For Adults - Fondulac District Library | East Peoria, IL

Latinx Heritage Month

Latinx Heritage Month is celebrated nationwide September 15 – October 15 as a way to honor the histories, cultures, and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. One of the best ways to learn more about the rich diversity of the Latinx community by reading books by Latinx authors and about Latinx leaders, history, and culture. Explore our collection, try making some authentic recipes, or brush up on your Spanish skills with the Mango app or our growing collection of Spanish language titles. ¡Hay mucho que celebrar!

Fiction:

Afterlife by Julia Alvarez

Cantoras by Carolina De Robertis

The Book of Lost Saints by Daniel Jose Older

Drown by Junot Diaz

The Grief Keeper by Alexandra Villasante

The House of the Spirits by Isabel Allende

Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez

The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo

Sabrina & Corina by Kali Fajardo-Anstine

Sanctuary by Paola Mendoza and Abby Sher

The Shape of the Ruins by Juan Gabriel Vasquez

We Set the Dark on Fire by Tehlor Kay Mejia

When We Left Cuba by Chanel Cleeton

Nonfiction:

AOC by Lynda Lopez

An African American and Latinx History of the United States by Paul Ortiz

The Crusades of Cesar Chavez by Miriam Pawel

Gran Cocina Latina: The Food of Latin America by Maricel Presilla

Guillermo Del Toro’s Cabinet of Curiosities by Guillermo Del Toro

A House of My Own by Sandra Cisneros

My Beloved World by Sonia Sotomayor

Trejo’s Tacos: Recipes and Stories from L.A. by Danny Trejo

Tu Casa Mi Casa: Mexican Recipes for the Home Cook by Enrique Olvera

The Undocumented Americans by Karla Cornejo Villavicencio

Beth Weimer2020-09-15T16:56:16-05:00September 15th, 2020|

FDL Reads: Foundryside

Foundryside by Robert Jackson Bennett

Reviewed By: Katie Smith, Reference Specialist

Genre: Fantasy

Suggested Age: Adults

What is This Book About? Sancia Grado is a masterful thief, tasked with a high-stake mission – one that’ll push her magical abilities to their limit, in order to bust open an uncrackable safe – all to get her hands on a small box with undisclosed contents. Her patron also wishes to remain anonymous, but the reward seems worth it. At least, until Sancia opens the box and finds herself politically entangled with the powerful Merchant Houses …

In the world of Tevanne, the Merchant Houses jealously guard the knowledge of how to inscribe objects with “scrivings” – a magical language that can bend the laws of nature – which allows them to solely amass political influence and economic supremacy. Inside that small, unassuming box that Sancia carries is a well-guarded secret that will redefine the rules of magic, which is why the Merchant Houses will do anything to possess it. Once their lackies are unleashed – equipped with powerful magical weapons of their own – Sancia must go into hiding. But along the way, she’ll have to team up with some unconventional allies in order to survive!

My Review: This series is fantastic! Fans of Brandon Sanderson and Scott Lynch will appreciate the climatic worldbuilding that Robert J. Bennett skillfully employs. Plus, Foundryside is cleverly constructed, filled with quirky, memorable characters and plenty of cinematic flare. The stakes get incredibly high – and even at the end, there’s so much yet to be revealed! I would suggest this to anyone who enjoys reading epic fantasy in an urban setting, high-stake heists, and well-timed levity to balance out a dark, gritty story.

(Note: The beginning is a little slow – since it’s one long heist scene – but once I got past that section, I couldn’t put the book down!)

Three Words That Describe This Book: Heists, Teamwork, Suspense

Give This a Try if You Like … Mistborn: The Final Empire by Brandon Sanderson, Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo, and Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch

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 Rivera2020-09-12T10:18:37-05:00September 12th, 2020|

Picnic Time at FDL!

There’s still time to enjoy the outdoors, explore local parks, and level-up your picnic style this fall! These recipes, stories, yard games, and more will inspire new family fun for all ages. Place a hold online or discover more at FDL.

– Laura, Adult Services Manager

Beth Weimer2020-09-11T11:49:42-05:00September 11th, 2020|

#FDL: Book Giveaway!

