It’s fun being a librarian. Sure, there are rough days with upset patrons, overwhelmed staff and crying kids, but in general it’s fun. One of the fun things is reading peoples’ reactions when they ask what I do for a living. “You’re a librarian! You don’t look like a librarian!” I never quite know how … Continue reading Beyond Books, Some Thoughts about the Library by Director Ryan Johnson
It’s Beginning to Look Like a New School Year
https://libreshot.com/back-to-school/ It’s hard to believe that students begin school in just a few days. But, that makes it a good time to review ways to start off on the right foot. First, whether your child is in elementary, high school, or college, they need plenty of sleep. Start preparing for those early mornings by waking … Continue reading It’s Beginning to Look Like a New School Year
Journey of Hope supply drive at O’Fallon Public Library
This month's supply drive benefits Journey of Hope. The drive runs from August 1 through the 31st at the library. There is a donation table near the marketplace and vending machine. Thank you in advance for your generosity! What is Journey of Hope? Journey of Hope is a maternity home for women in crisis situations. … Continue reading Journey of Hope supply drive at O’Fallon Public Library
Upcoming Events in Library News & Notes
I was speaking to a 20-year-old patron this week and she told me how fun she found the Summer Reading Program (SRP) and how much more reading she completed than she might have without the motivational rewards in Beanstack. Let’s give a big shout out to Youth Services who tirelessly oversees the entire SRP events, … Continue reading Upcoming Events in Library News & Notes
Meet the Staff: Larissa
There is a new O'Fallon Public Library staff person in the page section of the library: Larissa! What jobs did you have before coming to the library? I’ve been a tutor since I was in college. I also taught philosophy to High School students, worked at a bookstore as a cataloguer, as an assistant at … Continue reading Meet the Staff: Larissa
Yes, you CAN check out banned books!
As librarians, we occasionally do a poor job at explaining what banned books actually are. We make interesting displays using yellow caution tape, or place books in mock prison, or cover the books in mock flame like one of the latest displays at O'Fallon, but we fail to appropriately communicate the intention. Some librarians have … Continue reading Yes, you CAN check out banned books!
Summer Reading Stats and Non-Fiction for Kids in Library News & Notes
I just finished the BEST book! My husband has heard me say those words so many times I can see his eyes start to glaze over even before the sentence is out of my mouth. He knows a summary of the plot is about to commence. My “Best Book” for this week is a new … Continue reading Summer Reading Stats and Non-Fiction for Kids in Library News & Notes
Meet the Staff: Ashley
Here's another new face you will see behind the circulation desk: Ashley! Where did you work before you joined the library? Before the library, I worked at Joann Fabrics which was dangerous, and I was a greeting card merchandiser. Mostly I was a mom though. What are your favorite books? Hmm... My favorite books lately … Continue reading Meet the Staff: Ashley
Pride and Prejudice — Climbing the Stairs with an O’Fallon Librarian
This is the latest entry in "Climbing the Stairs," a series of blog posts that explores and celebrates the classic titles painted on the O'Fallon Public Library's staircase. Today we will be discussing "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen. Though published in 1813, myriad fans, of the book and the films that have been made … Continue reading Pride and Prejudice — Climbing the Stairs with an O’Fallon Librarian
July Supply Drive and Banned Books in Library News & Notes
Did you know that July carries the title of National Anti-Boredom month? The recognition of July as National Anti-Boredom Month was developed by Alan Caruba in the 1980’s. He chose the month, says nationaldaycalendar.com because: “there’s not much going on and it’s the hotter part of the summer break from school.” Mr. Caruba must not … Continue reading July Supply Drive and Banned Books in Library News & Notes