Online Career & Education Resources

If you’ve recently lost your job and are stuck at home, you can still access library resources to help get your career back on track! If you have an FDL library card, you can still use our online resources from home to create resumes and cover letters for job applications. Even if you don’t have an FDL card, you can use our online resources to improve your computer, typing, language, or basic educational skills.

Get started at fondulaclibrary.org and select Online Research Resources under the Research tab. Select or scroll down to the Careers & Education section to find tools for resume building, job searching, certification exams, and more.

Career Transitions provides practical, personalized tools for job searches and career exploration. To access, you’ll need to enter your FDL card number (located on the back of your card). Job seekers of all levels and experiences can then choose to write a resume, write a cover letter, or practice your interview skills in a simulated interview. It also features personalized guidance in exploring career paths, assessing your strengths, matching jobs to your skills and interests, searching current job opportunities, and more. Job seeking can be an overwhelming process. Career Transitions features effective tools and reliable information to help you cut through the job-search clutter, navigate today’s job market with confidence, and ultimately achieve your career goals. Be sure to create an account in the upper right corner so that you can save your work.

The Testing and Education Reference Center helps you prepare for GED, SAT, ACT, PSAT, GRE, LSAT, U.S. citizenship, the military, and more with study materials, and practice entrance, certification, and license exams. Find in-depth information on college programs, tuition assistance, as well as resume and interviewing advice. To access, you’ll need to enter your FDL card number (located on the back of your card).

 GCF LearnFree provides free online and app-based computer, Internet, and technology training, as well as lessons in job searching, language, reading, math, and life skills. Choose from more than 200 topics, including more than 7,000 lessons, more than 1,000 videos, and more than 50 interactive activities and games to learn and build your skills at your own pace. GCF Learn Free is available in Spanish and includes a literacy program for adults developing stronger reading and grammar skills and an English Language Learning program for non-native speakers. You do not need an FDL card to access this resource.

If you have questions while using these programs, remember that you can still get help from librarians via our live chat reference service from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. and 4-6 p.m. Monday-Friday. Good Luck!

2020-05-04T17:13:37-05:00May 4th, 2020|

Staying Home with FDL

As we all navigate this unprecedented time and do our part to stay home to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, we thought it might be fun to share what FDL staff are doing to pass the time. While most of us are still working from home, we definitely have more time on our hands for reading, creativity, hobbies, and more. So here’s what some of us have been up to this week – we hope you enjoy!

Homemade Dog Treats – “I made these doggie treats on a Saturday afternoon.”

– Deb, Circulation Assistant

Ingredients
1 Cup Whole Wheat Flour
3/4 Cup Dog Safe Creamy Peanut Butter
1 Medium Ripe Banana

Directions
Combine ingredients in a bowl and smash with fork.
Once mixed, switch to using your hands to knead dough.
Place dough ball on a flat, floured surface and roll it out to about 1/4 inch thick using a rolling pin.
Using a 3/4 inch cookie cutter, cut out as many pieces as possible with whatever shape you desire.
Place on a cookie sheet covered with parchment paper.
Heat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and bake for 12 – 15 minutes or until hard.
Let cool before serving to dogs.

Runescape –I’ve been spending my free time getting back into a game I’ve been playing on and off for years — Runescape. It’s very nostalgic for me, plus I get to explore new locations, try my hand at quests, solve puzzles, and just put all the craziness that is happening outside on the back burner. There’s a paid membership, which I finally decided to try for the first time, but it’s also free to play and there’s still plenty to do. Definitely a game that is a long-term investment!”

– Isaac, Reference Assistant

Chicken Tacos – “I’ve been experimenting with new recipes and this week I tried out crock pot chicken taco meat. It’s so simple and only three ingredients, definitely worth trying out!”

– Katie, Circulation Assistant

Ingredients
1 package boneless skinless chicken breast
1 can of Rotel (diced tomatoes and green chilies)
1 package taco seasoning

Directions
Mix the Rotel and taco seasoning in the crock pot, then add chicken.
Cook on high for 3-4 hours, or low for 6 hours.
When meat is cooked, shred and let simmer on low for 1 hour.
Enjoy!

Villainous – “At my house we have been insulating the attic in preparation to make it a bedroom, working on school work, playing Villainous, working on a WordPress website and blog, making a netted lariat necklace (hopefully I won’t run out of beads!), making tortillas from scratch, and going on walks!”

– Cassie, Youth Services Assistant

The Anthropocene Reviewed“I’ve been listening to this podcast by author and vlogbrother John Green. In each episode, he reviews different experiences or objects from the current geological age on a five-star scale. His reviews range from air conditioning to penalty shootouts to the song “Auld Lang Syne.” You never know what he’ll review next! John Green is one of my favorite writers, and these audio essays are just as beautifully written as his books. I find each episode calming and interesting, and listening always makes me want to review everyday objects or activities on my own five-star scale. John Green also has a “dubious advice” podcast called Dear Hank and John with his brother, Hank Green, which is funny, lighthearted, and equally as enjoyable.”

