The Library Times
September and October 2019
Serving Bartonville, Kingston Mines, Mapleton, Norwood, and all of the Illini Bluffs and Limestone High School Districts 
Monday, September 16, 7:00 p.m.
Monday, October 21, 7:00 p.m.
The Public is Welcome!

Library Closings
Monday, September 2

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
AS TIME GOES BY
 
Good title for a song, yes?  Casablanca, anyone? But, in fact, I am not writing of anything as exotic as a Bogart & Bergman movie set in Morocco.

Forty years ago—I am writing in July, for a deadline, FYI—I was leaving the U. of IL Grad School of Library Science to become Head Librarian of the Winfield, KS, Public Library. All I ever wanted to be was a reference librarian, I thought, and all I’ve ever been is a director.
 
Winfield is a town of about 11,000 souls. In ‘79, there were two colleges there, one of which is now closed. Lots of folks used the too-small library, which had been built with funds from Andrew Carnegie. College faculty, business people, and outliers in the county: they all came. The library board had just hired a part-time bookkeeper, and there was a brand-new electric typewriter. Woo-hoo!
 
Not a computer in sight. I answered reference questions using books, and checked out books using a date due stamp on the end of a pencil. We had a collection of large-print books, but back then, large-print books were the size of a coffee table top. (How did people hold them?) Twice yearly we got, on microfilm, a list of all books in the libraries in our area system. We were supposed to use this for Interlibrary Loan—borrowing stuff from other libraries—but those microfilm catalogs were outdated the minute they were produced. Well-intentioned, though.
 
And we did big business in telephone books for towns around Kansas. The phone company—Southwestern Bell was it —would provide them free of charge.
 
It seems quaint in 2019. But all those reference books were used heavily by staff and students from area schools. Traffic was lively—business, brisk. We didn’t know we were quaint. In Winfield, we were “cutting edge” before the term existed. That electric typewriter was cutting edge. I wouldn’t return to a card catalog, though, even if I do sometimes think nostalgically of the hard detective work involved in answering reference questions from those books.
 
Different topic: By the time you read this, the Youth Services Department will have been re-carpeted, with as little inconvenience as possible. And through the generosity of many people, we have raised over half the cost of the carpet—or, approximately $12,000 out of $22,000. That doesn’t include figures not yet in from the Friends of the Library and their several fundraisers. (One of those fundraisers, a fall garden walk, hasn’t even happened yet. Stay tuned!) Much gratitude all the way around for our friends/Friends.
 
Switching gears: Sara Bell, Youth Services Librarian, has received a “Project Next Generation” grant—second one in two years—for over $18,000. This time, in conjunction with Bradley students, creating computer/video games is on the menu. I repeat myself: stay tuned.
 
Finally, there’s the business of my retirement at the end of 2019, after 18.5 years as director. But more on that next time. As always, we thank you for supporting your public library.
 
John Richmond, Director
Registering for Library Events
Did you know you can register for library events online? Click here! If registration is required, it will be noted in the event description. For assistance, please contact our Information Desk at 697-3822 x13.
Wizards Unite Player Meet Up
Thursday, September 12, 7—8 p.m.
 
Have you been battling the confoundables playing the new Harry Potter themed app? (If so, you might know the library is both an inn and a greenhouse!) Come join other players to share game tips, strategies, and to enjoy snacks. 
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, September 14 : Peoria Pops
1,000 BOOKS BEFORE KINDERGARTEN @ APL
We are happy to introduce our 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program! Stop by the library to register your young child. You will get a tracking sheet and app tips for recording your reading together. Your reader will receive prizes along their journey and we will celebrate our graduates at a special event each year. You’ll be amazed at how quickly 1,000 books flies by—stop in and get started today!
FALL 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 12—24 months are invited to the library for songs, books,
and group play.  
Wednesdays, 10 — 10:30 a.m.
September 11, 18, 25
October 2, 9, 16

Toddlertime
Storytime for 2-year-olds with an adult. 
Tuesdays, 10 — 10:30 a.m.
September 10, 17, 24
October 1, 8, 15

Bookworms
Storytime for ages 3 to 6 moving toward independence.  
Tuesdays, 10:30 — 11 a.m.
September 10, 17, 24
October 1, 8, 15
Wednesdays, 1 — 1:30 p.m.
September 11, 18, 25
October 2, 9, 16

Thursday Tales
Storytime for 2- and 3-year-olds with an adult.
Thursdays, 10 — 10:30 a.m.
September 12, 19, 26
October 3, 10, 17

Stories on the Steps
Evening storytime for ages 3 — 8 .
Thursdays, 6:30 — 7 p.m.
September 12, 19, 26
October 3, 10, 17
Make It/Take It
Saturday, September 21, 10 —2 p.m.
Saturday, October 19, 10 —2 p.m.
 
