newsletter of the Peoria Public Library www.peoriapubliclibrary.org Read to Inspire a Safer Community with Winter Read DECEMBER 2014 Volume 23 n No. 12 Published monthly by the Peoria Public Library
Reading books and discussing new ideas often provide inspiration that can lead to solving problems. That is precisely what three groups: Peoria Public Library, Peoria Reads!, and Peoria Community Against Violence (PCAV) hope to achieve with a new city-wide reading program called “Winter Read.” All three organizations encourage individuals and groups in Peoria to read one or all of the reading choices, books that encourage discussion about building a safe community, and hold
MAIN LIBRARY 107 N.E. Monroe 309.497.2000
WINTER
LAKEVIEW BRANCH 1137 W. Lake 309.497.2200
READ
LINCOLN BRANCH 1312 W. Lincoln 309.497.2600 MCCLURE BRANCH 315 W. McClure 309.497.2700 NORTH BRANCH 3001 W. Grand Parkway 309.497.2100 BOARD OF TRUSTEES Edward J. Barry, Jr. Stephen M. Buck Margaret E. Cousin Lucy D. Gulley F. Eugene Rebholz Debbie Ritschel Sid P. Ruckriegel Barbara Van Auken Jeanne Williamson DIRECTOR Leann Johnson EDITOR Trisha Noack DESIGNER Laura Fehr
or join book discussions in January. Public book discussions, open to anyone, will be held in 2015 but it is hoped that other book groups, groups of co-workers, church groups and more will make time to look at the ideas and experiences presented in these three books. All involve the successful conquest of the lifestyles that are plagued with gun violence. While Peoria has had success with the “Don’t Shoot” program that also began with a book discussion, more understanding and action is needed throughout the community. The Other Wes Moore by Wes Moore “The chilling truth is that his story could have been mine. The tragedy is that my story could have been his.” Two kids named Wes Moore were born blocks apart within a year of each other. Both grew up fatherless in similar Baltimore neighborhoods and had difficult childhoods; both hung out on street corners with their crews; both ran into Continued on page 2
Author of Bridge Burner Recounts Intrigue During the Civil War on December 15 by Dorsey Dixon
“He was a scoundrel. In the opening chapter he stabs a man to death,” said author Mike Rucker. This is how Rucker describes the controversial subject of his new book, Bridge Burner. The book is a biography based on the life of William Parks Rucker, a Union supporter living in the heart of the Confederacy during the Civil War. “His name is Rucker. My name is Rucker. And although he is not a direct ancestor, his name would come up at family reunions. Consequently, I wanted to know more about him.” Rucker’s curiosity led him down a trail of breadcrumbs before he paid a visit to Louisburg, West Virginia at the Greenbrier Historical Society. It was there he first found solid information on the late Rucker. He said, “There wasn’t much published on him. I went to five different county courthouses in Virginia and West Virginia. Finally, I got information from The Official Records of the War of the Rebellion.” Rucker, whose previous work includes the Terry
the Tractor children’s books, assures readers that this biography marks a change in the direction of his writing. “Children’s books are about creativity, and teaching a fun lesson. However, biographies are all about research and references. Every single statement in this book is documented. You’ll find references in the book, and a gallery of around 40 images from the Civil War. ” Rucker knows that anyone with an interest in the Civil War will want to read it. Rucker is intrigued by the complicated story of a man who took the opposite side, was a spy, a prisoner, a soldier and much more. “We always hear either the Yankee version of the war, or the Confederate version. I want readers to have the full picture.” Rucker will be selling and signing Bridge Burner with 50% of the proceeds going to the Friends of Peoria Public Library when he speaks at Peoria Public Library North Branch on Monday, December 15 at 6:30 p.m.
