Beat the Heat with Big Plans for Little Hands this July!

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Dear Library Friends,

I hope you're enjoying a sunny summer—and finding time to dive into a great book! We’re halfway through the 2025 Level Up at Your Library Summer Reading Program, and there’s still plenty of time to join the adventure!

This free, family-friendly program is the perfect way to boost literacy skills while making lasting memories. Stop by the library to pick up your Summer Reading Log—or download it from our website—and start tracking your reading today. Earn exciting prizes and collect raffle tickets along the way. The best part? You can read whatever you love—books, audiobooks, Playaways, and VOX Books all count!

July is packed with exciting events for all ages! Sing and play in Book Babies & Toddler Tales, get creative at Craft Club, explore new skills in Coding Club, or Level Up Your Drawing skills. Challenge yourself in our Chess Tournament or join the fun in Crochet Class and Dungeons & Dragons for teens. And don’t miss out on the Mountain Mayhem Robotics Camp—space is limited!

There’s something for everyone, and it’s all happening at your library. So come cool off with a good book, join the fun, and make this summer unforgettable!

We look forward to seeing you soon!

Julie Turns

Youth Services Manager

Kids Homepage

Teens Homepage

Program Highlights

Grandma's Magic Pillows: A Story time & Calming Craft Experience

Join wellness mentor and author Karen Carlson (a.k.a. Grandma Karen) for a heart-centered workshop featuring her book Grandma’s Magic Pillows. Kids will enjoy a soothing storytime followed by a hands-on activity to create their own “magic pillow”—a simple mindfulness tool to help calm busy bodies and minds. Perfect for children needing a gentle, creative way to unwind.

Kid's Level Up Your Storytelling

Have a love for storytelling or making cool content? In this exciting 4-week program, kids will team up to plan, create, and star in their very own music video! From brainstorming ideas and building props to filming fun scenes, it’s a hands-on chance to turn creativity into a video they’ll be proud to share.

Crochet Class

Join us for two fun, hands-on crochet sessions where you’ll learn the basics and make your very own stress ball! You’ll master the magic circle, crochet in the round, and learn essential stitches—all while creating something cool from scratch. No experience needed and all materials are provided. Just bring your creativity!

Owl About Town

This month, our favorite feathered friend Owlfred traded his books for beach towels and swooped over to the O’Fallon Family Sports Park Splash Pad! With wings outstretched and talons tapping to the rhythm of the tipping buckets Owlfred made a splash—literally! Who says owls don’t like to get their feathers a little damp? Stay tuned to see where Owlfred flies off to next!

Story Time Station

Book Babies

0-18 months

Toddler Tales

18-36 months

Preschool Story Time

3-5 years old

Family Fun

Craft Club

Family Movie Matinee

Lego Club

Makerspace

Read To A Dog

Level Up Your Drawing

Staff Picks

Jordan's Pick

The Tea Dragon Society

By K. O'Neill

The Tea Dragon Society is a beautifully illustrated, heartwarming graphic novel that follows a young blacksmith apprentice who discovers the magical world of tea dragons—gentle creatures that grow tea leaves infused with memories. As she learns the art of caring for them, she also discovers the value of tradition, friendship, and finding your own path. Cozy, inclusive, and full of charm, it’s a perfect read for all ages.

Get the Book

Owlfred's Pick:

Dungeons & Dragons: Dungeon Academy: No Humans Allowed!

by Madeleine Roux

"Dungeons & Dragons: Academy: No Humans Allowed" is a fast-paced, magical adventure set in a one-of-a-kind school where monsters rule the halls—and humans are strictly off-limits. When a mysterious new student arrives, friendships form, rules are tested, and ancient secrets begin to surface. Perfect for fans of fantasy, found family, and the wild world of D&D, this story is packed with humor, heart, and just the right amount of chaos to keep you turning the pages.

Get the Book

Children's Corner

Youth Chess Tournament

5-14 years old

Mountain Mayhem Robotics Camp

7-12 years old

Teen Scene

Adult Chess Club

15 years old and up

Teen Anime Club

12-18 years old

Teen Dungeons and Dragons Club

12-18 years old

Teen Game Night

12-18 years old

Coding Club: Level Up Your Coding

12-18 years old

Level Up You Look: Pokemon Shaker Keychains

12-18 years old

A Look Ahead

Chess Camp

This August join our Chess Camp for kids ages 7–14! Whether you're new to the game or ready to level up your skills, this camp offers exciting lessons, strategic mini-games, and real-time play in a friendly setting.

Led by seasoned chess player and library Chess Club mentor Nihaal Satwani, campers will dive into tactics, strategy, and critical thinking all while having a blast.

Save The Date!

Join the O’Fallon Public Library for a vibrant end-of-summer celebration on Saturday, July 26th, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Thoman Park (1021 Nancy Drive, O’Fallon, IL). This family-friendly event offers a morning full of engaging activities, including live character illustrations, a curated selection of local vendors, and more. It's a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the outdoors, connect with fellow library enthusiasts, and celebrate a season of reading and community. We look forward to seeing you there as we turn the final page on a great summer of reading!

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