Books and Media

Our books and media collection are here to inspire and entertain you.

Books and Media

Whether you've got a specific book in mind, or you're looking for something totally new, we can help you find your next literary undertaking.

Stay Updated

New Books, Movies, & other items

Get monthly emails with handpicked titles you'll love, reserve upcoming releases, and recommend new books so your next favorite read is always within reach.

e - Newsletters

Get newest book titles by email once a month; you tell us what genre to send. (PPL does NOT share email information)

Get started by selecting your newsletters

Suggest a Purchase

Use when a new title is not in our catalog. (We do not purchase self-published materials.) Allow up to 4 weeks to process a request.

Reading Pathways

Finished a book you loved? Explore our reading pathways to find your perfect next read and continue your literary journey.

read together

Stories That
Bring Us Together

Join a monthly book group or take on a reading challenge for fun, thoughtful ways to connect through books, discover new titles, and share what you love.

Next Chapter

Mostly fiction titles in this Adult Book Group. Meet the 1st Monday of the month (excluding holidays) at 2 pm, and again at 6:30 pm; attend whichever fits your schedule this month. New members can get a book at the Information Desk.

Book Lovers

Library Outreach - This community group meets every other month at Pekin Park District's Miller Center. Pick up a book at the Miller Center and discuss it the 3rd Wednesday of the month at 1:30. New members are welcome to join and discover great reads!

Adult Reading Challenge

Join our Adult Reading Challenge! Read a book each month based on our prompt and earn a small prize. Complete 8 of 12 challenges for a special December prize. Pick up your log at the front desk starting January 2nd!

Recommendations

The Database Librarians Use

Reading recommendations based on a title or author you like, subject, genre or appeal factors. Login with your library card number (Patron ID)

Custom Reads

Tailored Book Packs for Every Reader

Get personalized book packs based on your favorite genres and authors, curated just for your unique reading journey.

stream & read

eBooks, eAudio, and Movie Streaming

Instantly access books, audiobooks, and films through Libby, Boundless, Kanopy, and more. Enjoy curated content, automatic returns, and zero late fees anytime, anywhere, on your favorite device.

Libby App eBooks & eAudio

Alliance Digital Media Library.

Use App to Read, Hold and Renew; Checkout up to 5 items at a time with automatic returns, so you’ll never have a late fee!

Faster & Easier! Download App

Coming Soon:
The Palace Project

The Palace Project is scheduled to launch under eRead Illinois starting December 2nd to replace the now defunct Boundless app. The Palace Project will offer the same great access to eBooks and eAudio books as Boundless did, but with a new interface. 

kanopy

Kanopy streaming service for ad-free quality movies, documentaries, foreign films, independent films and educational videos.

Library card holders get 15 tickets per month plus unlimited streaming for Kanopy Kids

Get 15 tickets/mo

Custom Reads

Search our e-Catalogs

Tell us what you like, and we will create a pack of books for your reading pleasure.

start exploring

Unlock Books, Audiobooks, Movies, and More

Discover endless stories, knowledge, and entertainment free with your library card. Access it all anytime, anywhere.