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May 2023 Newsletter

May is here, which means Tax Season (for most of us) is in the rearview.  I want to take this opportunity to thank the dozen or so volunteers with AARP's Tax-Aide Program for all the hardwork they put in this season.

Every year we partner with AARP to make free tax services available at the library.  This year was our most impactful yet.  We helped 738 tax payers (a 22% increase over last year) file their taxes. Using the average cost for paid tax services, these folks saved a combined $203,000!

 

What's more, we helped them realize roughly $458,000 in Federal refunds and another $45,000 in State refunds.  

 

So again, a huge thanks to Mike, Don, Linda, Bob, and all the other volunteers who put in the hard work these last few months.  

 

Sincerely,

 

Ryan Johnson

Library Director

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Program Highlights

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Drawing Comics with Jarrett J. Krosoczka

Celebrate Free Comic Book Day with New York Times bestselling author and illustrator, Jarrett J. Krosoczka! Perfect for the entire family, this live, virtual drawing workshop is sure to inspire the inner artist in everyone.

Register

Gentle Chair Yoga

Join Diana in this therapeutic yoga class. Improve your range of motion, release stress, feel relaxed and rejuvenated as Diana guides you through gentle stretches, balance and strengthening moves, ending with a calming meditation that will leave you refreshed and energized for the new day. 

Learn More

Washington University Medical Assistant Apprenticeship Program

Learn about working while earning money as a Medical Assistant at Washington University. Apprentices are full-time, benefits-eligible Washington University employees. Hollie will be there to answer all questions!

Register

Youth Services

Summer Reading Program 2023

Find Your Voice!... this summer, at the library. We have a reading program packed with games, contests, and activities for all ages. Registration for teens begins on May 8. Kids 12-years-old and younger, as well as adults may sign-up beginning May 27. Once registered, participants may begin keeping track of the time spent reading on our Beanstack app. It’s easy to earn prizes for reading and earn virtual tickets to place in drawings for fun end-of-the-program prizes.

Some of the activities for kids include a Whalemobile, video game design program, Pokemon trading card events, an Ugly Art Contest, and MUCH more. There is no charge for participation and library membership is not required. More detailed information about our programs will be available via our website starting May 1.

Summer Reading

Homeshool Afternoon

Join us on the second Friday of each month for an afternoon of games, crafts, and STEM activities.  We will have all the supplies and materials you need. 

Learn More

Read to a Dog

If you love reading to our therapy dogs, you will be excited to hear that they will be available twice during the months of June and July! Make your appointment to read to our lovable and huggable pups. You may make your appointments up to 4 weeks in advance.

Register

Teens

Calling all Teens! We could use your help this summer!

We are looking for 12-18 year olds to help us with our reading program from May 27—July 21. Here are some of the activities you may participate in:

Physically preparing the meeting room for a program, i.e. setting up tables, chairs, toting supplies
Helping prepare for craft days (cutting or preparing craft supplies)
Helping during morning, afternoon or evening programs (usually 1-2 hours long)
Decorating or displaying summer reading items

Reasons to Volunteer at the library:

  • Awesome FREE T-shirt
  • Sometimes includes food
  • More fun than lots of things (like mowing the lawn or poison ivy) 
  • Parents like you to do it
  • Looks good on a job application, resume, or college application

There will be a Volunteer Training Meeting on May 9 at 6:30. 

Register

Staff Picks

Larissa's Pick

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Good Different

by Meg EdenKuyatt

Have you ever tried to be the “good kid” but knew that you were a dragon in disguise? Do you, like Selah, find solace in writing poetry? Are your feelings loud and BIG? If you answered yes to one, or maybe all, of the above, Good Different should be your next read! 

Laura's Pick

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All My Rage 

by Sabaa Tahir

All My Rage by Sabaa Tahir is a gut punching contemporary novel about generational trauma, friendship, love, loss and forgiveness. The story centers around Noor and Salahudin as they struggle to make sense of the past and create a future in a harsh world. 

Stephanie's  Pick

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Mad Honey

by Jodi Picoult

  • Compelling
  • Fast paced story
  • Shocking plot twist

Timely, well-written, and very topical. The best from Jodi Picoult!

Catalog

Services

Free Notary Service

The library has at least one notary scheduled during normal business hours, except in the event of an unplanned absence. You may call 618-632-3783 to verify a notary's availability prior to your visit.  All signers will need a valid photo ID. 

Learn More

Social Work Intern

Looking for a friendly face to talk to? Need help accessing community resources? Kelli, will help with job applications, resume writing, and appying for benefits. Make an appointment today!

Make Appointment

More Highlights

On Being Fabulous: Jonathan Van Ness & Kristi Yamaguchi

Queer Eye” and “Getting Curious” star and ice skating superfan, Jonathan Van Ness talks with his idol, Olympic Gold Medalist Kristi Yamaguchi. They’ll chat figure skating, fabulous style, and whatever else comes up! 

Online Event

O'Fallon

Writers Group

Do you want to start writing but have no idea where to begin?
Do you have a manuscript you want some feedback on? Or, do you need time and space to devote to writing? We welcome adults who want to write, whether they are a published author or a novice.

Learn More

Notice

The pick-up notices you receive from us have changed!
Text notices will come from 618-297-8770 and say  

"Your O'Fallon Public Library" hold is now available.

Email notices will come from circdesk@ofpl.info
If you have any questions about these changes

contact us and we will be happy to help! 

We are closed on:

May 29th Memorial Day

        No items are due on days we are closed. Any items you have pending to pickup will still be available through the weekend.

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O'Fallon Public Library
120 Civic Plaza O'Fallon, IL 62269
Phone: (618) 632-3783

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