Libraries Are Lit! - Community Projects
In an effort to connect with local Peoria organizations and model creativity, innovation, and energy for our attendees, the 2024 ILA Annual Conference will feature two community projects.
The Peoria Humane Society (PHS) partners with Peoria County and the City of Peoria to offer comprehensive animal welfare and animal control services to all of Peoria County. Freed from the responsibility of funding a shelter, the PHS can devote its time, effort, and funds to increasing the adoption of shelter animals and creating a humane community through a variety of programs that benefit animals and people in the Peoria area.
For this project, we are asking attendees to spark joy in a shelter pet’s life. Make a tug toy for a shelter pet. Instructions and supplies will be located in the quiet room and other common areas. Take a few moments to decompress with a craft, or bring it along to a session to keep your hands busy while learning new things. All toys will go to the Peoria Humane Society for distribution to area shelters.
Monetary donation are always welcome at peoriahs.org/donate.
Peoria Proud encourages and supports diversity and equity throughout the Greater Peoria Area. The coalition seeks to unify the community as a whole, through advocacy, education and social outreach. Through collaboration, advocacy, and inclusivity, Peoria Proud provides a Clinical Care Directory, identifies affirming Faith Communities, and lists Crisis & Community Resources.
For this project, we are welcoming attendees to Drag Bingo on Wednesday night, October 9th from 7pm-9pm with Miss Flo! The evening will feature drag queen bingo, drag performances, and information about Peoria Proud. A panel featuring local authors, performers, and community members will discuss the importance of diversity in literature, the nuances of Drag Queen Story Hour, and needs specific to the LGBTQ+ community.
This event will take place in the Ballroom at the Pere Marquette and doors will open at 6:30. It will cost attendees $20 to participate, with a percentage of the funds being raised for Peoria Proud. Registration is required.
While drag story times have been a large part of discussions in libraries over the last couple years, it’s possible that many librarians have not had personal experience with a library event, meeting a drag queen, or attending a drag show. With a partnership through Peoria Proud, we may be able to create an event that provides these opportunities to spark librarians’ imagination about what it might mean to provide similar programming in their libraries and innovate offerings to their patrons. “Lit” can mean party, and if drag is one thing, it is a party.
Donations are accepted at peoriaproud.org.
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