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So far Olney Library Staff has created 27 blog entries.

Spark at the Olney Library: 4-H program on Straw Rockets

2021-09-30T16:13:40-06:00

March 24th 2022

What ignites your child? Here is a chance to allow them to explore and create something new each month, helping them find their spark. Monthly free classes will be held at the Olney Public Library and led by a University of Illinois Extension educator. Classes will begin at 4 p.m. and end at 5 p.m. Students 2nd grade and older are eligible. Class size is limited so sign up today!

Straw Rockets – Building a soda straw rocket is an excellent opportunity for students to practice the engineering design process. This activity provides students with a template that creates a rocket that can be launched from a soda straw.

Spark at the Olney Library: 4-H program on Straw Rockets2021-09-30T16:13:40-06:00

Spark at the Olney Library: 4-H program on Wind Energy

2021-09-30T17:02:05-06:00

April 21st 2022

What ignites your child? Here is a chance to allow them to explore and create something new each month, helping them
find their spark. Monthly free classes will be held at the Olney Public Library and led by a University of Illinois Extension
educator. Classes will begin at 4 p.m. and end at 5 p.m. Students 2nd grade and older are eligible. Class size is limited so
sign up today!

Wind Energy – Do you know the wind is a source of energy? In this activity, you will build a pinwheel wind turbine and
harness the power of the wind.

Spark at the Olney Library: 4-H program on Wind Energy2021-09-30T17:02:05-06:00

Spark at the Olney Library: 4-H program on Creating a Lightning Bug

2021-09-30T17:01:35-06:00

May 26th 2022

What ignites your child? Here is a chance to allow them to explore and create something new each month, helping them
find their spark. Monthly free classes will be held at the Olney Public Library and led by a University of Illinois Extension
educator. Classes will begin at 4 p.m. and end at 5 p.m. Students 2nd grade and older are eligible. Class size is limited so
sign up today!
Create a Lightning Bug – Have you ever wanted to make a cute lightning bug stay on a stick? Now you can with a simple
circuit and a popsicle stick!

Spark at the Olney Library: 4-H program on Creating a Lightning Bug2021-09-30T17:01:35-06:00

Full Steam Ahead Kid’s Science Videos

2021-12-30T15:31:12-06:00

Full Steam Ahead Video Series Fall 2021 by Checkers Library TV

Full Steam Ahead Fall Videos

Weekly Episodes Will Be Added During This Fall

Checkers Library TV presents The Reading Road Trip: Full STEAM Ahead, a weekly 12 minute television show aimed at providing entertainment for children and illustrating the benefits of reading in a fun and exciting way. Library patrons can find these episodes on this page each week. This Fall, Checkers and his vacuum robot sidekick Snoozer head off on a reading road trip where they will explore the vast world of STEAM and visit a new location each week. The 16-episode series will feature many unique STEAM concepts such as 3d printing, dinosaurs, and many more exciting features that will keep kids on the edge of their seats. Along the way, the episodes will feature health tips from Dr. Dan, crafts and activities with Mrs. Hamilton, book recommendations, science experiments, and much more.

#1 Full Steam Ahead Fall Video Series – The secret of a dinosaur egg.

#2 Full Steam Ahead Fall Video Series – 3D Printing.

#3 Full Steam Ahead Fall Video Series – Vegetables.

#4 Full Steam Ahead Fall Video Series – Science Experiments.

#5 Full Steam Ahead Fall Video Series – Fire Safety Week.

#6 Full Steam Ahead Fall Video Series – Outer Space.

#7 Full Steam Ahead Fall Video Series – Music.

#8 Full Steam Ahead Fall Video Series – Halloween Special.

#9 Full Steam Ahead Fall Video Series – Disabilities & Illnesses.

#10 Full Steam Ahead Fall Video Series – Superheroes.

#11 Full Steam Ahead Fall Video Series – Going to the doctor.

#12 Full Steam Ahead Fall Video Series – Thanksgiving.

#13 Full Steam Ahead Fall Video Series – Ready Set Go – Exercise

#14 Full Steam Ahead Fall Video Series – Winter Wonderland

#15 Full Steam Ahead Fall Video Series – Roll the Dice – Games

#16 Full Steam Ahead Fall Video Series – The Holidays

#17 Full Steam Ahead Fall Video Series – New Years

Activity Sheets

Click to download the weekly activity sheets. 

