What's New?
Author Alert! Lauren Baratz-Logsted Visits APL on Thursday, February 16
Lauren Baratz-Logsted has written books for adults, teens and children. A featured author in this year’s Battle of the Books Library competition, she is also married to another author featured this year, Greg Logsted. Her Sister Eight series follows the Huit octuplet girls, with their eight cats, who are learning to live on their own since their parents’ mysterious disappearance. According to the notes, each girl must discover her own unique gift in order to get to the bottom of the mystery of her missing parents. Click here for more details!
Income Tax Assistance
Beginning February 1st through April 13th - Tax counseling and preparation for senior citizens, persons of low to moderate incomes, people with disabilities, students and military personnel is given Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays between 1:00 and 5:00 p.m. at the library. VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) volunteers will answer individual tax questions. Bring your last income tax return and current tax materials.
News From The Library's Friends
The Friends of the Alpha Park Library have held two successful events—a mini-carnival this summer (photos), and a “Chocolate Friendzy” in October (photos). The next Friends board meeting will be on Thursday, March 1, at 6:30 P.M. Place: The library. Behind-the-scenes plans for a really spectacular event are underway, but we can’t reveal details! Stay tuned.
Libraries of all kinds have Friends groups. Friends may raise funds to supplement a library’s budget—for those “little extras,” and sometimes big ones, that or can’t fit into the library budget. They may sponsor programs (see carnival and chocolate, above) …volunteer for special projects…and be visible, active advocates for the library in the community.
Annual dues begin at $5 for an individual, $20 for a family; special categories above those levels also apply. Why, there’s even a “life member” category, with a one-time gift of $1,000 or more! Members receive a Friends “window cling,” with the Friends logo, and 10% off any book sale items. The Friends also have wristbands available for sale at the library. Small cost: $3, or two for $5. Friends of Alpha Park Library brochure with application form. Questions? Call Leanne Sanders, Friends board president at 697-8380, or John Richmond, Library Director, at 697-3822, ext. 12.
How to Use Your Library
-
Looking for a specific book, movie, magazine, or more? You may put an item on “hold.” If we don’t have it, we’ll borrow it from another library and call you when it comes in.
-
Want to pick up an item on your way home from work? Call us at 309-697-3822, ext.13, and if we have it, we’ll have it at the front desk for you!
-
Tired of making the same old dinners every night? Planning a party and need recipe ideas? Check out our cookbook collection and see what you can whip up!
-
Vacation time? Check out our TRAVEL section for ideas and start planning that trip!
-
Manage your account online or receive library text messages to your cell phone.
-
Need a gift? Browse our book sale shelves.
-
Sign up for our free bi-monthly newsletter & keep up with all the programs and information available at your library.
-
Bored? Find a hobby book at the library. Crafts, cooking, sewing, gardening, repair, travel…oh my!
- Beyond the Book. Yes, we are well-known for housing books, but did you know we also have movies, music CDs, magazines, and audio books? We also offer WiFi, voter registration, copy & fax services, and a notary. So think about stopping in for a movie or a magazine to pass the time. Audio books are also a great way to make any drive a little shorter.
Beyond the Basics @ Your Library
Following “How to Use Your Library,” here are even more materials and services at APL:
-
Payment of fines, fees, & book sale items by credit & debit card
-
Tax help in the spring (Wednesdays, Thursdays, & Fridays, 1:00-5:00 p.m. beginning February 1st)
-
Basic computer & Internet classes
-
Downloadable electronic books (e-books) and audio books from our Internet website, www.alphapark.org
-
“TumbleBooks,” electronic books (e-books) for kids, available on our website...storybooks, read-alongs, educational games, language learning, and more...link to the “Tumblebooks Library” from our website, first page, left-hand side of the page...fun for adults, too
-
Meeting & study rooms
-
Peoria State Hospital collection
-
Large Print books (EXPANDED COLLECTION)
-
Extensive consumer information, including links to consumer information from APL’s website
-
Home computer access to magazine index & full-length articles
- Home computer access to Mitchell automotive manuals
Note: For help with the last two items, please call the Information Desk at 309-697-3822, ext. 13.
Want to Get Our Newsletter at Home?
We can send you The Library Times via U. S. Mail or e-mail. Call us at 697-3822, ext. 13, or e-mail us at alpha@alphapark.org. Do it today!