Continued from page 1 trouble with the police. How, then, did one grow up to be a Rhodes Scholar, decorated veteran, White House Fellow, and business leader, while the other ended up a convicted murderer serving a life sentence? In alternating narratives that take readers from heart-wrenching losses to moments of surprising redemption, The Other Wes Moore tells the story of a generation of boys trying to find their way in a hostile world. Discussion questions: http://www.litlovers. com/reading-guides/14-non-fiction/722other-wes-moore-moore?start=3 http://libguides.library.ncat.edu/content php?pid=337024&sid=2825620 Tattoos on the Heart: The Power of Boundless Compassion by Gregory Boyle For twenty years, Father Gregory Boyle has run Homeboy Industries, a gang-intervention program located in the Boyle Heights neighborhood of Los Angeles—also known as the gang capital of the world. In Tattoos on the Heart, he has distilled his experience working in the ghetto into a breathtaking series of parables inspired by faith. From giant, tattooed Cesar, shopping at JC Penney
fresh out of prison, you learn how to feel worthy of God’s love. From ten-year-old Pipi you learn the importance of being known and acknowledged. From Lulu you come to understand the kind of patience necessary to rescue someone from the dark—as Father Boyle phrases it, we can only shine a flashlight on a light switch in a darkened room. This is a motivating look at how to stay faithful in spite of failure, how to meet the world with a loving heart, and how to conquer shame with boundless, restorative love. Discussion questions: http://www.litlovers. com/reading-guides/14-non-fiction/1201tattoos-on-the-heart-boyle?start=3 http://books.simonandschuster. com/Tattoos-on-the-Heart/Gregory-Boyle/9781439153154/reading_group_ guide It Calls You Back: An Odyssey through Love, Addiction, Revolutions and Healing by Luis J. Rodriguez Luis J. Rodriguez spent his early life as a young Chicano gang member surviving the dangerous streets of East Los Angeles. This book is the story of Rodriguez starting over, at eighteen, after leaving gang
This Month in Peoria History by Ellie Nielsen Peoria bears the shape of the events of the past to this day. Here are a collection of fascinating events that occurred in Decembers past, found in the archives of the Local History and Genealogy Deparment. 12-20-1862: H. Cole moved his Daguerrian to #5 N Adams St. 12-3-1864: The ferry boat “Metamora” while on a trip to Nashville for clay for the pottery, was seized at St. Louis by the U.S. government and sent to the Cumberland River for war duty. 12-24-1877: A trial run was made by the Bell Telephone Co. on a call to Chicago. 12-14-1909: Fire completely destroyed the Grand Opera House on this day. The Peoria Journal and Der Demokrat, which were in the same building, were also destroyed. Loss was $130,000. 12-30-1909: The new GAR Hall was dedicated on this day. 12-31-1913: The Peoria Canoe Clubhouse was destroyed by fire last evening with a loss of $13,000. It was located near Al Fresco Park. 12-4-1922: It was announced that over 700 miles of paved roads were built in Illinois in 1922.
life—the only life he knew. The book opens with Rodriguez’s final stint in jail as a teenager and follows his struggle to kick heroin, renounce his former life, and search for meaningful work. He describes with heartbreaking honesty his challenges as a father, and his difficulty leaving his rages and addictions completely behind. Even as he breaks with “la vida loca” and begins to discover success as a writer and an activist, Rodriguez finds that his past—the crimes, the drugs, the things he’d seen and done— has a way of calling him back. When his oldest son is sent to prison for attempted murder, Rodriguez is forced to confront his shortcomings as a father, and to acknowledge how and why his own history is repeating itself, right before his eyes. Deeply insightful and beautifully written, It Calls You Back is an odyssey through love, addiction, revolutions, and healing. Discussion questions: http://books.simonandschuster.com/It-Calls-You-Back/ Luis-J-Rodriguez/9781416584179/reading_group_guide
Before the popular phrase “Will it play in Peoria?” was coined, the Grand Opera House opened its doors on September 7, 1882, on Hamilton Boulevard across from the courthouse. The architecture and interior of the building were a sight to behold. Designed in the Queen Anne style, it contained three stories with a central tower rising from the roof. Upon entering the auditorium, the visitor was welcomed with large crystal chandeliers hanging from an elaborately frescoed ceiling. “King for a Day” was the first opening performance with native Peorian Emma Abbott as its singing lead. Many other popular shows of the day played there. On the early morning of December 14, 1909, after Professor Herbert Flint had performed his hypnotism and magic act the night before, a fire broke out, destroying the opera house. There was approximately $200,000 in damages, and it was never rebuilt. A Peoria native, Florence Lowery, was quoted as saying, “…It was Peoria’s most majestic building, but it was more than that. It was a place to dream, to laugh, to cry, to be seen. It was an important part of my youth.”
