The Library Times

July and August 2017

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

Board Meetings Monday, July 17, 7:00 p.m. Monday, August 21, 7:00 p.m. The Public is Welcome Library Closings Tuesday, July 4, 2017 Wednesday, August 30, 2017 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

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

From Alpha Park to India—And Back! I am writing this the day after Summer Reading kickoff, during which we checked out 1,481 items—books, etc.—to hordes of happy (as far as I know) children and adults. The weather was glorious. No kids were stuck in school, making up snow days.  So the organized chaos was great fun.   Two wondrous things stand out: First, despite the crowds, there was less popcorn spillage than ever before.  I know not why.  Second, I saw my first wristwatch-telephone combo.  One young man called his mother during registration.  And he used his wristwatch.  I had no idea.    Meanwhile, back in India, there was a man named S. R. Ranganathan.  He was a mathematician-librarian who proposed five laws of operating a library.  The laws date from 1931; you might want to plug in a different word for “book” or “reader” as you scan them, as we offer more than books. Books are for use. Every reader his/her book. Every book its reader. Save the time of the reader. The library is a growing organism.   The first law implies that libraries are not museums or warehouses for books or anything else.  In 1931, that was not always the case.  The second law requires the library to be a place where people can actually find things.  Libraries must reflect their communities, and staff should sense what the people they serve want—not what librarians think people should want.   The third law reflects the second, but focuses on the book or other material desired.  It has to do with accessibility.  In times past, people were not always allowed to browse a collection of books.  Everything was kept on shelves out of sight.  Runners had to get books for patrons.  Which flows nicely into the fourth law.  Accessibility saves the reader’s time.  Excellent, efficient service leads to satisfied patrons.  And people who work in libraries should be able to help other people find what people need.   Last of all, libraries cannot be static institutions.  Ranganathan argued that libraries must allow for growth in staff, the physical collection, and patron use. This, in turn, makes room for growth in the building, reading areas, shelving, and space for the catalog—or, today, computers which house the library’s catalog and other software, like Word or Exel.  It can be tricky, in 2017, balancing the old—and perhaps still valid—services and materials while adding the newest technology and services.   1931 seems very long ago, and India definitely is far away.  But what we do and provide at Alpha Park is merely a 21st century take on Ranganathan’s laws.  The five laws are about service to and for people.  Without clearly predicting technological changes and different kinds of literacy, 86 years ago Ranganathan saw into the future.  Wristwatches that double as phones may be gone in a few years—but we will be practicing the five laws, in one form or another, perhaps forever.  Maybe in a bigger building, with more staff, more study rooms and tables.  Stick around for another 86 years and see! John Richmond, Director

APL Summer Park Program The Alpha Park Library and the Village of Bartonville have teamed up to bring special events to the Alpha Park weekdays this summer!  Park visitors will be able to check out equipment like puzzles, games, balls, books and much more. Monday-Friday from 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.  (Equipment must be turned in to attendant by 1:30 p.m.)  This family-friendly program is free and open to all ages, kids and adults, but children should be supervised by caregivers. We will offer different games daily led by staff for kids and senior citizens.  Summer Park Days will run June 5 – August 4.  Check the library’s summer reading calendar for further details or contact the Information Desk, 697-3822, ext. 13.

Summer 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, July 5, 12, 10:00 to 10:30 a.m. Parents/caregivers with babies ages 12-24 months are invited to the library for activities, songs, creative time, and group play Bookworms Tuesdays,  July 11,  10:30 to 11:15 a.m. Wednesdays,  July 5, 12,  1:00 to 1:45 p.m. Storytime for ages 3 to 6 Toddlertime Tuesdays,  July 11,  10:00 to 10:30 a.m. Storytime for 2-year-olds with an adult Thursday Tales Thursdays,  July 6, 13,  10:00 to 10:30 a.m. Storytime for 2- and 3-year-olds with an adult

STEAM Readers Monday Evenings,  July 3, 10,  6:30 to 7:00 p.m. Storytime for ages 4 to 8 that will focus on STEAM topics (Science, Engineering, Art, and Math)

Julie K Saturday, July 22, 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Local superstar Julie K brings our summer reading program to a musical close.  This rockin’ event is sure to get your toe tapping and jiggle the wiggles out of your kids.  It is also the perfect time to check in your completed summer reading goals, as check in ends today!!  Thank you to the Friends of Alpha Park Library for sponsoring this event.

