newsletter of the Peoria Public Library www.peoriapubliclibrary.org
FEBRUARY 2014 Volume 23 n No. 2 Published monthly by the Peoria Public Library
MAIN LIBRARY 107 N.E. Monroe 309.497.2000 LAKEVIEW BRANCH 1137 W. Lake 309.497.2200 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 Eric Atkins
Now Showing! Changing America Exhibit Celebrates Abolition and Civil Rights Movements “Changing America: The Emancipation Proclamation, 1863 and the March on Washington, 1963” a national traveling exhibit which explores the relationship between two great people’s movements for equal rights, will open at Peoria Public Library Main Library on the Main Floor on Monday, January 27 and remain through Thursday, March 6. “Changing America” examines the events leading up to the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, and the March on Washington in 1963. Both grew out of decades of bold actions, resistance, organization, and vision. One hundred years separate them, yet they are linked in the larger story of a struggle for liberty which brought together different races, classes and ideologies and had a profound impact on the generations that followed. The exhibition tells the story of how these two pivotal events came into being, a century apart, and how they helped put the nation on a course to fulfill its commitment to liberty and justice for all. The exhibit was highlighted with programs that will provide further information and discussion. On Saturday, January 25th at 2:00 at the Main Library, “Ruffians and Wiseacres: Peoria’s History with Antislavery” will be presented by Dr. Stacey Robertson, Oglesby Professor of American Heritage, Bradley University. Her presentation included a lecture with time for questions and answers. On Saturday, February 22nd at 2:00 at the Main Library the film “Slavery By Another Name” will be shown and a discussion of the film will follow facilitated by
Smithsonian Institution
Family Portrait, Library of Congress
Dr. Stacey Robertson. This film and discussion program is also made possible by Created Equal: America’s Civil Rights Struggle A special initiative of the National Endowment for the Humanities in partnership with the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History. The exhibit was created to commemorate the two pivotal achievements on their 150th and 50th anniversaries. It explores the historical context, accomplishments and limitations as well as their impact on the generations that followed. The stories are told with large panels of photographs and accompanying explanation. Free public programming will help Peorians understand the significance of these events and the relationship between these two great people’s movements. “Changing America” is presented by the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture and the National Museum of American History in collaboration with the American Library Association Public Programs Office. The traveling exhibition is made possible by the National Endowment for the Humanitites: Exploring the human endeavor.
Director’s Column
T
he Pew Research Center has a tagline that says, “Numbers, facts and trends shaping the world.” One of the trends they examine is the way we use libraries and their latest report, “How Americans Value Public Libraries in Their Communities” was just published in December. It is fascinating to learn, that in spite of all the naysayers, 54% of Americans have used a public library in the past year, and 72% say they live in a “library household.” Also interesting is that 90% of Americans ages 16 and older said the closing of their local public library would have an impact on their community and 63% said it would have a major impact. But what does the average American think a public library does for the community? Benjamin Franklin would be proud that 95% of Americans today agree that the materials and resources available at public libraries play an important role in giving everyone a chance to succeed. That was the premise of the library campaign that brought the renewal of Peoria’s public library system. Our system now does offer equal library service across the community with robust collections, accessible hours and service that makes sense. Public libraries are important because they promote literacy and love of reading according to 95%, and 94% say that having a public library improves the quality of life in a community. Almost as high a number, 81%, think that public libraries provide many services people would have a hard time finding elsewhere. At Peoria Public Library users are finding free services from homework and job search help to language learning, storytimes, computers, wifi, art shows, small engine repair manuals,
genealogy and even help with learning to use an e-reader. The same is true across the country as libraries offer the services communities can benefit from and provide economically by pooling resources. When the Pew Research Center asked people what library services were most important to them, the highest ranking services was still the collection of books and media. Eighty percent said that books and media were very important or somewhat important. Next most important was having the help of a trained librarian, that person who knows how to find exactly what you need. Ranking almost as high was having a safe quiet place to spend time, read or study. In some areas of the country or for certain populations services such as help preparing to apply for jobs is important, but almost 70% of people said programs for youth were very or somewhat important. Throughout Peoria Public Library, Children’s Librarians are busy preparing and presenting free programs from storytimes to puppet shows to reading programs that will entice our children to experience the magic of reading and the wonders that are at the library. Programs are offered for all ages of young people from the tiniest babies to the teens heading out to college. Each helps build a thinking, reading member of our community who will in turn use their knowledge throughout their lives and many will share their love of the library with others. On top of all the good news about what Americans think about their library is an admission that most don’t know everything their library has to offer. Come in and visit us soon and see what you are missing!
