Library Calendar Returns!
The library’s event calendar is back! Check it often for new events and updates to the great programming held here at Fondulac District Library.
Join Us for Grand Opening Festivities
The new Fondulac District Library will open to the public Saturday, November 2, 2013. The festivities begin at 10 a.m. with the opening ceremony, and the library will open to the public for the first time at 11 a.m. Tours, events, and activities for all ages will take place throughout the day.
Highlights include:
10 a.m. – 11 a.m.: Opening ceremony, including the music of R Squared
11 a.m.: Library doors open to the public
11 a.m. – 4 p.m.: Staff-led tours of the new building
11 a.m. – 4 p.m.: Various costumed characters, including storybook favorites and Star Wars 501st Legion members
11:30 a.m.: Julie K performance
11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.: The Unique Twist balloon artists
1 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.: Jeanette Kendall, local author, book sales and signing
1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.: Zoo Lady face painters
2:30 p.m. – 3:45 p.m.; Ken Zurski, local author, book sales and signing
“We are thrilled that opening day is nearly here. The community has been very supportive during the planning, building, and final phases of the construction project, and I believe they will be thrilled with the results,” said Amy Falasz-Peterson, Library Director.
Fondulac District Library reopens at a brand new facility at 400 Richland Street in the civic plaza in East Peoria’s Levee District. The new library is 32,000 square feet, almost triple the size of the previous facility. It features an expanded collection, increased seating, additional computers, social and study spaces, and more convenient service, as well as environmentally-friendly and cost-saving components. The project was funded by a $7 million bond approved by voters in 2009, and construction of the new library building began in June of 2012.
The library will be open for business from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on opening day and will be open its regular hours beginning Sunday, November 3. The library’s regular hours will be Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m. (The library is closed on Sundays from Memorial Day through Labor Day weekends.)
Geocaching: Modern Treasure Hunting
Enthusiast Mark Lasswell discusses geocaching, the popular mix of treasure hunts, navigation, and outdoor hiking/walking, July 17 at 7 p.m. Learn the basics of caches, GPS, and more. This hobby is perfect for adults and families who want to mix adventure and fresh air with technology and treasure!
The Magic Carpet
Take a magic carpet ride in an engaging, interactive performance July 10 at 7 p.m. at Fon du Lac Park District Administration Center at 201 Veterans Drive in East Peoria. Learn how tales like Star Wars and Harry Potter are rooted in ancient quests, magic, monsters, and epic battles between good and evil. Replica artifacts, instruments, and costumes enhance stories of courage, betrayal, and immortality. This intriguing event is appropriate for adults and teens, as well as older kids.
BIG Book Sale this Saturday
Shop and support the library! The Friends of the Library offer bargains for all ages from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 29 at their BIG Book Sale in the library’s meeting room. Get the best items at great prices! The group also operates an ongoing sale during all open hours in the library’s lower level.
Audiobook Day to Celebrate Grant
Fondulac District Library has nearly doubled the size of its nonfiction audiobook collection due to the receipt of a $5,000 Back to Books grant. The new titles, available in CD and Playaway formats, are now on display and ready for patrons to checkout at the library. The collection expansion coincides with Audiobook Month, which occurs each year in June.
The library celebrates with Audiobook Day on June 27. Patrons who check out an audiobook from the adult collection on June 27 will receive a prize and may enter a drawing. A representative from Playaway also will be at the library from 3 to 7 p.m. to discuss the all-in-one audiobook players available at the library.
The grant award was were made possible by a combination of funds from the Federal Institute of Museum and Library Services and state of Illinois library funds.
Events Moved
The following events have been relocated from the lower level meeting room to increase accessibility. Please read below for new locations.
Say Hola Spanish Classes
Wednesdays through July 24 at 10 a.m.
East Peoria Community High School Library, 1401 East Washington Street, East Peoria
Make It/Take It Crafts
Wednesdays through July 24 at 2 p.m.
Fondulac District Library parking lot (Lobby if inclement weather), 140 East Washington Street, East Peoria
Travel Around the World
Thursdays through July 25 at 2 p.m.
FOLEPI Building, 2230 East Washington Street, East Peoria
Snake Safari: A Reptile Experience
June 25 at 10 a.m.
Fon du Lac Park District Administration Center, 201 Veterans Drive, East Peoria
The Magic Carpet: Stories and Song from Ancient Mesopotamia & Egypt
July 10 at 7 p.m.
Fon du Lac Park District Administration Center, 201 Veterans Drive, East Peoria
Library Board Meetings
July 29, August 26, and September 30 at 6 p.m.
Fon du Lac Park District Administration Center, 201 Veterans Drive, East Peoria
Fundraiser for Library
DOWNLOAD FLYER for Art Auction & Wine Pull
The Kiwanis Club of East Peoria will host an Art Auction and Wine Pull to benefit Fondulac District Library. The event is scheduled for Thursday, May 16, 2013, from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. at Eastport Banquet Center, 703 Mariners Way, East Peoria (near Stoney Creek Inn).
The evening fundraiser will feature an auction of artwork created by students from East Peoria and Metamora high schools. The artwork is juried by panel of local art professionals. Most pieces will be offered via silent auction, with select pieces being offered in a live auction starting at 7:00 p.m.
Additionally, attendees will have the opportunity to purchase a chance(s) to pull numbered wine corks that correspond to a nice, very nice, or great bottle of wine.
Proceeds from the event will be donated to Fondulac District Library for the furnishing of the children’s story and craft room in the new library building currently under construction in The Levee District, East Peoria’s new downtown.
“We’re very much looking forward to this wonderful fundraiser! It will be a fun night in which we shine the light on some very talented local students and their artistic creations, all while helping create a wonderful new space for the children of East Peoria to grow their curiosity and to be inspired by the stories and knowledge available through the library,” said Tara Terpening, Club President.
Tickets, which include event entry, auction paddle, and hors d’oeuvres, are $25 per person and available from East Peoria Kiwanians, as well at the library. A cash bar and wine pull tickets will be available at the event.
Kiwanis also is accepting donations of wine and financial contributions to increase event proceeds.
Any individual or organization seeking additional information about the event, needing assistance locating a Kiwanis member for tickets, or wishing to make a contribution may call Kyle King at (309) 369-5873.
Give Blood May 10
Looking to make a difference in your community, but unsure how? In about an hour, you can help save several lives! By donating blood, you will help patients locally and across the nation. The library will host a blood drive May 10 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Each donor will receive a coupon for one free book from the Friends of the Library’s ongoing book sale in the library’s lower level and a discount coupon for pizza from Papa Murphy’s (while supplies last). Call 699-3917 or visit redcrossblood.org to make your appointment!
Program Postponed
Please note that the program, 211: Get Connected. Get Answers., originally scheduled for May 2 at Fondulac District Library, has been postponed and may be rescheduled at a later date. Please watch our calendar and website or contact the library for future information.