Outreach Services
Alpha Park Public Library is committed to providing library services throughout the district, not just at our building.
Outreach Services are brought directly to patrons in order to reduce gaps in access and increase community connections. To request a visit or for more information, contact Heidi Rhea, Outreach Librarian, at 309-697-3822 x25 or email heidi@alphapark.org.
March 23, 2024 was the annual Safety of Senior TOTALLY FREE event sponsored by the Bartonville Police Dept and the Alpha Park Library. Over 30 vendors were on hand to talk to seniors about safe living, common scams, staying active, health and retirement, finding a hobby, and more! Speakers were Illinois State's Attorney Jodi Hoos and Peoria County Sheriff's Office Victim Services Coordinator, Aimee Shinall. Attendees could sign up for drawings, enjoy refreshments, and talk with local organizations including the Police, Fire Dept, Sheriff's and local US Represtative Sharon Chung. And, the mobile DMV was set up to renew licenses.
This annual event will return in 2025!
Join the Alpha Park Library, the Limestone Township, & the Bartonville Park Committee each month at the for coffee, donuts, socializing, and a guest speaker. This program runs April through November each year.
Held at the Clubhouse in Alpha Park (across from pavilions). Social time from 8am to 8:25am with a speaker from 8:30 - 9:00am.
Speakers:
April 2024 - BINGO
May 2024 - Local Opal https://www.localopal.org/
June 2024 - TBD
July 2024 - Airport https://www.flypia.com/
August 2024 - Birdwatching
September 2024 - TBD
October 2024 - Peoria County Animal Protection Services (PCAPS)
November 2024 - Christmas Volunteer Day
December - March -- Closed
Highlights from April's Senior Coffee:
Joke of the day (by Deanne)
Three brothers aged 92, 94, and 96 live in a house together. One night the 96year old draws a bath, puts his foot in and pauses. He yells down the stairs, “Was I getting in or out of the bath?”
The 94 year old yells back, “I don’t know, I’ll come up and see.” He starts up the stairs and pauses, then he yells down, “Was I going up or down the stairs?”
The 92 year old was sitting at the kitchen table having a coffee listening to his brothers. He shakes his head and says ”I sure hope I never get that forgetful.” He knocks on wood for luck. He then yells,”I’ll come up and help you both as soon as I see who is at the door.”
Pop-Up Libraries
We currently offer a Pop-Up Library in Glasford every Tuesday from 3 p.m. - 5 p.m. at the Glasford Village Hall (301 S Oak Street).
Check Out:
Choose from an assortment of books, movies, games, technology, and more available for checkout in your hometown. Check out materials with your library card or take a free book home and add it to your own library. You can also get help with your homework! And, there are treats!
Get Carded:
Receive a library card on the spot and learn how to use it to check out books, eBooks, and eAudiobooks.
Get Smart:
Discover something new through interactive programming and hands-on demonstrations for all ages. We can also help connect towns with services like legal support, financial assistance/education, health care, the Wellmobile, food banks, or other needs.
Library programs can be brought directly to patrons at schools, daycares, businesses, Senior Centers, and other community gathering places. They are also available for book clubs, homeschool groups, local festivals, fairs, and more.
Examples include:
Schools/Homeschools/Daycares:
- Library Tours
- Story Times & Book Talks
- Library Use Instruction
- Research Instruction
- Library Staff at Your Event
- Technology Petting Zoo - Try out new gadgets!
- Homework Help
- Book Club
- Pop-Up Library
Senior Living Communities:
- Book Delivery
- Book Talks
- Programs
- Technology Classes/Assistance
- Armchair Travel
- Memory Kits/Programs
- Reminisce Progams
For Kids & Families:
- Special and Seasonal Events
- Park Story Time
- Parenting 101 Clubs
- Technology Classes/Assistance
- Homework Help
The Library at Your Door!
Long-Term Homebound Service:
Available to anyone unable to get to the library on a regular basis, this service brings you monthly deliveries of regular or large print books, audiobooks, movies, and more. Service is available to your home or to a senior residence and care facility within the Alpha Park Public Library District.
Short-Term Delivery Service:
Short-Term Delivery Service is available to library district residents of any age who will need delivery service for less than 4 months. This service is used while recovering from surgery or a prolonged illness, etc.
Make It Happen:
To request homebound delivery services, contact the Outreach Specialist at 309-697-3822 x91, or email kindred@alphapark.org.
Application:
Please either fill out the application below, or download the form and email it to kindred@alphapark.org.
Homebound Delivery ApplicationOr fill out the form below.
Free recorded books, magazines, and playback equipment are available by mail or app to eligible Illinois residents who are blind, visually impaired, physically disabled, or reading disabled. Contact Kindred, Outreach Specialist at 309-697-3822 x91 or email kindred@alphapark.org to assist with enrollment or get the application from the State of Illinois Talking Book program at 800−426−0709.
Current Locations – Alpha Park, Union Hall, Hollis Park Recreation Center, and inside Big Mike's Donuts
We keep our Little Free Libraries stocked with all types of books for all ages: fiction and nonfiction, picture books, early readers, chapter books, YA, mysteries, romance, and more! Little Free Libraries encourage readers of all ages to take a book home, read it, share it, and return it!
The Alpha Park and Union Hall Little Free Libraries were created by Nico Contreras for an Eagle Scout project in 2021.
