For Adults - Fondulac District Library | East Peoria, IL

FDL Reopening: Hours & Guidelines

The library reopens Monday, July 6, with new hours, express services, and public safety guidelines. Patrons are welcome to quickly select and check out materials and to use computers and study rooms for shortened periods. The following guidelines are designed to reduce risks for our staff and patrons as much as possible. We regret that this includes discouraging our patrons from extended visits. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Genna Buhr, Director.

New Service Hours

Monday, Wednesday, Friday
10am-1pm & 2-6pm

Tuesday & Thursday
12-4pm & 5-8pm

Saturday
9am-1pm

Special Access for High-Risk Individuals

Thursday 10:30-11:30am by Appointment

Please call by 6pm Wednesday to make your appointment.

Preventive Measures

Face Masks — All patrons over the age of 2 are required to wear masks covering their nose and mouth at all times. Disposable masks will be provided at the welcome table to those who arrive without one. If you are not able to wear a mask in the library, please continue to use the drive-up window or Atrium pickup. All staff also are required to wear masks.

Protective Shields — Plexiglas barriers have been added to the service desks and computer stations.

Increased Cleaning — Computers, equipment, touch screens, counters, and surfaces are disinfected after each closing. The library is deep-cleaned nightly. Patrons are encouraged to wash hands before entering and use hand sanitizing stations throughout the library.

Returned Items — All returned materials are quarantined for 3 days before they are checked in or put back into circulation. We will not charge overdue fees for items that are delayed due to quarantine.

Courtesy — Please do not come to the library if you have symptoms associated with COVID-19 or if you have recently been exposed to someone who may have COVID-19.

Social Distancing

Limited Capacity — Current local health guidelines limit the number of people who can be in the library at one time. Patrons may be asked to wait in the Atrium or return at another time if capacity limit is reached.

The Six Feet Rule — Visitors are asked to maintain at least a six-foot distance from others in the library (except from those in their own party). Waiting spots are marked on the floors to help you maintain your distance.

Furniture — We have removed most furniture to maintain social distancing and to discourage extended visits. Please do not rearrange any furniture.

Computers

Some public access computers have been disabled to maintain social distancing. Computers are available by reservation for 45-minute periods, and an express station is available for 15-minute periods. Patrons are limited to using computers once per day, no more than twice per week. Reservations can be made by calling 309-699-3917 or through chat on the library’s website. A disinfecting wipe will be provided to each patron to clean the keyboard and mouse before use.

WiFi

Patrons needing to sit and use WiFi to work or study are encouraged to reserve a study room. FDL WiFi is also accessible from the parking lot and Reading Garden.

Study Rooms

Study rooms are available by reservation for 45-minute periods, 2 times per week per patron. Reservations can be made by calling 309-699-3917 or through chat on the library’s website. Masks must be worn in study rooms, and rooms will be disinfected after each use.

Restrooms

Restrooms are available in the Atrium while the library restrooms are closed to the public. Restrooms are cleaned nightly.

Other Available Services

Programs — All summer programming will consist of online programs or take-and-make project kits. Patrons can track reading for the Summer Reading Program via the Beanstack app and pick up halfway and completion prizes at service desks or the drive-up window.
Drive-Up Window and Atrium Pickup — Patrons can still place holds through the online catalog, with the RSAcat Mobile app, or by phone and pick up materials from the drive-up window or the Atrium.
Office Equipment — Our scan station, copiers, microfilm, and typewriter will be available to use and will be cleaned after each closing.
Ask a Librarian — Library staff are available to answer your questions during service hours at service desks or via phone, email, or live chat.
Notary Public — We will offer Notary Public services by appointment for up to 3 documents.
Interlibrary Loan — Patrons will also be able to request and receive items from other RSACat libraries. Because of increased safety measures, delivery may be delayed.
Mobile Printing — Mobile printing is available to be picked up at the Information Desk, drive-up window, or in the Atrium.
Drop Boxes — The drive-up drop box is available 24/7, and the Atrium and indoor drop boxes are available during service hours.
Little Free Library — Items that can be taken and kept are available for all ages in the Atrium and the Reading Garden.

