Services @ the Library

  • People looking at a computer

    Computers & WiFi

    We have 19 computers available for public use. All computers have access to the Internet as well as Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access. For those 18 and older, we offer 10 laptops for library use only, and we now have a variety of tablets (iPad, Kindle Fire, NookHD, Surface Tablet, and Galaxy Tab Pro) to be checked out by Alpha Park Library card holders. Teens also have access to in-house laptops in the Children’s Department. Free Wi-Fi is available anywhere in the library and is accessible without a password. Please stop by the Reference Desk for more information. Computer & Internet Policy
  • Open Book

    Book Discussions

    All adults are welcome to participate — it’s informal, fun and refreshments are served. Copies of the books are available at the Check - Out Desk one month prior to the discussion date.
  • What Should I Read Next?

    Find Your Next Read

    Resources to find your next read, discover book club books and questions, and print book series lists. Find Your Next Read
  • People in a meeting

    Meeting & Study Rooms

    Reserve a Meeting Room
    You may reserve the use of any of our three large meeting rooms. Contact (309)697-3822 ext. 15 for the Meeting Room Policy brochure and application form or to reserve a meeting room. You may also view and print the meeting room policy from the following link:
    [Meeting Room Policy and Application]

    Use a Study Room
    Small study rooms are also available for public use. Please call (309)697-3822 for information about study rooms.

TECHNOLOGY assistance

The Information Desk offers basic assistance with various technological devices including computers, tablets, and eReaders. Classes are also offered periodically at the library. Contact the Information Desk at (309) 697-3822 x13 for more details, to make an appointment for one-on-one assistance, or to register for classes.

  • Computer Classes
  • Exam Proctoring
  • Resume Assistance
  • Tablet Assistance
  • Basic Computer Help
  • eReader Assistance
  • Scanner Help
  • eMail Basics
  • Internet Basics
  • Word Processing
  • Copier Help
  • Printing Help

 

Small Business Resources at APL

The Alpha Park Public Library now offers equipment, books, and DVDs for checkout to local businesses. This grant is an opportunity for local small business owners or those considering starting a business to access free tools and materials to help their businesses succeed. Contact the Information Desk for more details (309) 697-3822 x13.

[EQUIPMENT & TECHNOLOGY TO CHECK-OUT]

Additional services

  • Copier
    We offer two self-service black & white photo copiers for patrons to use at 15 cents a copy. We can also make color copies for you in the office at 30 cents a print.
  • Fax/Scanning
    Faxes may be sent by the staff at the Check-Out Desk for $1 per page up to 25 pages in one day. The Information desk will scan documents: The first 5 pages are free then it will cost 15 cents per page.
  • Typewriter
    The Library offers a typewriter for in–house use. Contact the Information Desk for more details (309) 697-3822 x13.
  • Knitting Group
    Every Tuesday; 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.
    Ages 14 & up with portable handiwork projects (knitting, crocheting, cross-stitch, embroidery, weaving, etc.) are welcome to join this friendly group. From beginners to experts, you’ll find people to learn and laugh with.
  • Outside Drop Box
    The library offers a 24 hour drop box for books, DVDs, and CDs. All equipment must be returned inside. The drop box is located on the front of the building to the right of the front doors.
  • Equipment & Technology for Check-Out
    The library offers equipment for patrons to check out with their Alpha Park Library card. You must be 18 year or older to check out equipment and all equipment must be returned inside. Contact the Information Desk for more details (309) 697-3822 x13. List of Equipment Available for Check-Out
  • Notary
    We generally have a staff notary on duty between the hours of 9:00 a.m . - 4:30 p.m. Monday – Friday, but please call first to make sure a staff member is on duty before you arrive (309) 697-3822. You’ll want to bring your unsigned document along with a form of ID.
  • Voter Registration
    To Register to Vote, you’ll want to bring 2 forms of ID with one showing your current address.
  • Homebound Delivery
    Alpha Park Library offers a free service to district residents who are unable to visit the library due to a temporary or permanent illness or disability, or for those senior citizens who do not have regular transportation. Materials made available include: Large Print Books, Regular Print Books, Movies, Books on CD, Playaways,Magazines. Please contact the Information Desk at (309) 697-3822 x13 to inquire about this special outreach program.
  • Talking Books
    We are able to register qualified patrons for the free Talking Book service through the Center for the Blind. For more information on this program, please contact the Information Desk at (309) 697-3822 x13.
  • InterLibrary Loans
    If a book or other item you wish to check out is unavailable at our library, we can place a hold and borrow it from another library using our Interlibrary Loan Service. We will request to borrow the item and if the request is granted, we will notify you by phone when it is ready to pick up. You may place items on hold at the Information Desk in person, by phone (309) 697-3822 x13, or email us at alpha@alphapark.org. There is no charge to the patron for this service, however you must be an Alpha Park Public Library card holder.
  • Book Sale
    Located in the northwest corner of the library (left back corner), the book sale is available for browsing and purchasing materials whenever the library is open. Book sale prices: adult hardback $1.00, adult paperback 50₵, children’s hardback 50₵, children’s paperback 10₵, DVDs $1.00, VHS Tapes FREE, and more! Watch for information regarding Friends of the Library annual book sale.