Programs & Events - Fondulac District Library

Central Illinois Reads

FDL is proud to partner with Bradley University, Chillicothe Public Library, Dunlap Public Library District, Methodist College, Morton Public Library, Neighborhood House, Pekin Public Library, and Peoria Public Library to celebrate every individual’s Freedom to Read!

With the marked increase in book challenges nationwide, Peoria Public Library invited Central Illinois libraries to come together to encourage everyone to exercise their intellectual “Freedom to Read” what they choose.

April 11 through October 7 (Banned Books Week), local libraries will host events to empower you to stand against censorship, including programs with nationally known authors whose books have been banned, screenings of films based on banned books, discussions with librarians who are pushing back against intolerance, exclusion, and censorship, and more.

Please join us in celebrating each person’s Freedom to Read. Get a library card. Read outside your comfort zone. Unite against book bans.

Learn more at peoriapubliclibrary.org/central-illinois-reads/.

Upcoming Central Illinois Reads Events:

Tuesday, September 12 — Central Illinois Reads Presents: Talking About Trauma

6 p.m. — Methodist College, 7600 N. Academic Dr.

As part of our Central Illinois Reads’ exploration of intellectual freedom, we’ve discovered that many of the books challenged and censored deal with trauma of some sort. Our keynote speaker, Laurie Halse Anderson, author of Speak, found her book near the top of censorship lists because it dealt with teen sexual assault and suicidal ideation.

Almost everyone has experienced some type of trauma. Yet, talking about trauma is often still taboo.

In order to become a more trauma informed and, hopefully, trauma engaged community, we need to normalize the discussion of trauma.

This symposium will feature several speakers who will discuss different types of traumas, such as childhood trauma and systemic trauma, from different perspectives, such as professionals in healthcare and human services and as a parent.

Please join us for this important conversation.

Free and open to all. Refreshments provided.

Beth Weimer2023-08-30T16:12:28-05:00April 11th, 2023|

Holly Jolly Writing Contest Winners!

We’re excited to announce the winners for the Holly Jolly Writing Contest!

1^st Place – The Silver Staff by Brandon Oliger

2^nd Place – A Christmas Past by Judy Dahlman

3^rd Places – Home for the Holidays by Megan McCoy

Congratulations to each of them, and thanks to everyone who submitted an entry! Follow the links below to read the winning stories. Our judges panel had a hard time selecting from the submissions we received, so keep writing and stay tuned for another writing contest this summer!

The Silver Staff by Brandon Oliger

A Christmas Past by Judy Dahlman

Home for the Holidays by Megan McCoy

Beth Weimer2023-02-20T16:25:23-06:00February 20th, 2023|

Cozy Vibes: 2023 Winter Reading Program

Reading is the best way to brighten up a cold and snowy winter, and getting comfy with blankets, warm drinks, and a few books creates the ultimate cozy vibe! Get cozy and kick off your reading goals with our winter reading program: Cozy Vibes! Patrons ages 13+ are invited to read/listen to 4 books (or 3 books & 5 magazines) checked out from FDL (or attend a library program) January 3 through February 28 to enter the prize drawing. Pick up a reading log from the library or register and track your progress with the Beanstack app or online at fondulaclibrary.beanstack.org!

Beth Weimer2023-03-01T10:17:41-06:00December 29th, 2022|

A Holly Jolly Writing Contest

FDL is hosting another Flash Fiction Writing Contest – and this one has a Holly Jolly winter theme! Three winners will be selected by our judges to win prizes. All entries must be 1000 words (or less) and a work of original fiction that uses the theme of winter in some regard. Entries must be submitted to Jeremy at jeremy@fondulaclibrary.org by 01/20/23. Please contact Jeremy with any questions.

Prizes

First Place: $50 Gift Card

Second Place: $30 Gift Card

Third Place: Swag Bag

The winners will be announced in February, and the three winning stories will be published on the library’s website and/or social media.

Submission Guidelines

In the email, please write in the subject area: “A HOLLY JOLLY WRITING CONTEST.”
Attach your manuscript to the email in a .doc or .docx file.
Manuscript should be typed, double-spaced, with one-inch margins and in 12 pt. Times New Roman font.
Include your name and phone number in the message section and whether you give the library permission to post your short story if you win.
Only original materials may be entered.
Use the theme of winter in some regard. This could be about the holidays, the weather, or just a story that happens to take place in winter.
Entries must be in good taste and refrain from profanity.
On the last page of your story, below the ending write: “THE END”
Limited one entry per person.
Deadline is January 20, 2023.

