FDL Reads: Rose Vol. 1: The Last Light

Rose, Vol. 1: The Last Light by Meredith Finch and Ig Guara (Artist) 

Reviewed By: Katie Smith, Reference Specialist

Genre: Fantasy – Graphic Novel

Suggested Age: Teens, Adults

What is this Book About?:  In a world where Drucilla, a cruel and merciless sorceress, rules over Ttereve and Guardians are killed for the threat that they possess, Rose is forced to hide her growing gifts. When she dismisses her mother’s warning and lets her power slip, she is confronted with the unthinkable-Drucilla’s legion attacks, mercilessly burning her hometown to the ground. With her mother killed and childhood home destroyed, Rose now understands the length that Drucilla will go to extinguish those that may oppose her. In order to defeat Drucilla and her powerful allies, Rose must connect with her Khat, Thorne, to bring balance to the world of magic and become the Guardian that Ttereve needs.

My Review:  I really enjoyed reading this graphic novel! It’s set in a high fantasy world with a unique magic system that is slowly revealed to the reader. As the main character, Rose is a bit too predictable (she’s very save the world for savings sake), but the supporting characters are fun and complex enough to make up for it. My favorites so far are Ila (leader of the rebellion and possible sorceress), Sir Dante (Drucilla’s ex-knight, who has a complicated past), and Drucilla’s Fallen (zombie trio of ex-Guardians who are mind-controlled by Drucilla). After finishing the first volume, I immediately searched for and read the second. Honestly, the story just keeps getting better. I can’t wait to read the next volume once it’s published!

Three Words That Describe This Book:  Gorgeous, Violent, Magical

Give this a try if you like…the television shows She-Ra, Thundercats, and Xena: Warrior Princess.

Rating: 4.5/5

Find it on Hoopla with your FDL library card

About FDL Reads

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

FDL Reads

2019-01-09T10:56:10-06:00January 9th, 2019|

Exam Proctoring

The library offers free exam proctoring services by appointment. Exam proctoring is for post-secondary students, professionals taking licensing exams, and home-schooled students. Tests can be written or online exams, and students can use the public computers or bring their own laptops.

Students should contact their institutions beforehand to confirm the proctor site requirements. Please give plenty of advanced notice for the library to confirm approval as a test proctoring site and to schedule the exam. The reference librarian will attend to desk duties and other patrons while proctoring and will not be able to observe the student at all times. Students are responsible to adhere to all testing guidelines provided by their institutions.

On the day of the exam, students should check in at the Information Desk and may be required to present a valid photo I.D. for identification. Testing materials can be printed for 10 cents per page (black and white) or 25 cents (color). Study rooms can be reserved for exams when they re-open after construction. In the meantime, students will be assigned one of the tables closest to the Information Desk while taking the test. The test proctor can also scan and send the completed exam to the school or institution.  If the test must be mailed, the student or the school/institution must provide an envelope and postage.

Please contact the library at 309-699-3917  to confirm additional details about the library’s proctoring service (such as whether it meets guidelines determined by the testing institution) or to make an appointment.

2023-06-01T16:22:16-05:00November 26th, 2018|

#FDL: Picture Book Month

Picture Book Month is an international literacy initiative that celebrates the print picture book during the month of November.

Fondulac Library Staff share their favorites!

King Bidgood’s in the Bathtub by Audrey Wood and Illustrated by Don Wood
“King Bidgood’s illustrations are beautiful and filled with whimsy. The cadence of this book will have the kids reading right along. King Bidgood refuses to leave the tub, and the least likely member of this book may just have the answer. Join King Bidgood for the most adventurous bath time around! – Laura, Adult Services Manager

The Berenstains’ B Book by Stan and Jan Berenstain
“This was part of a set I got when I was little.  For some reason I’ve always loved it, and I can still say the whole thing by heart.” – Monica, Technical Services Assistant

The Day Jimmy’s Boa Ate the Wash by Trinka Hakes Noble and Illustrated by Steven Kellogg
“My mom blames this book for my love of snakes. I really loved it as a kid, and I still love it as an adult. The story is told in reverse and the accompanying illustrations perfect the entire thing.” – Jessica, Reference Specialist

The OK Book by Amy Krouse Rosenthal and  Illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld
A simple story with simple drawings lets kids know it’s perfectly ok to try out many different things and a-ok to enjoy things even when we’re not the best at them. I, too, am an “ok pancake flipper.” – Genna, Library Director

Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak
“The graphics in this book are amazing and really appeal to children and adults alike. Sendak’s story engages readers of all ages on the journey Max takes to locate the wild things.” – Becky, Reference Assistant

Kat Kong by Dav Pilkey
“This book is fun because it’s written for kids but has some amazing puns that only adults will understand.” – Nick, Circulation Manager

The Puppy Who Wanted a Boy by Jane Thayer and Illustrated by Seymour Fleishman
“This book tugs at your heartstrings. All Petey the puppy wants for Christmas is a little boy who will love him forever. Petey is so lovable that anyone who reads this book will want to adopt him for their very own.” – Susie, Reference Specialist

The Eleventh Hour by Graeme Base
“An unusual, engaging picture book for older readers (8+) and mini-sleuths. I remember obsessively searching the gorgeous illustrations for clues to solve the mystery that occurs during Horace the elephant’s birthday party, and I still discover new details every time I revisit it.” – Beth, Communications Specialist

Are You Scared, Darth Vader? by Adam Rex
“The art is dark, spooky, and very high-quality, and the story is relatable — even if you’re not Darth Vader!” -Sylvia, Circulation Assistant

Monstersaurus by Claire Freedman and Illustrated by Ben Cort
“Sometimes the biggest monster isn’t the meanest, but that doesn’t stop him from saving his boy!” – Sarah, Circulation Assistant

Bark, George by Jules Feiffer
“George is a dog who meows, quacks, oinks and moos. His mother takes him to the vet to get to the bottom of it. I love the mother’s expressions and what he says at the end.” – Sue, Youth Services Manager

Wilma Unlimited by Kathleen Krull and illustrated by David Diaz. 
Wilma Unlimited is a biography of Wilma Rudolph who became the fastest women’s runner in the world. Growing up, Wilma had many health problems and because of them she became unable to walk.  Eventually, she not only succeeded in walking, but was also able to run. This book is about persistence and pushing through whatever obstacles come your way and following your dreams.” Kayla, Youth Services Assistant

Who Cried for Pie? by Veronica Buffington
“This was a childhood favorite of mine and now my daughter loves it too! It’s a very short easy reader. Basically everyone in the family pitches in to make a cherry pie and in the end it goes missing and the dog Humphrey has eaten it. Very cute though!” -Katie, Circulation Assistant

Post by Susie Rivera, Reference Specialist

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

2018-11-20T10:15:47-06:00November 20th, 2018|

FDL Reads: Lilac Girls

Lilac Girls by Martha Hall Kelly

Reviewed by: Becky Houghton, Reference Assistant

Genre: Historical Fiction

Suggested Age: Teens, Adults

What this book is about:  Inspired by the life of a real World War II heroine, this is a powerful novel narrated by three women of the time.  Caroline Ferriday, a New York socialite and volunteer employee at the French Consulate; Kasia Kuzmerick, a Polish teenager; and Herta Oberheuser, a young German doctor, tell their stories of life from 1939 to 1959 during World War II and its aftermath.  How the lives of these three women intersect creates a heart-wrenching and frightening picture of the events in Germany, Poland, France and the United States during this time. This book is based on the actual lives of these women, although Kelly acknowledges that the dialogue throughout is of her own making and the details of Caroline’s romance with a married French actor are her invention.  For the most part, however, this book is factual which makes it a powerful description of the horrific events during and after the war.

My Review: This book is fantastic, horrifying, spell-binding, depressing and compelling all at the same time.  The lives of the narrators and how their lives collide in wartime Germany at Ravensbruck, the only Nazi concentration camp for women, is frightening and riveting.  The bravery and courage of Kasia, a Polish teenager working for the Resistance when captured, inspires the reader.  The cruelty and the choice to ignore the circumstances surrounding her at the Nazi camp combine to make Herta an unsympathetic and disgusting character.  Caroline, throughout the story, is a strong, courageous advocate first for French orphans and later in the story for the “Ravensbruck Rabbits” as those who the Nazi doctors used for experimentation became known.  This is a complex and horrifying look at the actual occurrences during the Second World War and its aftermath. I found this book difficult to read at times due to the horrific nature of the story, but I could not put the book down.  It is an extremely well written story covering an important and often forgotten segment of women’s history.  A must read.

