All locations: Top Teen Book of the Year – Get ready for the Top Teen Book Vote of 2014. Get a nomination list from any library location to help you pick some great reads this summer. Don’t forget to cast your vote for your favorite in September. Open to all YA readers.
Main Library:
Crafts-to-Go – 9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. – Kids ages 5 through 12 can pick up a craft packet at the 1st   Floor Information Desk any time we’re open. Ask for a Craft-to-Go, take it home
Ice Cream Coloring Contest – 9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. – In honor of National Ice Cream Month preschoolers through 3rd graders have a chance to win a $20 gift card to Dairy Queen. Come to the Main Library 1st floor Information Desk. Ask for the ice cream coloring sheet, take it home, color it and bring it back with your name and phone number on the back. You will be entered into the drawing for the Dairy Queen gift card and get a coupon for an ice cream cone at Dairy Queen. While supplies last.
Pets and Paws Fun Booklet – 9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. – Stop at the 2nd Floor Information Desk and pick up a Pets and Paws Fun Booklet. Each month there will be a booklet designed especially for 4 – 7 year olds and also one for those 8 – 12 years old. If you finish all the activities in the booklet, bring in your finished booklet to the 2nd Floor Information Desk, show it to the librarian and receive your prize. While supplies last.

Lincoln Branch
1 to 1 Tech Help – Have you ever wished you had your own personal technology guru to help you? Pick a half hour time slot that works for you provide some information about computer or device question you would like help with. At the meeting, a librarian will be ready to give you “1 to 1” Tech Help! Drop in or call the Lincoln Branch to schedule your session in advance.

All locations: Graphic Novel Contest – Do you have your own original graphic novel you’ve been working on? Enter our Graphic Novel Contest with your own original graphic novel for a chance to win an Amazon giftcard.  Contest is open to all ages. Just submit your entry to any Peoria Public Library location with an entry form picked up or printed from our website: www.peoriapubliclibrary.org.
July 1 -27 @ Lakeview Branch – Blind Date with a Book – All Day – Are you looking to find the right book for you, but always seem to pick the wrong one? Our Blind Date books are wrapped so you’ll be surprised by what type of book you take home with you. Then Rate Your Date card and return it to us. Books will be on display and color coded for reading level. Books will be available for reading levels 1st grade through adult.
July 1 – 26 @ McClure Branch – Animal Trivia & Games – Each new week we will have a new survey, trivia question, or game to play for our “Paws to Read” summer reading program. All who participate will get a cool bookmark. Open to children and adults.
July 1 – August 30 @ All locations – Genre Ticket Challenge – Read something new!  Take our Genre Ticket Challenge! Stop by any location to pick up a book of genre tickets and a reading log. As you read, turn in your genre ticket in raffle jars at any location to be entered into a Branch Drawing to win a prize pack. Get your reading log stamped and count your hours for Summer Reading, too! If you read a book from every genre and turn in your completed log, you will be entered into a Grand Drawing for a Barnes & Noble gift card. Ages 7 to 18.

Monday & Tuesday, July 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22, 28 & 29 @ Lakeview Branch
Lakeview Lambs – 10:30-11:00 a.m. for ages 2 to 3.

Tuesday, July 1 – Lakeview Branch – The Bibliophiles Book Club – 1:30-2:30 p.m. This month: Sugar in the Blood: A Family’s Story of Slavery and Empire by Andrea Stuart

Tuesday, July 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 @ Main Library: Toddler Time – 3:00-3:30 p.m. for ages 18 months to 2 years.
Tuesday, July 1 @ Lakeview Branch – Family Fun Night – 6:00-7:30 p.m. – Forest Park Nature Center presents “Paws for Reading” in conjunction with our Summer Reading Program! A naturalist from Forest Park will talk about animal adaptations, the variety of ways animals move, and how to identify paw prints. This event will feature a visit by a live animal!

Wednesday, July 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 @ McClure Branch – Fun Time Storytime – 10:00-10:30 a.m. for ages 3 to 6.