Trisha Noack, editor
Peorians Show Great Interest in Artistry of Classical Musicians by Jill Harter
The New Year has brought in a promise of new beginnings and a new hope for the Peoria Area Community. Last year proved to be a stressful and busy time for many people in the Central Illinois region. With record breaking flooding, the familiar summer heat, and the devastating tornadoes that shook the community last November, people were looking for various ways of relieving their stress. The classical music selection at Peoria Public Library was certainly a welcomed addition to calm the woes of the community. In the last quarter of the year, Ludwig van Beethoven was the composer with the most albums checked out. Other more mainstream artists who had multiple
checkouts included Brahms, Chopin, Haydn, Liszt, and Mozart. The variety of the Peoria Public Library selection did not go unnoticed though as there were checkouts that ranged from the elaborate stylization of Bach and Vivaldi in the Baroque era to the modern dissonance of Shostakovich and Prokofiev in the 20th Century era. The romantics were the leaders though as the checkouts for composers in the Romantic era were the most popular throughout all branches. A strong, diverse selection of classical music allows library users an opportunity to have free access to a variety of materials. The reports that the data is derived from provides much qualitative information that shows how classical
music has maintained a steady flow of checkouts between branches. The Peoria community has a great interest in the musical artistry of the classical music genre. These selections play an important role in the development of the library due to the integration of classical music in all forms of media. You rarely will find a score to a mega block buster film that does not include some type of classical music. One example is the “Star Wars” theme. It is one of the most recognized pieces of music still to this day and ties into all other aspects of materials related to “Star Wars” that can be checked out at Peoria Public Library. This genre is truly a vital addition to the collection provided to the Peoria community.
uary
Febr
CALENDAR
of programs and events
February
Sunday, February 2
MAIN LIBRARY Crafts-to-Go – 9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
LINCOLN BRANCH African Masks – 12:00-5:00 p.m.
In a hurry? Can’t stay and craft? Get your crafts to go. Kids ages 5 through 12 can pick up a craft packet at the 1st Floor Information Desk any time we’re open. Ask for a Craft-to-Go, take it home and the fun begins.
February 3-26
February 1-13 MAIN LIBRARY Kisses Counting Contest – 9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
Stop by the 2nd floor Information Desk starting February 1-13 and try to guess how many Kisses are in the jar. The person who comes closest to the actual number of kisses in the jar, without going over, wins them all. One entry per person please. For children in grades K-8. Winner will be notified February 14th. Saturday, February 1 NORTH BRANCH Make It! Take It! – 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
While looking for some fun books, stop in the Children’s Activity Room and make a cool craft! While supplies last. Ages 4-10. Saturday, February 1 LAKEVIEW BRANCH Art Exploration – 10:30-11:00 a.m.
Do you enjoy exploring different types of art? Don’t mind getting messy with your projects? Join us each month as we explore various forms of art and make a different project to take home with you. Beware that some of our projects may involve paint, plaster of Paris, or other messy materials so don’t wear your favorite clothes! Registration is requested, but not required . Ages 7 to 12.
Make an African Mask in honor of Black History Month. Ages 12 and up. While supplies last.
