This article was originally featured in the October 13, 2021 O’Fallon Weekly. Teri Rankin, Youth Manager at the O’Fallon Public Library shares some current library news.

Libraries…the final public frontier. I can feel my heart swell with pride as I hear William Shatner uttering these words about our hallowed halls of information! Although Shatner has never been a library advocate (that I know of) I always get so excited when I hear a celebrity or a famous author talking about how important a public library has been to their work and wellbeing. I always read the acknowledgements at the end of a book because many times a librarian or library is singled out for the outstanding contribution provided during the creation of the book.

Free Meeting Spaces

Maybe I am preaching to the choir because many readers (like you) are also library users. But did you know we have quiet spaces for study or small group conferencing? You may schedule a two-hour time via our website by going to the homepage or clicking here: https://ofplrooms.youcanbook.me/ There is no charge for using these spaces and they are open to the public.

We Have a Winner

During the month of September, the Youth Services Department sponsored a Design a Library Card Contest. We received 36 fantastic entries. A panel of judges comprised of library staff and community members selected 3 top designs and a winner was chosen based on those selections.

We are proud to announce that 2nd grader, Abigail L, designed the winning entry. Abigail’s design will be featured on the children’s library card for the next year. We look forward to presenting the new library card soon.

Creative Opportunity for the Next Generation

This month our kids’ maker cart is open every Thursday. Come and collect a foam pumpkin and fun embellishments to adorn it with. We are asking that you collect one pumpkin per child for October. We will have a new Thursday maker craft available each month.

Adult Programming Thrills and Chills

On Wednesday, October 20, at 6:30 PM, local paranormal investigator, Luke Nailborski will present ghost stories and tell of memorable experiences he has had exploring the supernatural realm. Luke will have copies of his books available for purchase after the presentation. Seating is limited due to Covid so make your reservations today at: https://ofpl.info/events/stories-ghost-hunting-luke-naliborski

All for Teens

We are so pleased to offer Teen Tuesdays for young people (13-17-yearsold). The library will have Anime Club on the 3rd Tuesday of each month. We will explore anime in different ways – watch favorite videos, learn to draw anime, preview new graphic novels and manga, learn about Japanese culture, and more. Join us for the Fiction Addiction Book Club on the 4th Tuesday of each month. Bring any book you have read recently to share with the group. We will talk about our books, play a game or two and have a drawing for a prize at the end of the night. Register for these events via our event calendar a https://ofpl.info/calendar

Last, but Not Least

Don’t forget about our MEGA book sale taking place October 28 – 31. You will find some amazingly great books! It’s scary how good this sale will be! Insider tip: the first two days we will have a box sale, only $20 for all the books you can fit in a box the library will provide.

We’ll see you there.

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