Enter your name below to win these books with buzz!

Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You by Jason Reynolds, Ibram X. Kendi

The construct of race has always been used to gain and keep power, to create dynamics that separate and silence. This reimagining of Dr. Ibram X. Kendi’s National Book Award-winning Stamped from the Beginning reveals the history of racist ideas in America, and inspires hope for an antiracist future. It takes you on a race journey from then to now, shows you why we feel how we feel, and why the poison of racism lingers. It also proves that while racist ideas have always been easy to fabricate and distribute, they can also be discredited.

One to Watch by Kate Stayman-London

Bea Schumacher is a devastatingly stylish plus-size fashion blogger who has amazing friends, a devoted family, legions of Insta followers–and a massively broken heart. Like the rest of America, Bea indulges in her weekly obsession: the hit reality show Main Squeeze. The fantasy dates! The kiss-off rejections! The surprising amount of guys named Chad! But Bea is sick and tired of the lack of body diversity on the show. Since when is being a size zero a prerequisite for getting engaged on television? Just when Bea has sworn off dating altogether, she gets an intriguing call: Main Squeeze wants her to be its next star, surrounded by men vying for her affections.

The Guest List by Lucy Foley

On an island off the coast of Ireland, guests gather to celebrate two people joining their lives together as one. The groom: handsome and charming, a rising television star. The bride: smart and ambitious, a magazine publisher. It’s a wedding for a magazine, or for a celebrity: the designer dress, the remote location, the luxe party favors, the boutique whiskey. The cell phone service may be spotty and the waves may be rough, but every detail has been expertly planned and will be expertly executed. But perfection is for plans, and people are all too human. As the champagne is popped and the festivities begin, resentments and petty jealousies begin to mingle with the reminiscences and well wishes. The groomsmen begin the drinking game from their school days. The bridesmaid not-so-accidentally ruins her dress. The bride’s oldest (male) friend gives an uncomfortably caring toast. And then someone turns up dead. Who didn’t wish the happy couple well? And perhaps more important, why?

The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett

The Vignes twin sisters will always be identical. But after growing up together in a small, southern black community and running away at age sixteen, it’s not just the shape of their daily lives that is different as adults, it’s everything: their families, their communities, their racial identities. Ten years later, one sister lives with her black daughter in the same southern town she once tried to escape. The other secretly passes for white, and her white husband knows nothing of her past. Still, even separated by so many miles and just as many lies, the fates of the twins remain intertwined. What will happen to the next generation, when their own daughters’ storylines intersect?

*Annotations provided by each publisher

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

Susie Rivera2020-09-11T10:37:07-05:00September 10th, 2020|

FDL Reads: Peace Talks

Peace Talks by Jim Butcher

Reviewed by: Melissa Friedlund, Reference Assistant

Genre: Fantasy

Suggested Age: Adult

What is This Book About? In the long-awaited 16th novel of the Dresden Files series by Jim Butcher, Harry Dresden is once again dealing with more than his share of challenges. Delegations of several supernatural “nations” are gathering in Chicago for peace talks. Harry’s place on the wizards’ White Council is in jeopardy. Throw in the unveiling of new (or more accurately, “ancient”) being who may be more powerful that Queen Mab, and it’s business as usual for the never-idle Harry Dresden. But when a head-of-state is nearly assassinated, Harry is caught between a rock and a hard place. Can he save his brother from a summary execution without triggering an all-out war?

My Review: I listened to the audiobook version and thoroughly enjoyed it. It helps that I am a big fan of the Dresden Files and have listened and re-listened to each book multiple times over the last several years. In this next installment of Harry’s adventures, we see how his relationships with daughter, Maggie, and girlfriend, Karrin, are moving forward. At the same time, he is juggling his potentially conflicting roles as the Winter Knight and member of the White Council. This book has what I would call “Easter eggs” scattered throughout where Harry is reacquainted with or reminded of numerous characters and events from nearly all of the past books and short stories. If you want to recognize these, you may want to revisit the earlier novels or the short story collections before diving into this book. When you get to the end, it is clear that the story is not over. It’s a good thing book #17 is due out in late September!