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LAKEVIEW BRANCH Junior FIRST LEGO League is Coming!
Children ages 6-9 can experience the wonder of working with a real-world scientific concept by exploring it through research, teamwork, construction and imagination. Guided by coaches during 12 weekly meetings, teams use LEGO elements to build a moving model, experience the engineering design process, and develop a poster to illustrate their journey. Teams begin meeting this winter and a competition wraps up the experience in late spring. Watch for more details and if you would like to sign up your child now, contact Elise Hearn at 497-2204 or elisehearn@ppl.peoria.lib.il.us December 2014 December MAIN LIBRARY GALLERY Home for the Holidays: Celebrating Our Veterans and Their Memories
This exhibit displays the art work, souvenirs, and artifacts of United States Veterans. The exhibit will be on display Monday through Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. December LINCOLN BRANCH 1 to 1 Tech Help
Schedule a “1 to 1 Tech Help” session at the library! You pick a half hour time slot and provide some information about the computer or device you would like help with. At the meeting, a librarian will be ready to help and focus on you. Drop in or call the Lincoln Branch to schedule your session in advance. December MAIN LIBRARY Crafts-to-Go – 9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
Kids 5-12 can pick up a craft packet at the 1st Floor Information Desk. Ask for a Craft-to-Go, take it home and the fun begins. While supplies last.
of programs and events
December MAIN LIBRARY Winter Holiday Activity Booklet – 9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
Pick up a Winter Holiday Activity Booklet at the 2nd Floor Information Desk. Each booklet has coloring sheets, craft ideas, recipes, activities, bookmarks and other fun ideas for all the major winter holidays including Bodhi (Buddha) Day, Christmas, Hanukah, Kwanzaa and the Winter Solstice. For ages 3-12. December NORTH BRANCH One-on-One Ebook Assistance – By appointment
Having trouble downloading eBooks or audio books from Alliance Digital Media Library or Axis 360 onto your device and want some one-on-one assistance? Contact North Branch at 309-497-2100 or email MarySpengler@ppl.peoria.lib. il.us to schedule an appointment. December LAKEVIEW BRANCH Take Home Storytime
Bring home storytime! Pick up one of our kits from our Take Home Storytime display and go home with books, songs, fingerplays, and a craft to entertain your children with a storytime in your own home. Books will still check out the same way at Self Check, and staff will be available to assist you. While kits last. Ages 2-5. Monday & Tuesday, December 1&9 LINCOLN BRANCH Front & Center: Dough Ornament Creations – 5:00-6:00 p.m.
Looking for the perfect ornament for your tree? Choose your favorite dough ornament to decorate with paint and glitter. For grades K through 6. While supplies last.
Monday & Tuesday, December 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 29 & 30 LINCOLN BRANCH Project Next Generation – 5:00-7:00 pm
It’s All About the Kids (5th – 8th grades) – technology, mentoring and their futures. Participants of this program will work with project mentors and library staff who provide a mix of technological experiences and life skills vital for lifelong success. Students will learn how to use computers, the internet, digital cameras, iPad 2 and other technologies, while practicing problem-solving and communication skills. Funding for this grant was awarded by the Illinois State Library, a Department of the Office of Secretary of State, using funds provided by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services, under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA). Sign-up is required. For more information please call 497-2600. Monday & Thursday, December 1, 4, 11, 15, 18, 22 & 29 LINCOLN BRANCH ESL Course for Adults – 6:00-7:00 p.m.
We will be hosting an English as a second language course for Latino-Americans, focusing on pronunciation and other skills that will help them become more comfortable and confident with the English language. Class will meet every Monday and Thursday. Limited seating is available so registration is required. Activities for children whose parents are taking the course will be offered by library staff. For additional information please call 497-2600. Monday, December 1 LAKEVIEW BRANCH STEAM – 6:30-7:30 p.m.
