Enjoy an eclectic display of student art during the East Peoria Woman’s Club Art Show. The judged exhibit showcases the art classes of East Peoria Central Jr. High and East Peoria Community High School. Winners are awarded ribbons in a variety of categories. The artwork is installed April 27 and is avail¬able for viewing anytime during the library’s operating hours after installation through May 3.

Robots and trucks and buses, oh my! May is the month at FDL for machine enthusiasts of all ages. Join us for the Robot Invasion Saturday, May 2, 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. Explore the world of First Robotics with five local robotics teams, including the East Peoria Robo Raiders. The robots have a puzzle for you: can you crack the BINARY code to release the key to treasure? Try your hand at programming, driving, designing, or building. Check it all out, and decide for yourself!

Our popular Big Rig Petting Zoo returns Saturday, May 9, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. It is a chance to experience and explore heavy equipment that they might not see every day. Past vehicles include Caterpillar tractors and bulldozers, CitiLink buses, and a hovercraft provided by Fon du Lac Park District’s Marine Law Enforcement department. A sensory-friendly time is scheduled 10 to 10:30 a.m. for those who love big trucks, but not all the noise that comes with them. During this time, all vehicles will be closed, sirens will be off, and families are welcome to explore the outside of vehicles. However, once 10:30 a.m. rolls around, we’ll light up all the sirens and let the kids explore the insides of these amazing vehicles for the rest of the event! Transportation-themed crafts will be available in the library, and treats will be served outside, courtesy of the Friends of Fondulac District Library.

Reading together, playing interactive games, and singing songs promote early literacy and create lifelong learners. Keep the story time fun going outside of the library! Story Time in a Box kits are designed for parents, teachers, and caregivers who want to create a fun story time experience for their preschoolers. Kits include picture books, craft ideas, and a variety of games, puzzles, puppets, or a mini felt board with characters.

Library staff also can help your young readers discover new books and ideas with our Book Bundles – curated collections of books that center around a particular theme or topic. Each bundle contains five hand-selected library books in more than 20 wide-ranging themes, from Silly Stories to Tender Topics. Our staff also welcome the opportunity to curate a custom Book Bundle for your young reader. Visit fondulaclibrary.org under Services for Kids & Parents, and fill out our convenient online form to request the Book Bundle of your choice!