Three Words That Describe This Book: Non-stop, Jam-packed, Unfolding

Give This a Try if You Like… Any Dresden Files novel by Jim Butcher, White Sand by Brandon Sanderson, Magic Bites by Ilona Andrews

Rating: 4.5/5

Find it at the library!

Susie Rivera2020-09-02T15:58:12-05:00September 2nd, 2020|

FDL is Officially Fine Free!

September is national Library Card Sign-Up Month, and FDL is excited to celebrate by announcing we are now officially FINE FREE! The Board of Trustees has revised library policies to stop the assessment of overdue fines for items checked out at FDL and approved clearing all outstanding overdue fines on items checked out at FDL from patron accounts, effective September 1, 2020.

We’re making these changes to provide the community with more equitable access to library materials and services. Studies have shown that fines do not motivate borrowers to return items on time and actually make people less likely to visit or return to the library. Eliminating fines as a financial barrier will expand access, services, and benefits to the FDL community.

However, “no more fines” doesn’t mean “no responsibility!” Patrons are still expected to adhere to loan periods and return or renew items on or before the due date, and patrons will still be responsible for the repair, replacement, or collection fees for lost or damaged items. Please visit our Fine Free FAQ page for more details about these new policies.

Clearing existing fines applies to anything checked out at FDL no matter where the item is from, where the patron’s library card is from, or where the item is returned. Patrons are still responsible for fines due to other libraries.

Additionally, renewing or signing up for a library card in September will earn patrons an entry into a prize drawing for an Amazon Fire HD8 tablet! District residents can sign up for a card at the Circulation Desk or online. Cards can be renewed at the Circulation Desk or the drive-up window.

FDL celebrates Library Card Sign-Up Month with the American Library Association and libraries nationwide to remind parents, caregivers, and students that signing up for a library card is the first step on the path to academic achievement and lifelong learning. There’s nothing more empowering than using your library card to access books, technology, resources, and educational programs — tools and opportunities for people of all ages to pursue their dreams and passions.

Beth Weimer2020-09-01T10:03:51-05:00September 1st, 2020|

Make & Take: Coffee Filter Flowers

These cheery flowers are a fun and simple way to brighten someones day or add to your home or party decor. Get creative and pick up a craft kit from the Adult Services Department or from the drive-up window while supplies last! (Suitable for ages 13+)

Supplies

Included in Kit:

2 colors of paint
1 sponge brush
10 coffee filters
4 green pipe cleaners

You will need to provide scissors, paper or surface to paint on, and a small piece of tape.

Instructions:

Fold the coffee filter in half. Cut slits from the edge to towards the middle on the folds of the coffee filter. Repeat this step all the way around the filter.
Round off the edges of the slits you cut previously. You can shape these however you like to change the aesthetic of your flowers.
Lay a piece of paper out to lay the coffee filter out on so the surface below it doesn’t get paint on it, then paint the coffee filters however you like. You can use water to thin some of the paint to achieve the aesthetic of the color fading. You can also paint one side or both sides of the coffee filter. Let the paint dry.
Once the paint is dry you may stack as many of the filters as you like. The more filters you use, the fuller your flower will appear. Gather the middle of the filter and twist it together. Place a small piece of clear tape at the base to hold the filters in the flower shape.
Wrap the green pipe cleaner around the clear tape, and then the rest of the pipe cleaner becomes the stem. I put these in a small plastic cup, but you can arrange and display them however you like.

– Laura, Adult Services Manager

Beth Weimer2020-08-31T11:53:05-05:00August 31st, 2020|

Back to School Resources

Library cards are the first step on the path to academic achievement and lifelong learning, and every student should have one! The school year is going to be very different this year, but regardless if your classes are taking place in-person or online, the library still has resources available to help students reach their goals. Librarians can help with research or finding materials (even through online chat), and our online databases can help with language, reading, math, testing, news and journal articles, sociology and geography, and even life skills. Computers and study rooms are currently available by reservation for brief periods. The library also has a variety of homeschooling resources for families who are trying that route. And don’t forget Mango, our free, award-winning language learning app! Stay tuned for updates as we hope to announce the availability of more services and programs throughout the school year!