Temporarily Unavailable Services

Coffee Corner
Toys & Play Area
Video Games
Local History Room
Newspapers & Magazines (magazines can still be checked out)
Board Games (can still be checked out but not played in library)
Book Sale
Book Donations
In-Person Programs
Water Fountains

We greatly appreciate your patience and compliance with all the new rules and safety precautions. Please call 309-697-3917 to make reservations and appointments or to ask questions about this phase of library service.

Beth Weimer2020-07-23T11:55:18-05:00June 30th, 2020|

FDL Reads: White Sand Vol. 1

White Sand Vol.1 By Brandon Sanderson, Rik Hoskin, and Julius M. Gopez (Illustrations)

Reviewed by: Susie Rivera, Reference Specialist

Genre: Fantasy

Suggested Age: Adult, Teen

What is This Book About? Kenton lives on the planet Taldain in Brandon Sanderson’s Cosmere universe. Taldain has a light side and a dark side. One the light side, the landscape is a vast desert with little water. Kenton is a member of the Sand Masters, an organization that uses magic to control sand, including turning it into water. Kenton was born with little power, however, and has been quite a disappointment to his father, a very skilled Sand Master. In a crazy turn of events, Kenton finds his world turned upside down and must survive as well and take on leadership. On the way, he meets, Khriss, a resident of the Darkside who is trying to retrace the steps of her fiancee.

My Review: I really enjoyed this first installment in Sanderson’s graphic novel series. Like his other fantasy books, it has a full magic system that the reader discovers more about as the volume progresses. I enjoyed the world building, and the illustrations were helpful with visualizing the different cultures There is definitely quite a bit more to learn about this world in future volumes. I have read a few other Cosmere novels and do miss Sanderson’s full descriptions. Aside from that, the only criticism I have is that this first volume ended abruptly. But, thankfully there are two more volumes I can read now.

Three Words That Describe This Book: Exciting, Mysterious, Magical

Give This a Try if You Like…Other Sanderson fantasy novels, Robert Jordan, Dune

Rating: 4/5

Find it at the library

About FDL Reads

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

Susie Rivera2020-06-27T12:28:37-05:00June 27th, 2020|

DIY with FDL — Dyeing Wool Yarn

Did you know that Kool-Aid can be used to wool dye yarn? It’s true! This tutorial details how to transform plain wool yarn into your own unique yarn using packets of drink mix and a crockpot. Two dyeing methods are demonstrated: Kettle Dyeing and Immersion Dyeing. The possibilities are endless once you know the basics. Learn a new skill and have one-of-a-kind yarn to use for your next knitting or crochet project!

Dyeing Wool Yarn with Kool-Aid

Two methods: Kettle Dyeing and Immersion Dyeing

Supplies

Dishpan
Wool Yarn

Patons Classic Wool Worsted in undyed or a light color is 100% wool and works well.

Acrylic Yarn

Select a contrasting color. Cut four 8-10” pieces for each skein.

Drink Mix Packets

Any brand of drink mix will work as long as there is no sugar and has FD & C colors.

Crockpot
Gloves

The colors stain skin. Use if putting hands in colored water. A paste of baking soda and water can be used for clean up if colors get on counters.

Both Methods

Step 1: Wind yarn into hank form

A hank of yarn is wound into circles. You can use chairs, tables, large boxes. The video uses piano bench legs as a winding frame.

Step 2: Tie yarn with Figure-8 ties

This reduces the chance of the yarn becoming tangled. Tie somewhat loosely so dye can penetrate fibers.

Step 3: Soak yarn for several hours

Fill dishpan with cool water. Using hot water can lead to felted wool. Add yarn. Slowly press yarn under the water. Gently squeeze out air bubbles. Yarn can be left to soak overnight if desired.

Method 1: Kettle Dyeing

Low level of water in the dye bath. All color is added after yarn is hot.

Step 4: Set Up the Crockpot

Add 1-2” of cool water to crockpot. Gently squeeze water out of soaked yarn. Make sure yarn is submerged in the water. Add a bit more water if desired.

Step 5: Cover and Cook on “High”

Crockpot settings may vary. Avoid boiling the yarn. Wool will felt if boiled.

