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Summer Reading is HERE! Read, Renew: Repeat |
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Peoria Public Library is bringing a whole new level of family fun to Summer Reading this year! It’s BINGO!
Get the whole family in on the fun and see who gets BINGO first! Sign up now and start playing June 10! Play online and sign up here or sign up at any PPL location and play the old-fashioned (paper) way. You choose.
Every week when you check in you’ll be rewarded with a prize and an entry for that branch’s customized prize basket. BINGO earns you a party pass – and we have two great parties this year! (See below). Fill up your entire BINGO card, and you can come to our party and be entered to win one of Grand Prizes.
Summer Reading 2024 Grand Prizes Ages 0-5: Little Tikes Toys
Ages 6-12: Nintendo Switch & accessories Ages 13-18: Instax camera & accessories Adult: Choose one of the following: Overnight stay and membership to Wildlife Prairie Park; overnight stay and dinner at Par-A-Dice Hotel Casino or season tickets to Peoria Civic Center Broadway series.
Summer Reading Parties
For the whole family: Join us Wednesday, July 24 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Peoria Civic Center for fun and games. We’ll stay cool inside and play on inflatables, dance to our DJ, make crafts, play games, enjoy live characters like princesses and super heroes, get our face painted and more! Everything’s free, except concessions. (Cash NOT taken at concession stands.)
For adults only: Join us Friday, July 19 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Main Library for live music by Dexter O’Neal and Funk Yard, mocktails, snacks, a scavenger hunt, games and more! Adults only. For Lincoln Branch only: Kids ages K-12 who complete Summer Reading at Lincoln Branch are entered in our annual new bike giveaway. The drawing will be held at 10 a.m., July 19. Must be present to win. |
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Speaking of reading...
Did you know that Peoria Public Library hosts more than a dozen book clubs -- something for everyone!
We're even starting two new book clubs at McClure Branch -- one for those who love thrills & chills and one for those who love peace & quiet.
Our Silent Book Club, one of 1,000 chapters worldwide, meets the first Saturday of every month from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Peoria Public Library’s McClure Branch, 315 W. McClure Ave.
BYOB (bring your own book) and read silently but in community with others.
Thrills, Chills & Plot Twists meets on the 3rd Monday of the month from 4:30-5:30 p.m. at McClure Branch, 315 W. McClure Ave. Join us June 17 as we discuss "Happiness Falls" by Angie Kim.
For a full list of PPL's book clubs, visit our web site. |
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Uncovering your Roots: Peoria Public Library Launches Genealogy Series Staring this month and continuing through the fall, Peoria Public Library will be hosting a series of free lectures and help sessions for both beginners and those who may need extra help uncovering their roots.
The series kicks off Saturday, June 22 with a special virtual lecture by Ari Wilkins, genealogist, lecturer and owner of Black Genesis, a genealogical consulting company. African American Family History: Beginning Your Search Saturday, June 22 ~ 2-3:30 p.m., Lincoln Branch, 1312 W. Lincoln Ave.
Open to all. ** If you would like to watch Ari Wilkins’ presentation from home, please register online to be sent the Zoom link.
Ms. Wilkins began researching her own family roots after her grandfather passed away, feeling an urgent need to document and preserve all the stories he’d shared. Today, she is a full-time lecturer and genealogist, who has taught at the Texas Institute for Genealogical Research (TIGR), Institute of Genealogy and Historical Research (IGHR), Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy (SLIG), and Genealogy Research Institute of Pittsburgh (GRIP—now part of the National Genealogy Society) as well as contributing to FamilySearch, the world’s largest online family tree.
Though Ms. Wilkins will share expert tips to help anyone starting African American family research, her knowledge can benefit any beginner researcher.
Family history starts with stories and is supported by documents, funeral cards, newspaper clippings, census records and more. | Drop-In Sessions
Join us for one-on-one help sessions this summer and fall. It is suggested that people have a pedigree chart filled out (one will be provided with registration confirmations), or a specific question in mind. Help will also be available to get someone started researching their family. Space is limited so registration is required.
