Story Time may be on pause through the holidays, but that has freed us up to create craft kits for all of our patrons! Like our Facebook page to keep up on what crafts we have available. New kits will be announced each Monday. Come in and get yours!
Wednesday, November 25 we will close at 5 pm, and we will reopen on Saturday, November 28 at 8 am. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
We have various office chairs available for anyone that could use them. First come, first serve.
Our Mitten Tree is up! 
We are collecting new winter accessories for our Mitten Tree. Bring in a new pair of mittens or gloves. Hats and scarves are also appreciated. Donations will be distributed through the Forreston Food Pantry in January.
This hour long video was produced in Rockford with the help of Harlem High School. Harlem HS has for years been video taping veterans stories. Most of this was filmed at the Field of Honor in Loves Park, some at the Victory statue near Veterans Memorial Hall & also the LZ Memorial (the clips with the Huey Helicopter). I believe Rockford formed the 1st Chapter of the group VietNow. If you look quickly, you can see Jerry Wickman’s photo in the bottom row toward the right. Thank you, Mary Rose Fillip for sharing this with us!
Plastic Donation Announcement: Because of Covid-19, our local retailers are unable to accept plastic donations at this time, and we are unable to store any more at this time. We are sorry for this inconvenience, and hope that we will be able to resume collection soon. Thank you for your patience!
Do you miss working on our puzzle with us? We can color together virtually instead! Click here to go to a color by number that we can fill in together! Click a color circle on the right and then click on a square in the grid with the corresponding letter to fill it in. I can’t wait to see how it turns out!
Bertolet Memorial Library will be having the parking lot seal-coated over Labor Day weekend. The library will be open on Saturday, September 5th, 8:00AM-12:00PM. Patrons will be asked to park on Main Street as the lot will be closed to public access.
Bertolet Memorial Library will be closed on Monday, September 7th, in observance of Labor Day.
Don’t forget to complete your 2020 Census by September 30th! Get started here!
Join us Wednesday, November 18 at 10:30 for our last Wednesday Whodunit Discussion until after the holidays!
Do you love reading a mystery with a twist at the end? Join us for a discussion of Magpie Murders by Anthony Horowitz. Read the novel–follow the twists and turns–and if you think you know who done it, be ready to be surprised. You have been warned! Stop at the Bertolet Library Circulation Desk to pick up a copy. The discussion will be held, socially distanced, in the library meeting room. Masks will be required. Bring a friend. No registration is required. Questions? Call us at (815) 738-2742
We are excited to announce Family Story Time! We now have time slots available for you to sign your family up for a private Story Time session with our new Youth Director, Jana Schlukebir. These sessions will be held weekly on Thursdays and will be 20-30 minutes long. Each week will include a story and an art project. Here is what to expect:
Registration is required to reserve your time slot. Register by Wednesday at 5 pm through the Sign Up Genius link below or by calling 815-738-2742.
Masks will be required for everyone three and older who is medically able to wear one, and when you show up for your session, we will do a quick temperature check.
We will be outside when possible, or in the back room when the weather requires it. Please dress your kids in clothes that are appropriate for the weather, and that can get messy.
Please have a family member 16 years or older available to assist kids under the age of six with their project.
Reserve your spot below with Signup Genius: Click on the “Sign Up” button on the time you want to reserve, then be sure to click the Orange “Submit and Sign Up” button at the bottom of the page to fill in your information. Sign up will close at 5 pm Wednesday. Jana is looking forward to seeing you!
Virtual program for kids in grades K-5 on July 16 at 10:30. Register by July 8.
A patron of our library has generously decided to donate 300 of her Harlequin Romance novels from the last 3-5 years to anyone who would like them. If you are interested in some of these books, please call or send us an email and we can put you in touch with Judy.
(815) 738-2742 bertolib@lrnet1.com
We are kicking off the Summer Reading Program on Monday, June 15! This year there will be no in-person program, but kids in grades K-5 can come in to pick up a take home bag of crafts and a reading log. New craft bags will be available each Monday through July 20. We are looking forward to seeing you soon!
