Programs & Events - Fondulac District Library

A Holly Jolly Writing Contest

FDL is hosting another Flash Fiction Writing Contest – and this one has a Holly Jolly winter theme! Three winners will be selected by our judges to win prizes. All entries must be 1000 words (or less) and a work of original fiction that uses the theme of winter in some regard. Entries must be submitted to Jeremy at jeremy@fondulaclibrary.org by 01/20/23. Please contact Jeremy with any questions.

Prizes

First Place: $50 Gift Card

Second Place: $30 Gift Card

Third Place: Swag Bag

The winners will be announced in February, and the three winning stories will be published on the library’s website and/or social media.

Submission Guidelines

In the email, please write in the subject area: “A HOLLY JOLLY WRITING CONTEST.”
Attach your manuscript to the email in a .doc or .docx file.
Manuscript should be typed, double-spaced, with one-inch margins and in 12 pt. Times New Roman font.
Include your name and phone number in the message section and whether you give the library permission to post your short story if you win.
Only original materials may be entered.
Use the theme of winter in some regard. This could be about the holidays, the weather, or just a story that happens to take place in winter.
Entries must be in good taste and refrain from profanity.
On the last page of your story, below the ending write: “THE END”
Limited one entry per person.
Deadline is January 20, 2023.

Beth Weimer2023-01-24T12:32:14-06:00November 30th, 2022|

#FDL: Book Giveaway for National Media Literacy Week

In honor of National Media Literacy Week, we are giving away a copy of Dr. Seema Yasmin’s book, What the Fact? Read more about this book below and tune in for an online interview of the author tomorrow at 7:00p.m.

Book Information:

“From acclaimed writer, journalist, and physician Dr. Seema Yasmin comes a much-needed, timely book about the importance of media literacy, fact-based reporting, and the ability to discern truth from lies.

What is a fact? What are reliable sources? What is news? What is fake news? How can anyone make sense of it anymore? Well, we have to. As conspiracy theories and online hoaxes increasingly become a part of our national discourse and “truth” itself is being questioned, it has never been more vital to build the discernment necessary to tell fact from fiction, and media literacy has never been more vital.

In this accessibly-written guide, Dr. Seema Yasmin, an award-winning journalist, scientist, medical professional, and professor, traces the spread of misinformation and disinformation through our fast-moving media landscape and teaches young readers the skills that will help them identify and counter poorly-sourced clickbait and misleading headlines.”

Program Information:

PBS Books, in collaboration with PBS Newshour Student Reporting Labs, is pleased to present a conversation with Emmy-winning journalist Seema Yasmin, author of What The Fact, in connection with The US and the Holocaust: A film by Ken Burns, Lynn Novick, and Sarah Botstein, and in celebration of National Media Literacy Week.

This free, online program will be at 7 p.m. this Tuesday, Oct. 25. Click here to access the live program.

During the program, Seema Yasmin will be interviewed by PBS Newshour Student Reporting Labs’ Isaac Harte, who is 10th-grade student at the Shipley School and a MediaWise Teen Fact-Checker. In addition, a PBS Newshour Student Reporting Labs story about misinformation and activism will be shared.

Giveaway

Enter your name here for a chance to win a copy of the book mentioned in this post. One entry per person. Drawing to be held approximately 7 days after this post.

#FDL is a weekly update on books and more at Fondulac District Library.

Susie Rivera2022-10-24T13:16:33-05:00October 24th, 2022|

Celebrate the Friends of FDL!

Join us in celebrating the Friends of Fondulac Library during National Friends of Libraries Week, October 16-22! The Friends of FDL provide crucial support to the library through advocacy, financial support, and volunteerism. Our Friends are an amazing group of volunteers who dedicate countless hours of their time to the library. The Friends of FDL maintain our ongoing Book Sale and host the annual BIG Book Sale, volunteer for events like Star Wars Day and the Big Rig Petting Zoo, sponsor our summer reading programs and babysitting classes, and more! We’re so grateful for all they do!

The best way to support the Friends is to join them (annual dues are only $5), but there are many others ways to support them throughout the year. Donations of gently used books are always needed to keep the book sale stocked. Visit the library on October 27 to sign holiday cards for members of the U.S. military and watch for them in the Veterans Day Parade on November 5. After the parade, they’ll pass out book sale coupons and give free books to veterans.

The Friends always bring some holiday cheer to the library with their Holiday Basket drawing in December – enter for the chance to win one of three amazing family baskets! And find wonderful treats, gifts, stocking stuffers, and handmade items at their annual Holiday Craft and Bake Sale on December 1-3. Proceeds from the sale support the library and its programs.

Beth Weimer2022-10-24T16:46:36-05:00October 14th, 2022|

#FDL: Banned Books Week Writing Challenge

Enter the writing challenge below to win a bookish prize:

Take a look at the list of the ALA’s frequently challenged books and the list of banned or challenged classics.