If you like Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math, then this is the program for you! Grades 3 to 5.
Calendar continued Tuesday, December 2, 9, 16, 23 LINCOLN BRANCH Terrific Tattletale Tuesday Storytime – 10:00-10:30 a.m.
Ages 3 to 6.
Thursday, December 4, 11 & 18
Saturday, December 6
MCCLURE BRANCH Fun Time Storytime – 10:00-10:30 a.m.
NORTH BRANCH Make It! Take It! – 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
Ages 3 to 6.
While looking for some fun books, stop by the Children’s Activity Room and make a cool craft! Ages 4 to 10. While supplies last.
Thursday, December 4, 11 & 18 NORTH BRANCH Science Sleuths Jr. – 4:30-5:00 p.m.
Come and join us to do some hands-on science that’s perfect for preschool and kindergarten learners.
Saturday, December 6
Ages 2 to 3.
Thursday, December 4
Tuesday, December 2
NORTH BRANCH NaNoWriMo Wrap Party – 6:00-8:00 pm
Make your very own Gingerbread House to display for the holidays! Limited Seating so please call 497-2600 to register for this fun event! Recommended for ages 6 and up.
Tuesday, December 2, 9, 16, 23 LAKEVIEW BRANCH Lakeview Lambs – 10:30-11:00 a.m.
LAKEVIEW BRANCH Bibliophiles Book Club – 1:30-2:30 pm
This month: The Lowland by Jhumpa Lahiri Tuesday, December 2 LINCOLN BRANCH Front & Center: DIY Holiday Spa Gift Craft – 5:00-6:00 p.m.
Want to give the perfect pampering gift for Christmas? Join us for an evening of DIY homemade hand scrubs and salts. For grades 7 and 8. Tuesday, December 2 LAKEVIEW BRANCH Family Fun Night – 6:00-7:30 p.m.
This month we’re making a winter craft. While supplies last. Wednesday, Dec. 3, 10 & 17 MAIN LIBRARY eReader Training – 3:00-4:00 p.m.
Have a smartphone, tablet, or ereader but need help learning how to download ebooks from the library? Free one-onone help is available. Sessions are first come, first served. Other times are available by appointment. Call Cindy Wright at (309) 497-2000 to schedule. Wednesday, Dec. 3, 10 & 17 NORTH BRANCH Final Exam Relief Room – 6:00-7:30 pm
Stress of finals getting you down? Need a place to unwind? High school and college students are invited to visit the library for a place to relax and give your brain a rest. Grab a coloring book, watch a movie, and be ready to tackle those end-of-the-semester projects in a better mindset. And of course, if inspiration strikes while you’re here, we have plenty of print and online resources waiting at your fingertips!
Congratulations! You wrote during National Novel Writing Month! Whether or not you have a finished story or even met your goal, come share your progress and celebrate your successes at the library. If you participated in any of our NaNoWriMo events, we especially encourage you to come meet some of the writers who form the Peoria-area writing group! Light refreshments will be served. Friday & Saturday, December 5&6 MCCLURE BRANCH Big Holiday Craft Weekend – 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Come and spend the day crafting with us. We’ll have all types of holiday crafts for you to do to get you into the spirit. Take them all home to decorate for the upcoming holidays. Friday, December 5, 12, 19, 26 NORTH BRANCH Busy Bees Storytime – 10:30-11:00 am
Join us for an all-ages storytime. Stories, songs, and fun for the whole hive! Friday, December 5 & 19 LAKEVIEW BRANCH LEGO Builders Club – 3:00-5:00 p.m.
Join us at Lakeview Branch for our Lego Builders Club. We have expanded the time slot to allow for drop-in LEGO play. Parental supervision is required. Saturday, December 6 NORTH BRANCH
LINCOLN BRANCH Gingerbread House Decorating – 2:00-4:00 p.m.
Monday, December 8 LAKEVIEW BRANCH Sci Fi & Fantasy Book Club – 6:30-7:30 p.m.
This month: Libriomancer by Jim C. Hines Monday, December 8 NORTH BRANCH Pajama Storytime – 7:00-7:45 p.m.