MAIN LIBRARY GALLERY P.I.E.C.E.S – 9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
“Precepts Inspirited by Episodes of Creative Expressions of Self” is an exhibition of works by fiber artist Trish Williams. The artist states: “As long as I can remember fabrics, threads, yarns, needles, and things associated with needlework have been a great part of my life. From my Big Mama Early Lee Steward, my grandmother Malissie Williams and my great-grandmother Rebecca Stokes, I learned to quilt by just being near them. From my mother Alverean Williams I learned her rhythm of coordinating colors and buying great fabrics. There is a peace, a comfort and a therapeutic release in quilting that has sustain, and encourages me. My later works have grown to include more of my hand dyed/painted fabrics, as well as more mix media with the inclusion of collage papers, plastic, and other found objects.” Monday, February 3, 10 & 24 NORTH BRANCH Tiny Tots Storytime – 10:30-11:00 a.m.
Ages 12 to 23 months and their caregivers are welcome. Monday & Tuesday, February 3, 4, 10, 11, 18, 24 & 25 LINCOLN BRANCH Project Next Generation – 5:00-7:00 p.m.
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, February 3, 6, 10, 13, 20, 24 & 27 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. Tuesday, February 4, 11, 18 & 25 LINCOLN BRANCH Terrific Tattletale Tuesday Storytime – 10:00-10:30 a.m.
Join us on February 11 for a special Valentine’s storytime and on February 18 for a special Black History storytime. Ages 3 to 6.
Calendar continued Tuesday, February 4, 11, 18 & 25 – LAKEVIEW BRANCH
Thursday, February 6, 13, 20 & 27 – NORTH BRANCH Tadpoles Storytime – 10:30-11:00 a.m.
Ages 2 to 3 and their caregivers are welcome. Tuesday, February 4 LAKEVIEW BRANCH Bibliophiles Book Club – 1:30-2:30 p.m.
This month: Warriors Don’t Cry by Melba Patillo Beals Tuesday, February 4 LINCOLN BRANCH African American Trivia Night – 5:00-6:00 p.m.
How well do you know your history? Team up to win as we celebrate Black History Month with an exciting evening of African American History Trivia. Ages 10 to 14. Tuesday, February 4 LAKEVIEW BRANCH Family Fun Night – 6:00-7:30 p.m.
Join us for a night of pottery painting as we team up with Fired Up! Painting pottery is fun, but can be messy so don’t wear your favorite clothes! Recommended for ages 5 and up. Supplies will be provided. Space and supplies are limited so registration is required. 497-2200. Wednesday, February 5, 12, 19 & 26 MAIN LIBRARY Toddler Time – 10:00-10:30 a.m.
Stories, songs, and fingerplays. Ages 18 months to 2 years and their caregivers are welcome. Wednesday, February 5, 12, 19 & 26 MCCLURE BRANCH Fun Time Storytime – 10:00-10:30 a.m.
Ages 3 to 6.
Wednesday & Friday, February 5, 7, 12, 14, 19, 21, 26 & 28
Artist celebrating the accomplishments of our leaders in words.
LAKEVIEW BRANCH Owlet Storytime – 10:30-11:00 a.m.
Friday, February 7, 14, 21 & 28
Bring your little owls to a storytime for all ages including fingerplays, songs and easy crafts. All Ages. Wednesday, February 5, 12, 19 & 26 MAIN LIBRARY Free eReader Training – 3:00-4:30 p.m.
Having trouble learning how to use that new eReader, tablet, or smart phone? Trying to download ebooks, but not having any success? Free help is available! Call the Peoria Public Library Main Library at 497-2000 to make an appointment, or come to the Main Library on any Wednesday for one-on-one assistance. Walk-in training is first-come, first-served. Thursday, February 6 LINCOLN BRANCH Peoria Ballet – 10:00-11:00 a.m.
Come see a demonstration and learn about the Peoria Ballet Company.
NORTH BRANCH Busy Bees Storytime – 10:30-11:00 a.m.
Join us for an all-ages storytime. Stories, songs, and fun for the whole hive! Friday, February 7 & 21 LAKEVIEW BRANCH LEGO Builders Club – 4:00-5:00 p.m.
