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 | The BEE is Back! |
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We are still buzzing about the success of all our area students at our first Scripps National Spelling Bee Regional Competition on March 28, sponsored by Peoria Public Library.
Two of the 4 top spellers were from Peoria schools -- and the Spelling Champion was Isa Zaid of Peoria Academy -- but all the students were winners!
Many thanks to all who helped with the relaunch of this important educational competition: City of Peoria Illinois - Government Peoria County Government Peoria Public Schools District 150 and WMBD.
Attendance was limited this year, but WMBD is putting together a special program that will air soon so you too can see our students in action. Please stay tuned in to our social media for updates. |
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This was the inaugural year for Peoria Public Library as an official Scripps National Spelling Bee regional sponsor, covering 8 counties and 300 eligible schools. The City of Peoria, Peoria County and Peoria Public Schools District 150 were key partners. WMBD-TV was our media sponsor.
This year, 64 schools enrolled with Scripps, and 59 schools registered school champions. In the end, 55 students participated.
After 15 rounds, Isa Zaid, a 7th grader from Peoria Academy, came out on top after spelling “ogival.”
“The Scripps National Spelling Bee ignites a love for learning through its unique experiences and opportunities, celebrates and builds confidence in those who are intellectually curious, and fosters an inclusive and diverse community. So do libraries,” said Peoria Public Library Executive Director Randall Yelverton. “So, of course, as aligned as we are, it makes perfect sense for us to step into this role.”
As for Isa, our winner, his next stop is the Scripps National Spelling Bee this May in Washington, D.C., where he will represent Central Illinois! |
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Thanks to the Rotary Club of Peoria, his family will have a $2,000 travel stipend to cover the cost of flights from Peoria to Washington, D.C.
“I was really nervous at first,” Zaid said after his win. “I tried my best. My mom and my sister really supported me through this journey. They’re awesome.”
Zaid has also been invited to be celebrated at upcoming Peoria County Board and Peoria City Council meetings. |
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| Spring Break Fun for Everyone! | Peoria Public Library has jampacked our calendar with family-friendly events this Spring Break.
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Check out these highlights:
Thursday, April 2 ~ Marko Polo Kids Concert ~ (3 times and locations)
10:30 AM ~ North Branch 1 PM ~ Main Library 3 PM ~ McClure Branch |
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Thursday, April 2 ~ Baby Rave @ 11 AM ~ Lincoln Branch; Ages 0-5
Thursday, April 2 ~ Puzzle Club @ 3 PM, McClure Branch
Thursday, April 2 ~ Let's LEGO @ 4 PM, North Branch; Ages 4-12
Friday, April 3 ~ Freaky Friday Double Feature @ McClure Branch; Starts at 1 PM, ends 4:30 PM; All ages
Saturday, April 4 ~ Annual Easter Egg Hunt @ 2 PM, Lincoln Branch; Ages 0-12 (Rain or shine)
Saturday, April 4 ~ Pretend Play @ 2 PM, North Branch; Ages 0-5.
Tuesday, April 7 ~ Avalanche Slime Lab @ 5:30 PM, Lincoln Branch
Thursday, April 9 ~ Pressed Flower Bookmarks @ 2 PM, Main Library
Friday, April 10 ~ Rise of the Guardians screening @ 2 PM, Lakeview Branch
Friday, April 10 ~ Percy Jackson Party @ 2:30 PM, Lincoln Branch |
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| Celebrate National Library Week: April 19-25th | National Library Week is a time to highlight the essential role libraries, librarians, and library staff play in transforming lives and strengthening communities.
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Join Peoria Public Library at the Peoria Riverfront Museum for a free screening of The Librarians at 5:30 PM, Sunday, April 19. The film examines how librarians try to protect democracy nationwide.
Free admission and open to all. |
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Wednesday, April 22 Library Tools to Bring You Joy 5 PM at North Branch
This year's National Library Week theme is "Find your Joy," so we are working to raise awareness of all the ways that the library can help you thrive. Did you know that the library provides a great deal more than just books, or even e-books?
Library users also have access to resources that can help you learn a new language, find a new hobby, or even develop new, marketable job skills. Join us to explore some of these lesser known digital resources available for Peoria Public Library users!
