New Year, New Adventures: Cozy Reads & Winter Fun Await at the Library!

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Hello Library Friends,

Happy New Year!

We hope you are enjoying a restful and joyful break. As we welcome the year ahead, we are excited to continue our learning journey together and to celebrate the joy of literacy with your children. Your partnership plays an essential role in their success, and simple, everyday moments at home can make a meaningful impact.

Establishing a cozy daily reading routine—whether before bedtime or after dinner—helps build strong and lasting reading habits. Encouraging children to read, exploring words in their environment, and involving them in activities like cooking, reading recipes, or writing grocery lists all reinforce literacy skills in fun and natural ways. Playing word games, writing thank-you notes and making regular visits to the O’Fallon Public Library further nurture curiosity and a love of books.

Conversation is equally important. Talking about stories and daily experiences strengthens comprehension and critical thinking. Celebrating effort and progress builds confidence and resilience.

We look forward to a year filled with growth and discovery. Let’s begin 2026 together—with new books and a FUN Winter Reading Challenge waiting just for you!

Happy New Year!

Julie Turns

Youth Services Manager

O’Fallon Public Library

Kids Homepage

Teens Homepage

Program Highlights

Winter Reading Challenge

Encourage your little bookworm to curl up with a good story and get creative! Our Winter Reading Challenge invites young readers to read one book each week and design a book inspired by what they read. At the end of each month, participants can collect a fun prize to celebrate their reading and creativity. Starting January 1^st, stop by the library to pick up a challenge bookmark or visit our website to print one at home, and turn winter into a season of stories.

NEW 3D Printing Services

Bring your ideas to life with our NEW 3D Printing Services! Patrons of all ages can visit our website to review our printing policies and submit their designs online. Once complete, they can pick up their finished projects at the library. Whether it’s a fun gadget, a custom gift, or a creative experiment, 3D printing lets your imagination take shape. Discover the possibilities, try something new, and watch your ideas become real!

Owl About Town

Owlfred took an afternoon flight, his wings guiding him to the Katy Cavins Community Center. He imagined the gym soon buzzing with tiny footsteps as the first Indoor Playdates of the new year approach, energizing mornings where kids explore toys, stories, and friendships, while parents enjoy a well-deserved break. With its welcoming atmosphere and steady rhythm of activity, the center is poised to spark joy, connection, and community all year long. Owlfred couldn't help but feel excited as he flew away, considering all the new adventures the year would bring.

Story Time Station

Book Babies

0-18 months

Toddler Tales

18-36 months

Preschool Story Time

3-5 years old

Family Fun

Family Movie Matinee

Lego Club

Makerspace

Read To A Dog

Staff Picks

Jordan's Pick

The Year We Learned to Fly

By Jacqueline Woodson

The Year We Learned to Fly is a picture book that tells a gentle, uplifting story about two children who discover the power of imagination and self-confidence. Through quiet, thoughtful reflection and creative play, they learn to embrace their own strengths and the freedom that comes with diving into creative thinking. The writing is poetic, and the illustrations beautifully complement the themes of growth, courage, and the joy of learning something new.

Get the Book

Owlfred's Pick:

Our Favorite Day of the Year

by A. E. Ali

Our Favorite Day of the Year is a charming picture book about a group of boys from diverse backgrounds who become close friends over the course of a school year. When each child shares their favorite holiday or special day with the class, they learn about each other’s traditions, celebrations, and cultures. With joyful illustrations and a warm focus on friendship and diversity, this story shows how sharing what makes us unique can bring people together.

Get the Book