Unleash Your Imagination with OFPL's Fall Programs

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We recently celebrated National Friends of Libraries Week, a time to recognize the invaluable contributions of Friends groups, including our own Friends of the O’Fallon Public Library. These volunteers fund vital programs, helping our library thrive.

One key initiative is their support of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, which provides free books to over 700 local children, fostering early literacy. The group is also known for their annual five-day book sale, which draws 3,500 attendees and raises more than $15,000, essential to funding library programs.

The Friends were key contributors to the library’s new Outdoor Zone. There is a ribbon-cutting for that space on October 31 at 11 a.m. Please join us if you can! The Friends are also hosting their Annual Meeting and Open House on November 12 at 5 p.m. Both events are open to everyone—more details can be found on our event calendar.

Supporting the library is about more than just funding—it’s about building a stronger community. Want to help? Learn more here, or join us at an upcoming event to see their impact firsthand.

Thank you, Friends, for all you do!

Ryan Johnson

OFPL Director

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Program Highlights

SW Illinois Stitchers

Join The Southwest Illinois Stitchers on the first Saturday of every month. 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.

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Crafty Sunday

Do you need some time to work on your crafty hobbies? Would you like a space where you could work on your projects with like-minded people? Then join us for Crafty Sunday! We will provide a space for you to work on a project of your choice. Bring a drink and enjoy a crafty afternoon!

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Holiday Tips and Tricks with Chef Art Smith-Virtual Event

Join Chef Art Smith for a delicious dive into his culinary journey and gather some inspiration for your holiday meals! A two-time James Beard Foundation award winner, Chef Smith believes, "The art of cooking, the act of feeding people, is the most engaging, most memorable way to connect with people."

Youth Services

Family Movie Matinee

Gather the family and join us for an exciting screening of Harold and the Purple Crayon! Join us in the library’s welcoming community room for an event the whole family will love! Enjoy FREE popcorn, candy, and water while you watch. Don’t miss out—bring your family and friends!

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Read to a Dog

Sign up for 15 minutes of pawsome one-on-one time to read to a therapy dog! Whether you're reading your favorite book or trying out a new story, these sweet pups are here to listen with zero judgment—just wagging tails and lots of love! By the end of your session, you’ll not only improve your reading skills but also make a NEW fur-ever friend who’s all ears for your stories.

Makerspace Thanksgiving Day Parade

Get ready for a special Thanksgiving Makerspace event! This holiday, let your creativity soar as you design your very own parade balloon! We’ll provide all the materials you need to craft something spectacular—whether it’s a classic turkey, a festive pumpkin, or something totally unique. You bring the imagination, and we’ll bring the supplies!

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Teens

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Staff Picks

Gabby's Pick:

Legendborn
by Tracy Deonn

One of my favorite books I've read with amazing world building and an interesting concept. I was originally thrown off due to it being a retelling of King Arthur, and I didn't remember much about about him and his history. However, Deonn's writing got me invested right away and I was able to understand the story even with my little knowledge of King Arthur. A great story about grief, self-discovery, and racial discrimination, while also having a really great magic system.

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Cheryl's Pick:

Rabbit Heart

by Kristine S. Ervin

When Kristine Ervin was a child, her mother was abducted and brutally murdered. For years after her family searched to identify the perpetrators. In raw and honest detail, Ervin reflects on the impact of growing up without her mother, who her mother was as a woman, and the meaning of womanhood. A powerful memoir about grief, trauma, and gender.

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Owlfred's Corner

Join Owlfred every month as we celebrate the amazing OFPL staff! This month, we're shining the spotlight on the wonderful Jo, a key member of our circulation team. Whether you're checking out books, asking for help, or just stopping by, Jo is here with a warm smile and ready to assist with whatever you need. She's not only a joy to work with but also makes every visit to the library a little brighter! Come by and say hi—you’ll be glad you did!

What kind of music do you like? When I’m listening to music solo, you’ll usually find me jamming to the soundtrack of an upcoming Broadway show at The Fox or a concert I’ve got tickets to. Next up for me is the Taylor Swift Eras Tour, so that playlist is definitely on repeat right now!

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

I could do without January. It is touted as the month of fresh starts, but I find it to be a cold, dreary, endless let-down of a month.

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

I would love to be fluent in Spanish!

What fictional book world would you be a part of?

My go-to genre is thriller/suspense, so I’m pretty sure I’d fit right in as a kick-a$$ female investigator!

Other than a great selection of books, what is something our library offers that you find exceptional? I think the variety of programs offered at the library is incredible (and all for free!)—there’s something for everyone, kids and adults alike. You can read to a dog, join the teen anime club, build at Lego club, take ukulele lessons, practice yoga, enjoy family movie nights, attend writing workshops, get crafty at crafty sunday, dive into true crime podcast groups, join book clubs, or check out info sessions on school and job opportunities—even learn about tarot! There are so many options, just sign up and show up!

More Highlights

Friends of the Library: Annual Meeting and Open House

Learn More

Brain Boost:

Puzzle Mastery

Holiday Desserts Without the Guilt

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