Wednesday, July 2 @ North Branch – 10:30-11:00 a.m.
Saturday, July 12 – Lakeview Branch – 12:00-12:30 p.m.
Wednesday, July 16 – McClure Branch – 10:00-10:30 a.m.
Saturday, July 19 – Lincoln Branch – 2:30-3:00 p.m.
Paws to Read with Peoria Humane Society – Meet and read to therapy dog book buddies! Children ages 7 and up will partner with a special dog friend to read their favorite books out loud. Registration required. To register, please call Peoria Humane Society at 672-2447.

Wednesday, July 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 @ Lakeview Branch – Owlet Storytime – 10:30-11:00 a.m. Bring your little owls to a storytime for all ages including fingerplays, songs and easy crafts. All Ages.
Wednesday, July 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 @ North Branch – Kids Cook – 2:00-3:00 p.m. Hungry? Looking for some Summer fun? Why not put it together at Kids Cook? Have some fun cooking up some yummy snacks and then eating them. Children in grades 3 to 5 are welcome to try their hand at being snack chefs.
Wednesday, July 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 @ North Branch – Teen Zone – 6:30-7:30 p.m. Join us for an hour dedicated just to teens. Talk about your favorite TV shows with other fans, start a book club, discover a new computer game, or just enjoy the company. See you there!
Thursday, July 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31 @ North Branch – Tadpoles Storytime – 10:30-11:00 a.m. for ages 2 to 3.

Monday & Thursday, July 3, 7, 10, 14 & 17 @ Lincoln Branch – Summer Math Bonanza Tutoring – 1:00-2:30 p.m. Lincoln Branch Front & Center is offering math tutoring to students in grades 2 through 6. This program will provide resources to enhance basic concepts of Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, Division and Fractions.

Saturday, July 5 @ North Branch – Make It! Take It! – 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. While looking for some fun books, stop by the Children’s Activity Room and make a cool craft! Ages 4 to 10. While supplies last.
Saturday, July 5 & 19 @ North Branch – Graphic Novel Saturdays – 3:00-5:45 p.m. Browse the newest graphic novels at our display then see some of the best kid-friendly superhero films. Movies start at 3:00, but you can stop in anytime between 2:00 and 5:45 to browse our display. Popcorn will be provided. July 5: Sky High (PG); July 19: TMNT (PG)
Sunday, July 6, 13, 20 & 27 @ Lincoln Branch – Cosmetology Tools of Learning – 1:00-3:00 p.m. Cosmetology, Barber and Nail Technology majors can take advantage of our online testing resources at the library. Help raise your scores by signing up today for mock exams through Milady U. that will prepare you for your state exam. You will review and be tested on topics that you have learned in the classroom chapter by chapter.
July 7, 8, 10, 11, 12 & 13 @ Lincoln Branch – “Treat” Your Pet – Treat your pet for being such a good listener. Join us this week by picking up a treat for your dog or cat for participating in PAWS to Read this summer.
Monday, July 7, 14, 21 & 28 @ North Branch – Tiny Tots Storytime – 10:30-11:00 a.m. for ages 12 to 23 months.

Monday & Thursday, July 7, 10, 14, 17, 21, 28 & 31 @ Lincoln Branch – ESL Course for Adults – 6:00-7:00 p.m. We will be hosting an English as a second language course for Latino-Americans, focusing on pronunciation and other skills that will help them become more comfortable and confident with the English language. Class will meet every Monday and Thursday. Limited seating is available so registration is required. Activities for children whose parents are taking the course will be offered by library staff. For additional information please call 497-2600.

