When my kids were younger, we would make many trips to the library to explore topics that the schools just didn’t have the time to fit in to their already overloaded curriculum. My kids would dive into books about science, history, poetry, computers, skateboarding, art, biographies, and so much more. More often than not, I would learn just as much they did. At … Continue reading Non-fiction November
This article, written by OFPL Director Ryan Johnson, was featured in the August 4, 2021 O'Fallon Weekly. Here he shares some thoughts and facts about Romance Novels. A few weeks ago one of my favorite podcasts, 99% Invisible, had an episode all about romance novels. I would have listened to the episode anyway, as I … Continue reading The History of Romance Novels in Library News & Notes
History of Scrapbooking I was recently looking at some of the books the friends of the library had for sale. I came across Scrapbooking Your Favorite Family Memories. This book was published in in 2002, at the height of a renewed scrapbooking movement that started in the early 1990's. As a scrapbooker, who began this … Continue reading Be A Memory Keeper, A Scrapbooking Reader’s Advisory
Rosalind Keith was born on December 6, 1916 in Belleville, Illinois. Little details are known about her private and professional life. However, she starred in several Columbia and Paramount films from 1934-1944. Despite her being adored for her roles in these films, she went on to become a singer after her filming days were done. She … Continue reading Famous Friday- Rosalind Keith of Belleville, IL
On this day in history, Imperial Japan surrendered and brought the Second World War to an end. It has been 75 years since this day occurred. The Second World War lasted almost six years and an estimated 75-85 million people perished worldwide. It is considered the deadliest military conflict in modern history and yet I realize there are so many aspects … Continue reading VJ Day: 75th Anniversary. A Brief History and Reader’s Advisory
Believe it or not, this Beverly Hillbilly was born in nearby Belleville, IL. In 1908, actor Buddy Ebsen was born Christian Ebsen Jr. When Ebsen was young, his family left the area and moved to Florida. During his youth, Ebsen learned to dance, a skill that would soon prove useful in his acting career and … Continue reading Famous Fridays- Buddy Ebsen of Belleville, IL
Who knew a world-renown artist was born in O'Fallon? This week's topic is the artwork and life of Bernie Fuchs. This man became one of America's most notable artists. Bernie Fuchs was born in O'Fallon, Illinois in October 1932, attended O'Fallon Township High School, and enrolled in Washington University. Fuch's main passion was actually music, … Continue reading Famous Friday- Bernie Fuchs of O’Fallon, IL
This week I would like to discuss Joseph W. Schmitt. He was born and raised in O'Fallon, Illinois. Before discovering his career with NASA, he worked at a barber shop in downtown O'Fallon while furthering his high school education and then joined the Army Air Corps. Schmitt's father, Benjamin B. Schmitt of O'Fallon, had been … Continue reading Famous Friday- Joseph W. Schmitt of O’Fallon, IL
Today I would like to discuss William Franklin Beedle Jr. and his lasting legacy in the cinema. Perhaps almost every resident of O’Fallon already knows of his existence. Within the celebrity realm, he was known famously as William Holden. His contribution to Hollywood and the history of O’Fallon is beyond fascinating. As a long term resident of neighboring Breese, I … Continue reading Famous Friday- William Holden of O’Fallon, IL
Find some of the best free fun in the St. Louis Metro area with this handy list with dates, times, and links to events! We've broken it down into 2 categories, Fairs and Festivals and Attractions and Museums so read on to get some new ideas to mark onto your summer calendar or just fill … Continue reading Free Summer Fun in Metro STL, Summer 2018
The O'Fallon Public Library Blog 