– Laura, Youth Services Manager

Stardew Valley – “Besides planning for summer reading, I’ve been spending a lot of time playing Stardew Valley. I downloaded it a couple weeks ago, and it definitely lives up to the hype. I’m also video chatting with family pretty regularly, and we tried out the Houseparty app a week or so ago.  The trivia questions start repeating really quickly, but it’s worth checking out. If anyone wants recommendations for TV shows, the new season of One Day at a Time has been playing in POP TV, and it’s just as good as it was when it was on Netflix.”

– Cindy, Youth Services Assistant

Morel Hunting – “I love hunting for morel mushrooms in the spring, and I’m grateful to have more time to do that this year. There are so many good spots in the Peoria area if you know where to look. I don’t find them every time, but hiking and being in the woods — seeing everything come back to life — is so  relaxing and refreshing. If you’re new to foraging, make sure you look up info on what is safe to eat (be careful to avoid false morels!) and harvest them sustainably. To eat morels, soak them in salt water for at least 30 minutes and rinse them clean. Slice them up and saute in butter, or make a simple batter by dipping them in egg and panko before frying in butter. So good!”

– Beth, Communications Specialist

2020-05-01T14:02:25-05:00May 1st, 2020|

FDL Reads: The Tattooist of Auschwitz

The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris

Reviewed by: Melissa Friedlund, Reference Assistant

Genre: Historical Fiction

Suggested Age: Adult

What is This Book About?  In 1942, the Slovakian government made a deal with the Nazis to “export” Jews from the Slovakian State as workers for the Germans. Lale Eisenberg was a Slovakian Jew who volunteered to go so no one else in his family had to.  Little did he know that the train on which he and thousands of other men were loaded was heading to Auschwitz. For three years, Lale endured the unbelievably inhumane conditions of the concentration camp. He also, almost as unbelievably, found the love of his life. This story is based on real events and is a surprising mix of anguish and elation.

My Review:  Despite being hesitant to read this one, I’m glad I did. I found this book (audiobook) to be a rewarding listen. Even though the book does detail some of the Holocaust atrocities, it does not dwell too long on any one of them. The threat of death is an important part of what’s going on, but the story is more about the little acts by a few that propel the survival of others.  For example, Lale’s relatively privileged position allowed him more opportunities than most to provide extra food to others. I was surprised by the love story between Lale and Gita because I hadn’t read anything about the book ahead of time. If I hadn’t known this was a true story, I might have found the love story hard to believe.  Knowing it’s based on facts makes it that much more amazing. I also liked the extra epilogues at the end that give more information about the main characters and the author’s process. I listened to the e-audiobook on Hoopla, but it is also available in print, CD book, and Playaway formats.

Three Words That Describe This Book: Haunting, Unimaginable, Remarkable

Give This a Try if You LikeSchindler’s List by Thomas Keneally, We Were the Lucky Ones by Georgia Hunter, Number the Stars by Lois Lowry

Rating: 5/5

Find it at the library!

About FDL Reads

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

FDL Reads
2020-04-29T17:02:41-05:00April 29th, 2020|

FDL Game Review: Tsuro

Welcome to our new series, FDL Game Review, where Jimi explains and reviews board games! This week he covers Tsuro: The Game of the Path, so find out if this award-winning tile laying game would be fun for your family and check it out from FDL when we reopen! A huge thank you to Jimi for volunteering his time and expertise!

2020-04-24T16:44:57-05:00April 25th, 2020|

FDL Reads: Mongrels

 

Mongrels by Stephen Graham Jones

Reviewed by: Sarah Baker, Library Volunteer

Genre: Fantasy Horror

Suggested Age: Adults

What is This Book About?: Our narrator, constantly defining himself through other people but whose name is never given, lives with his aunt and uncle. In the beginning he lived with his grandfather as well. His grandfather told him lots of werewolf stories because they are literal werewolves. But not every werewolf story is truth, or even about wolves. As he comes of age, the family wanders the southern part of the country, never staying long and always on the run. The story jumps back and forth in time, told in snapshots of strong memories. As he reaches puberty, he waits to become a wolf, knowing the pain and suffering it will bring, but wanting it anyway, to be a true part of his family.

My Review: Jones elicits a lot of emotions from me – pity, anger, sadness, fear, understanding, and a deep knowledge that I only understand the surface and can never reach the full truth. The harshness of these characters’ lives is a mix of their nomadic wolf life and the fact that they are native. And the poverty, racism, alcoholism and violence are just a part of everyday native life. The werewolf only exacerbates it.  That was what really got under my skin more than the horror and the violence.  It was the day-to-day grind to survive.  This was a grab-you-by-the-throat read, with believable characters and well worth your time. Just don’t expect a happy ending.

