The Library Times
March and April 2019
Serving Bartonville, Kingston Mines, Mapleton, Norwood, and all of the Illini Bluffs and Limestone High School Districts 
Monday, March 18, 7:00 p.m.
Monday, April 15, 7:00 p.m.

The Public is Welcome

Library Closings
Saturday, April 20

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
WHERE WERE YOU DURING THE POLAR VORTEX?
 
“Polar vortex” was not an expression I’d heard until the January cold spell hit. But then, I’ve never known a time when there was no mail delivery because of frigid weather, either.
 
Responding to threats of temperatures of -20 and wind chills of -40, the library closed on 1/29/19 at 5:00 p.m. and reopened at noon on 1/31/19. The threats turned out to be true, though the wind didn’t positively howl throughout the time we were closed.
 
To close or not to close the library is a tougher decision to make—for me—than is, say, calculating budgetary figures. Which surprises some people, when I tell them the truth, and nothing but. 
 
It comes down to service: live, come-on-in, face-to-face service. Preparing a budget and tending to public funding equals service, too, but it’s different. One is doing math, and one is sitting down with someone who needs help with a computer. Or with a patron looking for Book 12 of a series (and the person doesn’t know Book 12’s title), or someone who has come for one of our ever-increasing programs for the multitudes. Our doors should be open.
 
Because we are a unit of local government with only service to sell. So to speak. In fact, with few exceptions, we have nothing to sell. Even if it is popular in libraries right now to refer to patrons as “customers,” and talk about folks who walk through our doors as if they were entering a retail establishment….
 
As for weather, I usually think that human will, warm clothes, and a car with adequate tires should conquer all—in the service of service. Except that my wife, quite rightly, once restrained me from driving from Bartonville to Lincoln during what turned out to be a blizzard, after dark. And this week, as I stared at graphs and lines that showed temperatures, and the brief amount of time it takes for frostbite to set in, I reluctantly decided that, yep, prudence was—is—an official Good Thing.
 
Also. Besides the fact that we have only service to sell, your local library’s staff is its greatest resource and virtue, if you will. Without friendly, qualified people to help the public, Alpha Park is just a building full of stuff. Nice and well-organized stuff, but all of it inanimate objects. Would I want any staff member to slide off a road in the dark when the wind chill is -40 degrees, in a car that might or might not be trustworthy? For that matter, would we want any patrons to suffer the effects of a polar vortex when traveling to and from the library, or in our parking lot? (We would not.)
 
So my attachment to willpower, warm clothes, and automotive perfection are overruled by safety. Service for the sake of service gives way to safety, so that we may better serve you . We all hope that you were not inconvenienced by our locked doors. And…if anyone of final authority’s listening or reading—no more polar anything, please!

 John Richmond, Director
Starting at "Square" One
Alpha Park Library is looking to replace the carpet in Youth Services! Watch for upcoming news on how you can contribute.
Tech Play Days
Saturday, March 9, 1—4 p.m.
April 15—19 , 1—4 p.m.
We are opening the locks! Drop in and try out some of our latest equipment including 360* cameras, virtual reality headsets, and gaming computers. Our staff will be on hand to help you explore the items.
  2019 Reading Challenge
Ends December 31, 2019
 
I n 2019, we challenge you to complete our Alphabet Soup reading challenge! Work your way through the alphabet by selecting books that begin with a specific letter. Complete all 26 letters and return the form to the Information Desk before 12/31/2019 to win a prize. All participants will also be entered for the Grand Prize drawing to win one of two $25 gift cards! Contact the Information Desk at (309) 697-3822 x13 for more details.
Spring Storytimes
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
Parents and caregivers with babies aged 9—24 months are invited to the library for songs, books,
and group play.  
Wednesdays, 10 — 10:30 a.m.
March 20, 27 and April 3, 10, 17, 24

Toddlertime
Storytime for 2-year-olds with an adult. 
Tuesdays, 10 — 10:30 a.m.
March 19, 26 and April 2, 9, 16, 23

