In this week’s column in the O’Fallon Weekly, Youth Services Manager, Teri Rankin gives several strategies to avoid the lure of Halloween candy.
For instance, come to the Library, Saturday, October 14, at 10:30 AM for Incredible Bats, an educational multimedia presentation that includes an opportunity to see live Egyptian and African Straw-colored Fruit Bats. Children 5-years-old and up will learn about these fascinating animals and how they impact – and are impacted by – the environment.
Teri also reported on the Library’s pumpkin decorating contest. You can pick up a plastic pumpkin from the Adult Services; but if you choose to use a real pumpkin, no carving or puncturing is permitted. You are free to use any non-perishable craft items you choose transform your pumpkin to represent a book or literary figure. Bring in your creative masterpiece between October 15-31 for a chance at winning a prize.
It’s all about pumpkins this time of year, and Teri invited patrons to check out the real pumpkin in the Kid’s Place and guess how much it weighs. Whoever comes closest to the actual weight without going over will win a new children’s Halloween book and the pumpkin.
The STEAM club, Boards and Builds returns October 23 at 4:30 PM. Youth Services Assistant Edward Gillman will introduce science topics and hands-on activities in chemistry, physics, ecology, architecture, art, and strategy games. The club is for kids in 2nd grade and up and meets the 2nd and 4th Monday of each month.
Teri reminds parents that the Library is again partnering with SIUE and the AmericaReads Program to provide tutoring help for students K-8 at not charge. These do require appointments, so call the Youth Services Department 618-632-3783 ext. 2. Sessions are available Monday-Thursday 4-8 PM, Saturday 9 – 4 PM, and Sunday 1-5 PM.
And we give a hearty congratulations to Alison R. who won a tote bag and thermal activated coffee mug by correctly identifying all eight titles in the Banned Book contest: 1. 1984 2. Beloved 3. Huckleberry Finn 4. Catcher in the Rye 5. Fifty Shades of Gray 6. Twilight 7. To Kill a Mockingbird 8. The Great Gatsby.
As always, we are grateful for the O’Fallon Weekly and their support of the Library. Check out the latest edition on newsstands or online.
The O'Fallon Public Library News 