July 2023 Newsletter

Hi Everyone,

Does the library feel busier to you? Of course, it should feel that way our Summer Reading Program is in full swing.  At the time of this writing we have 828 total readers participating (most are kids, but some teens and adults are mixed in there). Those readers have logged over 438,000 minutes and unlocked nearly 6,000 badges. 

It’s not all Summer Reading, though. Over the last year, we’ve seen the number of physical visits to the library increase by 14.5% (up to 124,533 annual visits).  The number of physical checkouts increased by 2.6% (up to 250,927) and digital checkouts increased by 21.3% (up to 53,190). Those are very encouraging year-over-year gains.

I want to take this opportunity to thank you for being part of this success.  Your continued support of the library keeps us strong and pushes us to grow our services and programs. 

Happy Reading!

Ryan Johnson

OFPL Director

Program Highlights

Bad Art Show Awards

We will reveal the absolute best of the worst. One month ago you were invited to take a flea market quality picture home to make your own artistic (bad) changes. Now you are invited to stoll trough our gallery of one-of-a-kind creations. Our gala will include refreshments and attendance prizes.

Healthy Smoothie Power

In this class you will learn tricks for making delicious and healthy smoothies that will benefit you and your family. We will have fun sampling healthy, nourishing homemade smoothies without the guilt

Yoga & Awareness

We have various Yoga classes and other events focused on breathing and stretching such as, Awareness Through Movement. Checkout our calendar to get more information!

Youth Services

                                               2023 Summer Reading Program

We are at the halfway point and our summer reading program is going strong. There are 781 kids enrolled and collectively they have read 259,063 minutes! The largest group of kids are the 8-year-olds (113), followed by the 6-year-olds (92). We still have 4 weeks remaining so if you are interested join now!

Teri Rankin

Youth Services Manager

Find Your Voice

Summer Reading List

Want more ideas of what to read? Check out this list of awesome books that are right in line with our summer reading theme, find your voice. From picture books to graphic novels there will be something for everyone!

Family Bookwalk

Join us for a summer reading tradition - the Family Bookwalk. Like a cake walk, but the prizes are books instead of cakes! 

Teens

Teen Time-Christmas in July

Wear your best Holiday hat/headband and get ready to have some holiday fun in the heat of the summer. We will enjoy holiday music and treats, make holiday crafts, enjoy melted snowmen, presents, and even have a snowball fight!

Teen Time-Hangout

Beat the heat and hang out with friends at the library. There will be food, games, and water squirter painting.

Community Needs Survey

We have a brief one question survey. Your responses will help the library identify needs in our community and will be used to plan future programming. Take the survey!

Staff Picks

Kelli Recommends: 

The Crossover

by Kwame Alexander

I love how this book is written in poetry form. Kwame Alexander shows how strong a family can be when everyone comes together to persevere through tough times.This heart-warming novel illustrates the challenges that any family could end up encountering. 

Maura Recommends:

Even Though I Knew the End

by C.L. Polk

This book was a quick and easy read that I picked up in honor of pride month. It is a dark mystery and has themes of the occult. Ultimately though, its a story of love and how far we will go to preserve the people we care for.

Services

Dolly Parton's Imagination Library

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is a book gifting program that mails free, high-quality books to children from birth to age five, no matter their family’s income. All children residing within the 62269 zip code from birth to age five are eligible for the program.

Computers & Printing

We have 17 computers located on the first floor for public use. Free Guest Passes are available for people without a library card. Printing is available from all of our public computers. The library also offers free scanning and faxing services.

More Highlights

Discussing Disability's with Kelli

Come see Kelli, Social Work Intern, for an intimate discussion about disability. Kelli will be sharing her own story as someone who lives with a disability. She will also provide disability resources. All are welcome!

Violence Prevention Training

PurpleOne provides free training that prepares individuals to become pro-social bystanders. After attending the training, you will know how to RECOGNIZE. RESPOND. REFER survivors.

For these and all other events: