The Library Times

May and June 2019

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

Board Meetings Monday, May 20, 7:00 p.m. Monday, June 17, 7:00 p.m. The Public is Welcome Library Closings Monday, May 27

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

Back to Square One   I’ve told this story before, and I’m going to tell it again.   A young boy, new to Alpha Park Library, raced up the stairs to Youth Services. He stopped, looked around, and exclaimed, “Wow! This looks like a place where they really like kids!”   This is a place where we like kids. They are not only our patrons of the future—they are our patrons and fans today . Even more than when I arrived in 2001, we serve an increasingly diverse group of young people, from toddlers to teens. They keep our dedicated staff creatively planning programs, all within a space that is recently brightly painted, well-lit, and safe.   Libraries should be safe places, in more ways than one. One of those ways would include carpet. (Yes—carpet.) Since 1995, when the two-story portion of the library opened, thousands of little feet have walked, run, skipped, and jumped on our lovely, industrial-strength carpet. Adults using the upstairs meeting room have added their own footprints.   Our heavy-duty carpet has worn well—with the emphasis on “worn.” Carpet is wrinkling, rolling, and rising up from the floor to meet the feet of those who step on it. Wavy, wrinkly carpet is not safe.   Beginning May 1 and continuing through July 27, the library will be moving “back to square one” in the Youth Services Department. We plan to replace our 24-year-old carpet with new, durable carpet squares. It’s time!   The cost of this project is $22,000. Old carpet must go, shelves emptied of books and moved, and squares put firmly into place.   Our referendum in 2016 paid for many library upgrades, but not for carpet. From May 1 through July 27, we are asking you, our generous public, to help us raise funds for carpet replacement. Already, the Friends of Alpha Park Library have paid for 100 carpet squares at five dollars each, for a total of $500. Another donor has bought ten squares, for a grand total of $550. Only $21,450 more to go!   Please help us “get back to square one” by purchasing one square…10 squares…20 or more squares, at five dollars per square. We must cover 3,888 square feet of space.   You may contribute to the carpet cause in person at the Checkout Desk. Or mail us a check to our address, as shown on this newsletter. You may contribute using a credit card or through Paypal on our Facebook page. Go to https://www.facebook.com/AlphaParkPublicLibrary and click on the Donate button. Or visit our website, www.alphapark.org , and click on the Donate button at the bottom right-hand side of the screen.   Thank you. Your gift will provide for ongoing safety for both kids and adults, and will give a new, brighter look to this place where we “really like kids!” John Richmond, Director P.S. In 2004, Alpha Park’s many friends raised $3,330 toward the purchase of new carpet in the big, 1 st -floor meeting room. Fifteen years later, we are confident that many more friends can help us reach our new, even bigger goal!

Summer Reading Kickoff 2019 Wednesday, May 29, 1—4 p.m. Sign up the WHOLE FAMILY for the summer reading club at Alpha Park Library!  Registration begins at the Kickoff Event .  The program will run until July 27. The kickoff party is a great time to drop in and get signed up, pick up all the club information as well as enjoy snacks, a craft, and face-painting! (The party marks the beginning of registration, but you may sign up at the library any time after May 29.)

Free Comic Book Day Saturday, May 4, 1—4 p.m.   Swing by the library for comic book fun! Free comic books will be given away on a first come, first serve basis (while supplies last). We will also have activities such as DIY comic book bookmarks, virtual reality headsets, and a photo booth!

Concerts in the Park 6—8 p.m. at the Alpha Park Pavilions   Located at the pavilions inside Alpha Park in Bartonville, IL. Food trucks & concession stands open at 5:30 p.m.   Saturday, June 8 : Brian Dennison—Country Rock Music Saturday, July 20 : RipChordz—Classic Rock Music Saturday, August 17 : The 42—Country & Rock Music Saturday, September 14 : Peoria Pops

Harry Potter Book Night Thursday, June 13, 6—8 p.m.   *Rescheduled from January* Harry Potter Book Night is a worldwide celebration created by Bloomsbury, the publisher of Harry Potter. This year’s theme is Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry . We will attend classes, make a wand, get sorted, and enjoy delicious treats. For all ages.