Children ages 4 through 4th grade, along with their parent or caregiver, are invited to make a craft in the Youth Services Department anytime between 10:00 and 2:00 p.m. In September, we will weave an apple craft. In October, we will paint a scarecrow sun catcher.
Youth Book Club
Monday, September 23, 2 p.m. OR 4 p.m.
Monday, October 21, 2 p.m. OR 4 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.
Sept : The Boxcar Children by
Gertrude Chandler Warner
Oct : The BFG by Roald Dahl
Construction Club
Tuesday, September 24, 3:30 — 5 p.m.
Tuesday, October 29, 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!
Wee Ones Halloween Party
Tuesday, October 29, 10 —11 a.m.
 
Children six and under and their caregivers are invited to join their friends at the library for a special Halloween-themed storyhour. We will share stories, snacks, and a craft. Kids, wear your costume for the costume parade!
Teen Board
Thursday, September 5, 7:30 — 8:30 p.m.
Thursday, October 3, 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 DIY: Mandala Rock Painting
Monday, September 9, 6:30—7:30 p.m.
 
Come use your creativity to design a mandala rock! All materials provided.
No registration required.
Teen Movie Night
Monday, September 23, 6—8 p.m.
Monday, October 28, 6—8 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.
 
September: Anime
October: Horror
Horror Commercial Contest
Work Day: Thursday, October 10,
6:30 —8:30 p.m.
Final entries due Monday, October 21

Teens, use your dramatic flair to create a spooky commercial for a (real or fictional) horror movie. Come to the work day and use the library’s equipment or work on your own and submit an entry. You may work individually or with a group. Prizes will be awarded for the top 2 entries.
Project Next Generation:
Intro to Video Game Design
Saturday, October 19, 10 —12 OR 1 —3 p.m.
 
Registration required. Are you a gamer? Have you ever wanted to take it to the next level and create your own game? This year, we will be offering workshops covering different technical aspects of game design. Workshops are led by Bradley University Interactive Media Program students. Register on our website or call 697-3822 x14. Open to teens in grades 7—12.
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 September & October, 9:15—10:15 a.m.
NO Session October 29
 
Registration is required. Start your Tuesday mornings fresh with yoga! Please wear comfortable clothes and bring a yoga mat. All levels welcome. Free and open to adults! Register online or contact the Information Desk at 697-3822 x13 to sign up.

Crafternoon Delight
Thursday, September 19, 2 —3:30 p.m.
Thursday, October 17, 2 —3:30 p.m.
 
Registration required. 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 at www.alphapark.org or by calling 697-3822 x13.

September : Framed Pumpkin
October : Stenciled Leaf Mug
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.

September 12: The Whole Town's Talking by Fannie Flagg
October 10: The Readers of Broken Wheel Recommend by Katarina Bivald
Book Bingo for Adults
Monday, October 7, 2—3 p.m.
 
Registration is required . Join us at the library for Book Bingo! Bring some friends, play Bingo, enjoy snacks, and win books! FREE. 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.

September 2: NO MEETING
October 7: Squash recipes
Meet the Birth Doula
Monday, September 16, 6:30—7:30 p.m.

Registration required . Come interact with Lisa Pearl of His Image Births to learn about birth doulas. She will teach the support doulas provide pregnant women and birth partners during every phase of the birth process. Bring your curiosity and questions! Snacks will be provided. Free and open to the public. Please register online or call 697-3822 x13.
Daughters of the Steppes: The Night Witches of World War II presented by Brooks Carver
Wednesday, September 25, 7 —8:30 p.m.
 
Registration required . Brooks Carver will discuss his book Daughters of the Steppes: The Night Witches of World War II . Come out for the discussion to learn about this fascinating part of history! Register online or call 697-3822 x13.
How to Prevent a Kitchen Nightmare!
Wednesday, October 9, 6:30 —8 :30 p.m.

Registration required . What is the difference between ‘best by’ and ‘use by’ on food packaging? How ‘overripe’ is ‘too ripe’ for this fruit? Is it safe to buy those dented cans of food on the grocery store shelf? Join Peoria City/County Health Department Environmental Health Coordinators as they explain how to keep your food and kitchen safe – not spooky! Go to www.alphapark.org or contact 697-3822 x13 to register.
Peoria State Hospital Cemetery Walk
Saturday, October 12, 9:30 a.m.
 
Registration required . Gary Lisman, author of Bittersweet Memories , will begin at the library with a brief overview of the state hospital cemeteries. He will then lead a guided tour on hospital grounds. Good footwear & a mode of transportation from the library to the state hospital are essential. Register online at www.alphapark.org or call the Information Desk at 697-3822 x13.
Cyber Safety: Staying Safe on the Internet
Monday, October 21, 6:30—8:30 p.m.
 
Registration required . As technology continues to play such an important role in our day-to-day lives, it is important to stay vigilant against threats in the digital world. Join Detective Scott Gamboe of the Peoria County Sheriff’s Office for a forensic exploration into the dangers of the Internet and how you can protect yourself against Internet scams, phishing, identity theft, and more. Go online to register or call 697-3822 x13.