Library Updates - Fondulac District Library

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|

Services Available June 1

Starting Monday, June 1, patrons will be able to pick up FDL materials through the drive-up window (or in the Atrium for walk-ups). Patrons can place holds through our online catalog at fondulaclibrary.org, through the RSAcat Mobile app, or by contacting staff. Staff will be available to answer your questions, place holds, assist with accounts, and help access our digital collection via phone, email, and live chat during service hours. Mobile printing will also be available to be picked up at the drive-up window or in the Atrium. The drop box will also be open, with an additional drop box available in the Atrium.

New Service Hours Starting June 1

M, T, Th, F 10am – 6pm

Wednesday 12pm – 8pm

Saturday 9am – 1pm

After items are placed on hold, you’ll be notified by phone or email when your items are ready and will have 7 days to pick up those items.
Patrons may pick up items only once every 7 days (due to limited availability of materials).
Only FDL materials will be available at this time (no items from other libraries or ILL requests).
Patrons may check out half the regular quantity of items at a time (25 books, 5 DVDs, etc.) due to the limited availability of materials.
Please request all materials in advance by placing a hold; staff cannot take requests for additional materials at pickup.
All FDL materials that normally circulate, such as games, equipment, kits, etc. will be available to check out.
Once returned, all items will be quarantined for 7 days, so it may take 7-10 days for items to be removed from your card.
All previously checked out materials are due on June 30th. Materials checked out after June 1st will resume their regular lending periods (3 weeks for books, 1 week for DVDs, etc.).
Fines accrued before the library closed on March 16th are still due, but no new fines will be charged until further notice.

Please note the library building will still be closed to the public and no in-person programs will be held until further notice. Readers of all ages are invited to participate in Dig Deeper, our online summer reading program, and to follow the library on social media for updates and online programs and activities. We appreciate your patience and support and look forward to see you at the drive-up window!

Beth Weimer2020-05-26T12:06:58-05:00May 26th, 2020|

Curbside Return

FDL will start collecting checked-out materials on a limited basis during the next two weeks. Please note the drop boxes will NOT be open.

Curbside return service will be available:

Tuesday • May 19 & May 26 • 4-7pm

Thursday • May 21 & May 28 • 10am – 1pm

Saturday • May 23 & May 30 • 9am – 12pm

You will be asked to pull through the drive-up window lane to the delivery door. You will need to exit your vehicle to return items to the designated plastic bins. All materials will be quarantined for a minimum of seven days and then will be removed from your account following quarantine (approximately 7-10 days). This no-contact process ensures staff will not have to handle materials until after the recommended 7-day quarantine period.

The due date for all materials is still June 30th, so those who wish to hold on to their items longer may do so without incurring fines.

We appreciate your patience with this process! Patrons currently have more than 10,000 items checked out, so this will help the library prepare to start circulating materials again through the drive-up window in a few weeks. (Stay tuned for announcements!)

Please call staff at 309-205-5855 Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., if you have questions or concerns.

Beth Weimer2020-05-15T13:36:20-05:00May 15th, 2020|

Phone Service — Ask a Librarian!

We’re excited to announce that library staff are now available by phone while the building is closed. Staff is available Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., at 309-205-5855 to answer reference questions, help manage your account, reset your account PIN, help accessing our digital collections and virtual programs, and more! Staff will also still be available via Live Chat during the same hours. Please note the new phone number for the service, 309-205-5855, is different than the library’s regular phone number. We can’t wait to hear from you!

Beth Weimer2020-05-11T17:41:50-05:00May 12th, 2020|

COVID-19 Service Update

COVID-19 Service Update 05/05/2020 3:30 p.m.

Fondulac District Library has been continually reviewing when and how we will begin to offer in-person services (both drive thru and in the library) again. There are many factors to consider before we are able to provide these services, and the library’s top priority remains the health and safety of our patrons, staff, and community.

The current situation is unlike any we’ve ever faced, and the factors and information that have to be used in decision making related to library services are incredibly complex. While I am as excited as anyone to get to a point where we can provide in-person services again to our community and I fully believe that library services are an extraordinarily important resource, ensuring our decisions do not raise the risk to the short term and longer term health and safety of our staff, our patrons, and our community has to take priority. We are making decisions in review and accordance with information, guidelines, and recommendations from legal counsel, national, state, and local authorities and public health officials, and professional library organizations. Given the complexity of it all, the library greatly values your support and patience.

We know you are anxious to check out new items and to return those you currently have, and we are looking forward to that, too. However, at this time, the library’s in-person services, including drive thru, book return, and building, remain closed. At this moment, we do not have a firm date as to when those services will start. When we can more confidently determine it is the right time for the library to begin those services, we will be so excited to let you know.

We are monitoring and reviewing new information on a daily basis. We are securing necessary materials and establishing procedures the eventual reintroduction of drive thru services and material returns. We’ve extended item due dates and library card expiration dates, and no fines will be assessed on items that were due during the time of closure. We will continue to announce service changes on our website and social media, so please keep an eye out there for more information.

Until we are able to reintroduce drive thru services, we encourage patrons to use our digital collections and online options during this time. Our staff is still working hard to bring patrons digital collections, new online content, new digital library cards, and virtual programs to our patrons. We’re also planning for the continuation and modification of the summer reading program, future events, and the gradual reopening of library spaces and reintroduction of in-library services.

Again, thank you for your patience and understanding. I hope you and your family are safe and well. Please take care to stay healthy and to help others remain safe so that we all may enjoy the library together again soon.

