For Adults - Fondulac District Library | East Peoria, IL

FDL Reads: Peace Talks

Peace Talks by Jim Butcher

Reviewed by: Melissa Friedlund, Reference Assistant

Genre: Fantasy

Suggested Age: Adult

What is This Book About? In the long-awaited 16th novel of the Dresden Files series by Jim Butcher, Harry Dresden is once again dealing with more than his share of challenges. Delegations of several supernatural “nations” are gathering in Chicago for peace talks. Harry’s place on the wizards’ White Council is in jeopardy. Throw in the unveiling of new (or more accurately, “ancient”) being who may be more powerful that Queen Mab, and it’s business as usual for the never-idle Harry Dresden. But when a head-of-state is nearly assassinated, Harry is caught between a rock and a hard place. Can he save his brother from a summary execution without triggering an all-out war?

My Review: I listened to the audiobook version and thoroughly enjoyed it. It helps that I am a big fan of the Dresden Files and have listened and re-listened to each book multiple times over the last several years. In this next installment of Harry’s adventures, we see how his relationships with daughter, Maggie, and girlfriend, Karrin, are moving forward. At the same time, he is juggling his potentially conflicting roles as the Winter Knight and member of the White Council. This book has what I would call “Easter eggs” scattered throughout where Harry is reacquainted with or reminded of numerous characters and events from nearly all of the past books and short stories. If you want to recognize these, you may want to revisit the earlier novels or the short story collections before diving into this book. When you get to the end, it is clear that the story is not over. It’s a good thing book #17 is due out in late September!

Three Words That Describe This Book: Non-stop, Jam-packed, Unfolding

Give This a Try if You Like… Any Dresden Files novel by Jim Butcher, White Sand by Brandon Sanderson, Magic Bites by Ilona Andrews

Rating: 4.5/5

Find it at the library!

Susie Rivera2020-09-02T15:58:12-05:00September 2nd, 2020|

FDL is Officially Fine Free!

September is national Library Card Sign-Up Month, and FDL is excited to celebrate by announcing we are now officially FINE FREE! The Board of Trustees has revised library policies to stop the assessment of overdue fines for items checked out at FDL and approved clearing all outstanding overdue fines on items checked out at FDL from patron accounts, effective September 1, 2020.

We’re making these changes to provide the community with more equitable access to library materials and services. Studies have shown that fines do not motivate borrowers to return items on time and actually make people less likely to visit or return to the library. Eliminating fines as a financial barrier will expand access, services, and benefits to the FDL community.

However, “no more fines” doesn’t mean “no responsibility!” Patrons are still expected to adhere to loan periods and return or renew items on or before the due date, and patrons will still be responsible for the repair, replacement, or collection fees for lost or damaged items. Please visit our Fine Free FAQ page for more details about these new policies.

Clearing existing fines applies to anything checked out at FDL no matter where the item is from, where the patron’s library card is from, or where the item is returned. Patrons are still responsible for fines due to other libraries.

Additionally, renewing or signing up for a library card in September will earn patrons an entry into a prize drawing for an Amazon Fire HD8 tablet! District residents can sign up for a card at the Circulation Desk or online. Cards can be renewed at the Circulation Desk or the drive-up window.

FDL celebrates Library Card Sign-Up Month with the American Library Association and libraries nationwide to remind parents, caregivers, and students that signing up for a library card is the first step on the path to academic achievement and lifelong learning. There’s nothing more empowering than using your library card to access books, technology, resources, and educational programs — tools and opportunities for people of all ages to pursue their dreams and passions.

Beth Weimer2020-09-01T10:03:51-05:00September 1st, 2020|

Make & Take: Coffee Filter Flowers

These cheery flowers are a fun and simple way to brighten someones day or add to your home or party decor. Get creative and pick up a craft kit from the Adult Services Department or from the drive-up window while supplies last! (Suitable for ages 13+)

Supplies

Included in Kit:

2 colors of paint
1 sponge brush
10 coffee filters
4 green pipe cleaners

You will need to provide scissors, paper or surface to paint on, and a small piece of tape.

Instructions:

Fold the coffee filter in half. Cut slits from the edge to towards the middle on the folds of the coffee filter. Repeat this step all the way around the filter.
Round off the edges of the slits you cut previously. You can shape these however you like to change the aesthetic of your flowers.
Lay a piece of paper out to lay the coffee filter out on so the surface below it doesn’t get paint on it, then paint the coffee filters however you like. You can use water to thin some of the paint to achieve the aesthetic of the color fading. You can also paint one side or both sides of the coffee filter. Let the paint dry.
Once the paint is dry you may stack as many of the filters as you like. The more filters you use, the fuller your flower will appear. Gather the middle of the filter and twist it together. Place a small piece of clear tape at the base to hold the filters in the flower shape.
Wrap the green pipe cleaner around the clear tape, and then the rest of the pipe cleaner becomes the stem. I put these in a small plastic cup, but you can arrange and display them however you like.