Monday, July 7 @ North Branch – Health Talks with Dr. Hunt from Midwest Multicare – 6:30-7:30 p.m. Join us for a series of health and wellness talks with Dr. Blair Hunt and his staff. Dr. Hunt will discuss a variety of topics related to all aspects of healthy living. For more information, please call 497-2143.
Monday, July 7 @ Lakeview Branch – STEAM – 6:30-7:30 p.m. Each month at the Lakeview Branch there will be a program centered around STEAM! If you like Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math, then this is the program for you! Grades 3 to 5.
Tuesday, July 8, 15, 22 & 29 @ Lincoln Branch – Terrific Tattletale Tuesday Storytime – 10:00-10:30 a.m. for ages 3 to 6.
Tuesday, July 8 @ McClure Branch – 2:30-3:30 p.m. and Monday, July 14 @ North Branch – 7:00-7:45 p.m. – Paws for Reading with Forest Park Nature Center – Forest Park Nature Center presents “Paws for Reading” in conjunction with our Summer Reading Program! A naturalist from Forest Park will talk about animal adaptations, the variety of ways animals move, and how to identify paw prints. Both events will feature a visit by a live animal!
Wednesday, July 9 @ Lakeview Branch – Book Tasting for 1st – 4th Grade– 1:00-1:45 p.m. Attend our Book Tasting to discover new books to keep you reading this summer Upon arrival you’ll receive a book menu with titles of the books we’ll be sampling. You’ll spend two minutes with each book and rate your book on the menu. At the end you’ll review your menu and pick out a book from your higher ratings.

Thursday, July 10 @ North Branch – Pet Care Program – 3:00-4:00 p.m. New pet? Old pet? Want to know what’s best for your favorite non-human friend? Join us as a veterinarian from Big Hollow Companion Animal Hospital talks about how to care for your pet. It’s a great opportunity to find out how to take the best care of your best friend. Kids who attend will have a chance to win a $25 PetSmart Gift Card at the end of the program. Children of all ages and their caregivers are welcome.
Thursday, July 10 & 17 @ Lincoln Branch – Puppet Show: “Monster Reads” – 10:00-10:30 a.m. Come help Monster find the books he wants to read.

Thursday, July 10, 17, 24 & 31 @ North Branch – What’s the Buzz? – 4:30-5:00 p.m. Non-fiction is fun and approachable for preschool and kindergarten children when fact-based picture books include singing and moving in the storytime format your kids know and love!
July 11-19 @ Heart of Illinois Fair – Visit the Bookmobile at the Heart of Illinois Fair – The Peoria Public Library Bookmobile will be at the Heart of Illinois Fair in front of the Youth Building, July 11th-19th, Monday-Friday 4-8 p.m. Saturdays & Sunday 12-5 p.m.  Stop by play ring toss, or make a paper fan, or check out a book or two.  Hope to see you at the Fair!
Friday, July 11, 18 & 25 @ North Branch – Busy Bees Storytime – 10:30-11:00 a.m. Join us for an all-ages storytime. Stories, songs, and fun for the whole hive!
Friday, July 11, 18 & 25 @ McClure Branch – Animal Adventure Movies – 3:30-5:00 p.m. Every Friday we will show a fun animal movie to go along with out “Paws to Read” summer reading theme. July 11- Stuart Little; July 18- Cats & Dogs; July 25- Tale of Despereaux
Friday, July 11 & 25 @ Lakeview Branch – LEGO Builders Club – 4:00-5:00 p.m. Calling all LEGO fans! Each session will have a building theme as well as time to create your own design. Please call 497-2200 to reserve your spot in advance. Recommended for ages 5 and up.
Saturday, July 12 @ North Branch – Graphic Novel Workshop – 2:00-3:00 p.m. Are you a fan of graphic novels or manga and want to design your own comic? Join us for a comic writing workshop. We will provide materials to help you develop your own storyline and characters. You will also have the opportunity to enter your comic into our “Graphic Novel Writing Contest.” Ages 10 to 16 welcome.
Saturday, July 12 & 26 @ Lakeview Branch – Graphic Novel Saturday – 3:00-5:45 p.m. Browse our newest graphic novels and talk to other fans of the genre about all things graphic novel related. We’ll also be showing the film adaptations of some of the best graphic novels. Movies start at 3:00, but you can stop in anytime between 2:00 and 5:45 to browse our display. Popcorn will be provided. July 12: Watchmen (R); July 26: Sin City (R)
Sunday, July 13 @ North Branch – Music in the McKenzie Presents: Eric Lambert Trio – 2:00-4:00 p.m. Specializing in the fiery art of flatpicking, Eric Lambert has been writing, performing, recording, and teaching music in and around Chicago, IL and beyond for over 40 years. Join us on this exciting journey in person during July’s Music in the McKenzie concert! CDs will be available to purchase with proceeds going to the Friends of the Peoria Public Library.