Coast Guard Saturday, July 15, 10:00 a.m. Coast Guard representatives will be here to show off the important work they do.  Come check out what important services these people provide, even far from the ocean in central Illinois!

2017 Solar Eclipse Viewing Event Monday, August 21, 12:00 to 3:00 p.m. While the eclipse will not be a total eclipse in our area (it will be in southern IL!), we will still have quite a viewing experience here in Bartonville.  APL will provide safe viewing glasses and will project the NASA LiveStream from Carbondale.  Drop in to try different activities and learn more about eclipses with your friends and family during this special event!

2017 Solar Eclipse Viewing Event Monday, August 21, 12:00 to 3:00 p.m.

Summer Book Club: James and the Giant Peach We will discover the adventures of orphaned James Henry Trotter from misery to life inside a giant peach.  This beloved tale will also be celebrated on stage this summer, presented by Glasford’s ArcLight productions.  Check the Summer Reading Calendar in the Youth Services Department for a full list of dates. Copies of the book can be checked out directly from the circulation desk.  There will also be extra copies available on the dates the book club meets. Have any questions? Call 697-3822 ext. 14.

STEAMPLAY Saturday Saturday, July 8, 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Saturday, July 22, 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Saturdays are for play!  3-6 graders can join as we play and test out different science principles. Registration required. Call 697-3822, ext.14, or email Sara, sara@alphapark.org.

Construction Club Tuesday, August 29, 3:30 to 5:00 p.m. Attention architects!  Builders can now join us MONTHLY for a building challenge and some free design time.  Materials will be provided.  No registration required.  Come by and join the fun!

Build by Design Monday, July 3, 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. Monday, July 10, 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. Each week, for 6 weeks, will have a new material to use in design challenges.  Some will be expected (Legos), some will be unexpected (spaghetti?!).

Teen Escape Room Thursday, July 13, 6:00 p.m. Think you have what it takes to bust out of the library?  Gather some friends (2-6) and sign up to try to defeat our escape room  Please register at 697-3822, ext. 14, or  sara@alphapark.org  so we can assign your group a time.

Teen Board Thursday, July 6, 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, August 3, 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.

Manga Club Thursday, July 6, 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, August 3, 6:00 to 7:30 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. July: Superheroes August: Comedy Comic Art Club Monday, July 10, 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. Monday, August 14, 6:00 to 7:30 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 Hosts: Red Cross Blood Drive Friday, July 21, 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. Every donor will be entered for a $25 Amazon gift card!  You must be 17 to donate, but 16-year-olds may donate with a signed parental consent form.  Teen volunteers are welcome (please register ahead).  If you would like to register to donate, please visit www.redcrossblood.org

Book a Librarian! Call the Information Desk at 697-3822 x.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!   Basic Microsoft Word Monday, July 17, 7:00 p.m. Need some help figuring out Microsoft Word? During this one hour class, we will cover the basics of Microsoft Word including the different tools, options, and how to print and save. This class is perfect for beginners or those who need a quick refresher.   Introduction to Computer Basics Thursday, July 20, 10:00 a.m. Are you an internet novice in need of more information? In this one-hour class, you will learn basic internet terminology and how to navigate a browser, locate a website, identify common domains and how to stay safe while online.   Cybersecurity Basics  Thursday, August 17, 10:00 a.m. Come to the Alpha Park Library and learn about internet security! This class will cover common viruses, firewalls, and security features and practices that can help protect you when you are on the web.    Introduction to Internet Basics Thursday, August 31, 10:00 a.m. Are you an internet novice in need of more information? In this one hour class, you will learn basic internet terminology and how to navigate a browser, locate a website, identify common domains and how to stay safe while online.