– Laura, Adult Services Manager

Beth Weimer2020-08-31T11:53:05-05:00August 31st, 2020|

Back to School Resources

Library cards are the first step on the path to academic achievement and lifelong learning, and every student should have one! The school year is going to be very different this year, but regardless if your classes are taking place in-person or online, the library still has resources available to help students reach their goals. Librarians can help with research or finding materials (even through online chat), and our online databases can help with language, reading, math, testing, news and journal articles, sociology and geography, and even life skills. Computers and study rooms are currently available by reservation for brief periods. The library also has a variety of homeschooling resources for families who are trying that route. And don’t forget Mango, our free, award-winning language learning app! Stay tuned for updates as we hope to announce the availability of more services and programs throughout the school year!

Beth Weimer2020-08-24T15:59:22-05:00August 24th, 2020|

Beginner Dutch Oven Outdoor Cooking

Cast iron Dutch Ovens have been used in America since the 18^th century. Some avid campers feel Dutch Ovens are an essential tool for outdoor cooking. From enchiladas to apple pie, the versatility of the Dutch Oven means it can be used for a variety of recipes. Below is a recipe for an easy corn casserole to try on your next camping trip. Scout Master Jason Friedlund from BSA Troop 206 in Washington, IL, demonstrates how to make this casserole in this video tutorial.

Dutch Oven Corn Casserole

Supplies

12” Cast Iron Dutch Oven
Lid Lifter (alternatively a Fireplace Glove can be used)
16” pizza pan
Charcoal Chimney Starter
Paper Tinder
Charcoal Briquettes
Lighter
Long-handled Tongs
Large Plastic Mixing Spoon
Can Opener

Ingredients

1 TBSP vegetable oil
2 – 8.5 oz boxes Jiffy brand cornbread mix
2 – 14.75 oz cans creamed corn
2 – 15.25 oz cans whole kernel corn, drained
1 – 4.5 oz can diced green chiles
2 large eggs
2 cups (8 oz) grated cheddar cheese, divided
1/4 cup butter (1/2 stick), melted or cut into small chunks

Instructions

Using a chimney starter filled with charcoal briquettes and paper tinder, light the paper on fire. Let the briquettes heat for 20 minutes while you mix the casserole ingredients.
Grease the inside of your cast iron Dutch Oven and the underside of the lid with the vegetable oil.
In the Dutch Oven, mix together all ingredients except for 1/2 of the cheese. Using a large plastic mixing spoon, stir to combine well. Place the lid on.
Put 16 of the hot charcoal briquettes on the top of the Dutch Oven. Put 7-8 hot briquettes in a circle on a 16” pizza pan and place the Dutch Oven over the top of them.
Cook for 1 hour, rotating the Dutch Oven base 90^o (clockwise) and the lid 90^o (counter-clockwise) every 15 minutes. A lid lifter or fireplace glove comes in handy for this portion. In the last 15 minutes, add the remaining 1/2 of the cheese to the top of the casserole and put the lid back on. Remove the lid and the pot from the heat and enjoy.

Cleaning & Care of a Cast Iron Dutch Oven

After each use, it’s important to properly clean cast iron Dutch Ovens and prepare them for storage to prevent rust.

Tools

Plastic scraper
Scrubbing sponge OR stainless steel chain mail cast iron cleaning tool

NEVER USE dish soap on cast iron!

Instructions

Using a plastic scraper, remove as much solid, baked-on debris as possible.
Remove solid bits and fill the Dutch Oven about halfway with hot water.
Using a non-metallic scrubbing sponge or a stainless steel chain mail cast iron cleaning tool, remove the rest of the solid debris completely.
Empty the Dutch Oven. Dry with a towel and brush off any ash from the exterior.
Spread a light coating of vegetable oil over all interior and exterior surfaces to prevent rusting.
The lid can be cleaned using the same steps.
Before placing the lid on top of the oven, place a couple paper towels over the edge of the oven to help wick away moisture while the Dutch Oven is in storage.

– Melissa, Adult Services Assistant

Beth Weimer2020-08-19T15:08:10-05:00August 19th, 2020|

Women’s Right to Vote: 100th Anniversary

On August 18, 1920, the 19th Amendment was ratified, guaranteeing all American women the right to vote. The Suffragist Movement was a transformative cultural and political movement that resulted in the largest expansion of voting rights in U.S. history. Celebrate the centennial anniversary of this historic milestone — and the remarkable women who fought to make it happen — with these books and documentaries from our collection. Explore the Library of Congress’ virtual exhibit Shall Not Be Denied and discover more from the all-ages reading list from the League of Women Voters.

