1. art and entertainment
2. books and literature

The Library Times
Serving Bartonville, Bellevue, Glasford, Kingston Mines, Mapleton,
Norwood, and all of the Illini Bluffs and Limestone Community High School
Districts
JANUARY/FEBRUARY
2015
Board Meetings
TUESDAY, Jan. 20, 2015; 7:00 p.m.
TUESDAY, Feb.17, 2015; 7:00 p.m.
WHAT’S YER BRAND, PARDNER?
Public is welcome!
Library Closings
THURSDAY, Jan. 1, 2015
MONDAY, Jan. 19, 2015
MONDAY, Feb. 16, 2015
Alpha Park Library District
3527 S. Airport Road
Bartonville, IL 61607
Phone: (309) 697-3822
V/TDD: (309) 697-9470
Fax: (309) 697-9681
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: http://www.alphapark.org
Library Hours
Monday-Thursday
9-9
Friday
9-6
Saturday
9-5
Sunday
Closed
Book Discussion
Thursday; 2:30 – 3:30 p.m.
January 8 : The Silent Wife by A. S.
A. Harrison
February 12: A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled
Hosseini
Branding is big right now. Definition? “Branding: The marketing practice of creating a name, symbol or design that identifies and differentiates a product from other products.”
Everybody’s got to have a brand. Though I did read an article in which
the author argues that “branding” is not a friendly word. Why? Because
“branding” was done to slaves, animals, and forms of life considered to be lower
than other forms of life. Could be onto something there.
Anyway, library people get worried about branding. I chalk it up to
insecurity and fear of folks who say, “Libraries are dead. Boring. Get thee to the
Internet.” We’re not cool enough. We must brand or re-brand ourselves.
Funny thing, though. I went to a fine workshop at the Illinois Library
Association conference, and a guy who writes for Forbes and other businessrelated publications said, “Guess what? Guess what your ‘brand’ is? Come on—
I dare you.”
Shocking news: studies show that libraries’ brand is…BOOKS. Really.
After all these years, we haven’t moved any farther than that.
But we have. We’ve got book books. We’ve got books on little listening thingies called “Playaways.” Books come on ancient technology like CDs,
and people check them out. Remarkable. There are large-print books (a variation on book books) for the aging eyes of Baby Boomers like, um, me.
In 2015, there are electronic books, or e-books. Now, you’d think that if
we are in a new, changed world, some gurus—sometimes they’re called consultants—would’ve said, “These things that live out in space, waiting to be downloaded, uploaded, unloaded, or preloaded onto a computer or e-reader, have GOT
to have a more with-it name.”
But there they are: electronic, yet still books. Over the past few weeks I
have been acutely aware of how many people I have seen in the library with
books of all varieties, and magazines, and newspapers. That doesn’t count people who’ve checked out books and magazines and taken them home, or borrowed
e-books via their home computer.
Well, enough of that. I just want y’all (if I can use the word, “pardner,”
in the title of this article, I am qualified to use “y’all”) to know that things are
pretty lively at your library, and our, ahem, brand is still the same.
Not quite the same is what used to be the computer room near the Information Desk. It’s now a meeting room which also can be used as a quiet study
room. We’ve needed one of those, in today’s modern, noisy library. Next up:
printing from a mobile device, like a smart phone or a tablet. The ever-popular
annual “Ladies’ Night Out” is on its way, and I don’t know what all else. Heck,
I’m just the director. If you want “all else,” you’ll have to read the rest of this
newsletter.
Which I hope you will do, while also enjoying our brand and pardnering with us to keep things lively at Airport Road and Garfield Avenue .
John D. Richmond, Director
YOUTH SERVICES
Winter Storytimes: Storytimes are held in six-week sessions throughout the year. Sessions may include books,
fingerplays, crafts, songs, games, and/or videos. Children must be the appropriate ages at the first class of each session.
Book Babies: Parents/caregivers with babies ages 12-24 months are invited to the library for activities. Songs, creative
time, group play, and resource ideas will be shared.
Wednesdays, 10:00-10:30 a.m.
January 21, 28
February 4, 11, 18, 25
Toddlertime: Storytime for 2-year-olds with an adult.
Tuesdays, 10:00-10:30 a.m.
January 20, 27
February 3, 10, 17, 24
Bookworms: Storytime for ages 3 to 6.
Tuesdays, 10:30-11:00 a.m.