Calling all LEGO fans! Join us for our new Lego Builders Club. Each session will have a building theme as well as time to create your own design. Since there are a limited number of LEGOs, please call 497-2200 to reserve your spot in advance. Recommended for ages 5 and up. Saturday, February 8 MCCLURE BRANCH Valentine Make It! Take It! – 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Valentine’s Day is quickly approaching. Drop by and make a sweet surprise for your sweetie. While supplies last. Saturday, February 8
Thursday, February 6 NORTH BRANCH Science Sleuths – 4:00-5:00 p.m.
Are you the designated spider catcher for your household? Do you stay up late to view the wonders of the cosmos? Is your fossil collection the wonder of the neighborhood? Join us each month to learn how the library can help you explore the mysteries of the universe. Experiments, outdoor exploration and fun included! Please bear in mind that science can be messy, so don’t wear your favorite sweater! Children 3rd-5th grade. Thursday, February 6 LINCOLN BRANCH Poetry Speaks: An AfricanAmerican History Program – 6:00-7:30 p.m.
February is African American History Month – The Peoria Public Library Lincoln Branch will join in paying tribute to the generations of African Americans who struggled with adversity to achieve the right of citizenship in American society. The Black History Committee presents K-Love, Motivational Speaker and Hip Hop Spoken Word
LINCOLN BRANCH Valentine Make It! Take It! – 12:005:00 p.m.
Come make a valentine for your sweetheart. While supplies last. Saturday, February 8 MAIN LIBRARY GALLERY Gallery Reception – 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Join us for a reception honoring the work in this month’s gallery exhibit. February 9-15 LINCOLN BRANCH Blind Date with a Book – All day
Single? In a relationship? It’s complicated? No matter! Make a blind date with a book! Just stop by the Lincoln Branch to pick a book from the display. Books are all wrapped up so you will not know the identity of your blind date until you get it home. Will it be fiction or non-fiction? Funny, informative, entertaining, or heart-breaking? Spend some time getting to know your date. Sure, you might be disappointed; but then again.... you may end up having a great time with something you would otherwise never have ventured to read.
Monday, February 10
Monday, February 17
NORTH BRANCH Maximized Living – 6:00-7:00 p.m.
All Peoria Public Library locations are closed for President’s Day.
It’s a new year and it’s time to get back into the swing of healthy living! Join us as we talk about healthy living focusing on the 5 Essentials of Health. Incorporating the 5 Essentials allows you to cooperate with the natural healing and recuperative powers of your body . The result? You overcome disease, get well and—most importantly—stay well. For more information, please call 497-2143. Monday, February 10 LAKEVIEW BRANCH Sci Fi & Fantasy Book Club – 6:307:30 p.m.
This month: Foundation Trilogy by Isaac Asimov Monday, February 10 NORTH BRANCH Jazzy Pajama Storytime – 7:00-7:45 p.m.
Join us for a picture book celebration of jazz! We’ll enjoy stories, crafts and, of course, music! Bebop your way to the library in your PJ’s and bring a blanket to bundle up --- you’ll be ready for bed when you head home! All ages welcome. Wednesday, February 12 MAIN LIBRARY GALLERY Gallery Walk and Talk – 2:00-2:30 p.m.
Enjoy a guided tour of this month’s gallery exhibit. Thursday, February 13 & 20 LINCOLN BRANCH Puppet Show: “Witch’s Valentine” – 10:00-10:30 a.m.
Come help Witch make a valentine. All ages welcome. Thursday, February 13 LINCOLN BRANCH From My Heart to Yours Arts and Crafts – 6:00-7:00 p.m.
Create a special gift for the one you love. Join us as we celebrate Valentine’s Day with arts and crafts. While supplies last. Ages 4 to 10.
Tuesday, February 18 LAKEVIEW BRANCH YA for Adults Book Club – 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Saturday, February 15 MAIN LIBRARY Minecraft – 12:00-4:00 p.m.
