🌿 July’s Library Adventures: Reading, Robots & Ladybugs Await!

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Dear Library Friends,

Summer is in full swing, and there’s still plenty of time to join the 2026 Plant a Seed, Read Summer Reading Program!

Reading during the summer helps children maintain and strengthen important literacy skills, and our free program makes it fun for the whole family. Stop by the library to pick up a reading booklet, track your reading, earn prizes, and collect raffle tickets. Whether you enjoy books, audiobooks, Playaways, VOX Books, or reading aloud together, every page and every minute counts!

July is packed with exciting opportunities to learn, create, and connect at your library. Little ones can build early literacy skills at Book Babies and Toddler Tales, while school-age children can spark their imaginations in Makerspace and Lego Club and discover healthy habits during Nutrition with Sarah. Families can make special memories at the Ladybug Release, Read to a Dog, and Family Movie Matinee. Teens can explore new worlds, share ideas, and make new friends through Teen Dungeons & Dragons and Teen Graphic Novel Club.

Many programs have limited space, so register early.  We look forward to seeing you at the library for a summer filled with reading, discovery, and fun! 
 

Julie Turns

OFPL Youth Services Manager

Kids Homepage

Teens Homepage

Program Highlights

Summer Reading Program

Hoot hoot, readers! Owlfred here with a Summer Reading Program update! We’re already one month into summer reading, but it’s not too late to join the fun. Kids ages birth–12 can pick up a reading log in Youth Services or print one from the library website, and teens ages 12–18 can sign up through Beanstack.

Keep reading and logging your books! Birth–12 readers, don’t forget to claim your weekly prizes. Teens, keep earning badges and work toward your first bingo. Be sure to check the Youth Services Calendar for all the fun summer events. Owlfred hopes to see you at the library this summer. Happy reading!

Makerspace for July

🥔 Makerspace Wednesdays are taking over July! 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 July 8, unleash your creativity with Rock & Pot Painting, and on July 22, 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!

Orbit Odyssey Robotics Camp

Calling all future engineers, coders, and problem-solvers! Join the Metool Brigade 1208, O'Fallon Township High School's award-winning robotics team, for an out-of-this-world adventure. Over five days, campers will program and operate XRP robots while tackling a space-themed challenge that builds creativity, teamwork, and coding skills.

Guided by Team 1208 members, participants will learn robotics and programming through hands-on activities inspired by real FIRST Robotics competitions. It's the perfect launchpad for innovation, exploration, and fun!

Ladybug Release at Garden Club

Join us for a fun-filled afternoon at the O'Fallon Garden Club as we celebrate one of nature's most helpful garden friends—ladybugs! Families will enjoy a story, discover how ladybugs help gardens thrive, and take part in a special ladybug release. It's a hands-on outdoor adventure perfect for curious kids and nature-loving families.

Space is limited, so be sure to register early! No library card is required. Please dress for the weather and bring a water bottle.

Garden Club Tour

Discover the beauty of the O'Fallon Community Garden on a guided family-friendly tour with the O'Fallon Garden Club! Stroll through the garden, learn about the plants and growing spaces, and enjoy a fun hands-on activity along the way. It's a great opportunity for families to connect with nature and explore one of our community's hidden gems.

Space is limited, so register early! No library card is required. Please dress for the weather and bring a water bottle.

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.

Plants and Pollinators with the University of Illinois Extension

Join us for a four-week gardening series with the University of Illinois Extension (St. Clair County), where kids explore seeds, plants, soil, and pollinators through hands-on learning—and each session is offered at two different times for added flexibility.

Week one covers seed germination with a living necklace craft. Week two explores flower parts with a paper flower project. Week three digs into soil layers using an edible soil cup. Week four highlights pollinators with a butterfly-themed story and a take-home butterfly craft.

A fun, interactive program perfect for curious young scientists and gardeners!

Teen Garden Club

Calling all teens with an interest in gardening, nature, and community service! Join the Teen Garden Club at the O'Fallon Garden Club and work alongside experienced gardeners to help maintain beautiful garden spaces, learn new gardening skills, and make a positive impact in the community. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just getting started, all are welcome to dig in and grow with us!

Owl About Town

Owlfred is spreading his wings and flying into a brand-new book each month during the OFPL Summer Reading Program! 📚

Owlfred and his friend Gordon settled in with a copy of The Catawampus Cat. As the story went on, Owlfred tilted his head and gave a thoughtful hoot. “It’s a fine book,” he said, “but I can’t help thinking it should be called The Catawampus Tapir instead!” Gordon chuckled, and the two friends continued reading together, imagining what adventures a catawampus tapir might have.

This delightfully silly story follows a topsy-turvy cat whose adventures are anything but ordinary. With plenty of surprises, giggles, and a touch of mischief, The Catawampus Cat reminds readers that being a little different can be a lot of fun.

Owlfred and Gordon know that every book is a new adventure waiting to happen. Whether you're reading under a shady tree, curled up on the couch, or tucked into bed, each page is a chance to discover something exciting, meet unforgettable characters, and let your imagination soar.

So grab a book, join the fun, and see where your next story takes you. Who knows? You might even spot a catawampus tapir along the way! 🌟

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

Owlfred's Pick:

The Magical Yet

by: Angela DiTerlizzi

When things don’t go as planned, The Magical Yet offers the perfect reminder that learning takes time. This inspiring picture book introduces readers to the Magical Yet, a cheerful companion who helps children see challenges as opportunities for growth. With vibrant illustrations and an encouraging message about perseverance, resilience, and believing in yourself, this story helps young readers understand that just because they can’t do something today doesn’t mean they won’t be able to do it tomorrow. A heartwarming read for anyone who needs a little confidence boost and a reminder that anything is possible with the power of “yet.”

Get the Book

Gordon's Pick:

Dad and the Dinosaur

by: Gennifer Choldenko

Nicholas is afraid of the dark, giant bugs, and what might be hiding beneath manhole covers. His dad seems fearless, and Nicholas wishes he could be just as brave. Luckily, he has a toy dinosaur who can handle anything! With his dinosaur by his side, Nicholas feels ready to climb, explore, and take on his biggest fears.

But when the dinosaur goes missing, all of Nicholas’s fears come rushing back. Can he find the courage to face them on his own? Filled with imagination, humor, and heart, this charming picture book explores childhood fears and reminds readers that bravery isn’t about never being scared—it’s about finding the courage to keep going.

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