January 20, 27
February 3, 10, 17, 24
Wednesdays, 1:00-1:30 p.m.
January 21, 28
February 4, 11, 18, 25
Thursday Tales: Storytime for 2 or 3-year-olds with an adult.
Thursdays, 10:00 - 10:30 a.m.
January 22, 29
February 5, 12, 19, 26
Stories on the Steps: Evening storytime for ages 3 to 8.
Thursdays, 6:30-7:00 p.m.
January 22, 29
February 5, 12, 19, 26
SPECIAL EVENTS
JUST FOR TEENS
Winter Reading Challenge
Continues until Feb. 14
Teen Board
Thursdays, Jan. 8 & Feb. 5;
7:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Spend this winter expanding your reading horizons! Pick up a
book bingo sheet at the library. When you complete the goal on
the sheet, return it for a prize. Open to all ages!
Make-It, Take-It
Sat., Jan. 31 & Feb. 21; 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Children ages 4 through 4th grade along with their parent or caregiver are invited to make a special craft in the Youth Services
Department anytime between 1:00 and 3:00 p.m. Parental assistance required. No drop-offs, please!
Teen Board members must be going into 7th through
12th grades and have a library card. Show up or call
Youth Services at 697-3822, ext.14, for more
information.
Teen Coffee House and Open Mic Night
Please Note: This Program Has
Been Cancelled
Construction Club
Tuesday, January 13; 3:30 - 5:00 p.m.
Attention architects! Third through sixth grade students can join
their friends at the library for a building challenge and free design time. Materials will be provided. Registration is no longer
required. Come by and join the fun!
Skype with author Polly Shulman
Thursday, February 19; 6:45 - 8:00 p.m.
Polly Shulman, author of The Grimm Legacy, Wells Bequest and
Enthusiasm will join us via Skype to discuss her books. Refreshments will be served and a collection of the author’s books
will be raffled off.
Do you read or write poetry, play an instrument, enjoy being dramatic or just want to show off your
talent? If so, take advantage of Alpha Park’s Open
Mic Night! Teens in
7th-12th grade are invited to perform
at this event. Come to enjoy drinks,
snacks, friends and free entertainment! Prizes will be awarded to the
best, funniest, and most original performances.
SPECIAL EVENTS
NEW!! eBOOKS from eRead Illinois
The library is expanding our e-book collection.
We now offer two possibilities for checking out ebooks: Axis 360 and ADML/Overdrive. Two different eBook sources means more eBook titles for
you! Access the Axis 360 Catalog or the ADML
Catalog from our website, www.alphapark.org .
NEW!! Wireless Printing
Print at home…pick up at the library!
Send print jobs directly to the APL printer from
your home computer, or any mobile device such as
a tablet, laptop, or smartphone!
Click the “Wireless Printing Portal” button on
our home page, www.alphapark.org, and print
from your home computer or mobile device.
BIGGEST LOSER
Kickoff Saturday, January 17
10:00 a.m. @ The Mapleton Recreation Center
Or
1:00 p.m. @ the Alpha Park Library
We are partnering with the Mapleton Recreation Center
to bring you this FREE 6 week weight challenge. Register for one of the kickoffs to learn more about what
we’re doing this year, or just come in and register during business hours January 20 – 24! Prizes will be given for the person who loses the most percentage over 6
weeks as well as weekly prizes! Call the Information
Desk at 697-3822, ext. 13 to register for one of the kickoffs or for more details. Grab a friend and see if you can
see “less” of each other by the end, or use this as way to
kick off a year of healthy habits! Open to adults 18 and
older.
eBook Class
Wednesday, February 11; 7:00 p.m.
Learn how to download FREE library eBooks to your
computer, smart phone or device! We now subscribe to
2 different eBook platforms which means more eBooks
for you!! Seating is limited to 6. Contact the Information
Desk at 697-3822, ext. 13, to register or for more details.
eMagazine Class Wednesday, February 18, 7:00 p.m.
Bring your device and learn how to download FREE
library eMagazines! Small class size offers hands on experience. Alpha Park library card needed. Register at the
Information Desk, 697-3822, ext. 13.
SPOTLIGHT SERIES
LADIES’ NIGHT OUT
Friday, January 23; 6:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Bon Voyage! We’re setting off on
a luxury canal cruise in Europe
with travel writer, Mark Bradley.