Popcorn Challenge Entries due Thursday, June 27 by 6 p.m. Public Sampling & Winner Reveal 7:30 p.m.   Are you a master chef in the making? Use your talents to create a popcorn themed snack that will wow the crowd. Our judges will select a winner in each of 4 age groups. Winners will receive a $15 gift card, golden spatula, and bragging rights.   Age Groups : 0—7, 8—13, 14—18, 18+

Summer 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. June 5, 12, 19, 26 and July 3, 10 Toddlertime Storytime for 2-year-olds with an adult.  Tuesdays, 10 — 10:30 a.m. June 4, 11, 18, 25 and July 2, 9 Bookworms Storytime for ages 3 to 6.   Tuesdays, 10:30 — 11:15 a.m. June 4, 11, 18, 25 and July 2, 9 Wednesdays, 1 — 1:45 p.m. June 5, 12, 19, 26 and July 3, 10 Thursday Tales Storytime for 2- and 3-year-olds with an adult. Thursdays, 10 — 10:30 a.m. June 6, 13, 20, 27 and July 11 Big Top Fun Special summer evening storytime for 4 — 10 year olds. Mondays, 7 — 7:30 p.m. June 3, 10, 17, 24 and July 1, 8

Attention Artists! Would you like to show off your talent to the entire Alpha Park Library District? Submit your best interpretation of the summer reading club theme, It’s Showtime at your Library! , on a bookmark by May 20 ! A winner will be chosen, and their work will be reproduced as the official summer reading club bookmark.

Summer Volunteers @ Alpha Park Interested volunteers who would like to sign up for hours in the Youth Services Department should sign up as soon as possible. You will be given information about a brief training meeting. Volunteers must be entering 7 th grade or older. Please call 697-3822 x22 for more information.

Construction Club Tuesday, May 28, 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!

Martika the Magnificent! Saturday, June 15, 10 a.m.   Martika is a performer extraordinaire. Her many talents include hula hoops, silk fans and spinning plates. She is a one woman circus act that you can join in on. Martika comes all the way from Kansas City, MO. Don’t miss her APL debut!

Three Ring Rascals Book Club Monday, June 17, 2—3:30 p.m.   We will meet to share the book Three Ring Rascals: The Show Must Go On by Peoria natives Kate and M. Sarah Klise. You’ll enjoy this illustrated tale of circus adventures. We will read excerpts together and then do activities that relate to the book. Next month- Three Ring Rascals, Book 2 ! Copies of the book can be checked out directly from the circulation desk.

Super Stolie Friday, June 21, 10 a.m. A  Super Stolie  show is a music-centered exhibition of creativity to explore and inspire the uniqueness and silliness in all of us! Her highly interactive shows get everyone involved, introducing dance moves to get bodies moving and catchy tunes to get mouths singing. Armed with an acoustic guitar and a fun looping pedal,  Super Stolie  serves up a batch of fun the family won’t want to miss.

Cold Blooded Ceatures Friday, June 28, 2 p .m. OR 4 p.m. Have you ever been so close to an alligator that you could touch it? Well, here is your chance! Jim Nesci brings his reptile friends to Alpha Park Library for one day only. Come learn about the importance of reptiles in nature, as well as many interesting and humorous facts.

Teen Board Thursday, May 2, 7:30 — 8:30 p.m. Thursday, June 6, 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 697-3822 x14 for more information.

Teen Mental Health Support Series Monday, May 13, 7—8:30 p.m. Monday, June 10, 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 May, we’ll discuss sexual assault and in June our topic will focus on LGBTQ+.

Teen Movie Night Monday, May 20, 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.   May : Early 2000s

Teen DIY: Duct Tape Keychain Tuesday, May 28, 7—8 p.m.   Swing by the library between 7:00 and 8:00 p.m. to make your own duct tape keychain (while supplies last). Registration is not required.

Teen DIY: Bath Bombs Tuesday, June 4, 3 p.m. Students ages 12 to 18 are invited to the library to make their very own bath bombs. All supplies are provided, but registration is limited. Go to www.alphapark.org to register or call 697-3822 x13.

Babysitter Training Course Friday, June 7, 10 —3:30 p.m. Friday, June 14, 10 —3:30 p.m. Are you looking ahead to potential babysitting jobs? Register for this training course endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatrics. We will cover safety, first aid, ages and stages as well as best babysitting practices. Lunch provided. $10 fee required with registration. For ages 11 and up. Space is limited to 15. Contact Sara at 697-3822 x14 to register for either date.