Join us for a picture book party! We’ll enjoy stories, songs, and activities! Wear your PJs and bring a blanket to bundle up - you’ll be ready for bed when you head home! Tuesday, December 9 LAKEVIEW BRANCH Textile Arts Club – 2:00-3:00 p.m.
Do you enjoy knitting, crocheting, needlepoint or another form of textile art? Bring your current work to the library and join the Textile Arts Club. We will meet once a month to share our ideas and encourage continued creativity while we work side by side on our own projects. December 11 & 16 LINCOLN BRANCH Puppet Show: “Night Before Christmouse” – 10:00-10:30 a.m.
Come help Mouse get a piece of cheese for Christmas dinner.
Saturday, December 13
Thursday, December 11
LAKEVIEW BRANCH Cards for Seniors – 10:00 a.m.-5:00 pm
NORTH BRANCH Morningstar Financial Experts Series 2014: Rebalance Your Portfolio – 5:00-6:00 p.m.
Stop in any time to make some greeting cards for seniors at area nursing homes. Cookies and hot chocolate will be provided. All ages welcome!
Get expert advice on maintaining your investment portfolio at this live-
streamed web conference with Christine Benz, Morningstar’s director of personal finance. Benz will explain the value of ‘giving your portfolio a checkup’ and the simple steps to take to make sure your investments are in line with your goals. She’ll also share tips for how to make the process part of your annual routine. Saturday, December 13 LINCOLN BRANCH Make It! Take It! Holiday Ornament – 12:00-2:00 p.m.
Come and make an ornament for your Christmas tree! While supplies last. Saturday, December 13 LINCOLN BRANCH Minecraft – 2:00-5:00 p.m.
Ages 8 to 14 can join us for an afternoon of Minecraft in the computer lab. Space is limited, so call 497-2600 to register.
Monday, December 15
Sunday, December 21
NORTH BRANCH An Evening with Mike Rucker – 6:30-7:30 p.m.
LAKEVIEW BRANCH Book ‘Em Mystery Book Club – 2:00-3:00 p.m.
Join us for an evening with local author Mike Rucker who will speak about his new book Bridge Burner. Published by the West Virginia Book Company, the book tells the true story of Dr. William Parks Rucker, a slave-holding southerner whose support of the Union caused him to be one of the most despised individuals in the South. Rucker, a Civil War researcher and Caterpillar retiree, has also authored 18 children’s books of the adventures of Terry the Tractor. Rucker will sign and sell copies of his new book to benefit the Friends of Peoria Public Library. Tuesday, December 16
December 14-23
LAKEVIEW BRANCH YA for Adults Book Club – 6:30-7:30 pm
LAKEVIEW BRANCH Microscope Usage Program
This month: Go Ask Alice by Anonymous
Lakeview Branch will now have a microscope available for use by our patrons. The equipment will be available the last two weeks of each month for patrons to use here at our location. Sessions must be scheduled in advance. Please call 309497-2200 to reserve a time slot. Sunday, December 14 NORTH BRANCH Biography & Non-fiction Book Club – 3:00-4:45 p.m.
This month: The Great Bridge: The Epic Story of the Building of the Brooklyn Bridge by David McCullough December 15-19 MAIN LIBRARY Holiday Gift Crafting – 3:30-4:30 p.m.
Come to the Children’s Activity room and we’ll supply the materials and instructions to make a cool gift. Can’t stay to make your gift craft? Ask for a packaged craft to take with you. Open to ages 5-12 while supplies last. Monday, December 15 LINCOLN BRANCH Front & Center: A Snowy Day Story and Craft – 6:00-7:00 p.m.
Enjoy this classic and timeless tale written by Ezra Jack Keats. Snowman crafts will be provided. For grades K through 4. While supplies last.