Select three books that made an impression on you. Did you read them in an English class, on your own, or as an adult? Write about each book describing why it had such a lasting effect on you. What did you take away from each book? Why do you think each book was banned? How would you defend it to its critics?

Send your responses as an email to susie@fondulaclibrary.org to be entered in a prize drawing by 5:00p.m. on September 26. Also, please indicate in the email if it would be okay for us to share an excerpt of the writing in a #FDL blog post.

-Posted by Susie Rivera, Reference Specialist

#FDL is an update on all things Fondulac District Library and books.

Susie Rivera2022-09-21T14:59:34-05:00September 21st, 2022|

Library Card Sign-Up Month: Fine Free + Fare Free!

Fondulac District Library is excited to partner with Greater Peoria Mass Transit District/CityLink, Peoria Public Library, Pekin Public Library, and Peoria Heights Public Library to celebrate National Library Card Sign-Up Month and our two year anniversary of going Fine Free! September 1-30, show your library card from FDL, Peoria Public Library, Pekin Public Library, or Peoria Heights Public Library to ride CityLink’s fixed bus routes for FREE! Services like public transportation and fine-free access to media, technology, resources, and educational programming are essential to connecting and sustaining vibrant communities. This partnership aims to encourage more people to sign up for a library card, visit their local libraries, and ride CityLink when possible!

Beyond our community, Library Card Sign-Up Month is celebrated in September by the American Library Association and libraries nationwide to remind everyone that a library card is the first step towards academic achievement and lifelong learning. So this September, sign up for a new FDL card, renew your expired card, or replace your lost card to be entered into a prize drawing for an Amazon HD 8 tablet! Already have an FDL card in good standing? Use it to check out materials from FDL in September, and you could win an Amazon HD 8 tablet, too! Encourage your friends and neighbors to get their library cards, and discover all of the great resources and programs available at FDL!

For more information about how to sign up for your library card, visit fondulaclibrary.org/library-cards/. To learn about FDL’s fine free policies, visit fondulaclibrary.org/fine-free-faq/. Check out ridecitylink.org to find CityLink’s routes and schedules, or see below for routes directly to the libraries.

Peoria Public Libraries

Main: #10 Forrest Hill, #11 Western, #12 Heights, #14 Wisconsin
Lincoln: #15 Lincoln
McClure: #10 Forrest Hill
Lakeview: #1 University
North: #1 University

Fondulac District Library

#8 East Peoria Sunnyland

Peoria Heights Public Library

12 Heights

Pekin Public Library

#18 Pekin South

Beth Weimer2022-10-04T13:11:51-05:00August 31st, 2022|

Flash Fiction Writing Contest Winners!

We’re excited to announce the winners for the Flash Fiction Writing Contest!

1^st Place – A Sunny Day by Hilary Vissering

2^nd Place – The Ghosts of Us by Daniela Barzallo

3^rd Places – Pro(An)tagonist by Kylie

Congratulations to each of them, and thanks to everyone who submitted an entry! Follow the links below to read the winning stories. Our judges panel had a hard time selecting from the 20 submissions we received, so keep writing and stay tuned for more contests!

A Sunny Day by Hilary Vissering

The Ghosts of Us by Daniela Barzallo

Pro(An)tagonist by Kylie

Beth Weimer2022-07-06T13:51:48-05:00July 6th, 2022|

Summer Reading 2022: Read Beyond the Beaten Path

Where will reading take you this summer? We encourage readers of all ages to embark on outdoor adventures, explore nature, and get creative with FDL for the library’s 2022 Summer Reading Program: Read Beyond the Beaten Path!

From June 1 through July 30, kids, teens, and adults can earn badges for reading materials from FDL and attending library events — and earn prizes! Participants earn a variety of fun incentives for their reading achievements, and everyone who finishes the challenge is entered into raffles for stellar prizes, including games, gift cards, packages from local businesses, and more! Readers can register and track their progress online at fondulaclibrary.beanstack.org or on-the-go with the Beanstack app, or pick up a reading log from the library!

Engaging programs are scheduled throughout the summer focusing on a variety of fun outdoor activities like camping, letterboxing, and family movie nights. We’ll also have family favorites like story times and crafts, as well as a lineup of exciting presenters to share rope jumping skills, stories about Bigfoot, tents full of butterflies, and more! Register for programs at fondulaclibrary.evanced.info/signup/calendar.

Start Reading!
• Borrow books, audiobooks, and magazines from Fondulac District Library or download or stream eBooks and audiobooks from fondulaclibrary.org.
• Whether it’s reading a graphic novel, listening to an audiobook, or reading an article, it counts! All reading must occur within the program dates.

Earn Badges
• Record your minutes in Beanstack.
• Earn 1 badge for every 50 minutes (PreK-2nd graders), 100 minutes (3rd-8th graders), or 150 minutes (high schoolers and adults).
• Earn one badge for attending any three Fondulac District Library programs.
• Earn 10 badges to complete the program.