Step 6: Prepare & Add the Colors

Dissolve packets of drink mix in water. The demonstration video used 3 colors (2-3 packets in 4oz of water per color). After 90 minutes of heating, pour the colors over the yarn. Cover and heat an additional 90 minutes. The yarn needs to be heated to just under boiling (~180^oF) until the color is absorbed into the yarn.

Method 1: Immersion Dyeing

Yarn is completely submerged in the dye bath.

Step 4: Prepare the Dye Bath

Fill the crockpot with water. Dissolve drink mix packets in the water. The video shows 4 packets used on 100g of yarn. Stir to dissolve the powder. Wearing gloves, gently squeeze water out of soaked yarn. Make sure yarn is submerged in the water.

Step 5: Cover and Cook on “High”

Crockpot settings may vary. The yarn needs to be heated to just under boiling (~180^oF) until the color is absorbed into the yarn. Avoid boiling the yarn. Wool will felt if boiled.

Step 6: Optional Variation

The demonstration video shows additional color being added after heating 2 hours. Two packets of drink mix were dissolved in 8oz. of water and poured into the dye pot. The cover was replaced and the yarn was heated for an additional hour.

Both Methods

Step 7: Cool Yarn Completely

Step 8: Rinse Yarn

Use the dishpan and cool water only. Rinse and squeeze out the dye bath water several times. Lemonade flavors have a cloudy agent. Change water several times until the rinse water is clear.

Step 9: Dry Yarn

Squeeze out as much water as you can. Lay flat to dry. Do not expose to direct sunlight.

You now have your very own uniquely colored yarn for your next knitting or crochet project!

– Melissa, Reference Assistant

Beth Weimer2020-06-25T12:07:25-05:00June 25th, 2020|

Library Reopening July 6

To the patrons of Fondulac District Library,

First and foremost, I hope this message finds you well. Thank you for your continued patience and understanding. I, along with the library staff and Board of Trustees, recognize there are many things you miss about the library, and we’ve been working hard to return those things in a safe manner for the community.

Currently, the library is offering drive-up and Atrium pickup of library materials, increased digital collections, virtual programs and online content, phone and live chat assistance, mobile printing, expanded WiFi access, and free books and media in the Atrium. We plan to continue providing these services as our library and our state transitions towards a full reopening.

At the same time, we have been carefully reviewing policies and developing procedures for the library building’s eventual reopening, always prioritizing the health and safety of our community and our staff.

Barring unforeseen circumstances, we aim to reopen the library building on Monday, July 6. Patrons will be able to enter the library for brief visits to select and check out materials, and computers and study rooms will be available by reservation for shortened periods. Reduced and staggered public service hours will allow for extra cleaning time, and high-risk patrons will be able to access the library at a specific time weekly. The library will also be subject to capacity limits, and staff will welcome all patrons at the entrance.

All patrons over the age of 2 will be required to wear masks, and we will provide a mask to those who do not have one. All staff also are required to wear masks, and hand sanitizer will be available at several locations throughout the library. Everyone will be asked to maintain at least a six-foot distance from others in the library (except from those in their own family/party), and Plexiglas barriers will be located at staff service points. The building continues to receive additional cleaning, and spaces have been reconfigured for social distancing.

All returned materials will continue to be quarantined for a period of time based on national standards before they are checked in or put back into circulation. Overdue fines are not being charged at this time. Patrons will also be able to request and receive items from other RSACat libraries. Notary service also will be available by appointment.

The following services and/or items will continue to be suspended until further notice: in-person programs, meeting room availability, most seating and tables for public use, play areas, in-library gaming, newspapers, local history browsing, and acceptance of book donations. Access to restrooms and water fountains will be limited.

Our procedures will continue to be refined and informed by guidelines and recommendations from legal counsel, national, state, and local authorities and public health officials, and professional library organizations. Again, our top priorities are the health and safety of our patrons, staff, and community. Proceeding cautiously gives us the best chance to continue moving forward.

We recognize you may have questions, and we look forward to sharing more details next week.

Please continue to take care to stay healthy and to help others remain safe. We look forward to enjoying the library together again very soon.