Cosplay Creations Tuesday, June 18, 2 —3 p.m. Tuesday, June 25, 2 —3 p.m. Swing by the library this summer for our cosplay creations series! On June 18, we will work on costumes (please bring your own t-shirt and/or other clothing items) and on June 25, we will make our own cosplay-inspired props/armor!

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.

Yoga Every Tuesday in May-June starting May 7 9:15—10:15 a.m.   Start your Tuesday mornings fresh with yoga! Please wear comfortable clothes and bring a yoga mat. All levels welcome. Free and open to adults! Registration is required. Register online or contact the Information Desk at 697-3822 x13 to sign up.

Crafternoon Delight Thursday, May 16, 2 —3:30 p.m. Thursday, June 20, 2 —3:30 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. May : DIY Mason Bee House June : Paint stick American Flag

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. May 9: Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens June 13: The Alice Network by Kate Quinn

Book Bingo for Adults Monday, May 6, 2—3 p.m. Monday, June 3, 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. Register online at www.alphapark.org or 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. May 6: Salads June 3: Recipe by your favorite chef

Vision, Reading, & Learning Wednesday, May 8, 6—8 p.m. This presentation by local optometrist Dr. Tim Cundiff will discuss the role of the visual system and its impact on reading and learning. Registration required. Register online or by calling 697-3822 x13.

Intro to Skype Wednesday, May 15, 2 —3 p.m.   Learn the basics of using Skype to make video calls! Prerequisites: Must be comfortable using a computer, keyboard, and accessing the internet. Must have a working email address. Go online to register or call 697-3822 x13.

Laughter: The Best Medicine Wednesday, May 22, 1—2 p.m.   Come and enjoy hilarious and interactive activities with Evergreen Senior Living! Games, jokes, and riddles will be sure to have you on the floor laughing. Find out why laughter is truly the best kind of medicine and what it can do for your well-being. Registration required. Register on our website or call 697-3822 x13.

Basic Photography Wednesday, June 12, 2—3 p.m.   Learn the basics of photography in this introductory course! Jim Burnham of Burnham Graphic Arts will cover topics such as camera functions, camera recommendations, tips & tricks, and much more! You may bring your camera or camera phone with you. A camera is not required, but strongly recommended. No previous experience required. Register online or by calling 697-3822 x13.

Intro to Watercolor Wednesday, June 12, 7 —8 :30 p.m. Dip your toes into watercolor painting. Instructor Kristen Woodley will teach basic techniques and you will end the night with your own masterpiece to take home. Register online or by calling 697-3822 x13.

Simplify Your Spending & Saving Strategies Monday, June 17, 6—8 p.m. Financial advisor Jenni Case will provide tips and tricks to simplify your spending and saving! Topics will include budgeting, identifying your goals, and prioritization. Please register online or call 697-3822 x13.

Digital Eye Strain Monday, June 24, 6—8 p.m.   Dr. Tim Cundiff joins us once again! This presentation is geared to address the challenges that our digital age of technology is having on our eyes. Register online or contact 697-3822 x13.

Friends, Pets, and Autumn Flowers The Friends of the Library, who have committed $500 toward the purchase of the first 100 carpet squares for the second floor—see the Director’s column, page one—will hold their next meeting on Tuesday, May 14, at 10:30 a.m.  Come on down! Reliable rumors about the Friends are going around. As in…come Summer Reading Club time, the Friends will present a “Cutest Pet” contest, as they did last year. Cutest pets were truly cute, people had fun (don’t know about the pets), and the library received $400 in proceeds from the competition. This year, funds will apply to the purchase of carpet squares for the Youth Services Dept.   The second pretty/fairly/almost-certainly-reliable rumor is that the Friends will host a fall garden walk. Later September is a distinct possibility. Lots of gardening groups hold spring or summer garden walks, but fall will be a bit…different. Unless another polar vortex hits the Midwest, as it did this winter/spring, gardens can be quite lovely in early autumn. The Friends’ last garden walk earned at least $2,000 for the library. Stay tuned for further details!

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