APL Presents Horror Author Joe Chianakas Monday, July 24, 7:00 p.m. Alpha Park Library is excited to host local author Joe Chianakas as he prepares to release the third book in his horror series, Rabbit in Red. Joe will discuss his critically acclaimed series, his writing process, and promote the third and final book in the series “Bury the Rabbit.” Joe will have some awesome giveaways. For more information call the Information Desk, 309-697-3822 ext. 13.

Disc Golf Available for Check Out   Get outside this summer and play a round of Frisbee Golf! Tuscarora Park has a new course, there's a small course at Limestone High School, and there are many more around the area.   Try before you buy -- The library has two sets of discs available for check out for 3 weeks.

45 Books for 45 Years Your Alpha Park Library is turning 45 years old this year! To celebrate , the library is hosting a challenge. If you read 45 books, one for each year, you win a prize. Stop by the Information Desk to grab your official tracking sheet.

Concerts in the Park The Alpha Park Library and the Village of Bartonville are excited to continue the Concert in the Park series. The two remaining concerts will be from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Alpha Park pavilions. Bring your blankets and lawn chairs or grab a park picnic table and enjoy a musical sunset.  FREE & open to the public!  Food will be provided by Nacho Mama’s Food Truck and LGSA concessions.   July 8: SideTracked August 12: Bridges

Book Discussion 2nd Thursday of Every Month, 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.   July 13: The Lost City of Z by David Grann August 10: Rabbit in Red by Joe Chianakas   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.

APL Yarners and Needlers Every Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. Come and smile awhile!  The Yarners and Needlers meet every Tuesday to work on projects of all kinds including knitting, crocheting, embroidery, tatting, quilting, mending, and much more. This program is free and open to the public. Want more information? Give Marla a call at 697-3822, ext. 24.

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 x.13 July 3: Patriotic Recipes August 7: Italian Horror Author Joe Chianakas Joins the Book Club Thursday, August 10, 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. Fresh off his talk at Alpha Park Library, local horror author Joe Chianakas will join the book club to discuss his first book in his acclaimed horror series, Rabbit in Red. Rabbit in Red tells the story of 19 horror loving teens as they compete in a bloody competition to make the horror movies of their dreams. Snacks will be provided. Copies of the book can be checked out at the Circulation Desk.

Friends of Alpha Park Library Pave the Way We await the outcome of the Friends’ BIG book sale in June.  And then…the Friends have created a footpath to the revived garden and bird feeding station on the woodsy side of the library.  (They revived the garden, too, and provided a bench nearby.)  Next up: A brick patio in the garden area.  The public may buy bricks @ $25 per brick at the checkout desk.  Bricks will be inscribed with names of people whose lives people wish to memorialize or celebrate.  All proceeds benefit the library—and people will be able to look for familiar names on their bricks in the patio. Buy a brick and watch our/your patio grow! The next regular meeting of the Friends will be held on Tuesday, September 12, at 10:30 a.m.  All are welcome.

Library vs. Army Softball Game Saturday, July 15, 9:00 a.m. Calling all softball and baseball players! Your library needs you! Alpha Park Library will be playing the local army division in a friendly game of softball and we are looking for players. If you are interested, call the Information Desk to sign up, 697-3822, ext. 13. Must be 18 years or older.

Family Escape Room Friday, July 14, 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. Think you have what it takes to bust out of the library? Gather the family to solve riddles, discover hidden clues, and defeat our escape room. Please register at 697-3822, ext. 14, or  sara@alphapark.org so we can assign your group a time.  There are 8 time-slots available. Each time-slot is 30 minutes long.