Bertolet Memorial Library sent a challenge to the art students of Forreston High School this semester: design a new logo for our library. The students accepted! Under the guidance of art teacher Mrs. Dana Russell-Brown, the students learned about graphic design, including placement, colors, and designing for the customer. The results were outstanding! After discussion and a vote by the library board, the top three winners were chosen. Heinz, Erdmann, and Fox all received a gift card and new headphones for their efforts. You will see their work on our social media sites, our letterhead, and programming flyers. Congratulations to the top three designs and to all the students who created their best work!
Bertolet Memorial Library will have the following special hours for the Christmas and New Year’s season:
Monday, December 24th: Closed
Tuesday, December 25th: Closed
Wednesday, December 26th: Regular business hours resume: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Monday, December 31st: Open 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM; Closed 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Tuesday, January 1st: Closed
Wednesday, January 2nd: Regular business hours resume: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Our 3rd Annual National Seed Swap Day will be held on Saturday, January 26th from 9:00 AM – 12:00 Noon. Bring your labeled seeds from this past fall to share with others, and see what new varieties are waiting for your green thumb. A Master Gardener from the University of Illinois Extension Office will be on hand to answer any questions to help your garden succeed.
Chicago’s first certified KonMari Tidying Consultant, Kristyn Ivey of For the Love of Tidy, will share home organization tips that focus on what you keep (does it “spark joy?”), rather than what or how much you discard. Learn about the revolutionary Japanese decluttering method made popular by Marie Kondo’s bestseller, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up. This interactive workshop will include live demos and giveaways that will prepare you to get tidy now!
This workshop will help you lead with gratitude and become an extension of a home that you honor and respect. It includes an overview of KonMari fundamentals and practical decluttering tips that fall under five signature KonMari categories: Clothing, Books, Paper, Miscellaneous items, and Sentimental items. Enjoy a live demonstration of the signature KonMari Folding technique. We’ll also discuss common myths and missteps as we address how to overcome your specific clutter challenges and barriers to success and true abundance.
Registration required for this free event by calling 815-738-2742 by September 25th.
YOU DID IT!!!! You helped us hit our goal of 500 pounds in plastic to recycle into this garden bench. We can’t wait to see the end result. We are so thankful for your participation in this project! Since we have met our mark, we no longer will be collecting plastic at this time. Thank you so much!!!
Did you know you can pay your fines and fees online? From the comfort of your home? In your PJs? Well, you can! Tab on over to Internet Resources and click on PrairieCat. Once you have logged in, you can select the Fines/Fees you want to pay and follow the online prompts. Easy, quick, and convenient…PrairieCat will securely apply your payment. Cross an easy task off your to-do list today!
Join us on Wednesday, April 5th, at Bertolet Memorial Library!
A big thank you to Dawn Spengler for nominating Bertolet Memorial Library in the Lovin’ My Library contest! We have received 2 books by Ann Charles and 2 books by Freeport native Terri Reid. They are ready to be enjoyed!
Don’t forget to register for the Cooking for 1 or 2 class. This program on Tuesday, November 29th is presented by the University of Illinois Extension office and will guide you through changing your meal planning and preparation for your smaller household. Registration ends Wednesday, November 23rd.
Help us find Dory!! She will be so thankful!
Join us on Tuesday, November 22nd at 6pm as we make our way into the Thanksgiving holiday. Family Movie Night will find us watching Finding Dory and feasting on popcorn! See you there!
Fill Granny’s Mailbag with cards and letters for our Troops! Cards and Letters must be brought in to the Library by Saturday, December 10th.
Granny is also collecting new wrapped or unwrapped toys for boys and girls through ages birth through 18 years. Tags will be available to label your gift with boy/girl and age appropriate. Toys will be collected through December 16th.
See what is happening this fall at Bertolet Memorial Library!
Come learn how these little cute fur-friends are raised and trained to assist the blind in their everyday activities. The Northern Illinois Puppy Raiser Group will be on hand to share their tips and techniques. This amazing group is supported by another amazing group, our local Leaf River Lions Club!
Come jump start your learning on August 9th when “Hoo” Haven will be sharing and showing us their hawk, owl, and tortoise as we find out more about their habits and habitats! Come on over August 9th at 6:00 PM!
Look for the box and wish list gift tags at Bertolet Memorial Library beginning June 6th!
Family Movie Night returns with the newly released “Zootopia”! Join us at Bertolet Memorial Library on Monday, August 8th at 6:00 PM to watch this hilarious adventure as Officer Judy Hopps, the first bunny on Zootopia’s police force, jumps at the chance to crack her first case even if it means partnering with scam-artist fox Nick Wilde to solve the mystery.
