East Peoria Community Survey

The City of East Peoria wants to know how we can best communicate the benefits of our community in the future. As someone who may live and/or work in East Peoria, this is your opportunity to let your voice be heard!
The survey is open to all members of the community. The information is collected anonymously and presented in an aggregate form. Your input in this process is vital to help the community understand what makes East Peoria exceptional!
For more information about this initiative, visit ChooseEastPeoria.com.
Click here to complete the survey, or scan the QR code below. https://bit.ly/ReviewEastPeoria
2024-03-01T15:02:27-06:00March 1st, 2024|

RSACat App is Back!

The app is back!The RSACat app is again functional for searching the catalog, placing holds, and managing accounts. If you still have the app, it should work a-ok when logged in. If you need to reinstall, it’s currently listed on Android’s Google Play Store, and folks are working hard to get it back on Apple’s App Store ASAP. We’re also working to update FDL-specific links, such as online resources, to provide the best library app experience we can. Thanks for your patience!

2/27/24: The library has been informed that the app is now available in the Apple App Store for iOS devices.

2024-02-27T11:12:08-06:00February 26th, 2024|

FDL Reads: Antimatter Blues by Edward Ashton

Antimatter Blues by Edward Ashton

Reviewed By: Jeremy Zentner, Reference Assistant

Genre: Science Fiction

Suggested Age:  Adults/ Teens

What is This Book About? Mickey Barnes is an Expendable. Or at least, he used to be a couple years back. Expendables were sent on perilous missions on new colony worlds, specifically with the intent to die. They would then be reborn in cloned bodies with their last uploaded memories. In this way, nonexpendable colonists could order high risk missions without losing their people. But Mickey’s retired from all of that, now. He’s just trying to live the best life he can on the colony Nilfheim. There’s a problem though. Winter is coming, and their dome’s antimatter powerhouse is running out of fuel. The colony barely survived with fuel last winter and not having power this winter will turn their dome into a giant tomb. So, Mickey has been pulled out of retirement and reenlisted to perform another perilous mission. Get a fresh batch of antimatter fuel before winter sets in. To do this, however, Mickey will have to march into the middle of an alien war.

My Review: This is the follow-up sequel to Mickey7 and it did not disappoint! This book does a great job of illustrating what a rough “pioneer” life might look like on a colony planet. Some of the most dangerous situations were as simple as someone falling at the worst possible time. Preconditions and a lack of medical facilities also show up as a simple, yet very real threat. And, of course, there are the elements, such as the impending winter, low water supply, limited power, and carnivorous predators. We also get an interesting glimpse of what diplomacy with an alien species might look like as Mickey tries to retrieve an antimatter bomb. Negotiating with the aliens is a lot more complex than simply learning a foreign language. Mickey must convince the indigenous species that every human being is an individual lifeform and not just an ancillary limb that can be disposed of at any time. Mickey also has to navigate through interspecies conflicts and politics as two of the native species are actively at war with each other. It’s a quick read with a lot of action and snark.

Three Words that Describe this Book: sci-fi, space, aliens

Give This A Try if You Like… The Martian, Old Man’s War, The Expanse series, All Systems Red: The Murderbot Diaries

Rating: 4/5

Find it at the library!

FDL Reads

2023-10-13T11:33:59-05:00October 13th, 2023|

Find Your Voice Adult Writing Contest Winners!

We’re excited to announce the winners for the Find Your Voice Adult Writing Contest!

1st Place – Inaudible by Megan McCoy

2nd Place – Cracks by Rachael Stanford

Teen Winner – Finding Your Voice by Ella Headly

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 submissions we received, so keep writing and stay tuned for another writing contest this winter!

Inaudible by Megan McCoy

Cracks by Rachael Stanford

Finding Your Voice by Ella Headly

2023-09-20T11:13:33-05:00September 19th, 2023|

FDL Reads: The Graveyard Book

The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman

Reviewed by Julie Nutt, Reference Assistant

Genre: Fantasy, Paranormal

Suggested age: Tween, Teen, Adult

What is this book about? Nobody Owens, despite his name, is no regular boy. After the brutal murder of his family, the clever infant escapes harm by finding his way to a graveyard. Like the boy, this is no regular graveyard. Growing up, raised and protected by ghosts, Nobody (or “Bod”) is still not safe from the danger that lurks outside the stone walls. Not only is his family’s killer still out there, Bod may not be prepared for life in the real world.

