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Hello Library Friends!

At our library, we're committed to providing you the best possible return-on-investment . One of the ways we accomplish this goal is through fostering impactful partnerships. In fact, developing those partnerships is a key component of our recent Strategic Plan (you can find the full plan at ofpl.info/about). Collaborating our with local school districts is an obvious path forward, and one that has already proven successful with initiatives like our annual OTHS Reading Challenge and our recent District 90 school registration drive.

We believe that by working together, we can streamline resources and share our expertise, creating a win-win situation for everyone involved. As I write this, I literally just wrapped up a productive meeting with the new Media Specialist for District 90. Together we brainstormed a number of ways to support teachers, students, and parents.  

Stay tuned for exciting new programs and exciting opportunities as we continue to strengthen these valuable partnerships with the schools and other community groups. Together, we can make a lasting impact on our community!

PS.  I'd be remiss if I didn't mention our Summer Reading Program. So far we have 1,030 kids participating!  That is for ages 12 and under. On top of that, we have 201 teens and 231 adults.  Thank you to everyone who has signed up, showed up, volunteered, and otherwise helped make this summer a huge success so far.  
 
 

Ryan Johnson

OFPL Director

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Program Highlights

SW Illinois Stitchers

The SW Illinois Stitchers group is made up of enthusiastic cross stitchers who gather to stitch, share tips and tricks, and enjoy this wonderful hobby. They welcome all stitchers, both new and experienced. Bring your projects, a drink & snack, and join us for a fantastic time of stitching and community!

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Creative Writing

Do you have a story you'd like to tell, but you're not sure where to start? Join us in exploring the many ways you can make that story a reality. We'll look at fiction, creative non-fiction, and even non-fiction narrative, examining the parts of a story and how to develop them most effectively. 

Sign-Up

Puzzle Exchange

Join us for a fun and interactive Puzzle Exchange at the library! Bring in your gently used puzzles and swap them for new ones. It's a great opportunity to refresh your collection and share your favorite puzzles with fellow enthusiasts.
 
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Youth Services

Learn More
Visit the Youth Services desk to sign up for Summer Reading! 
What’s next? Dive into great books, log your reading hours,
and earn awesome rewards. Read! Renew! Repeat!
 Enjoy a summer full of adventures and fun.
Kids Summer Reading

Family Movie Night

Gather the family and join us for an exciting screening of Migration! We'll be viewing it in the library's welcoming community room—a family event you won't want to miss!
 
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Instant Art Show

Calling all artists!!
Come have some fun creating an original masterpiece with the entire family. You'll plan and create your artwork, and present it to the judges. The best works will win a prize!
Sign-Up

Book Walk

Join us for our final summer reading festivity! There is no better way to celebrate the end of summer reading than with a Book Walk. All participants win 2 free books!
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Teen Summer Reading May 13th- August 2nd! Gear up for a summer packed with excitement, prizes, and great reads. Sign up on Beanstack to join the Teen Summer Reading Program!
Christmas in July
Sign-Up
Teen Dungeons
& Dragons Club
Sign-Up
Anime Club
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Staff Picks

Mae's Pick:

Quietly Hostile: Essays
 by Samantha Irby

Irby's covers have caught my attention for a while, and I am so glad I decided to listen! She is hilarious, irreverent, and the perfect author for my favorite niche: comedic female essays. She is somehow incredibly real while also sharing stories that are extraordinary. Every single story had me laughing or gasping or BOTH. One even had me thinking, "I kinda wish I was who I was 5 minutes ago before I knew this information." Maybe don't listen to this one at work.

Get the Book

Sage's Pick:

Fervor: A Novel
by Toby Lloyd
 
"I didn't survive; I got out," Yosef tells his daughter-in-law, Hannah, but in this tight, often claustrophobic story of contemporary Jewish life, he may as well be describing his three grandchildren: Gideon, Tovyah, and Elsie. Each wrestles with the horrors of antisemitism, the specter of the Shoah, and question of God as they search for what it means to be an observant modern Jew, living among ghosts. Lloyd's genre-defying novel follows Tovyah, Elsie, and Tovyah's classmate Kate, after Elsie returns from a mysterious absence profoundly changed. A strong debut with an ending that will stay with you long after you close the final page.
Get the Book

Featured Services

Discover the wide range of services we offer at the library!
From community resources to computer use and printing.
Visit the services tab on our website to explore everything we have to offer.

Owlfred's Corner

Join Owlfred each month to discover the vibrant personalities of the OFPL library staff. In this edition, we’re excited to highlight Ryan, our OFPL Director. Despite his many responsibilities in keeping our library running smoothly, he remains actively engaged with both staff and patrons. Ryan is a passionate advocate for our library and libraries everywhere. If you see him on the floor, don't hesitate to say hi and have a quick chat.

What kind of music do you like?  All kinds! A few of my favorite bands are The National, Counting Crows, The Avett Brothers, Arcade Fire, Dave Matthews Band, Grouplove, and Gaslight Anthem. This list could go on for pages.

If you could get rid of one month out of the year, which month would it be?

January, easy. It's cold and bleak. No major holidays. No baseball. 

 

If you could speak any language, what would it be?

Spanish (for practical reasons). Elvish (for fun reasons).

 

What fictional book world would you be a part of? Middle Earth is too obvious. Camelot could be cool, especially the Monty Python version.  


Other than a great selection of books, what is something our library offers that you find exceptional?  I'll go abstract and talk about the "sense of community." Public libraries are one of the last places where you don't have to buy anything or believe anything to belong. We offer a space for community to happen through our open doors, services, and numerous special events.  

Adult Summer Reading

Our theme this summer: Read, Renew, Repeat. Summer reading begins on May 25th and ends on August 2nd. This gives everyone 70 days of exciting summer adventures filled with reading and activities.
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More Highlights

Adult Reading Challenge Meet-Up

Join us for our Adult Reading Challenge Meet-Up at The Peel Wood Fired Pizza in O'Fallon! Connect with fellow readers, share your latest reads, and enjoy engaging conversations.
 
Sign-Up
A Court of Thorns
& Roses Trivia
Step into the enchanting world of Prythian and test your knowledge at our "A Court of Thorns and Roses" trivia event! Whether you're a High Fae, a mortal with a thirst for adventure, or someone who simply can't get enough of Sarah J. Maas's captivating series, this event is for you.
Sign-Up

For these and all other events:

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