Serving Bartonville, Kingston Mines, Mapleton, Norwood, Glasford, Bellevue, and all of the Illini Bluffs and Limestone High School Districts
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July/August 2018 Newsletter
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Board Meetings
Monday, July 16, 2018; 7 p.m.
Monday, August 20, 2018; 7 p.m.
The Public is Welcome
Library Closings
Wednesday, July 4, 2018
*Wednesday, August 22, 2018
*9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
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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
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What’s in a Number?
Over the centuries, in different cultures certain numbers have acquired meaning. Sometimes the numbers figure in various groups’ religions. Even in 2018, people speak of their “lucky number,” or express uneasiness about 13, or swear that incidents and accidents come in threes.
On July 1, I will have served as library director for
17
years. I have researched 17, and can come up with nothing exciting. I was so hoping. I do know that in 2001, I was about to turn 49 (not yet over-the-hill at 50). Now I carry a Medicare card. My family and I escaped Texas when my son was four years old, to return to Illinois
before
a southern accent got him in its grip. Today he speaks in fine Midwestern fashion.
I watched the events of 9/11 at the library. On a different level of loss, the staff and I survived the demise of books on cassette and movies in VHS format. The disappearance of VHS, cassette tapes, the drop in readership of paper magazines—another example of something that has changed—and the growth in number of library Internet computers from six to 20-ish: All these realities represent loss or gain, progress or regress, more immediately. But your library still stands. As do I.
Seventeen years have brought BIG changes in technology, but
people
are still the thing. Alpha Park staff are out and about in the district’s schools more than ever, including during the Summer Reading Club. Books are delivered to the home-bound. The adult Reading Club has grown. We sponsor a Teen Board and popular activities for teens. Construction Club tempts potential engineers to create amazing objects with LEGO. The library is a partner with the Village of Bartonville and the Hollis Park District, to offer concerts in the
real
Alpha Park and exercises for good health at Hollis’ recreation center.
In 2001, the 1995 part of the building was “the new library.” Yet, in the past two-plus years, with $800,000 entrusted to us by district voters, both the old building and the now not-so-old building have seen walls torn apart, carpenter ant and termite devastation repaired; LED lighting installed upstairs and downstairs; moisture-trapping, moldy vinyl wallpaper removed, with paint replacing vinyl; parking lots rebuilt…and there’s more to come. We have sought to use public money wisely, while creating small wonders in the process.
Last but hardly least, for 17 years I have worked alongside a staff that has proved creative, mutually supportive, and willing to laugh so loudly that we’ve had to close a door or two just to keep the sound contained. In 17 years, only once have I been called about a problem when I was on vacation. The people who serve you serve each other well. I had heard that Alpha Park was known for excellent public service. So it is—and will remain so, even if I am not here for
another
17 years!
As always, I thank you for supporting
your
local library
.
John Richmond, Director
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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
Wednesday, 10:00 to 10:30 a.m., July 11
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., July 3, 10
Storytime for 2-year-olds with an adult
Bookworms
Tuesdays, 10:30 to 11:15 a.m., July 3, 10
Wednesday, 1:00 to 1:45 p.m., July 11
Storytime for ages 3 to 6
Thursday Tales
Thursdays, 10:00 to 10:30 a.m., July 5, 12
Storytime for 2- and 3-year-olds with an adult
Music Fun Around the World
Monday Evenings, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., July 2, 9
Storytime for 3-8 year-olds. Join us as we sing, dance, and craft our way around the world.
Special Event Storytimes:
ABC Amigos: Spanish Storytime
Fridays, 10:30 to 11:00 a.m., July 6, 20
Hola Amigos! Recent research finds children can have cognitive benefits from learning a foreign language as soon as age 3. Come play and learn some Spanish during this fun storyhour with guest instructor Caitlin Streeky. Best for ages 3-7, but all are welcome.
Storytime in the Wild - GLASFORD
Fridays, 10:30 a.m., July 6, 13
Join us at the pavilion on Water Street in Glasford as we get WILD with stories, songs, and activities.
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I Survived Book Club
Each meeting will focus on a different book in Lauren Tarshis’ I Survived series. We will read a few excerpts together and then do activities that relate to the catastrophic event in that book. Copies of the book can be checked out directly from the circulation desk.
Questions? Call 697-3822, ext. 14.
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Set Design Workshop
Friday, July 6, 2:00 p.m.
Join us as we partner with ArcLight Productions to help create the set for the production of
Mary Poppins
. Students will create props to be used in the July event. All ages are welcome, but registration is required. You may register in person in Youth Services, by calling the library (697-3822, ext.14,) or emailing Sara, sara@alphapark.org.
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Summer Safety
Monday, July 16, 100 p.m.
Ameren will present important information on how to stay safe around electricity. Check out the equipment they use to safely work. The Bartonville Fire Department will also visit so we can see what tools they utilize to help the community stay safe. Registration is not required.
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Adventure Kits
Reading takes you everywhere! Check out a backpack to facilitate your summer adventures! Topics include stargazing, geocaching, hiking, crochet, and more. Kits check out for one week.
