Our fearless Director, Molly Scanlan, wrote this week’s column for the O’Fallon Weekly and reminds parents of the free tutoring provided here by dedicated SIUE students.  Molly wrote:

Robert is especially dedicated to helping children learn to excel.  According to a hand-written letter from a fourth grader who was failing his math class, “Mr. Robert showed me a simple way and now I have improved to a higher grade.  Thank you so much for your tutor program and Mr. Robert.”

America ReadsThe program is a partnership between America Reads, SIUE, and the Library, Molly wrote, and it really shows OFPL’s important support of the educational system.

“We are not just about books and bubble walls.  The Library does not charge for this program and fills the gap for children who often cannot afford to hire a tutor for extra help,” Molly wrote.

It’s not too late to sign up for this invaluable service.  Thirty-minute sessions are available six days a week.  Time slots fill up quickly, so be sure to act soon.  To make an appointment for students in grades K-8, call the Youth Services Department at 618-632-3783, ext. 2. 

Sessions are:

  • Mondays – Thursdays from 4 pm to 8 pm
  • Saturdays from 9 am to 4 pm
  • Sundays from 1 pm to 5 pmdogs

Molly also wrote about the well-attended event, “A New Birth of Freedom,” celebrating Abraham Lincoln’s birthday.  Close to 100 people enjoyed the performance by Kevin Wood that included stories from Lincoln’s life and time for questions.  We know it’s a special event when the Fun and Furry therapy dogs are on hand and dressed for the occasion.

artist trading cardsDoes your teenager LOVE art?  Molly asks.  The Library is offering Make Your Own Artist Trading Cards for 12-15-year-old students on the second Saturday of each month, through May.  Teens can make their own artist trading cards to give out to friends or trade with other artists.  We will have the supplies, you bring the creativity.  The workshops are facilitated by local artist, Elizabeth Rothera.

If you’ve been hoping for a chance to chat with Molly, she will be available on Wednesday, March 14, between 3-5 pm.  You can find her at a table in the vending area.  Since the remodel, Molly said her office is no longer visible from the main library and she hopes to connect with patrons on a more regular basis.

Another innovative program Molly discussed is Practical Video Strategies For Small Business Owners and Real Estate Agents, Monday, March 12, at 1 pm.

“The Video Marketing Revolution is upon us. It is dominating all other forms of marketing and advertising and is quickly becoming an essential part of any solid engagement, awareness or advocacy strategy. According to Comscore, adding a video to your website can increase the chance of a front page google result by more than 50 times. Mark Zuckerberg has said that within five years Facebook will be mostly video, and according to a recent poll real estate listings with videos are said to receive 403% more inquiries than those without. The same poll showed that 73% of homeowners would be more likely to list with an agent who uses video to market their home. Yes, those are staggering numbers! And yes …  it is time to learn how to create your own marketing videos! If you’re a small business owner or real estate agent, realtor or broker join us for this timely and in-depth 90-minute look at the world video marketing today and discover how you can not only survive … but thrive in it as well.”  To register, click here.

These are just a few of the many events here at the Library.  Be sure to check out website calendar to discover the wide range of activities for children, teens, adults, and families.

As always, you can read Library News & Notes in the next edition of the O’Fallon Weekly on newsstands and online each Wednesday.

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