Beth Weimer2020-08-24T15:59:22-05:00August 24th, 2020|

Beginner Dutch Oven Outdoor Cooking

Cast iron Dutch Ovens have been used in America since the 18^th century. Some avid campers feel Dutch Ovens are an essential tool for outdoor cooking. From enchiladas to apple pie, the versatility of the Dutch Oven means it can be used for a variety of recipes. Below is a recipe for an easy corn casserole to try on your next camping trip. Scout Master Jason Friedlund from BSA Troop 206 in Washington, IL, demonstrates how to make this casserole in this video tutorial.

Dutch Oven Corn Casserole

Supplies

12” Cast Iron Dutch Oven
Lid Lifter (alternatively a Fireplace Glove can be used)
16” pizza pan
Charcoal Chimney Starter
Paper Tinder
Charcoal Briquettes
Lighter
Long-handled Tongs
Large Plastic Mixing Spoon
Can Opener

Ingredients

1 TBSP vegetable oil
2 – 8.5 oz boxes Jiffy brand cornbread mix
2 – 14.75 oz cans creamed corn
2 – 15.25 oz cans whole kernel corn, drained
1 – 4.5 oz can diced green chiles
2 large eggs
2 cups (8 oz) grated cheddar cheese, divided
1/4 cup butter (1/2 stick), melted or cut into small chunks

Instructions

Using a chimney starter filled with charcoal briquettes and paper tinder, light the paper on fire. Let the briquettes heat for 20 minutes while you mix the casserole ingredients.
Grease the inside of your cast iron Dutch Oven and the underside of the lid with the vegetable oil.
In the Dutch Oven, mix together all ingredients except for 1/2 of the cheese. Using a large plastic mixing spoon, stir to combine well. Place the lid on.
Put 16 of the hot charcoal briquettes on the top of the Dutch Oven. Put 7-8 hot briquettes in a circle on a 16” pizza pan and place the Dutch Oven over the top of them.
Cook for 1 hour, rotating the Dutch Oven base 90^o (clockwise) and the lid 90^o (counter-clockwise) every 15 minutes. A lid lifter or fireplace glove comes in handy for this portion. In the last 15 minutes, add the remaining 1/2 of the cheese to the top of the casserole and put the lid back on. Remove the lid and the pot from the heat and enjoy.

Cleaning & Care of a Cast Iron Dutch Oven

After each use, it’s important to properly clean cast iron Dutch Ovens and prepare them for storage to prevent rust.

Tools

Plastic scraper
Scrubbing sponge OR stainless steel chain mail cast iron cleaning tool

NEVER USE dish soap on cast iron!

Instructions

Using a plastic scraper, remove as much solid, baked-on debris as possible.
Remove solid bits and fill the Dutch Oven about halfway with hot water.
Using a non-metallic scrubbing sponge or a stainless steel chain mail cast iron cleaning tool, remove the rest of the solid debris completely.
Empty the Dutch Oven. Dry with a towel and brush off any ash from the exterior.
Spread a light coating of vegetable oil over all interior and exterior surfaces to prevent rusting.
The lid can be cleaned using the same steps.
Before placing the lid on top of the oven, place a couple paper towels over the edge of the oven to help wick away moisture while the Dutch Oven is in storage.

– Melissa, Adult Services Assistant

Beth Weimer2020-08-19T15:08:10-05:00August 19th, 2020|

Women’s Right to Vote: 100th Anniversary

On August 18, 1920, the 19th Amendment was ratified, guaranteeing all American women the right to vote. The Suffragist Movement was a transformative cultural and political movement that resulted in the largest expansion of voting rights in U.S. history. Celebrate the centennial anniversary of this historic milestone — and the remarkable women who fought to make it happen — with these books and documentaries from our collection. Explore the Library of Congress’ virtual exhibit Shall Not Be Denied and discover more from the all-ages reading list from the League of Women Voters.