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Family Kite Day
Meet us at Butler Haynes Park on July 8 for an afternoon of fun! Kite-flying, designing, stories and special guest performances by ArcLight’s
Mary Poppins
cast will keep the whole family engaged. The cast will perform highlights from the show, greet fans, and sell tickets for their run at Limestone Community High School. Registration is $1/person, max of $5 per family. Register at the library or Hollis Recreation Center to reserve your kite kit.
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Teen Board
Thursday, July 5, 7:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Thursday, August 9, 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.
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Teen Escape Room
Thursday, July 12, 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.
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Teen DIY: No Sew Pencil Case
Tuesday, July 17, 6:00 p.m.
Students ages 12 to 18 are invited to learn how to make their very own decorative pencil cases. We will demonstrate how to make the cases using plastic bags and duct tape. We will then walk the teens through the process of making their own. All supplies are provided. Registration is not required.
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Teen DIY: Quotables
Thursday, August 16, 6:30 p.m
.
Put your favorite quote on a t-shirt, pillowcase or socks. You bring the item; we will help create the finished product. Registration is not required.
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Manga Club
July 5, 6:00-7:00 p.m.
August 9, 6:00-7:00 p.m.
Enjoy manga and anime? Join this program for ages 12 and up. We will share snacks, talk about the manga we love, and finish it all off with an episode of anime.
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APL’s Annual Concert in the Park Series
6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
The library is excited to continue our tradition of hosting concerts in Alpha Park located near the pavilions. Along with live music, food will be available for purchase from an area food truck.
Saturday, July 21: Brian Dennison - Country Rock
Saturday, August 25: Sgt. Eggman's Lonely Nowhere Band - Music of the Beatles and Similar Bands
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Adult Bunco Night
Thursday, July 26, 7:00-8:30 p.m.
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Join us for a fun night out with a dice game called BUNCO. New players welcome -- we'll teach you to play! Grab your friends or plan to meet new ones. There will be prizes and light snacks. This program is free and open to the public, but registration is limited. Please contact the Information Desk at 309-697-3822, ext. 13, to register.
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Yoga in the Park
Saturday, July 21, 8:30 a.m.
Yoga in the fresh air! Led by Marysue Baker, this FREE class is open to adults. Please bring your mat if you have one. Register by calling (309) 697-3822, ext. 13.
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Kroger App Class
Wednesday, July 11, 6:00 p.m. OR
Saturday, August 11, 9:30 a.m.
Want to save more using digital coupons at Kroger? Come to this class led by the employees of Kroger and learn how! After a short introduction to the app, there will be hands-on time for those wanting help with their devices. This is a FREE class. Please register by calling (309) 697-3822, ext. 13.
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July Book Discussion:
A Friend of Mr. Lincoln
by Stephen Harrigan
Thursday, July 12th, 2:30-3:30 p.m.
This book discussion will be at a special location (not the library), please contact the information desk at 697-3822, ext. 13 for details and directions.
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August Book Discussion:
Beartown
by Fredrik Backman
Thursday, August 9th, 2:30-3:30 p.m. Copies of the books are available to check out one month in advance. Please let us know if you prefer a sound recording or large print and we will try our best to get it.
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Pollinators: Butterfly Basics
Monday, July 23, 7:00 p.m.
Learn all about bees and butterflies, including how to attract them! This is a free program and registration is required. Patricia Malake, Master Gardener, will be presenting. Please call (309) 697-3822, ext. 13, to register.
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Seed Saving
Monday, August 20, 7:00 pm
Learn why it's important to save seeds, what to save, and how to gather and store them. Master Gardener Karl Stach will present this free program. Registration is required. Please call (309) 697-3822, ext. 13, to register.
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Photo With Your Pet Fundraiser
Tuesday, July 24, 6:00-8:00 p.m.
In conjunction with our
Cutest Pet Contest, come to the library for a photo with your pet on our new patio! The outdoor patio can be accessed via the footpath along the west side of the library. We have a professional photographer who will be taking a photo of patrons and their pets for five dollars each. Appointments can be made at the library starting mid-July, or email Kay for more information:
gardendeux@gmail.com
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Friends of the Library
Cutest Pet Contest
The
Cutest Pet Contest
began on June 15 and will run through July 20. Stop in and vote with your change for the cutest pet! The winner will be announced on July 24, 6-8 p.m. during our
Photo With Your Pet
event on our new patio. Thank you to the Friends of the Library for sponsoring this contest and hosting the Photo with Your Pet fundraiser. Questions? Email Kay at gardendeux@gmail.com
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Peoria Riverfront Museum Passes for Checkout
The library is excited to announce our new partnership with the Peoria Riverfront Museum. As a part of this new partnership we are now able to check out a free day pass that grants two adults and their children admission into the museum for one visit. The passes are good for two days once you have checked them out. This is a first come, first served item and no holds on passes are allowed. Questions? Call the Information Desk at 697-3822, ext. 13.
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2018 Reading Challenge
February 15 to December 31, 2018
In 2018, let’s get out of our comfort zone with the 2018 reading challenge. Stop by the Information Desk to pick up your challenge form. Return your completed form to the Information Desk by 12/31/2018 to win a prize. All participants who complete the challenge will also be entered for the Grand Prize drawing of a $50 Kroger gift card.
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