🌱 Summer reading starts June 1—let’s grow together!

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Dear Library Friends,

Plant a Seed, Read — and Watch Your Family Grow!

School’s out and summer is here—the perfect time to explore new interests, make lasting memories, and discover amazing new books together!

The O’Fallon Public Library invites you to Plant a Seed, Read at our Summer Reading Kickoff! Beginning June 1, enjoy eight exciting weeks of activities featuring reading, creativity, nature, wellness, and community fun for all ages. Best of all, every event is free and no library card is required!

🎉 SHOW UP & SIGN UP! 🎉

Join us for a fun-filled kickoff celebration packed with games, activities, and excitement for the whole family!

📅 When: Saturday, May 30 | 10:00 AM–12:00 PM
📍 Where: O’Fallon Public Library (on the lawn)

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Who: Youth, teens, adults, and families from O’Fallon and surrounding communities

We’ll meet you on the lawn for a joyful kickoff to a summer full of reading, learning, and fun!

Julie Turns

OFPL Youth Services Manager

Kids Homepage

Teens Homepage

Program Highlights

Summer Reading Program Begins!

Hoot hoot, readers! Owlfred here to kick off our Summer Reading Program! Kids ages birth–12 can pick up a reading log in Youth Services or print one from the kids section of the library website. Teens ages 12–18 can sign up for the Teen Summer Reading Program using Beanstack. Don’t forget to check the Youth Services Calendar for all the fun summer events for everyone. Owlfred hopes to see you at the library this summer—happy reading!

Makerspace for June

🥔 Makerspace Wednesdays are taking over June! Join us each week during the Summer Reading Program for creative, hands-on fun. Drop in during our regular Makerspace sessions on the first and third Wednesdays from 1–3 PM, then don’t miss our special events! On June 10, unleash your creativity with Rock & Pot Painting, and on June 24, get ready for laughs at our hilarious Potato Fashion Show, where participants will design outrageous potato outfits and send their spud supermodels down the runway!

Mental Health Awareness

Teens ages 12–18 are invited to a fun and interactive mental health event designed to help them learn practical self-care tips, support friends, and discover helpful resources in a relaxed, judgment-free space. The program will feature snacks, raffle prizes, a guest social worker, engaging activities, and a fun Kahoot game. Led by Girl Scout Gold Award candidate Isabelle Smith, this welcoming event encourages teens to connect, ask questions, and leave feeling informed and supported. Registration is encouraged as space is limited.

Teen Escape Room: The Botanists' Blight!

Teens can test their detective skills in The Botanists’ Blight, a mystery-themed escape room where the winners of the Mini but Mighty Plant Contest have mysteriously disappeared. Participants will work together to solve puzzles, search for clues, and uncover the truth before time runs out.

Bees with Bob

Bee Curious! Discover the amazing world of honeybees with local beekeeper Bob Gerdes during this exciting hands-on program! Get an up-close look at real beekeeping equipment, explore a hive, and even see a live frame of bees while learning why these important pollinators matter. Perfect for curious minds of all ages!

Investment Camp

Investing Summer Camp invites youth ages 10–14 to explore the world of money and investing during this exciting 3-day camp! Participants will learn stock market basics, play games, win prizes, and build teamwork skills in a fun, beginner-friendly environment led by student investor Sehej Raheja. Registration is required, and attendance for all three days is mandatory.

Teen Graphic Novel Club

Teens can explore the charming world of The Tea Dragon Society in this cozy summer book club featuring graphic novels, tea-growing, and creative fun. Participants will read the series together, learn indoor gardening basics through hydroponics, and celebrate with a themed tea party at the end of the summer.

Floral Design with Joy

Teens can get creative with fresh flowers in this hands-on floral design workshop led by expert Joy. Participants will learn bouquet and corsage design techniques while creating custom arrangements to take home. No experience needed — just bring your creativity and get ready to bloom!

