In the most recent edition of the O’Fallon Weekly, Youth Services Manager Teri Rankin announced the new Art Club for students in grades 5-8. If your middle school child loves art or sees the world through shades of color and changing perspectives, Teri said this club is just right. Guided projects will be available, or students may bring individual works of their choosing. Want to just visit and draw? That’s fine too! Come and meet other art enthusiasts and get creative on the first and third Wednesdays at 4:30 PM.
“Our Ecology or ECO Club has been gaining momentum since its beginning in early spring 2018,” Teri said. Edward, our resident Science Guy, has planned fun activities to help members appreciate how nature and humans are interconnected. The next ECO Club meets, this Saturday, September 22, at 11:30 AM. Teri said during this family-friendly event, participants will focus on creating a “window garden” and the benefits of growing your own food. We will be creating and painting a self-watering recycled planter. Supplies, soil, and seeds will be provided! Sign up here.
Patrons who can correctly match the most library staff names with their childhood pictures can win two (2!) passes to Marcus Theaters! The contest runs from September 12-October 10. Stop by the library and enter to WIN. Good luck – you’ll need it, Teri cautions.
And speaking of ecology, did you know the library can help you recycle? We take donations of printer cartridges which we turn in to $$$ that allows us to buy several items that have benefitted the Children’s Department, Teri said, such as equipment for story times and a desktop printer for staff use.
“Please bring in your used printer cartridges, but remember, we can’t accept photocopier toner cartridges.” Teri added, “Crayola pays postage for the return of markers to teach kids at schools and libraries about the importance of recycling.” Over the past several years, we have mailed hundreds of markers thanks to patron donations!
Patrons have also donated books and the Friends of the Library Book Sale begins Saturday, September 29, 9am-4pm, and Sunday, September 20, 1-4pm. “We get donations of books almost every day,” Teri said, “and those we do not add to our collection, we offer to you!” Shop from a wide collection of books, DVDs, and CDs. There is something for every age group.
All proceeds of the Book Sale benefit the library as they provide materials and programs that help you and your family learn, grow, and enjoy life. Arrive early for the best selection!
Teri suggests you spend some time in our outdoor gardens. Warm in the morning sun and cool down in the afternoon shade as summer turns to fall. The children’s outdoor space has a table with an umbrella, a giant chess board with chess pieces, and a chalkboard for writing. “The adult area has nice seating to relax and enjoy the day with a beverage or snack from our vending area,” she said.
As always, you can find out more about events and programs at the library by visiting our website and checking out the calendar. And be sure to check out “Library News & Notes” each Wednesday in the O’Fallon Weekly!
The O'Fallon Public Library News 