Create amazing structures, battle terrible things, and claim your territory in Minecraft! Ages 8 to 14 are invited to join us for 4 hours of uninterrupted play. Space is limited, so please call 497-2150 to register. Saturday, February 15 & 22
Do you secretly enjoy reading YA as much as adult books? Are you looking for a book club that doesn’t take itself too seriously? Join us for fun discussion as we read our way through today’s best YA fiction. For more information, please call 497-2150. This month: Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs Monday, February 24 NORTH BRANCH Navigating the Road to College Success – 6:00-7:00 p.m.
Come celebrate Black History Month. We will be showing movies that showcase the struggle and perseverance of the times. Saturday February 15 - Ruby Bridges (PG); Saturday February 22 - 42 (PG13). All ages welcome.
College admission is more competitive than ever before. How can you prepare and give yourself a competitive edge while enjoying the process? With over 30 years of experience in education and private consulting, Marla Brady will lead a series of workshops designed to get you on the road to success in the college application process! This month: Making the Choice: College or Tech School?
Sunday, February 16
Tuesday, February 25
LAKEVIEW BRANCH Book ‘Em Mystery Book Club – 2:00-3:00
LINCOLN BRANCH Read On Book Club – 5:30-7:00 p.m.
MCCLURE BRANCH Black History Movies – 3:00-5:00 p.m.
This month: Guilty Wives by James Patterson & David Ellis Sunday, February 16 NORTH BRANCH Music in the McKenzie Presents: Wild Ponies – 2:00-4:00 p.m.
February’s rocking Music in the McKenzie concert presents Wild Ponies. Touring in support of their brand new release on Ditch Dog Records, “Things That Used To Shine”, Wild Ponies - Doug Williams, Telisha Williams and drummer Jake Winebrenner - bring energy and charisma along as they perform brilliant new songs as well as some of the old Doug & Telisha favorites. “It’s a terrific, raw, robust sound these guys have going on” said “No Depression”’s Kim Ruelhl. Call 497-2120 for more information or visit www.wildponies. net. CD sales will benefit the Friends of the Peoria Public Library.
The Read On Book Club (ROBC) was founded in 1997 as a way for library patrons and library staff to come together to support and promote books by African-American authors that we love to read. If you would like to be a part of a fun and relaxed atmosphere, please join us for monthly discussions. This month: Warriors Don’t Cry by Melba Patillo Beals Wednesday, February 26 LAKEVIEW BRANCH Club Read – 6:30-7:30 p.m.
This month: The Plague of Doves by Louise Erdrich Erdrich’s 13th novel, a multigenerational tour de force of sin, redemption, murder, and vengeance, finds its roots in the 1911 slaughter of a farming family near Pluto, North Dakota. The family’s infant daughter is spared, and a posse forms, incorrectly blames three Indians, and lynches them.
AARP to Offer Tax Help at North Branch by Appointment AARP offers free tax help at Peoria Public Library North Branch. Appointments are required for anyone who would like assistance with their taxes. Please do not call the library, all appointments must be made in person with AARP. Pre-scheduling will be held on Saturday, February 1 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. After that, appointments may be scheduled during the regular tax help hours:
This Month in Peoria History 2-18-1867: The bill to authorize construction of a horse railway was passed by the state legislature in Springfield. 2-10-1879: The new Peoria Mercantile Library opened on this day with its entrance on Main Street. 2-10-1902: Bartonville State Hospital (at the time referred to as the Illinois Hospital for the Incurable Insane) began operations on February 10, 1902. 2-22-1909: The Princess Theater first opened its doors to the public. 2-9-1910: Holt Manufacturing Co. began building crawler type tractors in East Peoria. 2-27-1923: It was announced that The Illinois Edison Co. would be building a power plant on the east side of the Illinois River, for Cilco, changing its name to the Illinois Electric Power Co. 2-19-1937: The two figures “Peace” and “Harvest” were donated by an anonymous giver to the Peoria
Sanitarium. Mary A. Clark was the sculptor. 2-28-1943: It was announced that eleven acres of Madison Park were to be used for Victory Gardens in the summer of 1943. Horse railways (also known as horsedrawn streetcars or horse cars) were developed in the early 1800s and by the mid to late 1800s became a popular form of transportation in both Europe and the US. They employed a horse pulled tramcar with metal wheels on iron or steel rails. Advantages for using them included affordability and safety as well as efficiency and the ability to operate in any kind of weather. In 1870, the Central City Street Railway began using the first horse car in Peoria. By 1883, that same company operated 12 miles of double track with 53 cars, employing a total of 28 drivers and 103 horses. The railway went the entire length of Adams Street as well as on Main Street from Adams Street to Elizabeth Street. In 1889, with the installation of an electric trolley system in Peoria, the horse railways became obsolete, thus relegating this once common sight on Peoria streets to history.