Beth Weimer2023-01-24T12:32:14-06:00November 30th, 2022|

#FDL: Book Giveaway for National Media Literacy Week

In honor of National Media Literacy Week, we are giving away a copy of Dr. Seema Yasmin’s book, What the Fact? Read more about this book below and tune in for an online interview of the author tomorrow at 7:00p.m.

Book Information:

“From acclaimed writer, journalist, and physician Dr. Seema Yasmin comes a much-needed, timely book about the importance of media literacy, fact-based reporting, and the ability to discern truth from lies.

What is a fact? What are reliable sources? What is news? What is fake news? How can anyone make sense of it anymore? Well, we have to. As conspiracy theories and online hoaxes increasingly become a part of our national discourse and “truth” itself is being questioned, it has never been more vital to build the discernment necessary to tell fact from fiction, and media literacy has never been more vital.

In this accessibly-written guide, Dr. Seema Yasmin, an award-winning journalist, scientist, medical professional, and professor, traces the spread of misinformation and disinformation through our fast-moving media landscape and teaches young readers the skills that will help them identify and counter poorly-sourced clickbait and misleading headlines.”

Program Information:

PBS Books, in collaboration with PBS Newshour Student Reporting Labs, is pleased to present a conversation with Emmy-winning journalist Seema Yasmin, author of What The Fact, in connection with The US and the Holocaust: A film by Ken Burns, Lynn Novick, and Sarah Botstein, and in celebration of National Media Literacy Week.

This free, online program will be at 7 p.m. this Tuesday, Oct. 25. Click here to access the live program.

During the program, Seema Yasmin will be interviewed by PBS Newshour Student Reporting Labs’ Isaac Harte, who is 10th-grade student at the Shipley School and a MediaWise Teen Fact-Checker. In addition, a PBS Newshour Student Reporting Labs story about misinformation and activism will be shared.

Giveaway

Enter your name here for a chance to win a copy of the book mentioned in this post. One entry per person. Drawing to be held approximately 7 days after this post.

#FDL is a weekly update on books and more at Fondulac District Library.

Susie Rivera2022-10-24T13:16:33-05:00October 24th, 2022|

Celebrate the Friends of FDL!

Join us in celebrating the Friends of Fondulac Library during National Friends of Libraries Week, October 16-22! The Friends of FDL provide crucial support to the library through advocacy, financial support, and volunteerism. Our Friends are an amazing group of volunteers who dedicate countless hours of their time to the library. The Friends of FDL maintain our ongoing Book Sale and host the annual BIG Book Sale, volunteer for events like Star Wars Day and the Big Rig Petting Zoo, sponsor our summer reading programs and babysitting classes, and more! We’re so grateful for all they do!

The best way to support the Friends is to join them (annual dues are only $5), but there are many others ways to support them throughout the year. Donations of gently used books are always needed to keep the book sale stocked. Visit the library on October 27 to sign holiday cards for members of the U.S. military and watch for them in the Veterans Day Parade on November 5. After the parade, they’ll pass out book sale coupons and give free books to veterans.

The Friends always bring some holiday cheer to the library with their Holiday Basket drawing in December – enter for the chance to win one of three amazing family baskets! And find wonderful treats, gifts, stocking stuffers, and handmade items at their annual Holiday Craft and Bake Sale on December 1-3. Proceeds from the sale support the library and its programs.

Beth Weimer2022-10-24T16:46:36-05:00October 14th, 2022|

#FDL: Banned Books Week Writing Challenge

Enter the writing challenge below to win a bookish prize:

Take a look at the list of the ALA’s frequently challenged books and the list of banned or challenged classics.

Select three books that made an impression on you. Did you read them in an English class, on your own, or as an adult? Write about each book describing why it had such a lasting effect on you. What did you take away from each book? Why do you think each book was banned? How would you defend it to its critics?

Send your responses as an email to susie@fondulaclibrary.org to be entered in a prize drawing by 5:00p.m. on September 26. Also, please indicate in the email if it would be okay for us to share an excerpt of the writing in a #FDL blog post.

-Posted by Susie Rivera, Reference Specialist

#FDL is an update on all things Fondulac District Library and books.

Susie Rivera2022-09-21T14:59:34-05:00September 21st, 2022|

Library Card Sign-Up Month: Fine Free + Fare Free!