Bookworms
Storytime for ages 3 to 6.  
Tuesdays, 10:30 — 11 a.m.
March 19, 26 and April 2, 9, 16, 23
Wednesdays, 1 — 1:30 p.m.
March 20, 27 and April 3, 10, 17, 24

Thursday Tales
Storytime for 2- and 3-year-olds with an adult.
Thursdays, 10 — 10:30 a.m.
March 21, 28 and April 4, 11, 18, 25

Stories on the Steps
Evening storytime for ages 3 to 8.
Thursdays, 6:30 — 7 p.m.
March 21, 28 and April 4, 11, 18, 25
***
In celebration of National Library Week, April 8-14, Alpha Park staff will deliver books to 3-year-olds at area preschools during special storytimes. Alpha Park Library hopes to provide a small gift to encourage children as they begin to build a lifelong love of reading.
 
***
Alpha Park Library staff will visit each 1 st grade class in the library district this spring as part of a Library Card Round-Up tour. Public school first grade students will bring home information about registering for a library card and receive their new cards at a special classroom storytime soon after.
Money Smart Storytime
Saturday, April 6, 10 — 11 a.m.

In conjunction with Money Smart Week, join us for a very special storytime. Songs, stories, crafts and giveaways will fill our hour together with fun lessons about responsible money skills.
This program is most appropriate for children
ages K-3 rd grade.
 
Make-It/Take-it
Saturday, March 30, 10 — 2 p.m.
Saturday, April 13, 10 — 2 p.m.

Children ages 4 through 4 th grade along with their parent or caregiver are invited to make a special craft in the Youth Services Department anytime between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Parental assistance required. No drop-offs, please!
Construction Club
Tuesday, March 26, 3:30 — 5 p.m. Tuesday, April 30, 3:30 — 5 p.m.
 
Attention architects! Builders can now join us each month for a building challenge and free design time. Materials will be provided. Registration is not required. Come by and join the fun!
Home School Book Club
Monday, March 25, 2 p.m.
Monday, April 29, 2 p.m.
 
Each month we invite you to join us as we examine a favorite book, have a snack and do a fun activity to go with the book. Best for kids in
2-6 grade.
 
March : Time Warp Trio: Knights of the Round Table by Jon Scieszka 
April : Rosie Revere and the Raucous Riveters by Andrea Beaty 
Teen Board
Thursday, March 7, 7:30 — 8:30 p.m.
Thursday, April 4, 7:30 — 8:30 p.m.

Teen Board members must be going into grades 7 through 12. Meetings are held each month from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. New members always welcome. Show up or call Youth Services at (309) 697-3822 x14 for more information.
Teen Mental Health Support Series
Monday, March 11, 7—8:30 p.m.
Monday, April 8, 7—8:30 p.m.
 
Teens, join us for a new, monthly series investigating mental health topics as they apply to teens. We will meet with a professional who will share tips and resources and then have time for discussion and questions. In March, we’ll examine depression and in April our topic will be self-harm.


Teen Throwback Thursday —
Games
Thursday, March 14, 6:30—8:30 p.m.
 
We will bring back some of your favorites from childhood. Snacks provided. Bring a drink.
Teen Movie Night
Wednesday, March 27, 6:30—8:30 p.m.
Monday, April 29, 6:30—8:30 p.m.
 
Join us each month for a teens-only movie event! Each month will have a different movie theme. Snacks and drinks provided.
 
March : 80s
April : Comedy
Teen DIY: Sharpie Canvas Bags
Tuesday, March 19, 6:30 p.m.

Teens, come and create your own sharpie canvas bag! Design a bag using a variety of sharpie colors (while supplies last). Registration is not required. Contact Youth Services at (309) 697-3822 x14 for more details. 
Teen DIY: Marbled Mug
Monday, April 15, 7 —8 p.m.

Swing by the library between 7:00 and 8:00 p.m. to make your own marbled mug! Drip nail polish into water, swirl the colors together, then dip your mug in the mixture to create unique designs. Registration is not required. Contact Youth Services at (309) 697-3822 x14 for more details.
Yoga
Every Tuesday starting March 5
9:15—10:15 a.m.
 
