Thursday’s edition of the O’Fallon Progress featured two stories about upcoming happenings.
New Website Coming Soon
One exciting
change is the result of Assistant Director Ryan Johnson entering our library into the nationwide contest – Public Library Website Makeover Award. OFPL was chosen out of 300 branches nationwide to receive a free website remodel along with three years of continuous service and tech support.
Database provider, EBSCO Information Services, and Stacks Inc., a company that provides web platforms to more than 500 libraries, joined forces to help libraries improve patron access to online information that is available only through digital subscription databases such as the best science and medical research.
There are several advantages to the new website besides saving approximately $15,000 over the next three years. First, it will be mobile friendly across all devices. Second, regardless of what device a patron uses to access our site, a multi-translation feature will enable the user to view the information in the language they prefer.
When our patrons register for our programs, the new website will send automatic reminders two days prior to the event, a time-saver for the staff.
Our existing website is three years old and in need of updating. In addition, the library’s demand for round-the-clock technical support is not available as it will be through the EBSCO/Stacks collaboration.
Writing Contest Begins June 1
The upcoming Writing Contest for area adults 18 and up was announced in The O’Fallon Progress as well. 
Entries may be poems, essays, or short stories on any theme and limited to 15 typed pages (double-spaced) or the handwritten equivalent.
Entries must be original, previously unpublished, and legible. By entering, the writer agrees to the library printing his or her entry for contest purposes. Writers also agree to participate in photos and news releases regarding the contest.
Winners will be chosen by a panel of judges looking for how well the writer gets his or her point across, originality, and overall appeal.
Awards
Four cash prizes will be awarded:
- Best Overall Entry: $100
- Best Short Story: $50
- Best Poem: $50
- Best Essay: $50
Note: The winner of “Best overall Entry” is exempt from winning a best in category prize. In that case, the second place entry will win the category prize.
How to enter
Entries may be submitted by email, through the mail, or dropped off at the library. Each entry should carry the phone number and home address of the author on the title page only.
Email entries to Ryan Johnson, assistant director, at ryan@ofpl.info. Or, mail your submission to: O’Fallon Public Library, Attn: Ryan Johnson, 120 Civic Plaza, O’Fallon, IL 62269. Entries may also be turned in to any library staff person during regular business hours.
Be sure your contact information is included and that your entry is in a sealed envelope.
Submissions begin June 1 and end Aug. 1 at midnight. Winners will be announced Aug. 21.
If you have any questions, please contact Ryan Johnson at 618-632-3783, ext. 1 or ryan@ofpl.info.
The O'Fallon Public Library News 