The Library Times

July and August 2019

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

Board Meetings Monday, August 19, 7:00 p.m. The Public is Welcome Library Closings Thursday, July 4

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

The "I Can't Think of a Clever Title" Column   Though I might have mentioned carpet—which, come to think of it, I will.   Our fundraiser, “Back to Square One,” continues through July 27. The much-loved Youth Services Dept. needs a fresh look beneath everyone’s feet. We are raising money to offset costs of spiffy carpet squares for Youth Services. Five dollars per square will do, and you may buy as many squares as you like.   You may contribute to the cause at the Checkout Desk, through the mail, or via Paypal on our website or Facebook page. Anything that we do not raise will be covered by the library’s Special Reserve Fund. And—your contribution will help our reserves, on behalf of a fiscally bright future.   Carpet will be installed in August, over a two- to three-week period. Please check out children’s books and other items generously, so we’ll have fewer books, DVDs, and more, to store. Collections, books and all, in Youth Services will be taken off-site while carpet is laid. We apologize for the inconvenience…and, it’s easier to get everything done at once.   During Summer Reading, the Friends of the Library will hold the second annual “Cutest Pet” contest, with proceeds to aid the Carpet Fund. The Friends also are planning a September Garden Walk, which will include a release into the wild of Monarch butterflies (an endangered species). The Garden Walk is scheduled for Saturday, September 21. Stay tuned for more details. Again, all money received from the Garden Walk will benefit the library—perhaps even help defray carpet costs, though the carpet should be installed long before September 21.   On a more sobering note, as I write this on 6/4/19, the library’s network has been attacked by Ransomeware, a program that harms computer files, locks people out of their computers, and too many other evils to list here. Our full-color sign along Airport Road, while functioning now, will be “toast” before long, I’m told; our “people counter” at the front door is dead. Certain business office software has been restored; some has not. Last I heard, the website software is alive, after some Information Technology surgery (so to speak). NO patron information was compromised and we do not store credit card information in our system.   We accept our technology for granted, rely on it for more of our work than we may realize, consciously, and are caught off-guard when someone, through ill will or malevolence, decides to upend our lives at work. The “someone” is unknown to us, and that makes the situation seem even more unfair. But the worst part is that techno-attacks may prevent us from helping you, our public. If people can’t log into our website; if folks can’t get to the online catalog to place a hold on, or renew, books; if parts of our marketing plans (brightly-lit colorful signs) are out of commission, then we all have problems.   So—a pox on all those who would hold us hostage with Ransomware. But--here’s to carpet squares, pet contest, garden walks, Summer Reading, and the best customer service we can offer. As always, thanks for supporting your public library!   John Richmond, Director

THANK YOU TO OUR SUMMER READING BUSINESS SPONSORS!

CEFCU Chipotle The Christian Center Circle K Elevate Friends of the Alpha Park Library McDonald's

Peoria Chiefs Peoria Rivermen Sam's Club Texas Roadhouse tHAIRapy Salon Walmart

IT'S SHOWTIME AT YOUR LIBRARY Summer Reading ENDS July 20! This will be the final day you may check in your reading goals in both Youth Services AND Adult Services.

Yard Games Wednesday, July 10, 6:30—8:30 p.m.   Bring the family to try out some classic and new yard games! We’ll use the library’s green space for friendly competition at giant Jenga®, Yahtzee®, croquet and more.  In case of poor weather, we’ll move inside and bring out some board games as well.

Teen Board Hosts: Red Cross Blood Drive Friday, July 19, 12 — 5 p.m. Every donor will be entered for a $20 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

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 stand open at 5:30 p.m.   Saturday, July 20 : RipChordz—Classic Rock Music Saturday, August 17 : The 42—Country & Rock Music Saturday, September 14 : Peoria Pops

Robotics Monday, July 22, 7—8 p.m.   Come meet the award-winning First Robotics team, Argos 1756, from our own Limestone High School. Join us as we meet team members, check out their work, and learn more about this exciting program!

The Greatest Showman Sing Along Thursday, July 25, 5 p.m. OR 7 p.m.   We’ll be snacking, relaxing and belting out our favorite verses to The Greatest Showman . Popcorn provided. Bring a pillow and beverage to help you get comfortable for the greatest show.

UnityPoint Wellmobile Friday, August 16, 9—11 a.m.   The UnityPoint Wellmobile will be at the library to offer free blood pressure, cholesterol/blood glucose, and spirometry screenings. An 8—12 hour fast is required for the cholesterol/blood glucose portion of the screening.

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. July 3, 10 Toddlertime Storytime for 2-year-olds with an adult.  Tuesdays, 10 — 10:30 a.m. July 2, 9 Bookworms Storytime for ages 3 to 6.   Tuesdays, 10:30 — 11:15 a.m. July 2, 9 Wednesdays, 1 — 1:45 p.m. July 3, 10 Thursday Tales Storytime for 2- and 3-year-olds with an adult. Thursdays, 10 — 10:30 a.m. July 11 Big Top Fun Special summer evening storytime for 4 — 10 year olds. Mondays, 7 — 7:30 p.m. July 1, 8

Construction Club Tuesday, August 27, 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. No registration required. Come by and join the fun!