Three Words That Describe This Book: Relentless, Grim, Violent

Give this a try if you like…Werewolves, urban fantasy, native tales

Rating: (out of 5)​​ 5/5

Find it at the library!

About FDL Reads

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

FDL Reads

 

2020-01-31T16:11:29-06:00April 22nd, 2020|

Stream It or Read It – Family Edition!

Looking for some more ideas to stream these days? There are several books coming to the big screen in 2020, and here are a couple family-friendly options that are already available to stream through digital retailers.

The Story of Doctor Dolittle by Hugh Lofting – Dolittle, starring Robert Downey Jr., was released in theaters in January and is loosely based on the Hugh Lofting book, The Story of Doctor Dolittle. The movie is rated PG and commonsensemedia.org says it’s good for kids 8 and older.

If you haven’t read it yet…
“Respected physician John Dolittle swaps human patients for animal ones as his parrot Polynesia teaches him the secret of talking to the animals. His fame spreads and he travels to Africa to treat a monkey epidemic. Setting out with his favorite crew of creatures, Dolittle must face trial after trial; being shipwrecked, escaping the king of Jolligingki and figuring out what do do with a pushmi-pullyu, the shy two-headed gazelle-unicorn cross.”

Find it at the library: Axis 360, Overdrive, and Libby apps have eBook versions that are always available with no waiting. Be sure to search using the word “doctor” spelled out. Hoopla also has eBook and e-audiobook versions with unlimited number of copies available for checkout.

Call of the Wild by Jack London – The Jack London classic, Call of the Wild, has been remade into a new movie starring Harrison Ford. It was released in theaters in February and is rated PG. The reviews at commonsensemedia.org says it’s good for 9 years and up.

If you haven’t read it yet…
“This gripping story follows the adventures of the loyal dog Buck, who is stolen from his comfortable family home and forced into the harsh life of an Alaskan sled dog. Passed from master to master, Buck embarks on an extraordinary journey that ends with his becoming the legendary leader of a wolf pack.”

Find it at the library: Several eBook and e-audiobook versions are available Axis 360, Overdrive, and Libby apps. Some versions are always available. Hoopla also has several eBook & e-audiobook versions available with unlimited number of copies available for checkout.

– by Melissa, Reference Assistant

2020-04-22T15:09:47-05:00April 22nd, 2020|

#FDL: National Library Week

This week is National Library Week! Find the Library at Your Place by visiting our website to access free eBooks, movies, music, resources, and so much more. Participate in celebrating your library by following us on social media and share the FDL digital entertainment and educational resources you value with the hashtags #FondulacLibrary, #FindtheLibraryatYourPlace, and #NationalLibrariesWeek.

“National Library Week is an annual celebration highlighting the valuable role libraries, librarians, and library workers play in transforming lives and strengthening our communities.

In the mid-1950s, research showed that Americans were spending less on books and more on radios, televisions and musical instruments. Concerned that Americans were reading less, the ALA and the American Book Publishers formed a nonprofit citizens organization called the National Book Committee in 1954. The committee’s goals were ambitious.  They ranged from “encouraging people to read in their increasing leisure time” to “improving incomes and health” and “developing strong and happy family life.”

In 1957, the committee developed a plan for National Library Week based on the idea that once people were motivated to read, they would support and use libraries. With the cooperation of ALA and with help from the Advertising Council, the first National Library Week was observed in 1958 with the theme “Wake Up and Read!”  The 2018 celebration marked the 60th anniversary of the first event.” – American Library Association

Read more about the 60-year history of National Library Week at American Libraries magazine, and check out the list of past National Library Week themes.

Post by Susie Rivera, Reference Specialist

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

2020-04-20T10:38:02-05:00April 20th, 2020|

#FDL: Our Newest Star Wars Books

Some of our newest Star Wars books are only available in analog format, but you can place them on hold now and check them out when the library reopens!

I am C-3PO: The Inside Story by Anthony Daniels
In this memoir, Anthony Daniels recounts his experiences of the epic cinematic adventure that has influenced pop culture for more than 40 years. For the very first time, he candidly describes his most intimate memories as the only actor to appear in every Star Wars film – from his first meeting with George Lucas to the final, emotional days on the set of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker.

Star Wars, The Rise of Skywalker:  The Galatic Guide
Illustrated with action-packed images from the hit movie and accompanied by fun, easy-to-read text, Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker: The Galactic Guide is the perfect book for younglings who are desperate to find out more about the final episode of the Skywalker saga.