Thursday, December 18 NORTH BRANCH Let’s Get Real: The Third Thursday Documentary Film Series –1:00-3:00 pm
Join us on the 3rd Thursday of each month for the Peoria Public Library documentary film series. With themes ranging from music to the death penalty to the idea of beauty, these reality-based films will open your eyes and invite discussion! This month: Babies (PG) Friday, December 19 LAKEVIEW BRANCH Make It! Take It! – 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Stop by to make a special seasonal craft. While supplies last. Saturday, December 20 MCCLURE BRANCH Christmas Ornament Make It! Take It! – 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Christmas is just a few days away. Drop in and make a neat Christmas ornament for your home. While supplies last. Saturday, December 20 MAIN LIBRARY Minecraft – 12:00-3:00 p.m.
Ages 8 to 14 are invited to join us for 3 hours of uninterrupted play. Space is limited, so please call 497-2150 to register.
This month: The Midnight Before Christmas by William Bernhardt Sunday, December 21 NORTH BRANCH Music in the McKenzie Presents: Henhouse Prowlers – 2:00-4:00 p.m.
Nine years in the making, Chicago’s Henhouse Prowlers have built a reputation for hard work and non-stop touring, playing music inspired by the roots of bluegrass while branching out into a sound uniquely their own. From lightning-fast picking, to sentimental ballads—playing storied original material, traditional songs, and contemporary covers—The Prowlers’ live show leaves no one wanting. CDs will be available to purchase with proceeds going to the Friends of the Peoria Public Library. Monday, December 22 LAKEVIEW BRANCH Rewrite the Story – 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Have you ever read a book and just wanted to change a few lines or draw a picture or two inside?? Well now is your chance! Old picture books and markers will be provided, so you can capture all of your creative and literary ideas down on paper, as you rewrite the story. All ages. Monday, December 22 & 29 LINCOLN BRANCH Front & Center: Winter Break Activities – 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Drop in for a movie and games. What a great way to spend quality time with family during winter break! Join us for Scrabble, Connect Four, Candyland and more! December 22: Movie Night: The Polar Express; December 29: Game Night. Tuesday, December 23 LAKEVIEW BRANCH Winter Tales and Treats – 2:00-2:30 pm
Join us for an afternoon of winter stories, hot chocolate, and Rice Krispie Treats. Since our stories are winter-themed and it’s chilly outside, feel free to come in your pajamas and slippers and bring a blanket. An easy winter craft will be available while supplies last after the stories. Fun for the whole family!
Calendar continued Saturday, December 27 NORTH BRANCH Board Game Saturday – 1:00-4:00 p.m.
Grab some friends and join us for Board Game Saturdays. The library will supply the games, but if you have a favorite please bring it along. Drop in for a round or an entire game! Sunday, December 28 LAKEVIEW BRANCH Silver Screen Sundays – 1:00-3:00 p.m.
This month: The Thin Man starring William Powell and Myrna Loy and directed by W.S. Van Dyke Monday, December 29 LAKEVIEW BRANCH Batman Day – 10:00 a.m.-7:30 p.m.
Did you know that Batman turned 75 years old in 2014? Help close out Batman’s 75th year by celebrating! We have activities for all ages so be sure to bring the whole family and all your friends. We’re having a Batman movie marathon for older fans, a scavenger hunt for the little ones, and we’re compiling a list of 75 reasons we love Batman to put on a display. Feel free to come dressed as your favorite Batman character. Don’t forget to bring your camera because you may want to take your picture with some of The Caped Crusader’s friends and foes. Batman (PG-13) – 10:15 a.m. Batman Returns (PG-13) – 12:30 p.m. Batman Forever (PG-13) – 2:40 p.m. Batman and Robin (PG-13) – 5:00 p.m.
Remember and Share with Bi-Folkal Kits by Teri Miller, Manager of Outreach
Travel to the past and remember how things used to be with a Bi-Folkal Kit available for check out from the Peoria Public Library Outreach Department. A Bi-Folkal Kit has everything you need to help a group remember and share in a bag (with the exception of a DVD/CD player). These kits are multi-media, multi-sensory resources that focus on themes including particular decades, seasons, transportation, work, school, fashion, pets and more. The idea is to incorporate the tradition of the telling of tales of life and the past with an event that helps remember and share. Whether you work in a senior center, retirement community, assisted-living, day care or nursing home, these kits can be used with any size or any age group imaginable -- from the very young to the young at heart. These kits are also great to use with intergenerational groups as well. Each kit comes complete in its own bag and includes a DVD, CD, skits, activities, songs to sing and memorabilia of the time period or theme. The Outreach Department has 14 program kits available to be checked out for a two week period. If you have questions about the kits, or are interested in borrowing one, please call 497-2068.