My review: This is one of my favorite books of all time! Many readers may be familiar with author Neil Gaiman because of the Amazon series Good Omens (which, by the way, started season 2 on July 28!), or the much darker Sandman graphic novels. A far cry from Sandman, The Graveyard Book is the winner of the Newbery, Carnegie, Hugo and Audie Awards for children’s literature. The bold, sharp illustration of the graphic novel version by award-winner P. Craig Russell is in stark contrast to Dave McKean’s (another award-winner) flowing pen and ink. I feel that McKean’s illustrations are more fitting to the ghostly, misty England setting. Bod’s friendships, both human and paranormal, represent selflessness, respect, the importance of community, the power to change, and the challenges of growing up.

Three words that describe this book: magical, frightening, dream-like

Give this a try if you like: Coraline by Neil Gaiman (book or movie); paranormal fiction; authors Terry Pratchett, Philip Pullman, Ursula LeGuin

Rating: 5/5

Find it at the library!

FDL Reads

2023-08-21T10:35:17-05:00July 26th, 2023|

Holly Jolly Writing Contest Winners!

We’re excited to announce the winners for the Holly Jolly Writing Contest! 

1st Place – The Silver Staff by Brandon Oliger

2nd Place – A Christmas Past by Judy Dahlman

3rd Places – Home for the Holidays by Megan McCoy

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 submissions we received, so keep writing and stay tuned for another writing contest this summer!

The Silver Staff by Brandon Oliger

A Christmas Past by Judy Dahlman

Home for the Holidays by Megan McCoy

2023-02-20T16:25:23-06:00February 20th, 2023|

Adult Winter Reading Program – Choose Your Gnome Adventure!

Every time you open a book, you embark on a new adventure, and we think reading is the best way to brighten up the long winter season! So choose your own adventures this winter by curling up with some new books and signing up for FDL’s Winter Reading Program! Patrons age 18 and older are invited to read/listen to 4 books (or 3 books & 5 magazines) checked out from Fondulac District Library (or attend a library program) January 3 through February 28 to enter the prize drawing. Pick up a reading log from the library or register and track your progress with the Beanstack app or online at fondulaclibrary.beanstack.org. Enjoy your reading journey, even if the destination is ungnome!

Printable Reading Log: Adult Winter Reading Program 2022

2022-01-03T12:03:43-06:00January 3rd, 2022|

#FDL: Banned Books Week

This week is Banned Books Week. The American Library Association discusses the purpose and history of Banned Books Week here:

“Banned Books Week (September 26-October 2) is an annual event celebrating the freedom to read. Typically held during the last week of September, it spotlights current and historical attempts to censor books in libraries and schools. It brings together the entire book community — librarians, booksellers, publishers, journalists, teachers, and readers of all types — in shared support of the freedom to seek and to express ideas, even those some consider unorthodox or unpopular.

The books featured during Banned Books Week have all been targeted for removal or restriction in libraries and schools. By focusing on efforts across the country to remove or restrict access to books, Banned Books Week draws national attention to the harms of censorship.”

The ALA Office for Intellectual Freedom tracked 156 challenges to library, school, and university materials and services in 2020. Of the 273 books that were targeted, here are the most challenged, along with the reasons cited for censoring the books.

Despite the efforts of challenges, these materials have, for the most part, remained available to read.  So, stop by the library or place one of these books on hold to celebrate your freedom to read.

 

  1. George by Alex Gino
    Reasons: Challenged, banned, and restricted for LGBTQIA+ content, conflicting with a religious viewpoint, and not reflecting “the values of our community”
  2. Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You by Ibram X. Kendi and Jason Reynolds
    Reasons: Banned and challenged because of author’s public statements, and because of claims that the book contains “selective storytelling incidents” and does not encompass racism against all people
  3. All American Boys by Jason Reynolds and Brendan Kiely
    Reasons: Banned and challenged for profanity, drug use, and alcoholism, and because it was thought to promote anti-police views, contain divisive topics, and be “too much of a sensitive matter right now”
  4. Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson
    Reasons: Banned, challenged, and restricted because it was thought to contain a political viewpoint and it was claimed to be biased against male students, and for the novel’s inclusion of rape and profanity
  5. The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie
    Reasons: Banned and challenged for profanity, sexual references, and allegations of sexual misconduct by the author
  6. Something Happened in Our Town: A Child’s Story About Racial Injustice by Marianne Celano, Marietta Collins, and Ann Hazzard, illustrated by Jennifer Zivoin
    Reasons: Challenged for “divisive language” and because it was thought to promote anti-police views
  7. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
    Reasons: Banned and challenged for racial slurs and their negative effect on students, featuring a “white savior” character, and its perception of the Black experience
  8. Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck
    Reasons: Banned and challenged for racial slurs and racist stereotypes, and their negative effect on students
  9. The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison
    Reasons: Banned and challenged because it was considered sexually explicit and depicts child sexual abuse
  10. The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
    Reasons: Challenged for profanity, and it was thought to promote an anti-police message

 

 

 

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

2021-10-15T16:00:54-05:00October 1st, 2021|

We’re Hiring!

we are hiring cursive text on boardsThe library currently is hiring for three part-time positions: Circulation Assistant, Youth Services Assistant, and Reference Assistant. Please visit fondulaclibrary.org/about-us/jobs for more information, including job descriptions and qualifications.