Star Wars, The Rise of Skywalker: The Visual Dictionary
Produced in close collaboration with Lucasfilm and written by Star Wars insider Pablo Hidalgo, this 200-page book is packed with incredible detail. Pore over more than 600 images, five stunning original cross-section artworks and behind-the-scenes photography in this must-have companion.

Star Wars Icons: Han Solo
Star Wars Icons: Han Solo covers the character’s entire journey, from his genesis in George Lucas’s first drafts of Star Wars to Harrison Ford’s iconic performances in the original three films and The Force Awakens, and the character’s rebirth in Solo: A Star Wars Story. The book also takes an in-depth look at Solo’s role in the Star Wars expanded universe, through novels, comics, video games, and more, and the indelible impression the character has made on pop culture.

Star Wars: Resistance Reborn
In this prequel to Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, the heroes of the Resistance—Poe Dameron, General Leia Organa, Rey, and Finn—must fight back from the edge of oblivion.

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge: The Official Black Spire Outpost Cookbook
Inspired by the cuisine from the exciting new Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge themed lands at Walt Disney World and Disneyland, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge: The Official Black Spire Outpost Cookbook is the source for creating out-of-this-world meals and treats from a galaxy far, far away.

*Annotations provided by each publisher

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

2020-04-18T15:03:59-05:00April 18th, 2020|

Star Wars Day – YA Reads on Hoopla

Looking for a great Star Wars book to read? FDL’s Hoopla collection of Star Wars content is off-the-charts! These are some of our favorite Young Adult selections:

Star Wars: Most Wanted by Rae Carson
Han and Qi’ra don’t have a lot in common other than not having a lot. They’re street kids on the industrial planet Corellia, doing whatever it takes to get by, dreaming of something more. They each jump at a chance to prove themselves in the perilous world of Corellia’s criminal underbelly, only to discover they are on the same mission for the same unscrupulous boss. When the job goes disastrously wrong, Han and Qi’ra are on the run – from pirates, a droid crime syndicate, the Empire, and their boss – and will have to learn to trust each other if they are going to survive.

Ahsoka by E. K. Johnston
Following her experiences with the Jedi and the devastation of Order 66, Ahsoka Tano is unsure she can be part of a larger whole ever again. But her desire to fight the evils of the Empire and protect those who need it will lead her right to Bail Organa, and the Rebel Alliance…

Star Wars Vol. 1: Skywalker Strikes by Jason Aaron and illustrated by John Cassaday *BONUS BORROWS COLLECTION! For a limited time, this is one of 1000+ titles you can borrow without using any of your monthly hoopla Borrows!*
Luke Skywalker and the ragtag rebel band opposing the Galactic Empire are fresh off their biggest victory so far – the destruction of the massive Death Star. But the Empire’s not toppled yet! Join Luke, Princess Leia, Han Solo, Chewbacca, C-3PO, R2-D2 and the rest of the Rebel Alliance as they fight for freedom against the evil of Darth Vader and his master, the Emperor.

New Hope: The Princess, The Scoundrel and The Farm Boy by Alexandra Bracken
The galaxy is at war. Although the Rebel Alliance has won a few battles against the Empire, hope is fading. The Empire is about to unveil the greatest weapon the galaxy has ever seen–the Death Star. The Rebels’ only chance to defeat it now lies in the unlikely hands of a princess, a scoundrel, and a farm boy….

This is the first in a trilogy of retellings, which also includes So You Want To Be A Jedi? by Adam Gidwitz (The Empire Strikes Back) and Tom Angleberger’s Beware The Power Of The Dark Side (Return of The Jedi) – which are all available on Hoopla!

Force Collector by Kevin Shinick
Set just before The Force Awakens, a restless teenager sets out to discover what connection his mysterious Force powers have to the fabled Jedi and what the Force has in store for him.

 

Star Wars: Darth Vader Vol. 1: Vader by Kieron Gillen and illustrated by Salvador Larroca
As Vader pursues a very personal vengeance against the Rebels and investigates the Emperor’s secret machinations, he clashes with weapons scavenger Aphra and deadly Battle Droids, and returns to Geonosis to build an army. But some very powerful people don’t want him to learn the truths he seeks! Guest-starring Jabba the Hutt, Boba Fett and more!

If you would like to see FDL’s entire collection of Star Wars material on hoopla, please visit hoopladigital.com/ and simply type “Star Wars” in the search bar – we have eBooks, audiobooks, graphic novels, CDs, children’s picture books, and so much more!

To access hoopla, you will need a valid library card number and PIN number. To set up a temporary library card through FDL, please visit fondulaclibrary.org/library-cards/ and read through our online instructions on how to get started!

by Katie, Reference Specialist

2020-04-18T12:14:38-05:00April 18th, 2020|

Star Wars Day Trivia!

2020-04-20T11:05:33-05:00April 18th, 2020|
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