Happy Holiday Season, Everyone!

With the Thanksgiving holiday fresh in our minds, I want to give thanks to the Friends of the O’Fallon Public Library. Specifically, to Ray Farmer. Ray’s four-year stint as president comes to an end on December 31. During Ray’s time at the helm, the Friends have grown in leaps and bounds. They launched a local chapter of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. They helped fund our new Outdoor Activity Space. They’ve increased their membership and revenues each year. This list doesn’t stop there. Put simply, they have excelled in every way imaginable. 

Thank you, Ray, for a job well done. It’s been a pleasure working with you in this capacity. I’m glad you are staying involved with the Friends once your presidency is over. I can’t wait to see what amazing initiatives the group tackles next. 

All the best,

Ryan Johnson

OFPL Director

Experience the Nutcracker at Home

Experience The Nutcracker at Home! Watch a Recording of the Famous Ballet. Get in the spirit of the season with a recorded virtual performance of Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker performed by the United Kingdom’s internationally renowned Royal Ballet. 

Teens

Sharon's Pick:

The Killer Angels

by Michael Shaara

I love history, so I often find myself pulling historical fiction books off the shelf for a read. While setting up the display for Veterans Day, I came across Michael Shaara's Pulitzer Prize-winning book The Killer Angels. This book is by far one of the best historical fiction books I have ever read. It is set in the time of the Civil War and centers on the Battle of Gettysburg. The reader gets the perspective of the battle from soldiers and officers on both sides of the conflict.

As a child, I visited this battlefield and have never forgotten the feeling of the place. This story not only leads the reader through the battle that was a turning point in our nation's history but it also tells the human side of the story ~ something that is often lost in the accounts written about wars. The dramatic story of this battle for America’s destiny brought Gettysburg to life for me in a way that allowed me to share it differently when I took my own children for a visit. 

Reilly's Pick:

Witch Hat Atelier Vol. 1

by Kamome Shirahama

Dive into the enchanting world of "Witch Hat Atelier Volume 1" by Kamome Shirahama, where the magic extends far beyond the pages. This spellbinding manga not only weaves a tale of spellcasting and mystique but also shines brilliantly in its portrayal of found family dynamics and the empowering journey of self-discovery.

Follow Coco, a spirited protagonist, as she stumbles upon the secrets of a bewitched atelier and its inhabitants, discovering a world where the art of magic illustration is a transformative craft. As Coco navigates her newfound world, the bonds she forms with others become a testament to the magic that can be found in the unlikeliest of places.

For those seeking not just a manga but a transformative experience, "Witch Hat Atelier" beckons. Kamome Shirahama's debut is a celebration of the magical journey within ourselves, where the bonds of found family and the discovery of one's true potential create a narrative that is as heartwarming as it is enchanting.

More Highlights

Moonbird Yoga

In this all-level yoga practice, we will explore aligning breath to movement. We will seek flexibility by stretching our muscles while having fun and expanding our knowledge of yoga together!  

We Are Closed:

• December 24
• December 25
• December 31
• January 1

No items are due on days we are closed. Held items will not expire during our closure.

Have a safe and happy holiday!