The Library Times

January and February 2018

Serving Bartonville, Kingston Mines, Mapleton, Norwood, and all of the Illini Bluffs and Limestone High School Districts

Board Meetings Tuesday, January 16, 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, February 20, 7:00 p.m. The Public is Welcome Library Closings January 1, 2018 January 15, 2018 February 19, 2018

Library Hours Monday-Thursday:  9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Friday:  9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Saturday:  9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.   Sunday:  Closed

LOOKING BACKWARD & FORWARD @ ONE TIME   In Roman mythology, Janus ( Janu ary) is the god of beginnings and transitions. Janus is shown with two faces, one looking forward, the other looking back. This is a Janus moment.   Looking forward can be murky, without a crystal ball. In 2018, your library should be finished with projects funded by residents in a 2016 referendum. We continue to be grateful for the voters’ good will. As I write this in November, vinyl wallpaper on west walls has been removed, drywall repaired. Painters are completing their work where wallpaper used to trap moisture between walls and the library’s interior. Next up: improved lighting downstairs.   In January, we will “ramp up” programming for teens. First up the ramp are Sara Bell, Youth Services Librarian, and Will LaChance, Adult Services Librarian, who has an affinity for teens-as-young-adults. Sara + Will = a good team. In 2017, the Teen Board sponsored a successful blood drive, and could not escape that new, wildly popular “escape room” program phenomenon. More escape room events could be upcoming. Just a guess.   Looking back, in October, Will, Heidi Rhea, Jennifer Jacobsen-Wood, and the undersigned presented three—count ‘em, three—workshops at the Illinois Library Association conference. This is significant because workshops/classes at ILA are overwhelmingly led by suburban Chicagoans, or  Chicago Public Library staff .  All received fine reviews and compliments from conference participants. Let’s hear it for downstate librarians!   On a wistful note, our own Marla Scarcliff quietly said good-bye to the “Junior Yarners,” kids who have learned knitting, sewing, crocheting, and more, from Marla & Associates. The juniors lasted a long time. On the other hand, going forward, the adult “Yarners” will continue into 2018, and perhaps beyond.   Last summer, we upped the number of concerts in the park from one to three. Three must be a magic number (see ILA, above). Attendance was just fine, and so was partnership with the Village of Bartonville in financing the concerts. We are in favor of partnerships, and not just with the Village of Bartonville. Over time, including 2017, Alpha Park and the Hollis Park District have joined forces to provide activities. Marching forward, I expect more of the same.   2017 brought with it increased marketing, as Alpha Park joined with area libraries and WMBD to produce a public service announcement for TV. The announcement is still running—into 2018, we hope. We introduced a new format for our electronic newsletter, with great success, in 1/2017. In 2018, we hope to combine marketing (of a sort) and crowdfunding to raise money for special needs which the budget can’t handle. Stay tuned.   As for the Friends of the Library, in 2017 they sold books, bought comfortable chairs for a meeting room, revived the west-side garden, and laid a pathway to the garden, using concrete foot-shaped pavers. And provided money for Summer Reading and 45 th anniversary open house prizes.   Finally, 2017 did, indeed, mark our 45 th year as an official district library. We anticipate a favorable 46 th year, with your help and support. Happy New Year!   John Richmond, Director

Winter Storytimes are held in six-week sessions throughout the year. Sessions may include books, fingerplays, crafts, songs and games. Children should be the appropriate ages at the first class of each session.

Book Babies Wednesdays, 10:00 to 10:30 a.m., January 24, 31 and February 7, 14, 21, 28 Parents/caregivers with babies ages 12-24 months are invited to the library for activities.  Songs, creative time, and group play Toddlertime Tuesdays, 10:00 to 10:30 a.m., January 23, 30 and February 6, 13, 20, 27 Storytime for 2-year-olds with an adult Bookworms Tuesdays, 10:30 to 11:00 a.m., January 23, 30 and February 6, 13, 20, 27 Wednesdays, 1:00 to 1:30 p.m., January 24, 31 and February 7, 14, 21, 28 Storytime for ages 3 to 6 Thursday Tales Thursdays, 10:00 to 10:30 a.m., January 25 and February 1, 8, 15, 22 Storytime for 2- and 3-year-olds with an adult Stories on the Steps Thursday evenings, 6:30 to 7:00 p.m., January 25 and February 1, 8, 15, 22 Evening storytime for ages 3 to 8

Make-It/Take-it Saturday, January 20, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Saturday, February 10, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.  Children ages 4 through grade 4, along with their parent or caregiver, are invited to make a craft in the Youth Services Department anytime between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.

Construction Club Tuesday, January 30, 3:30 to 5:00 p.m. Tuesday, February 27, 3:30 to 5:00 p.m. Attention architects! Builders can now join us MONTHLY for a building challenge and free design time. Materials will be provided. No registration required. Come by and join the fun!

Harry Potter: Live! Friday, February 2, 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. Join us as we celebrate Harry Potter Book Night in a new way this year. We will make the first Harry Potter book interactive !  We will watch the movie and bring it to life by setting up audience interactions throughout the movie. Bring a pillow and get comfortable! Snacks will be provided. Register by calling Sara in Youth Services, 697-3822, ext. 14.

Make a Thank You Card January 2 to January 6 Were you a good girl or boy who received lots of special treats this season? Make a thank you card to show your appreciation. Various art supplies will provided; drop in and make a thank you card for that special person.

Comic Art Club Monday, January 8, 6:00 p.m. Monday February 12. 6:00 p.m. Do you like to draw? Do you like manga or graphic novels? Come join us! Kids 10 and up are invited to enjoy snacks, draw, and socialize. All materials and supplies provided.

Teen Board Thursday, January 4, 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, February 1, 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Teen Board members must be in 7th through 12th grades and have a library card. Show up or call Youth Services at 697-3822, ext. 14, for more information.

Teen DIY: Mini Notebooks Monday, January 29, 6:00 p.m. Students ages 12 to 18 are invited to learn how to make their very own miniature notebook. We will demonstrate how to make the mini notebook and then there will be free time for the teens to create their very own. Questions? Contact the Information Desk for more details, 697-3822, ext. 13. Teen DIY: Nerdy Buttons Monday, February 26, 6:00 p.m. Students ages 12 to 18 are invited to learn how to create their very own buttons. We will provide the materials and demonstrate how to make them. Teens will then be given free time to design and make their own. Questions? Contact the Information Desk for more details, 697-3822, ext. 13.

Teen Harry Potter: Live! Thursday, February 8, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. The same Live! Harry Potter Experience, but this time it is for teens only. Students ages 12 to 18 are welcome to attend.

Manga Club Thursday, January 4, 6:00 p.m. Thursday, February 1, 6:00 p.m. Enjoy manga and anime? Join this new and exciting program for teens 12 and up. We will share snacks, talk about the manga we have read, and finish it all off with an episode of anime. Each month we will have a different theme.

Microsoft Word Basics Thursday, January 11, 10:00 a.m. In this class, we will discuss the basics of Microsoft Word. We will cover all of the different tools you will need including how to print, save, and work with fonts. This class is perfect for the beginner or those who need a quick refresher. Registration is required; call the Information Desk at 697-3822, ext. 13.   Tablet Basics Monday, January 22, 7:00 p.m. or Thursday, February 15, 10:00 a.m. In this free class, we will discuss the basics of using your tablet. We will talk about the different kinds of tablets, how to add and remove apps, and go over the basic terminology and settings. This class is perfect for the beginner or someone who received a new tablet over the holidays. Call the Information Desk to register, 697-3822, ext. 13.   eBook Basics Tuesday, January 23, 9:30 a.m. or Saturday, February 10, 10:00 a.m. In this free class you will learn how to download eBooks and audiobooks for free from your library. Bring the device you will use for your eBooks and audiobooks and we will discuss all the steps you need to take to get free access to digital books. Call the Information Desk to register, 697-3822, ext. 13.   Computer Basics Thursday, January 25, 10:00 a.m. In one hour, you will learn some of the basic skills you will need to operate a computer. Ideal for those who need to learn the very basics, the class will cover how to use a mouse and keyboard, how to navigate a computer, and how to open and use programs. Registration is required. Call the Information Desk for more details, 697-3822, ext. 13.   iPad Basics Thursday, January 25, 7:00 p.m. or Tuesday, February 6, 9:30 a.m. In this introductory class, you will get to know your iPad a little better. We will explore the basics including how to change settings, discovering useful apps, and how to interact with the device. This hands-on class is a great way to learn some of the numerous features that the iPad has to offer. Registration is required. Call the Information Desk for more details, 697-3822, ext. 13.   Facebook Basics Thursday, February 22, 10:00 a.m. In this introductory class, we will discuss the steps needed to create and use a Facebook profile, send messages, and add photos and content to your profile. We will also talk about steps you can take to protect your privacy while using Facebook. Registration is required. Call the Information Desk for more details, 697-3822, ext. 13.   Book a Librarian! Call the Information Desk at 697-3822, ext. 13, to set up a time to get help with your device or learn how to download free eBooks or audiobooks from the library. It’s free and we’re way more patient than your kids!

Ladies’ Night Out: Pinterest Night Friday, January 26, 6:00 to 8:30 p.m.   Join us for a ladies’ night out experience like no other. We will start the night by creating the ugliest project you could imagine—just to get the creative juices flowing. Then, we will have crafts available to try all night. You can create your very own project, or follow specific instructions to create a masterpiece. A buffet dinner will be served at the beginning of the night and snacks will be available all evening. Seating is limited to 35, and the cost will be $10 per person. Contact the Information Desk to register, 697-3822, ext. 13.

Book Discussion 2nd Thursday of Every Month, 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.   January 11: The Underground Railroad by Colton Whitehead February 8: Small, Great Things by Jodi Picoult   Copies of the books are available for check out one month before the discussion. Please let us know if you prefer a sound recording or large print edition of the book and we’ll try our best to get it.

Cookbook Club 1st Monday of Every Month, 7:00 to 8:00 p.m.   Come join the Cookbook Club and share delicious recipes made by other library members. Bring a copy of your favorite recipe, and a sample if you wish, to the Cookbook Club and share it with the group. All adults are welcome to attend. Register for this program by calling the library at 697-3822, ext. 13.   February 5: Brownies

Friends of the Library   The Friends of the Library meet at 10:30 a.m. on the second Tuesday of the month—think 1/9 and 2/13/2018. They support the library financially and through hard work, revitalizing the west-side garden and installing giant-sized concrete footsteps to create a foot path to the garden (a sign naming/marking the path is upcoming, when warmer weather arrives). Friend-ly money purchased brand-new chairs for the second-floor meeting room, and provided prizes for Summer Reading and APL’s 45 th anniversary open house. Bricks/pavers, suitable for engraving and honoring the living and the dead, are still on sale for $25. Buy yours now at the Checkout Desk. The Friends will create a patio, or some other enhancement for our landscape, using your bricks. Join the Friends on 1/9 and 2/13/2018 for a guaranteed good time!

APL's Biggest Loser Contest 2018

APL’s Biggest Loser 2018 Kickoff and Information Meeting Saturday, January 20, 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.   It’s back for another year! Registration for our annual Biggest Loser contest begins Saturday, January 20 and runs through February 3. Registration is simple: We will chart your beginning weight, discuss all of the upcoming events, and explain the weekly weigh-in process. The program lasts a total of 6 weeks, with weigh-ins happening every week. You must weigh-in on Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday during library hours or at the Mapleton Recreation Center. There will be a grand prize of $50 to the male and female winners who lose the highest percentage of body weight over the total 6 weeks. In addition, there will be prizes given each week for the weekly winner. This is free and open to males and females 18 years and older. Please register for the Information Meeting by calling the Information Desk, 697-3822, ext. 13.

Hula Hoop Class Tuesday, February 6, 6:00 p.m. Bring your sense of adventure AND your sense of humor and join us as we learn about the physical, emotional, and social benefits of hula hooping. Free and open to adults 18 and up, but registration is required. Hula hoops will be provided. Call the Information Desk to register, 697-3822, ext. 13.

Learn to Waltz Thursday, February 8, 7:00 p.m. Jon Young from Next Step Dance Studio will teach participants the basics of the waltz. All skill levels are welcome. Singles, pairs, and groups can all participate. This one-hour session is the perfect opportunity to learn a traditional dance. Practice for that wedding, get some exercise, or have a nice date night with your significant other. This is a free program and is open to anyone 15 years of age or older. Please register at the Information Desk, 697-3822, ext. 13.

WERQ Cardio Class Thursday, February 15, 6:00 p.m. Join us for the wildly addictive cardio dance class WERQ!. Pronounced “work,” WERQ is a fiercely fun dance fitness workout that incorporates hip hop music and fresh routines. Wear workout clothes and gym shoes and expect to SWEAT. All dance and fitness levels welcome. This is a free class that will be offered by certified WERQ instructor, Tricia Brewer Tripp. Please register at the Information Desk, 697-3822, ext. 13, or at the Hollis Park Fitness Center .

Yoga Thursday, February 22, 7:00 p.m. Join us for a free yoga class. Led by instructor, Marysue Baker, this one-hour yoga session will be perfect for all experience levels. Registration is limited; please contact the Information Desk, 697-3822, ext. 13.

Swing Dance Friday, March 2, 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. Join us at the Holllis Park Butler Haynes Pavilion in Mapleton for a free instructional class on swing dance. Singles or duos are welcome. After the free instruction session there will be a two hour social dance from 8:00 to 10:00 p.m. that will cost $5 per couple. Register at the Information Desk, 697-3822, ext. 13.