– Genna M. Buhr, Library Director

Beth Weimer2020-06-24T11:58:35-05:00June 24th, 2020|

Digital Escape Room – The Library of Alexandria

When the fire was raging through the precious Library of Alexandria, one of the Pharaoh’s magicians cast a spell that transported the library into the digital future. Everything within it – scrolls, books, tables, walls – were transformed into a digital place of learning! But the magician believed that only the most worthy could access the knowledge of the library, and what better way to have them show their worthiness by passing his tests? Seek, knowledge-hunter, and find the name of the magician who protects the library …

While this escape room is recommended for tweens and teens, it can also be fun for families and groups to solve together!

Ready to get started? Click on the image to begin!

Want more mysteries to solve? Check out these YA books!

Hoopla

Truly Devious by Maureen Johnson

A Study in Charlotte by Brittany Cavallaro

The Dewey Decimal System by Nathan Larson

Jackaby by William Ritter

FDL (In-House) Catalog – Place a hold to pick these up at our drive-thru!

The Diviners by Libba Bray

Dreamland Burning by Jennifer Latham

The Hound of the Baskervilles by Sir Arthur Canon Doyle

One Of Us Is Lying by Karen McManus

– Katie, Reference Specialist

Katie Smith2020-06-22T15:08:50-05:00June 24th, 2020|

Digging Deeper: Family History

Would you like to try to find out a little more about your family’s genealogy, or have you begun to research your family tree and hit a wall? Join us for a virtual program discussing some essential tips and tricks to learn more about your family history. Genealogist Amber Lowery joins us form Peoria Public Library’s Local History department to help us learn new ways to learn about our families and where we come from. She also gives some great ideas about how to keep this information safe and easily accessible.

FDL cardholders can access HeritageQuest Online, which combines digital, searchable images of U.S. federal census records with the digitized version of the popular ProQuest Genealogy & Local History collection and other valuable content, including city directories, military and immigration records, and more.

During the COVID-19 crisis, FDL cardholders have temporary remote access to Ancestry Library Edition, courtesy of ProQuest and its partner Ancestry. FDL cardholders may request the password by email (reference@fondulaclibrary.org) or by chat during scheduled chat hours. Please provide your full name and FDL card number with your request to received additional instructions and the password.

Beth Weimer2020-06-22T17:01:15-05:00June 23rd, 2020|

FDL Game Review — Zombicide

Jimi dives into Zombicide, a collaborative game in which players must use their skills to survive hordes of the walking dead, in the latest FDL Game Review! Visit our online catalog to place a hold and play this game at home!

Beth Weimer2020-06-14T12:43:24-05:00June 20th, 2020|

Read It Before You See It

The movie docket for 2020 was originally loaded with several adaptations of books slated to come to the big screen. However, many movie release dates have been thrown out of whack by current events. With release dates altered, you may have more time to read it before you see it. Copies of the books can be placed on hold through our online catalog, or enjoy the eBook or audiobook version with your FDL card.

First up, the long-awaited movie adaptation of Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer was originally going to be released in theaters. However, it was just released direct-to-streaming by Disney on June 12, 2020. If you haven’t read any of the series yet, the boy-genius and criminal mastermind, Artemis Fowl pits himself against secretive, underground fairies. Can his tech know-how win against fairy magic and win him the gold he covets?

Several eBooks, e-audiobooks, and digital graphic novels are available through the Axis 360, Overdrive/Libby, and hoopla apps. Find it at the library…

Disney is also set to release the movie adaptation of the children’s book The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate in theaters August 14,2020. This acclaimed book is geared toward grades 4 through 6 and is based in part on a real-life gorilla, Ivan, who spent 27 years living in a mall. The book is a journey of friendship and hope.

The hoopla app has the e-audiobook. The Overdrive/Libby apps have both the eBook and e-audiobook. Find it at the library…

Also set to come out in theaters on August 14 is a new movie version of Frances Hodgson Burnett’s The Secret Garden. In this classic, Mary is orphaned and sent to live with her uncle on the moors in the U.K. As she and her cousin discover the mysteries of a secret garden, the more they discover about themselves.