Sunday, July 13 @ North Branch – Biography & Non-fiction Book Club – 3:00-4:45 p.m. This month: Lawrence in Arabia: War, Deceit, Imperial Folly and the Making of the Modern Middle East by Scott Anderson
Monday, July 14 @ North Branch – 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. and @ Lincoln Branch – 2:30-3:30 p.m. Jason Kollum: See a Juggler! Be a Juggler! It’s the Super Hit, Total-Participation, Interactive Program where kids of ALL ages become the “Rock-Star” jugglers and balancers just like Pro Juggler Jason Kollum! The show will WOW all ages of kids and families, as balls, clubs, rings, spinning balls, giant beanbag chairs, and much more will all be sent flying through the air, all leading up to the big balancing and juggling finale that will have everybody on the edge of their seats! Then, it’s the total-participation, hands-on workshop where kids of all ages get to actually try out skills they got to see in the show! There will be lots of comedy, audience participation, action, and excitement! What a great library program that encourages kids to use their imagination, do their best, and try something brand new! Plus, YOU become the Juggler too! Tons of Fun!
Monday, July 14, 21 & 28 @ North Branch – Monday Night Movies Celebrating PAWs to Read! – 6:00-8:00 p.m. Join in on the Paws to Read Summer Reading Celebration with these family-friendly Monday night animal movies! July 14: Babe Pig in the City (G); July 21: Never Cry Wolf (PG); July 28: The Aristocats (G)
Monday, July 14 @ Lakeview Branch – Sci Fi & Fantasy Book Club – 6:30-7:30 p.m. This month: Unshapely Things by Mark Del Franco
Monday, July 14 @ Main Library – Pride & Prejudice Below Stairs: The Untold Story – 6:30-8:00 p.m. It is a truth universally acknowledged that all fans of Jane Austen will adore Longbourn, the new novel by British author Jo Baker. Jane Austen fans will not want to miss this opportunity to hear touring British author Jo Baker speak about Longbourn, a companion to Pride and Prejudice. This fascinating novel tells the story of life for the servants in the Bennett household. Admission to the event is free, but reservations are requested. Books will be available for purchase at the event and there will be an opportunity to have your book signed by Jo Baker. Please call (309) 497-2150 to reserve a ticket.
Monday, July 14 @ North Branch – Pajama Storytime – 7:00-7:45 p.m. Join us for a picture book party! We’ll enjoy stories, songs, and activities! Wear your PJs and bring a blanket to bundle up — you’ll be ready for bed when you head home!
July 15-31 @ Main Library – Illinois Art League Member Exhibit – 9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. This month, the library will showcase local talent with the Illinois Art League. The Illinois Art League, which formed in 1960 in Peoria, is currently comprised of 105 active members from Central Illinois. Their work reflects a variety of mediums and their art has exhibited in many local and regional galleries and studios. For more information, visit www.IllinoisArtLeague.com. Please join us for the gallery walk on Wednesday, July 23 t 2:00 p.m. and the closing reception on Saturday, July 26 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the Peoria Public Library Main Library Gallery.
Tuesday, July 15 @ Lakeview Branch – Oreo Puppy Chow Storytime – 2:00-3:00 p.m. Come to a special storytime about dogs! We’ll read a few stories and do a little dancing before we make our very own Oreo Puppy Chow. Ages 5-10.
Tuesday, July 15 @ Lakeview Branch – YA for Adults Book Club – 6:30-7:30 p.m. This month: Cruel Beauty by Rosamund Hodge.
Wednesday, July 16 @ Lakeview Branch – Book Tasting for 5th to 8th grade– 1:00-1:45 p.m. Attend our Book Tasting to discover new books to keep you reading this summer. Upon arrival you’ll receive a book menu with titles of the books we’ll be sampling. You’ll spend two minutes with each book and rate your book on the menu. At the end you’ll review your menu and pick out a book from your higher ratings.