Three words that describe this book: Horrifying, Compelling, True

Give This a Try if You Like…  Women in the Resistance and in the Holocaust by Vera Laska or Ravebsbruck by Sarah Helm

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

2018-11-17T10:47:52-06:00November 17th, 2018|

Online Catalog

FDL’s Online Catalog is the key to accessing the library’s entire collection of more than 150,000 materials, which includes books, magazines, CDs, DVDs, board games, eBooks, audiobooks, graphic novels, and more! Finding what you want is easy once you know how to navigate and search for items. FDL is a member of the RSAcat shared catalog with other area libraries, so patrons can also search and access materials from other libraries if the items are unavailable at FDL.

To access the library’s online catalog, visit fondulaclibrary.org and click on the “Library Catalog” tab at the top of the page. Log in with your library card number and PIN for the best experience. The staff at the Checkout Desk can help you set up a PIN. Then patrons can:

Manage Accounts – Check the due date of materials, renew items, review and pay any fines on the account, and more.

Search – The catalog allows you to search by title, subject, author, ISBN, item type, and other criteria. You can browse FDL’s collection, as well those of other area libraries.

Place Holds – Select an item and have it delivered to the library of your choosing. Library staff will contact you when the item is available

Patrons can even download the free BookMyne app (available in the Google Play Store and App Store) to access the online catalog from mobile devices. And of course, library staff can always help with any questions or issues that arise. Log in and start exploring the catalog today!

2018-11-12T11:31:10-06:00November 12th, 2018|

Autumn 2018 Newsletter Now Available

The latest issue of Community Connection, Fondulac District Library’s quarterly newsletter, is now available! It is mailed to residences within the library district and also is available for download and printing from our website. Printed copies can also be picked up at the library.

Whether you are into history, writing, gaming, music, science, or crafts, we’ve got something planned for everyone at the library this fall! Please take a moment to review the newsletter and mark your calendars with the great lineup of programs happening at Fondulac District Library through December. Enjoy!

Download (PDF, 2.32MB)

2018-09-19T10:53:31-05:00September 19th, 2018|

Fall Story Times at the Library

Fondulac District Library’s Story Times feature a different theme every week and include songs, flannel board stories, and crafts, in addition to great books! Story Time is a great way to introduce your child to new friends and encourage early literacy. View the details below or click here to see the Story Time Calendar.

WEEKDAY STORY TIMES
September 10-November 16

Little Listeners • 4-6 years old • Mondays at 10 a.m.
Together Time • 2-3 years old & adult • Tuesdays at 10 a.m.
Family Story Time • 2+ years old & adult • Tuesdays at 1 p.m.
Baby Lapsit • Birth-1 year old & adult • Wednesdays at 10 a.m.
Tiny Tot Time • 1-2 years old & adult • Thursdays at 10 a.m.

OTHER STORY TIMES
Fairytale Story Time • 2-7 years old • November 10 at 11 a.m.
Holiday Story Time • 2-7 years old • December 11 at 10 a.m.

2018-09-17T08:15:39-05:00September 17th, 2018|

September Out of the Box Book Club Meeting Cancelled

The September 19 meeting of the Out of the Box Book Club has been cancelled and the club will be taking a hiatus from October through December. We apologize for any inconvenience. Stay tuned for more book club opportunities in the near future!

2018-08-29T12:33:50-05:00August 29th, 2018|

FDL Offers hoopla Digital Media

Fondulac District Library is excited to announce hoopla digital: a new digital media service that provides access to nearly half a million titles, from six different formats: movies, TV, music albums, eAudiobooks , eBooks, and comics/graphic novels.

To enjoy hoopla digital for free with your valid Fondulac District Library card, download the hoopla digital app from the Apple or Google Play store on your mobile device. If you are using a computer, visit hoopladigital.com.

  • Cardholders may borrow up to 4 titles per calendar month. Titles are returned automatically when the
    borrowing period expires, so there are no late fees!
  • Borrowed content is available for immediate streaming on a computer or mobile device.
  • On the digital app, some borrowed content can be temporarily downloaded for offline use (perfect for traveling!).
  • Music albums can be listened in their entirety or shuffled between other borrowed albums.
  • hoopla’s eReader, Action View, is interactive, allowing a comic book to be read panel by panel.
  • hoopla has a Kid’s Mode setting, allowing young people access to content geared towards ages 12 and under.

Please visit or call the library at (309) 699-3917 with questions or for additional information.

2018-08-01T13:01:34-05:00August 1st, 2018|
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