Susan from our Adult Services team shares what’s currently happening at the library. This was printed in the November 17, 2021 edition of the O’Fallon Weekly.

Thursday nights in Adult Services usually buzz with the frenetic must-do-energy of folks trying to meet
Friday deadlines. But, this most recent Thursday was Veterans Day, and the computer area was slow and
emptied out early. That provided the rare opportunity to have a lengthy conversation with one of our regular patrons who must remain anonymous since I don’t know his name.

He let me read part of an email he wrote to a friend. He was exhilarated after biking Hesse Trail and poetically described his excursion. At a certain point, he said the terrain dipped, and the leaf-covered trail dropped into a small, cool valley. The low angle of afternoon sun hit the leaves at their full expression of color, and he said it reminded him a bit of Brigadoon. (BTW: O’Fallon library patrons can request Brigadoon starring Gene Kelly and Cyd Charisse.)

We also talked about jazz a bit. He explained that he’d listened to John Coltrane’s A Love Supreme before, but his mind was blown when he heard an extended version on public radio, aka A Love Supreme: Live in Seattle. Naturally, I listened to it when I got home – thanks to Alexa – and have to concur with the recommendation. I couldn’t think of it in the moment, but I’d like to make a counter-recommendation. The jazz collaboration between Tony Bennett and Bill Evans offers a peaceful contrast and gives the
listener an opportunity for mindful reflection.

A moment of gratitude helps as the happy-madness of the season pushes against our many responsibilities.

Fortunately, we have many reasons to be thankful. O’Fallon Library cardholders have had overdue
fines forgiven since April 1. Yea! Faxing and scanning are now free for all patrons. And, drumroll please! The Hub is re-opening this week for 13-18-year-olds. It will take more time to update the PCs, but the goal is that computers will be ready Dec. 1.

Speaking of young people, we are also grateful we have Hot Spots for students available as well as free
tutoring. Just ask the folks in Youth Services for more information.

Remember O’Fallon Public Library will be closed Thursday and Friday, November 25-26, in
celebration of Thanksgiving. We will reopen, Saturday, NOV 27, at 9:00am.

As always, happy reading & listening, Susan C.