What is a Little Free Library?
It’s a “take a book, return a book” gathering place where neighbors share their favorite stories. Anyone may stop by and pick up a book (or two) and bring back another to share. This nationwide program now has a home in Peoria! Located near the East Bluff Community Center on East Kansas, the box is stocked with books—free to area residents. The Peoria Opportunities Foundation provided funding for two Little Free Libraries, and LISC is funding four more. For more information, visit p-of.org or call (309) 672-5212.

Reading Buddy

n. / ree-ding buhd-ee /
A volunteer who commits one hour per month to visit an assigned D150 school and help increase a student’s reading skills to third-grade level by the end of the school year.

Register to become a third grade reading buddy @ psd150.org/domain/4, or email taunya.jenkins@psd150.org to learn more.

Twenty-four percent of Peoria residents ages 25 or older—more than 20,000 individuals—do not have a high school diploma.
Without a diploma or GED, individuals have a lower lifetime earning potential, contribute lower tax revenues while having greater reliance on public assistance and healthcare, and have a greater chance of entering the prison system. The Moonlight Coalition for Adult Learning is working to change that by bringing flexible GED and adult literacy education to adults in Peoria. The nonprofit group’s accessible GED program focuses on upward mobility and enhanced opportunities. To learn more about how the Moonlight Coalition collaborates with the Peoria Park District Foundation and the Peoria County Regional Office of Education—and how you can help—visit facebook.com/MoonlightPeoria.

The number of books to be distributed to District 150 students by Look. It’s My Book! this school year. In its mission to instill a love for reading by improving access to books at home, the Peoria nonprofit strives to provide a book to each child in kindergarten through fourth grade six times a year. Visit lookitsmybook.org to learn how your donation of just $20 can fund six books for one child this year. iBi