Fondulac District Library is excited to partner with Greater Peoria Mass Transit District/CityLink, Peoria Public Library, Pekin Public Library, and Peoria Heights Public Library to celebrate National Library Card Sign-Up Month and our two year anniversary of going Fine Free! September 1-30, show your library card from FDL, Peoria Public Library, Pekin Public Library, or Peoria Heights Public Library to ride CityLink’s fixed bus routes for FREE! Services like public transportation and fine-free access to media, technology, resources, and educational programming are essential to connecting and sustaining vibrant communities. This partnership aims to encourage more people to sign up for a library card, visit their local libraries, and ride CityLink when possible!

Beyond our community, Library Card Sign-Up Month is celebrated in September by the American Library Association and libraries nationwide to remind everyone that a library card is the first step towards academic achievement and lifelong learning. So this September, sign up for a new FDL card, renew your expired card, or replace your lost card to be entered into a prize drawing for an Amazon HD 8 tablet! Already have an FDL card in good standing? Use it to check out materials from FDL in September, and you could win an Amazon HD 8 tablet, too! Encourage your friends and neighbors to get their library cards, and discover all of the great resources and programs available at FDL!

For more information about how to sign up for your library card, visit fondulaclibrary.org/library-cards/. To learn about FDL’s fine free policies, visit fondulaclibrary.org/fine-free-faq/. Check out ridecitylink.org to find CityLink’s routes and schedules, or see below for routes directly to the libraries.

Peoria Public Libraries

Main: #10 Forrest Hill, #11 Western, #12 Heights, #14 Wisconsin
Lincoln: #15 Lincoln
McClure: #10 Forrest Hill
Lakeview: #1 University
North: #1 University

Fondulac District Library

#8 East Peoria Sunnyland

Peoria Heights Public Library

12 Heights

Pekin Public Library

#18 Pekin South

Beth Weimer2022-10-04T13:11:51-05:00August 31st, 2022|

Flash Fiction Writing Contest Winners!

We’re excited to announce the winners for the Flash Fiction Writing Contest!

1^st Place – A Sunny Day by Hilary Vissering

2^nd Place – The Ghosts of Us by Daniela Barzallo

3^rd Places – Pro(An)tagonist by Kylie

Congratulations to each of them, and thanks to everyone who submitted an entry! Follow the links below to read the winning stories. Our judges panel had a hard time selecting from the 20 submissions we received, so keep writing and stay tuned for more contests!

A Sunny Day by Hilary Vissering

The Ghosts of Us by Daniela Barzallo

Pro(An)tagonist by Kylie

Beth Weimer2022-07-06T13:51:48-05:00July 6th, 2022|

Summer Reading 2022: Read Beyond the Beaten Path

Where will reading take you this summer? We encourage readers of all ages to embark on outdoor adventures, explore nature, and get creative with FDL for the library’s 2022 Summer Reading Program: Read Beyond the Beaten Path!

From June 1 through July 30, kids, teens, and adults can earn badges for reading materials from FDL and attending library events — and earn prizes! Participants earn a variety of fun incentives for their reading achievements, and everyone who finishes the challenge is entered into raffles for stellar prizes, including games, gift cards, packages from local businesses, and more! Readers can register and track their progress online at fondulaclibrary.beanstack.org or on-the-go with the Beanstack app, or pick up a reading log from the library!

Engaging programs are scheduled throughout the summer focusing on a variety of fun outdoor activities like camping, letterboxing, and family movie nights. We’ll also have family favorites like story times and crafts, as well as a lineup of exciting presenters to share rope jumping skills, stories about Bigfoot, tents full of butterflies, and more! Register for programs at fondulaclibrary.evanced.info/signup/calendar.

Start Reading!
• Borrow books, audiobooks, and magazines from Fondulac District Library or download or stream eBooks and audiobooks from fondulaclibrary.org.
• Whether it’s reading a graphic novel, listening to an audiobook, or reading an article, it counts! All reading must occur within the program dates.

Earn Badges
• Record your minutes in Beanstack.
• Earn 1 badge for every 50 minutes (PreK-2nd graders), 100 minutes (3rd-8th graders), or 150 minutes (high schoolers and adults).
• Earn one badge for attending any three Fondulac District Library programs.
• Earn 10 badges to complete the program.

Win Prizes
• Participants receive prizes for reaching the halfway point by earning 5 badges AND for completing the program by earning 10 badges.
• Participants who complete the program will also be entered into a prize drawing!
• Halfway prizes can be picked up starting June 13, and completion prizes can be picked up starting June 27. Prizes are available while supplies last.
• The last day to pick up prizes is August 13.

Summer Reading 2022 Brochure & Reading Log

Our programs are made possible thanks to our amazing community sponsors!

Beth Weimer2022-08-01T11:37:27-05:00May 16th, 2022|