Start your Tuesday mornings fresh with yoga led by instructor Gayle Carrillo! Please wear comfortable clothes and bring a yoga mat. All levels welcome. Free and open to adults! Registration is required. Contact the Information Desk at (309) 697-3822 x13 to sign up.

Butterfly and Bee Gardening
Monday, March 25, 6:30—7:30 p.m.
 
Learn all about bees and butterflies, including how to attract them! This is a free program presented by Master Gardener Patricia Malake. Please call (309) 697-3822 x13 to register. 

Adult Craft of the Month
Thursday, April 18, 2 —3 p.m.
 
Sign up for this new crafting program for adults! Each month, we will explore making a new type of craft. All supplies provided. Free! Register by calling (309) 697-3822 x13.
April’s craft will be napkin folding.
 
Book Bingo for Adults
Monday, March 4, 2—3 p.m.
Monday, April 1, 2—3 p.m.
 
Join us at the library for Book Bingo! Bring some friends, play Bingo, enjoy snacks, and win books! FREE. Registration is required. Call the Information Desk at (309) 697-3822 x13 to sign up or for more details.
Cookbook Club
1st Monday of Every Month, 7 — 8 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.

March 4: Casseroles
April 1: Bar recipes
Intro to Online Shopping: Amazon
Wednesday, April 17, 10—11 a.m.
Learn the basics of using Amazon for online shopping! Prerequisites: Must be comfortable using a computer, keyboard, and accessing the internet. Must have a working email address. Registration is required and space is limited. Call (309) 697-3822 x13 to sign up.
Greater Peoria Honor Flight
Wednesday, March 13, 7—8 p.m.
 
Join us as John Myers, a volunteer for the Greater Peoria Honor Flight, gives an informative presentation about the Greater Peoria Honor Flight program! Information will include the honor flight’s history, costs, preparation, community assistance, and much more! Registration is required. Please contact (309) 697-3822 x13 to sign up.
Opioid Overdose Prevention
Thursday, March 28, 6:30 — 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, April 13, 10 — 11 a.m.

This training presented by Chris Schaffner will equip service providers who support high-risk individuals to identify and prevent opioid related overdose deaths. Participants will learn about the effects of opioids, the scope of the problem, who's at risk, recognizing overdose symptoms, how to use naloxone (Narcan), and gain information about methadone and suboxone. There will also be free overdose rescue kits provided at this training. Registration is required. Contact (309) 697-3822 x13 to sign up.
Meet the Auditor
Thursday, April 25, 6 —8 p.m.

Join us as Peoria County Auditor, Jessica Thomas, gives an educational presentation on the role of an auditor. This program will also include a one-hour documentary (free!) about Rita Crundwell, the city clerk who stole millions from the city of Dixon over a number of years. Registration is required. Please contact (309) 697-3822 x13 to reserve your spot!  
Acquiring, Organizing,
& Cooking Food Storage
Monday, March 18, 7—8 p.m.
 
Local author Karen Morris will discuss her new book, A Year Without the Grocery Store: A Step-by-Step Guide to Acquiring, Organizing, and Cooking Food Storage.  Topics will include gardening, canning, freezing, as well as freeze dried foods and short and long term storage. Free and open to the public. Register by calling (309) 697-3822 x13. 
 
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 (309) 697-3822 x24.
Book Discussion
2nd Thursday of Every Month,
2:30 — 3:30 p.m.

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.

March 14: You by Caroline Kepnes
April 11: Where'd You Go, Bernadette by
Maria Semple
The Friendly Friends of the Library

The Friends of Alpha Park Library meet the second Tuesday of each month at 10:30 a.m. Upcoming meetings will be held on March 12 & April 9. The Friends sponsor the ongoing book sales at APL, and provide other fundraising—and everything benefits the library. Over seven years, the Friends have raised over $20,000 for the library. The latest purchase: special seating in Youth Services, with room for adults to read to children, or vice-versa. The Friends can always use bright minds with creative ideas about how to help your public library. So come on down on 3/12 and 4/9, and be a Friend!