Make It/Take It Tuesday, July 2, 1 —6 p.m.   Children ages 4 through 6 th grades are invited to design a patriotic craft in the Youth Services Department anytime between 1:00 and 6:00 p.m.

YS Book Club Monday, July 15, 2—3:30 p.m.   Let’s talk about Three Ring Rascals: The Greatest Star on Earth by Kate Klise. We will read some favorite passages and do some activities to go with the book. Copies are available at the check out desk one month prior.

Teen Board Thursday, July 11, 7:30 — 8:30 p.m. Thursday, August 8, 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 Movie Night Monday, August 19, 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 provided, bring your own drink.   August: Musical

Teen DIY: Quotables Thursday, August 22, 6:30 p.m.   Put your favorite quote on a t-shirt, pillowcase or socks. Bring the item; we will help you create the finished product.

Cosplay Creations Tuesday, July 9, 2 —3 p.m. Tuesday, July 16, 2 —3 p.m. Swing by the library this summer for our cosplay creations series! On July 9, we will work on hair & makeup and on July 16, we will have some fun with trivia!

Cosplay Event Wednesday, July 24, 2 —4 p.m. Show off all your hard work! All teens welcome even if you did not make your creations at the library. Refreshments served.

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 August 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, July 18, 2 —3:30 p.m. Thursday, August 22, 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! Registration required. Register at www.alphapark.org or by calling 697-3822 x13. July : DIY Clay Pot Citronella Candle August : Quilling

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. July 11: The 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton August 8: Lilac Girls by Martha Hall Kelly

Book Bingo for Adults Monday, July 1, 2—3 p.m. Monday, August 5, 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. July 1: Fruit recipes August 5: Meat recipes

The Great British Baking Tour Wednesday, July 3, 1—2 p.m. Join UK travel/relocation consultant and former UK resident Claire Evans for a delightful culinary tour of the UK inspired by “The Great British Baking Show” television series, aired on PBS. Sample classic British baked goods and desserts, have a proper cup of tea, and learn more about their origins and the particular parts of the UK they hail from. Pick up useful travel tips as well, just in case you’d like to create your own tour! Registration required. Register on www.alphapark.org or call 697-3822 x13.

Vegetable Gardening Monday, July 8, 1 —2 p.m.   Learn all about vegetable gardening with Master Gardener Patricia Melaik! A presentation on vegetable gardening as well as selected books on the topic will be discussed. Registration Required . Register online or call 697-3822 x13.

Intro to American Sign Language Monday, July 15, 6—8 p.m.   Join us as Lynette and Sue from Sign On offer a 2-hour ASL experience! Participants will get a brief introduction about ASL, Deaf Culture, and some common misbeliefs followed by learning the ASL Manual Alphabet and 15-20 signs! Registration required. Visit www.alphapark.org to register or call 697-3822 x13.

Retirement by Design Wednesday, July 24, 6—8 p.m.   Financial advisor Jenni Case will provide helpful information to participants on retirement planning! We will discuss areas such as how to define your goals, working towards those goals, preparing for the unexpected, and more! Registration required. Please go online to register or call 697-3822 x13.

Intro to Hand Lettering Wednesday, July 31, 7 —8 :30 p.m. Brittany Bryant of Blessed Carta will be hosting an introduction to hand lettering class. She will be teaching basic techniques, tips, and tricks to help you become handy at hand lettering. Registration required . Register at www.alphapark.org or by calling 697-3822 x13.

FRIENDS OF ALPHA PARK NEWS We have exciting fundraisers planned for 2019 to raise money for the Youth Services carpeting. The first event is the Cutest Pet Contest. We have 15 pets this year and one will be crowned the Cutest Bartonville Pet. The winner receives a gift certificate to PetSmart and will have their picture in the Limestone News. Please stop in and use your extra cash to vote for the pet you’d like to see win the honor this year.   The next event is a garden walk on Saturday, September 21. We are working with the Peoria Monarch Task Force. This organization is dedicated to preserving, protecting, and increasing the numbers of Monarch butterflies. At one of the gardens, there will be a Monarch tagging and release. You can learn how to safely tag a Monarch with a number that will help scientists study them and learn more about their habits. If you tag one, you will be notified if your butterfly has been found and where.   Cindy Miller, who owns a shop in Lacon called Midwest Farm Charm, will also be holding a workshop to make decorative farm signs. There will be a limit of 20 people and all materials will be supplied. The cost will be around $40.00. Check out Midwest Farm Charm on Facebook to see the results of some of her workshops. More on other events as we get closer to September; be sure to put the date on your calendar.

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