She Votes: How U.S. Women Won Suffrage, and What Happened Next by Bridget Quinn

The Myth of Seneca Falls: Memory and the Women‘s Suffrage Movement, 1848-1898 by Lisa Tetrault

Lifting as We Climb: Black Women‘s Battle for the Ballot Box by Evette Dionne

Susan B. Anthony by Teri Kanefield

To Tell the Truth Freely: The Life of Ida B. Wells by Mia Bay

The Woman’s Hour: The Great Fight to Win the Vote by Elaine Weiss

Sisters: The Lives of America’s Suffragists by Jean Baker

Amazons, Abolitionists, and Activists by Mikki Kendall

The Vote, directed by Michelle Ferrari

Iron Jawed Angels, directed by Katja von Garnier

Not for Ourselves Alone, directed by Ken Burns

All Ages Suffrage Reading List

Beth Weimer2020-08-18T12:57:20-05:00August 18th, 2020|

Book Talk — August YA

Book Talk! Katie, our YA Librarian, shares some great Cursed read-alikes for fans of the show or anyone who likes Arthurian/Medieval Fantasy books! Place these books on hold through the links below, from our online catalog or the RSAcat Mobile app, or by calling the library at (309) 699-3917.

Cursed by Thomas Wheeler and Frank Miller

The Guinevere Deception by Kiersten White

Once & Future by Amy Rose Capetta and Cori McCarthy

Shielded by KayLynn Flanders

Beth Weimer2020-08-14T11:58:27-05:00August 14th, 2020|

FDL Reads: My Best Friend’s Exorcism

My Best Friend’s Exorcism By Grady Hendrix

Reviewed by: Atlas Agunod, Circulation Assistant

Genre: Horror, Coming-of-age

Suggested age: Teens and Adults

What is This Book About? The year is 1988 and Abby and Gretchen have been best friends since the fourth grade. They’re in their sophomore year now and are in the middle of enjoying their adolescence when the unexpected happens. Gretchen goes missing in the woods during a sleepover. The two are reunited the next morning, but Abby notices that something is…off about Gretchen. She stops showering, she hardly speaks to anybody, and she starts talking about urban legends of a local cult like they really exist. As Gretchen’s health and relationships begin deteriorating, Abby concludes that Gretchen has been possessed by a demon. Of course, nobody believes her when she tries to seek help for her best friend. So how will Abby save Gretchen? Is she really possessed, or are they both just crazy? Most importantly, will their friendship stand the test of demonic possession?

My Review: I loved this book so much. I listened to the audiobook version on a road trip with my mom, who was born the same year as the main character. The amount of times she would say, “Oh my gosh, I haven’t heard that in forever!” when somebody mentioned a celebrity, a song, or some other random 80’s trend told me just how authentic this book was in capturing the 80’s. The story was encapsulating right from the start. I cried and laughed with the main character throughout the whole thing. The author did an excellent job in painting all of the characters as well as the small town they lived in. This book really filled out every space it was trying to cover. It was scary when it needed to be, funny when the moment called for it, and heartwarming when the time came.

Rating: 5/5

Three words that describe this book: silly, creepy, heartwarming

Give this a try if you like: Stranger Things, IT, comedic horror, 80’s nostalgia

Find it at the library!

About FDL Reads

FDL Reads is a series of weekly book reviews from Fondulac District Library.

Susie Rivera2020-08-07T12:27:19-05:00August 6th, 2020|

Census 2020 Update

Census 2020 is still underway, and participation by all residents is crucial to secure funding for community resources like hospitals, schools, disaster relief, roads, and more. If you haven’t already responded online, by phone, or by mail, you may receive a visit to your home by a census taker. Census takers will be wearing a government photo ID badge and personal protective gear due to COVID-19. They’ll ask a few questions about your household to make sure you’re counted in the census, but they will never ask your social security number, bank information, or citizenship status. All of your information is confidential, and it cannot be shared with law enforcement and immigration or effect your government benefits.

Due to the pandemic, participation in the census has been low, and the deadline to complete it has been moved to September 30, 2020. You matter, and your response matters because it will ensure our area receives its fair share of funding for important services. If you’ve already responded to the census, make sure your family, friends, and neighbors have responded too!

Learn more about the census and respond online at 2020census.gov/, or call 844-330-2020 to get counted!

What Households Can Expect When Census Workers Come to a Home

Beth Weimer2020-08-05T16:55:29-05:00August 5th, 2020|

RSAcat Mobile App

If you haven’t used the new RSAcat Mobile app yet, you’re missing out!

This app brings the library to your fingertips — manage your account, search the catalog, renew checkouts, and place holds at your convenience. Scan the ISBN barcode of any book you encounter to see if it’s available from the library. Use the app to connect directly to our digital collections (think eBooks, eAudiobooks, movies, and more), our online resources (newspapers, HeritageQuest, GCF LearnFree, etc.), website, social media, and calendar of events. You can even pay fines or bills from the app, link household accounts, search other local libraries, and receive notifications for holds or due dates.

Did we mention how easy it is to use? So easy! (Way better than the old BookMyne app.) It also features improved accessibility for VoiceOver and larger text sizes. So head to the Apple or Google Play Stores, install the free app, log in with your FDL library card, and enjoy a whole new way to explore your library!

Beth Weimer2020-08-04T12:03:22-05:00August 4th, 2020|