2021-05-10T10:33:47-05:00May 10th, 2021|

Aspiring Student Journalists

As an aspiring journalist, you’re probably craving some inspirational reads! Here are three great titles on our YA shelves. You can either check them out in person or reserve them through FDL’s online catalog.

Looking to do journalism professionally? We’ve included some articles, academic links, and scholarship info as well!

A NewsHound’s Guide to Student Journalism by Katina Paron and Javier Güelfi (Non-Fiction)

Covering the basics of journalistic values and practice, this graphic textbook offers cub reporters a primer on the drama, adventure and ethical conundrums that make journalism rewarding and fun. Using ripped-from-the-headlines examples, the authors challenge students to engage with the big issues. – annotation from the publisher

Sources Say by Lori Goldstein (Fiction – Elections/High School Newspaper)

The newsroom is Cat’s home away from home, and now, as a high school senior, she is finally editor-in-chief of the school paper. Not that anyone reads it: Her earnest exposé of an unhealthy student culture don’t sit well with many. Her sister, Angeline, is a popular social media influencer who has worked hard to make her YouTube channel, “Ask an Angel,” a success, even though Cat dismisses the work and focus that go into being a vlogger. The upcoming student council election sees Angeline and her ex-boyfriend, Leo, running for class president in a very public battle. While Angeline starts by making campaign promises based on popular demands, she comes to realize there are real problems that need to be addressed. Meanwhile, Cat’s reporting skills and journalistic ethics will face their greatest challenge against the competition of social media and the danger of fake news. – adapted from jacket

Hearts Unbroken by Cynthia Smith (Fiction – Photojournalism/Native American Heritage)

When Louise Wolfe’s boyfriend mocks and disrespects Native people in front of her, she breaks things off and dumps him over e-mail. She’d rather spend her senior year with her family and friends and working on the school newspaper. The editors pair her up with Joey Kairouz, an ambitious new photojournalist, and in no time the paper’s staff find themselves with a major story to cover: the school musical director’s inclusive approach to casting The Wizard of Oz has been provoking backlash in their mostly white, middle-class Kansas town. As tensions mount at school, so does a romance between Lou and Joey. But ‘dating while Native’ can be difficult. In trying to protect her own heart, will Lou break Joey’s? – adapted from jacket

Articles

The Future of the News Industry, According to Student Journalists by Rainesford Stauffer (TeenVogue)

Student Journalists Are Fighting for Protection After Covering the Crises of 2020 by Raines Stauffer (TeenVogue)

How to Fact-Check Social Media Posts and Avoid Fake News Online by Cindy L. Otis (former CIA Analyst)

Five Reasons You Shouldn’t Be Afraid of “Fake News” by Cindy L. Otis (former CIA Analyst)

Journalism Media and Technology Trends and Predictions 2021 (Reuters Institute) by Nic Newman (former BBC journalist) 

How Young People Consume News and The Implications For Mainstream Media (2019) by Flamingo (commissioned by the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism, Oxford University)

Helpful Links

Code of Ethics – Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ)

Journalism Guidelines during COVID-19 Pandemic (2020) (University of Massachusetts)

Ethics Guideline for Student Media

Visual Ethics Guideline for Student Media

**Reporting Safely and Ethically (SPJ)

**Guide to Legal Rights in the U.S. (SPJ)

**Your safety is more important than the story – please be extra cautious when covering public speeches, protests, social unrest, and/or other events that may escalate and become dangerous. If you wish to be present, please contact event organizers and law enforcement before attending the event. They will help you strategize a safe way to observe and report the event. NEVER PARTICIPATE – it’s against professional journalistic practice! Also, never let your purpose for being there be in doubt – meaning, you should wear large, visible media credentials that clearly mark you as a member of the press – and NEVER GO ALONE.

Organizations

Journalism Education Association*** (In addition to scholarships, JEA has middle school & high school award opportunities!)

Society of Professional Journalists*

National Student Press Organization*

Quill & Scroll*

* scholarship opportunities for members

*** scholarship opportunities without membership

– Katie Smith, Reference Specialist

2021-05-06T13:03:29-05:00May 6th, 2021|
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