Win Prizes
• Participants receive prizes for reaching the halfway point by earning 5 badges AND for completing the program by earning 10 badges.
• Participants who complete the program will also be entered into a prize drawing!
• Halfway prizes can be picked up starting June 13, and completion prizes can be picked up starting June 27. Prizes are available while supplies last.
• The last day to pick up prizes is August 13.

Summer Reading 2022 Brochure & Reading Log

Our programs are made possible thanks to our amazing community sponsors!

Beth Weimer2022-08-01T11:37:27-05:00May 16th, 2022|

Flash Fiction Writing Contest

This spring, Fondulac District Library is holding a Flash Fiction Writing Contest for adults! With our wonderful panel of judges, the submissions will be narrowed to three winning authors. All entries must be 1,000 words (or less) and a work of original fiction. All entries must be emailed to jeremy@fondulaclibrary.org by May 31.

Prizes

First Place – $50 Gift Card
Second Place – $30 Gift Card
Third Place – Swag Bag

Submission Guidelines

Only original material may be entered.
All entries must be typed, double-spaced, with one-inch margins and in 12 pt. Times New Roman font.
If emailing, please write in the subject area: “SPRING FLASH FICTION CONTEST” and include your name and phone number in the message section. Attach the manuscript’s file to the email.
Entries must be in good taste and refrain from profanity.
On the last page of your story, below the ending write: “THE END”
Limited one entry per person.
Submissions are open from now, until the deadline on May 31.

Writing Prompts (You don’t have to use them, but they might be fun!)

Write a story that takes place at the library.
Write a story about the greatest April Fool’s joke.
Write about two lovebirds who can only see each other in Spring.

Beth Weimer2022-06-08T12:43:32-05:00March 31st, 2022|

Star Wars Week 2022

Are you ready to find the Force at FDL? Join us April 3-9, 2022, as we celebrate one of the most beloved sagas of all time with programs, activities, and crafts for all ages throughout the week! Featuring a screening of Star Wars: A New Hope, team trivia night hosted by Joe Roderick, story time with Kylo Ren, Jedi training, a cosplay meet & greet, and MORE surprises – there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Register for programs and watch our social media pages for more announcements!

Star Wars Film Screening
Monday, April 4 • 5:30-7:30 p.m. • All Ages
Grab a pillow, a blanket, and your favorite galactic PJs and come watch Star Wars: A New Hope on the big screen to kick off a week of Star Wars activities at FDL! Drop In

3D Printing: Star Wars Snowflakes – Zoom
Tuesday, April 5 • 4 p.m. • Ages 8+
Learn how to design a Star Wars snowflake on Tinkercad. Finished designs will be printed on the library’s 3D printer to pick up on a later date. Register

Constellation String Art
Wednesday, April 6 • 5 p.m. • Ages 8-14
Use a galaxy not-so-far away as inspiration for this stellar craft! Choose a favorite constellation or create your own design, then use string to make it come alive for a unique piece of art. Register

Star Wars Trivia Night
Thursday, April 7 • 6-7:30 p.m. • Ages 13+
Grab your friends and test your Star Wars knowledge at trivia night, hosted by Joe Roderick! Register in teams of 4-8 for the chance to win awesome prizes or a fun door prize. Register

Story Time with Kylo Ren
Friday, April 8 • 10 a.m. • Ages 2-6
Kylo Ren is visiting the library for a special story time! We’ll read a book with one of the galaxy’s favorite characters and make a craft inspired by the Dark Side. Drop In

DIY Kyber Crystal Necklace
Friday, April 8 • 4 p.m. • Ages 13+
In the Star Wars universe, kyber crystals are rare and powerful. Choose the light side or the dark side and create your own kyber crystal necklace using a quartz crystal point and a simple wire wrapping technique. Register

Jedi Training
Saturday, April 9 • 10-11:15 a.m. & 1-2:15 p.m. • Ages 5-19
Create your own custom lightsaber – a Jedi’s most trusted tool. Then our Jedi trainer will help you find the Force and sharpen your Jedi skills before you test them against a powerful Sith! Register

Cosplay Meet & Greet
Saturday, April 9 • 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. • All Ages
Wear your favorite Star Wars gear and get your photos taken with members of the 501st Legion and other local Star Wars cosplay groups. Get a snack from the Friends of FDL and check out all the activities in the library between Jedi training sessions! Drop In

Plus, visit the library for Take & Make crafts for all ages, a scavenger hunt, a Star Wars basket drawing from the Friends of FDL, a StoryWalk in the Reading Garden, and more surprises throughout the week!

Beth Weimer2022-04-11T13:46:00-05:00March 16th, 2022|

FDL Reading Challenges

Are you in a reading slump, or just love a challenge? Reading challenges can be a great motivator to establish better reading habits and reach your reading goals. Participating in a reading program is an easy way to read more or explore different genres of books while earning fun prizes, and FDL has challenges for all ages throughout the year! Readers can register and track their reading with Beanstack (online or with the free app), or register at the library. Get started by registering or ask a librarian for more info!