September 28th, 2015|

FDL Reads: Furiously Happy

Furiously Happy by Jenny Lawson

Reviewed by: Genna Buhr, Director

Genre: Non-fiction, Biography

Suggested Age: Adults

What is the book about?: Jenny Lawson, a.k.a. The Bloggess, writes vignettes about her life with depression, anxiety, and other ailments. She takes us on adventures near and far with odd stories from her life and shares the ways she has learned to live furiously happy despite the dark depths mental illness can bring. Tackling a wide array of topics, expect to learn more about -among countless other things of varied seriousness – a Japanese toilets, anti-psychotic drugs, taxidermy, and clinical depression.

My Review: Mental illness isn’t a subject about which people can usually laugh – in good conscience, anyway. And, I agree, it’s absolutely not a joke. However, I thought this book was an incredible, much needed, inside look from someone who is not only coping with mental illness, but recognizing that she can rock her life with it. I couldn’t make it through this book without a lot of loud snortles – most of which probably woke my husband up as I continued reading this WAY past my bedtime. And I’m a tired girl; it was that hard to put down. I felt like I was having one of those late-night, half-serious/half-hilarious conversations you had with your college roommate, the ones you had after you both had put the books and computers away for the night, and you both learned more about each other and yourselves.

Heads up: If talk about sex, anatomy, dead animals, or curse words make you uncomfortable while reading, be prepared to leave your comfort zone. You may also become obsessed with Rory, the cute raccoon on the cover. I can’t look at him on there without saying “fur-iously happy” in my head. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.

Rating: 5/5

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!

genna2015-09-24T09:13:35-05:00September 24th, 2015|

We’re hiring!

We're hiring! Love the library? Why not work here?!

Fondulac District Library is currently seeking enthusiastic, tech savvy, and fun qualified applicants for a Desk Assistant position.

Please see the Library Job Openings page for information about the position, job description, qualifications, and more.

genna2015-09-16T17:23:53-05:00September 16th, 2015|

New Director Announced

The Board of Trustees of Fondulac District Library announces that it has selected Genna Buhr as the new Library Director.

Buhr joined Fondulac District Library in 2010 as Public Services Manager and has served as Interim Co-Director since June of this year. Buhr will serve as Director, effective immediately.

Colleen Cole, Board President, noted “Ms. Buhr has the overwhelming support of the Board of Trustees, the community, and the library staff. Under her leadership, the trustees are excited to begin a new era in the remarkable history of Fondulac District Library.”

Ms. Buhr’s previous experience includes providing support and consultation in areas related to administration, resources, and technology to more than 250 central Illinois libraries while at Alliance Library System and six years in the for-profit sectors of corporate industry, advertising, and media. Ms. Buhr is a graduate of Illinois Wesleyan University and received a Master’s Degree in Library and Information Science from San José State University. She is an active member of the Illinois Library Association and the East Peoria Kiwanis.

genna2015-09-14T13:40:52-05:00September 14th, 2015|

Library Now Lending Preloaded Tablets for Kids

Fondulac District Library announces that Playaway Launchpad tablets are now available for checkout. Launchpads are designed for children and are preloaded with high quality, ad-free apps that are both fun and educational. Apps are grouped onto the tablets by subject area, theme, grade level, and age, making it easy for parents and kids to choose a tablet with the content most appealing and appropriate to them.

The tablets provide hours of interactive learning and play without the risk of exposure to unintended content or the need for a network connection or downloading. The library’s Launchpad collection spans subject areas from math and science to critical thinking and creativity and features themed learning packs including animals, vehicles, languages, and more.

A custom designed user interface gives children the opportunity to make every Launchpad experience their own by creating a personal avatar. An informational console gives parents feedback about the time their children spent on the tablet. Launchpads are powered by an Android operating system and feature a 7-inch high definition touch screen, external speaker, universal audio jack, and a durable protective bumper. Launchpads are secure and do not have wi-fi access or a camera.

For more information about borrowing a Launchpad, please visit Fondulac District Library, visit the Launchpad page on the library’s website, or call (309) 699-3917.

genna2015-09-03T09:05:43-05:00September 3rd, 2015|

Fun Fair on 8/1

Fondulac District Library announces its first-ever Fun Fair, which celebrates the end of its popular “Read to the Rhythm” summer reading program with a day of live music, activities, food, and fun. The free, all-ages community event will be held from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, August 1, 2015, outside at Fondulac District Library in East Peoria, Illinois. The event is open to all. (Participation in the summer reading program is not required in order to attend.)