Owl About Town

Owlfred is spreading his wings and flying into a brand-new book each month during the OFPL Summer Reading Program! 📚 This month, Owlfred is diving into The Smart Cookie. Although he seems to think it should really be called The Smarter Owl! 🦉🍪

From silly stories and exciting adventures to fascinating facts and magical worlds, Owlfred knows that books can take you anywhere. Even when school is out, summer is still the perfect time to keep learning, discovering new things, and helping your brain grow smarter every day!

Reading during the summer helps young minds stay strong, creative, and ready for all the learning ahead. Whether you read at the library, at home, outside in the sunshine, or before bedtime, every book is a chance to explore something new.

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

Mae's Pick:

When You Reach Me

by Rebecca Stead

Miranda’s world should be simple. She goes to school. She hangs out with her best friend, Sal. She also helps her mom prepare for a chance to win big on The $20,000 Pyramid.

Then everything changes. Sal suddenly stops speaking to her. Soon after, Miranda starts receiving mysterious notes. The messages know things no stranger should know. They predict events before they happen. They even warn that someone is going to die.

As Miranda searches for answers, she becomes tangled in a mystery filled with secrets, friendship, and impossible twists. This unforgettable story is perfect for readers who enjoy suspense, mystery, and a touch of time travel.

Get the Book

Jordan's Pick:

The Little Ghost Quilt's Winter Surprise

by Riel Nason

A cozy and heartfelt picture book about a little ghost made from a colorful patchwork quilt who loves exploring the snowy world. Unlike his sheet-ghost friends, he can stay outside in the cold without getting chilly. While his friends spend the winter indoors, the little ghost quilt drifts through town admiring twinkling lights, wreaths, and festive decorations that remind him of the magic of Halloween. The beauty and excitement of the season fill him with wonder, but also sadness because he wishes his friends could experience it too. After a snowy adventure sparks an idea, he finds a way to share the joy of the season with those he cares about most. Filled with wintry grays and pops of vibrant color, this charming story perfectly blends spooky sweetness with holiday warmth.

Get the Book

Children's Corner

Youth Chess Club
5-14 years old

Youth Book

Club
6-9 years old

Reader's Theater
8-12 years old

Painting with

Grammy Patti
3-6 years old

Painting with

Grammy Patti
7-12 years old

Throw it and Grow it!

8-12 years old

Teen Scene

Teen Anime Club
12-18 years old

Teen Craft Club

12-18 years old

Teen Game Night
12-18 years old

Teen Dungeons and Dragons Club
12-18 years old

Crochet Camp

12-18 years old

Paint Your Magic with Patti
12-18 years old

A Look Ahead

CAD Design Camp

The OTHS Chapter of the National Science Honor Society is hosting a week-long CAD Design Camp that introduces students to 3D modeling and engineering design. Participants will begin with Tinkercad to learn foundational design skills before advancing to Onshape for more detailed, professional-level CAD work, including sketching, dimensioning, and part assembly. Through hands-on, real-world-inspired projects, students build creativity, spatial reasoning, and problem-solving skills. By the end of the week, each participant designs a custom keychain and receives a 3D-printed version of their creation to take home.

Orbit Odyssey

The Metool Brigade 1208, O’Fallon Township High School’s robotics team and 2026 Greater Kansas City Regional 3rd place finishers, is hosting the Orbit Odyssey Robotics Camp. Students will work with XRP robots to complete a space-themed challenge focused on coding, creativity, and teamwork. Guided by experienced team members, campers will gain hands-on experience with the basics of programming and robotics in a fun, supportive environment inspired by FIRST Robotics Competition.

Youth Chess Tournament

Young chess players ages 5–14 are invited to join our exciting quarterly chess tournament! Participants of all skill levels will be paired by experience level for a fun, friendly competition filled with learning and strategy. Trophies will be awarded to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners, and all participants will receive honorable mention prizes. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, come make your next move with us!

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