Stephen Bardo, Emmy-winning television college basketball analyst (Big Ten Network, Fox Sports 1) and member the University of Illinois 1989 men’s basketball team that reached the Final Four, will discuss his book about the team and participate in a question and answer session at 7 p.m., Monday, October 6, at Fondulac District Library in East Peoria. Copies of his book, The Flyin’ Illini – The Untold Story of One of College Basketballs’ Elite Teams, will be for sale, and the event will conclude with a book signing.

An all-state point guard during his junior and senior years at Carbondale (Illinois) Community High School, Bardo served as the University of Illinois’ starting point guard for all four years of his college career and helped the Fighting Illini reach the NCAA Tournament each season. During his career, he was named the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year and was a two-time all-conference team member. In 1989, his team, nicknamed the “Flyin’ Illini,” reached the Final Four.

Upon graduating from the University of Illinois, Bardo was drafted by the Atlanta Hawks in the 1990 NBA Draft. He went on to have a 10-year career with stops in the NBA, CBA, and overseas in France, Italy, Japan, Spain, and Venezuela. Right after the draft, Bardo played in the CBA, leading the Quad City Thunder to Game 7 of the CBA Championship. In the NBA, he had stints with the Detroit Pistons, Dallas Mavericks, and San Antonio Spurs.

Bardo began his broadcasting career as the color analyst for the Illini radio network, covering the University of Illinois men’s basketball team during the 2000-2001 season. In 2002, he joined CBS 2 Chicago as a sports reporter covering all professional, collegiate, and high school sports in the Chicago-land area. His work at CBS 2 Chicago included an Emmy for his reporting on the Chicago Marathon. In 2005, Bardo joined CBS Sports as a college basketball color analyst during the first and second rounds of the NCAA men’s basketball tournament.

In July 2005, Stephen joined ESPN as a national college basketball analyst and frequently contributed to the morning debate show First Take on ESPN2. Last season, Bardo joined the Big Ten Network and Fox Sports 1 as a college basketball analyst. Additionally, he works as a motivational speaker and authored the book How to Make the League without Picking up the Rock.

Like to read and play with your food? Create an edible book! “Books” will be displayed and photographed September 13. Call 699-3917 by September 6 to reserve your space.

Links to edible book ideas
https://www.pinterest.com/texasdogmom/library-edible-books/
https://www.pinterest.com/nanlynsto/edible-book-festival-ideas/

About challenged or banned books
What does it mean for a book to be challenged or banned? A challenge is an attempt to remove or restrict materials, based upon the objections of a person or group. A banning is the removal of those materials. Challenges do not simply involve a person expressing a point of view; rather, they are an attempt to remove material from the curriculum or library, thereby restricting the access of others.

Top 10 by year
100 Most challenged books from 1990 – 1999
Most challenged books from 2000 – 2009

Edible Book Contest Rules
1. Each food creation must be at least 95% edible. Edible means made of food or foodstuffs. This can mean anything from candy to vegetables.
2. Entries must be inspired by a banned/challenged book, literary figure, or book character.
3. The base can be no larger than 24 x 24 inches. Edible books will not be refrigerated. Creations must survive at room temperature for at least two hours.
4. All entries will be photographed and photographs will be displayed for voting in the adult reference area. By entering this contest the creator of the edible book is giving the library permission to photograph and publish information on the creation and its creator on the library’s website, in library publications such as the newsletter, and other community publications of the library’s choosing such as the local newspaper as well as promotional materials by co-sponsoring organizations.
5. Fondulac District Library reserves the right to reject any entry that is unsuitable for the festival. (Please do not submit entries in poor taste).
6. Each entry will be judged on the following criteria: (a) Originality and Creativity; (b) Skill and Construction; (c) Visual Appeal; and (d) tie-in with the literary work being depicted.
7. Categories will be as follows: Adult (18 and older), Young Adult (12 – 18) Child, (12 and under).
8. A winner in each category will be selected by library patrons and staff. An overall Judges Choice winner will be selected by members of the Library Board of Trustees.
9. Judging will be determined by the number of votes a work receives from those viewing the displays live, or by their picture as posted in the adult reference area.
10. Voting will continue from September 13 at 3 p.m. to September 19 at 6 p.m.
11. All Decisions will be final.
12. Entry is free and open to all ages, public and staff.
13. Entries can be by an individual or a group.
14. All entries must be dropped off between 2:30 – 3:00 p.m. on September 13, 2014 and the contestant is asked to remain with the entry until close of floor display at 4:00 p.m.
15. Winners will be announced September 20, 2014.

Fondulac District Library is always looking for people and organizations that have special skills, knowledge, or talent and who are willing to volunteer to share their expertise by presenting a program at the library! Whether leading an introductory class, giving a presentation, leading a discussion, or entertaining with a performance, volunteers help the library offer the community a wide array of opportunities for education, exploration, and entertainment. (Please note that religious, political, or commercial programming, or solicitation of business by presenters, is not allowed.) If interested, please contact Genna Buhr, Public Services Manager, at 699-3917.