While visiting North Branch, be sure to share how the library brings you joy on our banner. Participants will earn an entry into our prize drawing for a $30 gift card to a local small business of your choice. |
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| April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month | April 2026 marks the official 25th anniversary of Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
| Peoria Public Library is partnering with the Center for Prevention of Abuse on the following programs: |
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Saturday, April 18: Self-Defense Workshop ~ 10 AM to Noon at Main Library Interactive class. Dress for movement
Thursday, April 23: Screening of Breach of Trust with Q&A ~ 6 PM at North Branch Watch this 30-minute film on a high-profile sexual assault scandal at the University of Southern California and then join in a conversation with Center for Prevention of Abuse trained staff.
Monday, April 27: AI Workshop: Cyberstalking ~ 2 PM at Main Library Learn about cyberstalking and cyber harassment and what you can do to prevent it. |
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| Murder at the Kentucky Derby: An After-Hours Murder Mystery |
You’re invited to a Derby-themed Murder Mystery filled with big hats, bold accusations, and one unforgettable whodunit. Dress to impress, sip something festive, and help uncover the culprit.
| Registration required by April 13th |
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Put on your best Derby attire and prepare for foul play! Friday, April 17 ~ 6:30 to 8:30 PM at North Branch Adults only.
Register here
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| Author Event: The Lindbergh Kidnapping and the Origin of the Viral Conspiracy Theory | Author Dr. John D. Van Dyke joins us to discuss his book, The Lindbergh Kidnapping and The Origin of the Viral Conspiracy Theory.
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The Lindbergh Kidnapping and the Origin of the Viral Conspiracy Theory unpacks the lives of the two men at the center of the case: Charles Lindbergh, the heralded aviator and victim who later became a pariah for his opposition to US involvement in World War II, and Bruno Richard Hauptmann, the hapless illegal immigrant executed for the Crime of The Century.
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The book also explores how conspiratorial thinking infiltrates our international psyche and why so many people believe in it.
Copies of the book will be available for sale, 20% of the sales will be donate to Friends of Peoria Public Library. Free and open to the public. Thursday, April 18 ~ 2 PM at Main Library |
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| Get Gardening with Help from PPL | Now is the perfect time of year to learn more about growing your own food – and Peoria Public Library can help.
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Not only do we have our new Seed Library at Main Library, but we have two upcoming programs from the experts at Broad Branch Farm. |
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Monday, April 20 Organic Farming ~ 6 PM at North Branch
Anita Poeppel, of Broad Branch Farm, will be here to share some tips and tricks that she & her family have gathered over decades of tending the earth. Organic methods and maximizing your efforts are the order of the day. Learn about soil prep, fertility, and how to extend your season out past Labor Day.
This program is open to beginners and experienced gardeners. Bring your questions.
Saturday, April 25
Broad Branch Farm Visit ~ 10 AM to Noon
Come learn from a pro! Longtime farmer Anita Poeppel will show you what it takes to have a successful food garden, in a way that is reasonable both in size and time commitment. Broad Branch Farm is a working organic farm north of Chillicothe. Anita is committed to helping other people learn to grow their own food. Dress for a mess AND THE WEATHER because we will be out in it!
This hands-on, demonstration program is open to adults of all experience levels...everyone can learn something! Registration required. Adults only.
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| Resource Spotlight: Explore More Illinois | Every month, we will highlight a different library resource you might not be aware of.
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This month, it’s a collaboration that allows you to use your library card for discounted or free passes to attractions across the state -- from theatre tickets to sporting events to admission to world-class museums. All you need is your Peoria Public Library card. |
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How to Explore More Illinois?
Log into Explore More Illinois using your Peoria Public Library card.
Browse participating attractions, select a date to visit and make a reservation. Print or download your reservation.
You will need that and a photo ID.
You can have two active reservations per library card. If plans change, please cancel your reservation or it will count as being used. Remember, you cannot cancel once you print or download your reservation. Explore More Illinois is perfect for Spring Break staycations. |
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| Now Hiring: Lakeview Branch Manager | If your joy is helping people, check out our job listing for Manager of Lakeview Branch.
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Deadline to apply is NOON on Monday, April 13. |
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Salary is $63, 371 and includes medical, dental, vision, paid vacation, sick time & holidays, IMRF pension plan, Employee Assistance Program and optional deferred compensation plan.
While a Master's in Library Science is preferred, applicants with a bachelor's degree and 5 years experience will be considered.
Apply here |
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