In observance of Independence Day, Bertolet Memorial Library will be closed on Monday, July 4th. We will re-open on Tuesday at 10:00 AM.
Did this past weekend leave you feeling a bit too hot? Come think cool thoughts and learn about the country of Iceland, where the average high temperature in June is only 55 degrees! Beautiful pictures and interesting facts will fill the presentation by former Leaf River resident, Mary Rose Fillip on Tuesday June 28th at 6:00 PM.
On Monday, June 20th, Miss Melinda will be reading Olympig and talking about similarities in agriculture between the United States and Brazil. Join us at 3:00 on June 20th!
The Summer Reading Program is almost here! Mark your calendar for this Thursday to come help kick-off the summer. Chris McBrien is returning to Bertolet Memorial Library for our opening program at 10AM! We hope to see you there!!
Summer. Check
Warm Weather. Check
Beach and Surfing. No?
Well join us at Bertolet Memorial Library on Monday June 6th to enjoy the beach via the movie “Soul Surfer.” There may not be beach umbrellas or pinã coladas, but there will be popcorn and sodas. See you at 6pm!
The Bertolet Memorial Library will be closed on Monday, May 30th in observance of Memorial Day. We will re-open normal business hours, 10-7, on Tuesday, May 31st.
School’s Out For Summer!!!
Join us at Bertolet Memorial Library on Monday, May 23rd at 2:00 to see a bear who just loves his pic-a-nic baskets. Camping, fireworks, and of course, picnics: Yogi Bear is the perfect kick-off movie to summer break.
In honor of the passing of Richard Wood, the Bertolet Memorial Library will be closed on Saturday, April 30th so the staff can attend his services.
Richard Wood, long-time board member of the Bertolet Memorial Library, passed away on Tuesday, April 26, 2016. Richard was involved in many groups, boards, and hobbies. In addition to serving the Bertolet Memorial Library as Trustee and Financial Secretary for over 20 years, Richard also was a member of the Leaf River Historical Society and chairman to the Ogle-Lee Retired teachers. He also enjoyed being a private pilot and using Ham radios.
Services for Richard will be held on Saturday, April 30th at Finch Funeral Home in Mt. Morris. Visitation will be held at 9:30 AM until the time of the service at 10:00 AM. Burial will be in Lightsville Cemetery. Memorials have been established for the Leaf River Historical Society and the Bertolet Memorial Library.
“Star Wars: The Force Awakens” has been released to DVD, and we have a copy at the Bertolet Memorial Library! Join us for a special Tuesday edition of Family Movie Night on April 5th at 6 PM to watch the latest and greatest episode in the Star Wars saga. Drinks and popcorn will be available. This is a PG-13 movie.
Need something for the kids to do over Spring Break? Bring them on over to the library to learn about worms. These squiggly, squirmy red wiggler worms are very important to help things grow. Find out how on Thursday March 31st at 2PM!
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On January 21st, our very own Miss Julie was the guest reader at Stronghold Castle’s Stories in the Castle reading program. Julie’s guests were enchanted as she read “Snowball Fight!” and “Winter is the Warmest Season”. There were also crafts … Continue reading
There is no school today!!! Join us for an afternoon children’s movie at 2 p.m. “Gnomeo & Juliet” will be showing. Popcorn and drinks will be provided.
“She’s the Man” (PG-13) will be our feature movie tonight. Channing Tatum and Amanda Bynes star in this comedy based on Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night.” The movie starts at 6:00. Popcorn and beverages will be served.
photo courtesy of fivestarranch.com
Story Hour returns on Thursday, January 14th at 1p.m. Join Miss Julie as she reads about horses this week. There will also be a craft and snack.
We had four participants at our first Adult Coloring Club; one came all the way from Grand Detour! Join us each Wednesday at 1pm to choose from the weekly selection of pictures and create your own art!
The board and staff at the Bertolet Memorial Library would like to congratulate board member Ardis Kump for the recognition she has received recognition from the Northwest Illinois Sports Hall of Fame for her dedication to the Forrestville Valley Cardinal Basketball program as keeper of the scorebook for the past 25 years! Congratulations Ardis!!!