Entertainment and activities will run throughout the day and include performances from The Boogers, a highly-acclaimed children’s punk rock band, and SideTracked, a local musical group that plays a “smooth mix of jazz, pop, and soul.” Library staff will be on hand with kids’ crafts, as well as hands-on technology-based music activities.

Playing two sets – the first at 11:30 a.m. and the second at 1:30 p.m., Chicago-based The Boogers make developmentally-appropriate rock music for kids and their families to enjoy together. About.com music expert Warren Truitt notes, “The Boogers bring a breath of fresh air to the kids music scene.” Monte Melnick, author and Ramones Tour Manager, says “If the Ramones had ever decided to make a children’s CD, this is what it would have sounded like. There will be no stoppin’ the kiddies from hoppin’ after listen to this music.” The group has played venues across the nation and have won praise and awards in both the music and parenting industries.

A favorite at events and establishments in central Illinois, SideTracked is a Peoria-based band that plays an eclectic mix of jazz, pop and soul. The group will play for two hours starting at 3 p.m.

Concessions will be available for purchase from local service organizations. The Kiwanis Club of East Peoria will offer a pork chop and hot dog cookout from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. All proceeds from the cookout will benefit the all-accessible playground at East Peoria’s Neumann Park. The Friends of Fondulac District Library also will have a popcorn stand from 1 to 4 p.m., with proceeds supporting library programs, services, facilities, and collections.

As the event will held outside, attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and picnic blankets for a day of fun in the sun. (Entertainment and activities will be moved indoors in event of inclement weather.)

For more information about this special event, visit the Fun Fair webpage or call (309) 699-3917.

genna2015-07-08T18:16:43-05:00July 8th, 2015|

Attn: local organizations

Library staff is planning an outdoor “Summer Reading Finale Fun Fair” for all ages to take place Saturday, August 1, from 11 am to 5 pm and is seeking East Peoria non-profit organizations to sell concessions. This is a community event open to anyone that celebrates music, the library, and the readers of all ages who have completed our summer reading program. Organizations must provide the items to sell, any setup (table, tent, etc.), and any permits needed and get to keep all profits. We still have some spots available. If your organization is interested, please contact Genna Buhr at genna@fondulaclibrary.org or 309-699-3917 x2181.

genna2015-06-15T15:40:44-05:00June 15th, 2015|

BIG Book Sale Coming Soon

The Friends of Fondulac District Library sponsors its annual BIG Book Sale June 11 through 13, 2015, at Fondulac District Library at 400 Richland Street in East Peoria. Hardback and paperback books, as well as other media, for all ages and in excellent condition, will be sold at a reasonable prices.

A Preview Night for members will be held Thursday, June 11, 2015, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Anyone can attend the Preview Night by purchasing a membership for $5 at the door. New members will also receive a free book with the purchase of a membership.

The sale is open to the public Friday, June 12, 2015, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday, June 13, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Shoppers can enter a drawing each day for a door prize, and buyers purchasing ten books will receive one additional book of equal or lesser value for free.

After the BIG Book Sale, remaining paperback books are mailed to military facilities to support the U.S. Armed Forces and families using the non-for-profit organization Operation Paperback.

The Friends group also maintains an ongoing book sale at the library. The ongoing sale is open during all library hours. The Friends accepts donations of books, movies, and music at the library at any time.

Please contact the library at 699-3917 to learn more about this organization, the Big Book Sale, or to donate items.

genna2015-06-01T12:02:49-05:00June 1st, 2015|

ABCMouse Now Available at FDL

Fondulac District Library is excited to announce ABCmouse.com is now FREE for all library visitors on the library’s computers.

The award-winning ABCmouse.com curriculum is designed to help young children (ages 2-6+) build a strong foundation for future academic success. ABCmouse.com is 100% educational, with 3,500+ learning activities across all major subject areas—reading, math, science, social studies, art, and music. Best of all, kids love it. And it’s free to use at Fondulac District Library!

Any of our staff members will be pleased to show you and your little one how to get started with free access to ABCMouse.com on the library’s computers.

genna2015-05-28T12:08:57-05:00May 28th, 2015|

Musicians wanted!

Musically-inclined or know someone who is? The 2015 summer reading theme is “Read to the Rhythm,” and library staff is planning a “Summer Reading Finale Fun Fair” for all ages (Saturday, August 1, 11 am–5 pm) and wants to include live music. We are currently seeking bands/musicians that teens and adults could enjoy in the afternoon. (Don’t worry, kids! We’ve got you covered in the morning!) If interested, please contact genna@fondulaclibrary.org directly with your information, type of music, fees (if any), setup requirements, etc.

genna2015-04-27T15:43:23-05:00April 27th, 2015|

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