Wednesday, December 31 LAKEVIEW BRANCH Countdown to Noon – 11:00 a.m.12:15 p.m.
Are your little ones too young to stay up to ring in the New Year? Join us for a morning of fun while we celebrate the Noon New Year! At 11:00 we’ll make party hats and noisemakers. At 11:30 we’ll read stories while we continue our countdown. At noon we’ll shake our noisemakers and celebrate the Noon New Year! Our celebration will come to an end as we sing and dance to some of our favorite songs. Crafts are recommended for ages 3 and up, but stories and the countdown are great for kids from age 1 to age 7!
Kits owned by Peoria Public Library: Remembering Music Remembering the Fashion Remembering Automobiles Remembering Train Rides Remembering the Depression Remembering School Days Remembering Birthdays Remembering County Fairs Remembering Fun and Games Remembering Pets Remembering African American Lives Remembering the Home front Remembering the Fifties Remembering 1924
Liked That Book? Try This One! By Liesl Prentice Here are some recommended readalikes based off some of the currently popular items at Peoria Public Library: If You Like Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail... Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert: Traces the author’s decision to quit her job and travel the world for a year after suffering a midlife crisis and divorce, a journey that took her to three places in her quest to explore her own nature and learn the art of spiritual balance. Why you might like it: Both authors were coming to terms with a divorce, so take journeys to discover themselves again, coming across physical challenges along the way. They also both describe in detail the places they visit along with their internal struggles. Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer: The story of Chris McCandless, a young man who embarked on a solo journey into the wilds of Alaska and whose body was discovered four months later, explores the fascinating allure that the wilderness has for the American imagination. Why you might like it: Wild and Into the Wild tell how an individual decides to go into the wilderness alone to reflect on their life and for self-discovery, weaving the physical journey with the mental/ spiritual journey. Once Upon a River by Bonnie Jo Campbell: Margo Crane, a beautiful and uncanny markswoman takes to the Stark River after being complicit in the death of her father and embarks on an odyssey in search of her vanished mother. Why you might like it: Once Upon a River is fictional, however it also describes a quest. The fictional Margo Crain, similar to the real Cheryl Strayed, is on a journey after a traumatic event has taken place, looking for peace and self-reflection. For more read-alike ideas, visit: www. peoriapubliclibrary.org/read-alikes-1214
January Book Clubs at Peoria Public Library Join a book club at Peoria Public Library this month. New members are always welcome! The Biography and Non-Fiction Book Club will meet on Sunday, January 11 at 3:00 p.m. at North Branch to discuss Super Fuel: Thorium, the Green Energy Source for the Future by Richard Martin. Super Fuel is the story of the slightly radioactive element thorium, a much-touted alternative fuel for nuclear power plants. Abundant in the Earth’s crust, thorium has been used in various industrial processes since its discovery in 1828. Advocates, writes Martin, an award-winning journalist and senior research analyst for Pike Research, a clean energy firm, say the silver-gray element has another use: as a cheap, safe energy source with the potential to solve our power crisis. This is a lucid overview of a still-developing chapter in the story of nuclear power. &
non-fiction book group
The Bibliophiles Book Club is on vacation in January and will resume in February. The Book ‘Em Mystery Book Club will meet on Sunday, January 18 at 2:00 p.m. at Lakeview Branch to discuss The Heist by Janet Evanovich and Lee Goldberg. Nicolas Fox is an international con man, famous for running elaborate scams on rich and powerful people. He knows the FBI has been hot on his trail for years--particularly FBI Special Agent Kate O’Hare. But just when it seems that Fox has been captured for good, he pulls off his greatest con of all: He convinces the FBI to offer him a job, working side by side with O’Hare. Their first assignment takes them to the side streets of Berlin, the California desert, and remote Indonesian islands as they team up to catch Derek Griffin, a corrupt investment banker charged with stealing millions from his clients. Finding Griffin on his private island is going to test O’Hare’s patience and Fox’s skill. High-speed chases, pirates, and Toblerone bars are all in a day’s work . . . if O’Hare and Fox don’t kill each other first.