Genna M. Buhr, Library Director

Beth Weimer2020-05-05T15:25:54-05:00May 5th, 2020|

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!

Beth Weimer2020-05-04T17:13:37-05:00May 4th, 2020|

Welcome, Laura!

FDL is pleased to introduce our new Youth Services Manager, Laura Francis! Originally from the area, Laura joins us after serving other local libraries, as well as libraries in the Chicago suburbs and Colorado. We are very excited to have her on our team!

Laura says, “I am so excited to be here and cannot wait to get to know all of the kids, families, and caregivers who call FDL their library home! Whether it’s online or in person, I’m looking forward to reading, playing, learning, and being creative together. I love helping kids find their new favorite books and showing them what a magical and fun place the library can be. You’ll usually find me reading an ever-growing stack of books (with everything from Hamster Princess to Ghost and Book Scavenger to Elephant & Piggie), baking a chocolatey treat, or working on a knitting project—and sometimes trying to do all of those things at once!”

Beth Weimer2020-04-29T14:29:46-05:00May 1st, 2020|

Sue Elder’s Retirement

We’re sad to announce that after 23 years of service to the children and families of East Peoria, Miss Sue is retiring as our Youth Services Manager! She says, “I have enjoyed my time working at the library. Getting to know the families and watching the kids grow up has been the greatest reward of the job. I will miss seeing you on a weekly basis, and I hope to see you when I’m in the library getting my books or about town!”

While we’re very sad we aren’t able to celebrate her hard work and dedication with everyone at the library, we wish her well, as she’ll be able to spend more time with her family… and her sewing machine! We love you, Miss Sue!

Beth Weimer2020-04-29T14:25:46-05:00April 30th, 2020|

NLW – A Message from Genna

Hello everyone! My name is Genna Buhr, and I’m proud to serve as Director of Fondulac District Library.

On behalf of the library staff and Board, I hope this message finds you safe and well.

This week marks National Library Week. For a week each April, National Library Week is an annual celebration highlighting the valuable role libraries and their staff members play in transforming lives and strengthening our communities.

Fondulac District Library is an important part of our community, and we are dedicated to not only keeping you informed, entertained, and inspired, but also helping to keep you, your family, and our employees safe.

This year, while the library building is currently closed, I can assure you that many library materials and services are still available to you.

While we aren’t in the library building, our staff is still working, still learning, and still responding. We love to see our patrons in person, but for the safety and health of everyone, we are using other methods to bring the library to you. Digital ebooks and audiobooks, expanded access to streaming media and research databases, and creative content online are just some of the virtual services we offer. The talented staff even rethought the library’s annual Star Wars Day celebration to help bring some of that galactic magic to your home. If you didn’t have a chance to get your Fondulac library card before the building closed, we are issuing temporary virtual library cards to residents of the district to allow for fast and full access to the library’s digital collections and online research resources. Additionally, the library’s WiFi is still available to the public; no library card or password is needed. The signal typically extends beyond library walls and into the closer parking lot spaces, so you don’t even have to leave your car!

If you have questions about services during the closure, please visit our website at fondulaclibrary.org. Keep an eye on our social media announcements on Facebook and Instagram, too, for the latest from the library. Staff also are available to answer questions through online chat Monday through Friday from 10 am to noon and 4 to 6 pm.

And while we don’t know exactly when we will be able to, we are looking forward to gradually reintroducing in-person and in-building library services to East Peoria. We’re investigating methods to do this in a safe and effective manner that is in coordination with guidelines and recommendations from public health officials, state and local authorities, and professional library organizations. Until that time, staff will continue to work hard to be here for you, to bring the library to you in new and creative ways, and to plan for future services for our community. I am so proud of the work they do and all that they have accomplished quickly – and from home! – in this difficult time.

Thank you for your support and understanding. Please take care to stay healthy and to help others remain safe so that we all may enjoy the library together again soon.

– Genna Buhr, Director

Beth Weimer2020-04-21T16:50:08-05:00April 21st, 2020|

Expanded Access to Ancestry

Exploring your family history just got easier! During the COVID-19 crisis, FDL cardholders have temporary remote access to Ancestry Library Edition, courtesy of ProQuest and its partner Ancestry. Ancestry Library Edition is an online genealogy collection of 200+ billion images in 7,000 unique databases and includes genealogical search, message boards, blank charts and forms, and tutorials to help you perform research.

FDL cardholders may request access by email (reference@fondulaclibrary.org) or by Live Chat during scheduled chat hours. Please provide your full name and FDL card number with your request to receive additional instructions and the password.

Remote access will be available until the end of April 2020 and will be re-evaluated monthly as needed. Ancestry Library Edition is always available on the library’s public access computers and for use with personal devices on the library’s WiFi network.

Ancestry has made other additional features available to everyone during this difficult time. Ancestry is offering support to parents by making its AncestryK12 lesson plans available for free for anyone to download while they are educating children at home. Also, in partnership with the U.S. National Archives and Records Administration, Ancestry is providing free access to search nearly 500 million NARA records and images on Ancestry. For those new to Ancestry, several videos are also available on Ancestry Academy, a free program offering online courses to help families get started on their family tree building. A library of educational videos can be found at: ancestry.com/academy. No library card is required to access the K12 lesson plans, NARA records or Academy at ancestry.com, but creation of a free Ancestry is required.

FDL cardholders can also access HeritageQuest Online from home, which is a database that 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.

genna2020-04-08T12:58:58-05:00April 8th, 2020|