Peoria Reads! Programs and Discussions Continue Peorians are continuing to read and discuss Warriors Don’t Cry: A Searing Memoir of the Battle to Integrate Little Rock’s Central High and to attend various programs. If you are a member of a book club or other group that plans to read and discuss the Peoria Reads selection, you may obtain free copies of the book by contacting Roberta Koscielski at 4972186 or emailing robertakoscielski@ppl.peoria.lib.il.us.
Wednesday, February 5 Friday, February 7 Wednesday, February 12 Thursday, February 13 Wednesday, February 19 Thursday, February 20 Wednesday, February 26 Thursday, February 27 Wednesday, March 5 Friday, March 7 Wednesday, March 12 Thursday, March 14 Wednesday, March 19 Thursday, March 20 Wednesday, March 26 Thursday, March 27 Wednesday, April 2 Friday, April 4 Wednesday, April 9 Thursday, April 10
11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Tax forms may be available at the library but can also be printed from the web at www.irs.gov or downloaded onto a jump drive to take home. Illinois tax forms available online January 31, 2014 at tax.illinois.gov. Persons earning less that $52,000 may also have taxes done free of charge at the METEC Resource Center beginning January 28 on Tuesdays from 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. and Saturday’s from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Call (309) 676-3832 for more information.
March Book Clubs at Peoria Public Library Join a book club at Peoria Public Library this month. New members are always welcome!
Book ‘Em Mystery Book Club will meet on Sunday, March 16 at 2:00 p.m. at Lakeview Branch to discuss Hard News by Jeffery Deaver. Rune is an aspiring filmmaker with more ambition than political savvy, paying her dues as an assistant cameraperson for the local news. But she’s got her eyes on the prize, the network’s hot newsmagazine, Current Events – and she’s got the story she knows will get her there. Poking around in the video archives, Rune spots a taped interview with Randy Bogs, who’s doing hard time in Attica for a murder he claims he didn’t commit. Rune can’t say exactly why, but she’s sure he’s innocent. If she can prove it, Current Events won’t merely report the news, it’ll make news – and Rune’s career. The Sci-Fi/Fantasy Book Club meets on Monday, March 10 at Lakeview Branch at 6:30 p.m. to discuss Bone Season by Samantha Shannon. We are the minority the world does not accept,” Paige Mahoney tells us, referring to the struggles of clairvoyants, from soothsayers and mediums to her own high standing as a dreamwalker. In Shannon’s galvanic debut, the first in a series of seven novels, she brings us to Scion, a totalitarian state in England circa 2059, where “voyants” are designated “unnatural” and clairvoyance is outlawed. The result is a dazzlingly brainy, witty, and bewitching tale of outrageous courage, heroic compassion, transcendent love, and the quest for freedom. Call 309-497-2149 for more information . Peoria Reads Selection: Warriors Don’t Cry: A Searing Memoir of the Battle to Integrate Little Rock’s Central High by Melba Patillo Beals. In 1957, Melba Pattillo turned sixteen. That was also the year she became a warrior on the front lines of a civil rights firestorm. Following the landmark 1954 Supreme Court ruling, Brown v. Board of Education, Melba was one of nine teenagers chosen to integrate Little Rock’s Central High School. Throughout her harrowing ordeal, Melba was taunted by her schoolmates and their parents, threatened by a lynch mob’s rope, attacked with