Thursday, July 17 @ North Branch – Let’s Get Real: The Third Thursday Documentary Film Series – 1:00-3:00 p.m. Join us on the 3rd Thursday of each month for the Peoria Public Library documentary film series. With themes ranging from music to the death penalty to the idea of beauty, these reality-based films will open your eyes and invite discussion! This month: America’s Heart & Soul (PG)
Saturday, July 19 @ McClure Branch – 9-1-1 Storytime – 11:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. What is 911? How do you call 911? When should you call 911? David and Amy from the Emergency Communications Center will be here to teach us about calling 911 and what happens when you make that call.
Saturday, July 19 @ Main Library – Minecraft – 12:00-3:00 p.m. Create amazing structures, battle terrible things, and claim your territory in Minecraft! Ages 8 to 14 are invited to join us for 3 hours of uninterrupted play. Space is limited, so please call 497-2150 to register.
Sunday, July 20 @ Lakeview Branch – Book ‘Em Mystery Book Club – 2:00-3:00 p.m. This month: Pretend You Don’t See Her by Mary Higgins Clark
Tuesday, July 22 @ Lincoln Branch – Read On Book Club – 5:30-7:00 p.m. The Read On Book Club was founded in 1997 as a way for library patrons and library staff to come together to support and promote books by African-American authors that we love to read. If you would like to be a part of a fun and relaxed atmosphere, please join us for monthly discussions. This month: Family of Lies by Mary Monroe
Tuesday, July 22 – Lakeview Branch – Father and Son Campout – 6:30-7:30 p.m. Get ready for a library campout! Fathers and sons will cook s’mores, make their own fossils, and engage in other campout-related activities. Ages 7 to 11.
Wednesday, July 23 @ Lakeview Branch – Club Read – 6:30-7:30 p.m. This month: Pope Joan by Donna Woolfolk Cross
Friday, July 25 @ Lakeview Branch – Make It! Take It! – 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Stop by to make a special seasonal craft. While supplies last.
Saturday, July 26 @ Lakeview Branch – Peoria Humane Society Adoption Event – 12:30-2:30 p.m. The Peoria County Animal Protection Services and Peoria Humane Society will be on hand to offer pets for adoption. Find a friend for life and support homeless pets by attending this important adoption event.
Saturday, July 26 @ North Branch – Board Game Saturday – 1:00-4:00 p.m. Do you like board games? Monopoly, Battleship, or Apples to Apples? Then grab some friends and join us for Board Game Saturdays. This series is from 1-4 p.m. in the Beehive at North Branch! The library will supply the games, but if you have a favorite please bring it along. Drop in for a round or an entire game!
Saturday, July 26 @ Main Library – 24/7 Learning with the Library: Electronic Resources for Students – 2:00-3:00 p.m. Students of all ages, school settings, and skill levels can take advantage of the library’s online study and homework help resources to improve their academic performance. Join this interactive instruction session to learn how students can receive free, online homework help from an expert tutor, prepare for standardized exams with online study guides and practice tests, and much more, all with just their Peoria Public Library card and access to the internet.
Saturday, July 26 @ Lakeview Branch – Paws Giving Independence – 3:00-4:00 p.m. Paws Giving Independence will explain the training the dogs go through in order to be able to help a variety of people.  And, there’s a good chance you’ll get to see a few of the dogs in action!
Sunday, July 27 @ Lakeview Branch – Silver Screen Sunday – 1:00-3:00 p.m. Are you a fan of vintage movies and wish you had been able to see them on the big screen? Join us for Silver Screen Sundays at the Lakeview Branch. Each month we will feature a different movie; this month we will be showing Harvey starring James Stewart.