 |
 | |
Welcome, Mary! Our New Lakeview Branch Manager |
You may have noticed a new face at Lakeview Branch. Let us introduce you to Mary Anderson, who just started June 23 as manager of our Lakeview Branch. Be sure to stop in and welcome her to Peoria. She comes to us, most recently, from Iowa. She was also kind enough to answer a few questions so we can all get to know her better.
First, welcome to PPL! Please tell us about yourself.
I have extensive experience working in academic libraries, having worked in virtually every department as well as a variety of levels of service from student worker to administrator. This experience began during college and continued throughout graduate school, but it took me a while to decide to pursue a career in libraries. Before that I taught history in the Religion Department of Saint Olaf College. I come to PPL most recently from Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa where I was the Instruction, Outreach, and Assessment Librarian. This is my first position at a public library, and I’m looking forward to the challenges and adventures of this new setting.
What inspired you to become a librarian?
My inspiration to become a librarian is rooted in a deep sense of service and the belief that information should be available and accessible to all. Libraries represent more than just shelves of books, but are vibrant hubs where people come together for learning, culture, entertainment, connections to resources, technology access, or just a safe place to belong. My role as a librarian is to open doors and make connections.
Do you have a favorite book/author/genre? One of my favorite authors is Brian Doyle. His non-fiction consists of essays and what he called “proems” – prose poems. His writing captures themes of delight, awe, joy and grace, always with a dash of humor. His novels though diverse in subject always bring together a group of quirky individuals into a beautiful community. Martin Marten is my favorite of these.
| |
|
|
| New Outreach Offering for Parents | In an effort to make life a little easier for growing families, Peoria Public Library is now offering monthly home delivery to new parents.
| All you have to do is call us – (309) 497-2068 – and we’ll walk you through the process of getting signed up.
|
|
 |
Things to know: · This is a free service for Peoria Public Library patrons.
· Choose books, magazines, movies, children’s materials, etc. Basically, anything we have, we can deliver to keep you entertained and informed while you care for your new family addition. · Sign up for a month or two or the max, a year. · Choose specific titles or let us help you with recommendations.
We don’t want you to lose touch with the library just because getting out and about is harder with a little one.
Questions? Call (309) 497-2068 or email our Outreach Manager Teri Miller at terimiller@ppl.peoria.lib.il.us |
|
|
| Need a little help for our Friends | Friends of Peoria Public Library needs a few more friends.
|
If working in a library or bookstore has always appealed to you, and you have a few hours each week to spare, then we have just the volunteer opportunity for you. |
|
 |
The Friendly Finds Bookstore at Main Library is managed solely by our Friends of Peoria Public Library. They are looking for additional help, specifically on Mondays from noon to 4 p.m. and some Saturdays, also from noon to 4 p.m. Not only do you get to work with great people, but the funds raised from book sales helps to support programming and special events at PPL.
Interested? Call (309) 497-2145 or reach out to Connie Colvin at conandiv1@yahoo.com |
|
|
| Let the Summer Reading Celebrations Begin! | Summer Reading is soon coming to a close, which is always sad, but that also means our celebrations are just around the corner.
|
Be sure to keep filling in your BINGO card through July 12 so you can pick up a party pass. |
|
 |
Eligible summer readers are invited to our exclusive after-hours party on Weds., July 16 at the Peoria Riverfront Museum, 222 SW Washington St.
Doors will open at 5 p.m. and we have activities planned until 8 p.m. thanks to support from Friends of Peoria Public Library. Parking is free in the museum parking garage. You will need to bring your party pass for entry.
In addition to exploring The World’s Largest Dinosaurs exhibit, you can take in a 30-minute show on Extreme Planets in the Planetarium or watch T. Rex in the giant screen theatre. Or BOTH! There’s plenty of time to do it all -- and get your face painted too! Adults, you are special in that you can come to both of our Summer Reading celebrations. We are continuing the tradition of an adults-only Summer Reading party at Main Library.
Join us Friday, July 18 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Main Library, 107 NE Monroe. Enjoy a music-filled evening along with games, complimentary snacks and mocktails and more. Fitting with our theme this year, we’re very excited about our life-size Game of Life we have planned, as well as the wealth of board games that Cabbages and Kings are bringing. One last incentive to get you to fill in your entire BINGO card… Our Grand Prizes!
One winner in the following age categories will be randomly drawn from the Summer Readers who fill in their entire BINGO card. Ages 0-5: Magna tiles or gift card equivalent Ages 6-12: Nintendo Switch or tablet
Ages 13-18: Nintendo Switch or Virtual Reality headset Adults: Virtual Reality headset or $200 gift card
NOTE: Lakeview and North branches will close at 6 PM on July 16 and Main Library will close at 5 PM on July 18 so our staff can prepare to party with you! |
|
|
| Coming Soon: New Book Club | Because we love book clubs, we’re adding a new one in August!
|
Check out our YA Queer Book Club just for teens, starting Aug. 16. Our first book discussion will be on Two Boys Kissing by David Levithan. |
|
 |
Based on true events, Two Boys Kissing follows Harry and Craig, two 17-year-olds taking part in a 32-hour marathon of kissing to set a new Guinness World Record. While the two increasingly dehydrated and sleep-deprived boys are locking lips, they become a focal point in the lives of other teens dealing with universal questions of love, identity, and belonging.
Longlisted for the National Book Award, this NYT bestseller is also a Stonewall Honor Book, the first and most enduring award for LGBTQIA+ books. The YA Queer Book Club will meet the third Saturday of every month from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Main Branch in LL1 Classroom A.
For a list of upcoming reads, visit https://peoriapubliclibrary.org/book-film-clubs/ |
|
|
| Resource Spotlight: Comics Plus | Every month, we will highlight a different library resource you might not be aware of.
|
For instance, did you know that Comics Plus is like having the keys to your very own comic store?
|
|
 |
This digital resource has thousands of titles – something for all ages and tastes – ready for you. No limit. No waiting. Download the free app or read online.
All you need is your Peoria Public Library card to start reading. https://peoriapubliclibrary.org/e-library/
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