To prepare for the travel season,
we’ll learn how to efficiently
pack a suitcase, and practice
stylish ways to tie scarves (so wear a scarf!). The
evening will begin with a delicious dinner and
before the evening is over, we’ll make a winter
craft. The cost is just $5.00 (nonrefundable and
payable at time of registration). This event is
planned for women 18 and over. Seating is limited, so please register by phoning the library at
697-3822, ext. 13.
January – Spotlight on Healthy Living
We'll be highlighting our healthy living books and
videos this month. Watch for "healthy" programs in the next
few months, as described below.
Healthy Eating Presentation by OSF @ APL
Wednesday, February 25; 7:00 p.m.
Learn how to make simple swaps to your recipes to
cut back on calories and fat, but not on flavor. Bring your appetite to try out tasty recipes! Register at the Information Desk,
697-3822, ext. 13.
February – Spotlight on Technology
Join us Saturday, February 28, at 10:30 a.m. for a
look at the many technical things APL has to offer. Learn
about the many “tech toys” you can check out using your APL
card, including laptops, eBooks, eMagazines, tablets, eReaders,
and more! We’ll have everything on display for you to test and
ask questions. Register at the Information Desk, 697-3822, ext.
13.
Special Events
AMONG FRIENDS
(OF THE ALPHA PARK LIBRARY)
The Friends of the Alpha Park Library have
been at it again—that is, helping the library realize
unbudgeted dreams. Buying a new public services
desk for Youth Services, underwriting repair/
replacement of carpet and baseboard in the newest
meeting room, purchasing a new Christmas tree, raffling a lovely tabletop Christmas tree (decorated by
the Peoria Garden Club—thanks!) with accompanying skirt and holiday-themed books…they’ve done
it all.
From ongoing book sales to raffles and other
events, the Friends of the Alpha Park Library support causes that don’t quite fit in the library’s working budget. The next Friends meetings will be held
at the library on Jan. 13 and Feb. 10, at 10:00 a.m.
Interested in the Friends? Call Amber Hopwood,
president, at 697-3097.
COOKBOOK CLUB
Mondays, January 5 & February 2;
7:00 - 8:30 p.m.
Check out the cookbooks at
the library and prepare a soup recipe for our January meeting. February we will be exploring healthy
foods. Alpha Park Library has
many cookbooks offering low sodium, low carbs, Weight Watchers' recipes and many
other ideas for healthier menus. You may bring samples of your dish to share, but it's not required. Bring a
copy of the recipe which will be compiled with other
recipes and distributed to everyone in the Cookbook
Club. You may also want to bring the cookbook you
used. Even if you missed the first two programs, please
join us. Phone the library at 697-3822, ext. 13, to register.
NEW TITLES COMING SOON
Organizing Your Cupboards,
Closets and Cabinets
Tuesday, February 3; 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Winter is a great time to get organized! Join us for
an event that is guaranteed to inspire and motivate
you to bring order to the storage places in your
home. Our presenter, Lisa Pallardy, will share clever
and inexpensive ideas for making life simpler and
less cluttered. Please register for this free program
by phoning the library at 697-3822, ext. 13.
Peoria Stories: Tales from the Illinois Heartland
by Ken Zurski
Sat., March 7; 9:30 – 11:00 a.m.
Ken Zurski, author of The Wreck of the Columbia, will
be at the library to discuss his new book, Peoria Stories.
You are invited to meet Ken and hear him speak about
his “collection of stories about people and events
which helped shape a city and region. Included are
profiles of Theodore Roosevelt, Abraham Lincoln,
Charles Lindbergh and many other famous and not so
famous figures…” Copies of Ken’s book will be available for purchase. Please phone the library at 697-3822,
ext. 13, to register for this free program.
“YOU PICK”
FICTION
Harley Quinn: Volume 1: Hot in the City
The White House is Burning by Jane Sutcliffe
NON-FICTION
Jerry Lee Lewis: His Own Story by Rick Bragg
The Art of the Formula 1 Race Car by Stuart Codling
Naked Eggs and Flying Potatoes: Unforgettable Experiments That Make Science Fun by Steve Spangler
Why Be Happy When You Could Be Normal?
by Jeanette Winterson
AUDIO BOOKS
Back to School (Rachel Yoder #2) by Wanda Brunstetter
(Playaway)
Wait for Signs by Craig Johnson (CD)
I Am Number Four: The Lost Files: Secret Histories
by Pittacus Lore (CD)