Club Read will meet on Wednesday, January 28 at 6:30 p.m. at Lakeview Branch to discuss Enrique’s Journey by Sonia Narazio. Based on the Los Angeles Times newspaper series that won two Pulitzer Prizes, one for feature writing and another for feature photography, this page-turner about the power of family is a touchstone for communities across the country for meaningful discussions. Enrique’s Journey recounts the unforgettable quest of a Honduran boy looking for his mother, eleven years after she is forced to leave her starving family to find work in the United States. Braving unimaginable peril, often clinging to the sides and tops of freight trains, Enrique travels through hostile worlds full of thugs, bandits, and corrupt cops. But he pushes forward, relying on his wit, courage, hope, and the kindness of strangers. Read On Book Club will meet on Tuesday, January 27 at 5:30 p.m. at Lincoln Branch to discuss Bishop by RM Johnson. He is an influential spiritual leader and head of the largest church in the south. This is the story of the wife who loves him but has reason to fear and the three young men who seek vengeance for the sexual abuse they suffered at his hands. The Sci-Fi Fantasy Book Club will meet on Monday, January 12 at Lakeview Branch at 6:30 p.m. to discuss Ancillary Justice by Anne Leckie. Winner of the Hugo, Nebula, British Science Fiction, Locus and Arthur C. Clarke Awards. On a remote, icy planet, the soldier known as Breq is drawing closer to completing her quest. Once, she was the Justice of Toren - a colossal starship with an artificial intelligence linking thousands of soldiers in the service of the Radch, the empire that conquered the galaxy. Now, an act of treachery has ripped it all away, leaving her with one fragile human body, unanswered questions, and a burning desire for vengeance. The YA Book Club for Adults will meet on Tuesday, January 20 at 6:30 p.m. to discuss Like No Other by Una LaMarche. Devorah is a consummate good girl who
has never challenged the ways of her strict Hasidic upbringing. Jaxon is a fun-loving, book-smart nerd who has never been comfortable around girls (unless you count his four younger sisters). They’ve spent their entire lives in Brooklyn, on opposite sides of the same street. Their paths never crossed . . . until one day, they did. When a hurricane strikes the Northeast, the pair becomes stranded in an elevator together, where fate leaves them no choice but to make an otherwise risky connection. Though their relation is strictly forbidden, Devorah and Jax arrange secret meetings and risk everything to be together. But how far can they go? Just how much are they willing to give up? In the timeless tradition of West Side Story and Crossing Delancey, this thoroughly modern take on romance will inspire laughter, tears, and the belief that love can happen when and where you least expect it. For more information please call (309) 497-2150
What’s Trending at Peoria Public Library FICTION BOOKS
Beautiful You by Chuck Palahniuk Blood Magick by Nora Roberts The Boy Who Drew Monsters: a Novel by Keith Donohue Church Girl Gone Wild by Ni’chelle Genovese NON-FICTION BOOKS
As You Wish: Inconceivable Tales from the Making of The Princess Bride by Cary Elwes Flea Market Fabulous: Designing Gorgeous Rooms with Vintage Treasures by Lara Spencer Food: a Love Story by Jim Gaffigan YOUNG ADULT BOOKS
Battle Angel: an Immortal City Novel by Scott Speer Beautiful Chaos by Kami Garcia Belzhar: a Novel by Meg Wolitzer The Boy in the Striped Pajamas: a Fable by John Boyne MOVIES
Anything Goes Are You Here Begin Again Chef For more of what’s trending, visit: www. peoriapubliclibrary.org/whats-trending
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Christmas Holiday
Tuesday,
December 23 (at 6:00 pm) Wednesday,
December 24
&
Thursday,
December 25
for the
New Year’s Holiday Wednesday,
December 31 (at 3:00 pm)
Thursday,
January 1
Holiday Closings