Hoopla has several eBook and e-audiobook versions available. The Overdrive/Libby apps eBooks are always available for checkout. Find it at the library…

Part 1 of the newest movie adaptation of the classic science fiction novel Dune by Frank Herbert is set to be released in theaters on December 18, 2020. Starring Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Oscar Isaac, and other well-known actors, this remake is set to be truly epic. The 1965 novel follows the young Paul Atreides as his royal house is politically manipulated and betrayed over the most coveted substance in the galaxy, Melange. Presumed dead on the desert world of Arrakis, the only source of Melange, how will Paul survive? Are the mysterious and nomadic Fremen friend or foe? Can they help him avenge his murdered family and friends?

The eBook is available through Axis 360 and the e-audiobook is available on the Overdrive/Libby apps. Find it at the library…

Set to be released on Christmas day, the movie adaptation of News of the World by Paulette Jiles will star Tom Hanks. Hanks will portray Captain Jefferson Kyle Kidd who travels throughout post-Civil War Texas performing live readings of the news. Along the way he is hired to transport an orphaned girl back to her family, but the situation is much more complicated than that. Does the girl belong with family she doesn’t know? What does it mean to be family in the first place?

The eBook is available on hoopla & Overdrive. Find it at the library…

– Melissa, Reference Assistant

Beth Weimer2020-06-14T13:17:38-05:00June 18th, 2020|

FDL Reads: Black Klansman

Black Klansman: Race, Hate and the Undercover Investigation of a Lifetime by Ron Stallworth

Reviewed by: Melissa Friedlund, Reference Assistant

Genre: Memoir/Autobiographical

Suggested Age: Adult

What is the book about? In 1978, Detective Ron Stallworth, the first black detective in the Colorado Springs police department responded to a classified ad in the newspaper about learning more about the Ku Klux Klan. Little did he realize that the person who placed the ad was completely serious and actually connected to the Klan. This autobiographical account details his experience conducting an undercover investigation into the Klan’s presence in his community, while keeping the fact of his African heritage a secret from them.

My Review: I listened to the e-audiobook on hoopla, read by the author. Hearing how Detective Stallworth practically stumbled into the Klan, makes it almost seem as if the whole thing is fiction. However, I was soon rooting for Stallworth to find a way to thwart plans for cross burnings, as well as hoping David Duke wouldn’t recognize his voice when they met in person. I enjoyed learning how his short-lived investigation was able to deny the Klan a foothold in his community while it lasted. If you are sensitive to four letter words or the N word, be warned, those are prevalent here. Since this was autobiographical, I knew the profanity was not about sensationalism, but realism.

Three Words That Describe This Book: Surprising, Straight-Forward, Pared-Down

Give This a Try if You Like… BlacKkKlansman (the movie), How Not to Get Shot by D.L. Hughley, and Catch and Kill by Ronan Farrow

Rating: 4/5

Find it at the library!

About FDL Reads

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

Beth Weimer2020-06-14T12:31:27-05:00June 17th, 2020|

Getting Started with Tinkercad

If you’re curious about 3D Printing, try this quick tutorial with Susie to start designing with Tinkercad! More information about 3D printing at the library is available at fondulaclibrary.org/3d-printing/.

Create an Account

Go to tinkercad.com.
Click “Join Now.”
Click “Create a Personal Account.”
Children under the age of 13 will need a parent’s permission and email to activate the account.
Do a few of the tutorials that pop up on the welcome screen (“Learn the Moves”).

Make a Design

You can start a design from scratch by click “+New” from your profile icon.
Drag shapes onto the work plane. Resize, stack, or add text if desired.
When finished, group all components by holding down the “shift” key, selecting all text and objects, and then clicking the group button.

Share for Printing

Make sure the design has been “grouped.”
Change the design’s name to your name in the top left corner of then screen.
Download the design as an .stl file and email it to susie@fondulaclibrary.org. Indicate your color of choice from the list below. Include your name and phone number in the email.

Preferred Filament Color (Choose only one). Filament is PLA or TPU(flexible)

White

Blue

Red

Green

Gold

Black

Gray

Purple

White translucent

Orange

Pink

White Flexible

Black Flexible

Red Flexible

Emerald Flexible

Blue Flexible

Translucent Flexible

Pink Flexible

Purple Flexible

Yellow Flexible

Beth Weimer2020-06-12T13:37:25-05:00June 16th, 2020|