lighted sticks of dynamite, and injured by acid sprayed in her eyes. But through it all, she acted with dignity and courage, and refused to back down. For more information about book discussions and events for Peoria Reads! Visit www.peoriareads.com. The Biography and Non-Fiction Book Club will meet on Sunday, March 9, at 3:00 p.m. at North Branch to discuss Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking by Susan Cain. Susan Cain, a self-proclaimed introvert who’s taken it upon herself to better understand the place of introverts in culture and society. Cain explores introversion through psychological research, personal experiences, and even brain chemistry, in an engaging and highly-readable fashion. By delving into introversion, Cain also seeks to find ways for introverts and extroverts to better understand one another. For more information call 309-497-2186. Bibliophiles will meet on Wednesday, March 4 at 1:30 p.m. at Lakeview Branch to discuss Dear Life: Stories by Alice Munro. A brilliant new collection from one of the most acclaimed writers of our time. With her peerless ability to give us the essence of a life in often brief but spacious and timeless stories, Alice Munro illumines the moment a life is shaped – the moment a person turns out of an accustomed path and into another way. For more information, call Carol May at (309) 692-1020 or email cmay1223@comcast.net. The Read On Book Club will meet on Tuesday, March 25 at 5:30 p.m. at Lincoln Branch to discuss Bishop by RM Johnson. An ex-thug has turned most 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. Call 497-2601 for more information. Intercontinental Readers will continue to meet to discuss novels by American and Irish authors via Skype at Main Library LL 1 at 1:00 p.m. once every three months with readers in Ireland. The next meeting will be Tuesday, March 11, 2014
and the group will discuss Caleb’s Crossing by Geraldine Brooks. Once again, the author takes a remarkable shard of history and brings it to vivid life. In 1665, a young man from Martha’s Vineyard became the first Native American to graduate from Harvard College. Upon this slender factual scaffold, she has created a luminous tale of love and faith, magic and adventure. Call 309-497-2143 for more information. Club Read will meet on Wednesday, March 26 at 6:30 p.m. at Lakeview Branch to discuss Wild by Cheryl Strayed. At age 26, following the death of her mother, divorce, and a run of reckless behavior, Cheryl Strayed found herself alone near the foot of the Pacific Crest Trail--inexperienced, over-equipped, and desperate to reclaim her life. Wild tracks Strayed’s personal journey on the PCT through California and Oregon, as she comes to terms with devastating loss and her unpredictable reactions to it. YA for Adults Book Club will meet on the third Tuesday, March 18 at 6:30 p.m. at Lakeview Branch to discuss Out of the Easy by Ruta Septys. It’s 1950 and the French Quarter of New Orleans simmers with secrets. Known among locals as the daughter of a brothel prostitute, Josie Moraine wants more out of life than the Big Easy has to offer. She devises a plan get out, but a mysterious death in the Quarter leaves Josie tangled in an investigation that will challenge her allegiance to her mother, her conscience, and Willie Woodley, the brusque madam on Conti Street. Josie is caught between the dream of an elite college and a clandestine underworld. New Orleans lures her in her quest for truth, dangling temptation at every turn, and escalating to the ultimate test. With characters as captivating as those in her internationally bestselling novel Between Shades of Gray, Ruta Sepetys skillfully creates a rich story of secrets, lies, and the haunting reminder that decisions can shape our destiny.
107 NE Monroe St Peoria, IL 61602-1070
Do you have a minute to help us out? Would you please take a moment to help us understand how you use Peoria Public Library by answering these questions and drop off your answers at any library Information Desk or answer online at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/DLG9TN9 1. Have you ever wanted to read a certain book but it is always checked out? ❍ Yes ❍ No
Non-profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Permit 198 Peoria, IL
PRESIDENTS’ DAY All locations will be closed
2. Did you know that you can place a ‘hold’ on any item in the online catalog and when the item comes in we notify you that it is ready to pick up? ❍ Yes ❍ No
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 17
3. Did you know that in addition to asking a librarian in person or on the phone to put an item on hold you can place a hold online? ❍ Yes ❍ No
North Branch always closed Tuesday
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