Family History Meet-Up (in-person): 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Lincoln Branch
Saturday July 27, 2024 Saturday August 10, 2024 Saturday September 14, 2024
Final session (virtual or in person) Genetic Genealogy: The African-American Experience Saturday Oct. 26 | 1:00pm – 2:30pm
Lincoln Branch / Hot Air Balloon Room Presented by Franklin Carter Smith
Franklin Carter Smith has been doing family history research for over 40 years. A nationally recognized researcher and lecturer, his area of specialty is Slave Era Research. He co-authored with Emily Anne Croom, A Genealogist’s Guide to Discovering your African-American Ancestors. He has also written several articles for Family Tree Magazine and presented talks to numerous Texas groups and organizations on African American Family History research and DNA. |
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| Peoria Reads Aligns with Summer Reading |
Peoria Reads 2024’s theme is Nature’s Best Hope: Exploring Conservation and Climate Change, a theme that aligns with Summer Reading’s eco-friendly mantra of Read, Renew: Repeat.
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Every year, we choose a book that we believe has the ability to resonate with all Peorians. This year, we’ve chosen Nature’s Best Hope by Douglas W. Tallamy, a New York Times best seller which he also adapted into a middle school edition.
Instead of despair about our environment, Tallamy brings us hope. Specifically, Nature’s Best Hope: A New Approach to Conservation that Starts in Your Yard. In this book, Tallamy outlines a grassroots approach to conservation that is practical, effective, easy and — yes — even fun. Join us for programs that will make you think about the world around us, but in a way you will definitely enjoy! |
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Prairie Plants with Friends of Rocky Glen Saturday, June 8 ~ 4:30 p.m. at North Branch, 3001 W. Grand Pkwy.
Learn about plants that are native to Illinois from David Pittman, a volunteer with Friends of Rocky Glen. Participants will have an opportunity to explore the prairie at North Branch and learn about the plants we have there.
Conserving Illinois Habitats with Forest Park Nature Center Wednesday, June 12 ~ 2 p.m. at North Branch, 3001 W. Grand Pkwy.
Learn about Illinois wildlife, habitats, and eco-systems through hands-on activities designed by Forest Park Nature Center, including meeting an FPNC animal ambassador.
Conservation in Farming
Wednesday, June 12 ~ 6:30 p.m. at North Branch, 3001 W. Grand Pkwy. Hear from a panel of Peoria County farmers, including Farm Bureau Director Patrick Kirchhofer, about the conservation practices they use on their farms. Learn how modern farmers work to get the most out of their land while also protecting native plants and wildlife.
Our Planet! And Oceans! Book Discussion Monday, June 17 ~ 2:30 p.m. at Lakeview Branch, 1137 W. Lake Ave.
Discuss what you learned from reading Stacy McAnulty's books Our Planet! There's No Place Like Earth and Oceans!. Activity sheets related to the books will also be available. This discussion is geared for kids in grades K to 4th.
Find more Peoria Reads programming here |
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| Book Buzz...Buzzing Your Way! |
Starting this month, we are trying to make it even easier for you to uncover exciting new authors and other special features of our collection.
| Keep an eye out for Book Buzz, a seasonal list of new, upcoming titles. |
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We are prioritizing a wide range of exciting authors. Debut authors, but also maybe authors who are wonderful but just made a break to the larger best-selling scene. Let us help you find some great reads!
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| Read With Pride |
June is Pride Month, and Peoria Public Library has an extensive collection of LGBTQ+ materials to allow for open discussions about queer identity.
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We are also hosting the following programs: Love, Simon Movie Screening Sunday, June 23 ~ 2 p.m. at Lakeview Branch, 1137 W. Lake Ave.
Love, Simon (PG-13). Bring your own blankets, pillows, bean bags, and snacks, we'll supply the popcorn and soda. Speak Out for Equality Storytime Tuesday, June 25 ~ 2 p.m. at Lakeview Branch, 1137 W. Lake Ave.
Join us with Speak Out Illinois LLC for a storytime and craft celebrating equality in all of its forms. This program is co-sponsored by Speak Out Illinois LLC and Lutheran Social Services.
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