The Reading Road Trip: Full Steam Ahead

Picture of download samples

Full Steam Ahead Kid’s Science Videos2021-12-30T15:31:12-06:00

Hoopla

2020-06-04T11:50:08-06:00

Your Library at your fingertips.
Anytime. Anywhere.

Hoopla is a groundbreaking digital media service offered by our library that allows you to borrow movies, music, audiobooks, ebooks, comics and TV shows to enjoy on your computer, tablet, or phone – and even your TV! With no waiting, titles can be streamed immediately, or downloaded to phones or tablets for offline enjoyment later. They have hundreds of thousands of titles to choose from, with more being added daily. hoopla is like having our  library at your fingertips. Anytime. Anywhere.

HOOPLA DIGITAL BOOKS MUSIC AND MORE

Hoopla basics

  • Service allows check out of ebooks, audiobooks, movies, music and comics.
  • You can stream titles or download them to your device.
  • There’s no waiting for your titles and the titles are available 24/7.
  • Check out up to 6 items per month.
  • Parents are responsible for monitoring use by minors. There are no limitations on use for minor’s library cards. However, there is a KIDS button within the app/site.
  • Available to Olney Public Library cardholders.
GET STARTED NOW

SIGN UP FOR HOOPLA

Will it work with my device?

*Please note that KindleFire HDX content may not be available for download, but could be available in streaming format.  

Product instructions

  • To get started, create a Hoopla account. Start at the Hoopla Digital homepage and click “Get Started Today”.
  • Enter your information in required fields and tap Agree.
  • Browse titles to check out.

Product help

Questions? Ask us.

Olney Public Library
618-392-3711
brittany@olneypubliclibrary.org

Hoopla2020-06-04T11:50:08-06:00

Reading Colors Your World Summer Reading Program

2021-05-26T14:59:44-06:00
Reading Colors Your World Image of Crayon People Dancing

Summer Reading Program Details

What to know.

  • REGISTER: Registration Starts at the Library on May 24th.
  • STORY TIME: Every Wednesday at 2pm.
  • DETAILED SCHEDULES: More details of our schedule will be given to you at registration.

Questions?

If you have any questions we are here. Give us a call at 618-392-3711 

What is this years program?

The staff of the Olney Public Library is busy planning activities for their summer reading program– “Reading Colors Your World!” The program will include story times on Wednesday afternoons at 2:00pm, reading challenges, crafts, professional performers, and more.  This year we will alternate each week with a take home craft or take-home story.  This means that kiddos will be taking home crafts and books of their own to keep this year depending on the week!

The story time sessions are divided into three different age groups for stories and crafts. They are toddler-preschool, kindergarten-second grade, and third grade-seventh grade.

Young adults and adults are going to be challenged to read this summer with a Book Bingo contest. Game cards may be picked up at the library starting May 24th.  Participants in these contests will have a chance to win great prizes and gift cards.

Registration for the children’s reading challenge begins Monday, May 24th. You will need to pick up reading logs and information sheets when
you register at the library.  Our program will kick off Wednesday, June 2nd at 2:00pm with our first story time and take-home crafts!

For more information contact the library at 618-392-3711 .

Reading Colors Your World Summer Reading Program2021-05-26T14:59:44-06:00

February ’20 Board Meeting Minutes

2020-03-17T16:02:05-06:00
Board Meeting Minutes

OLNEY PUBLIC LIBRARY

BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING

February 11, 2020

      1. Call to Order – Roll Call
        The monthly meeting of the Olney Public Library Board of Trustees was called to order by Julia Eichhorst, February 11, 2020 at 5:35pm.
        Present – Board members present: Julia Eichhorst, Crystal Trout, Sarah Britton, Julie Hill, Marie Riggs and Herman Zuber
        Absent – Board member absent: Sheila Ritter and Dan Zuber
        Others Present – Brittany Bass, Library Director and Lisa Boehl, Bookkeeper
      2. Recognition of Visitors and Public Comments
        N/A
      3. Secretary’s Report and Approval of Previous Minutes
        The minutes of the January 15, 2020 meeting were reviewed. Herman Zuber made a motion to approve the minutes with the correction. Sarah Britton seconded the motion. Measure carried.
      4. Treasurer’s Report & Approval of Bills Payable
        The January 2020 treasurer’s reports and bills payable were reviewed. Sarah Britton made a motion to approve the report and payables. Herman Zuber seconded the motion. Measure carried.
      5. Committee Reports
        Finance Committee –No report
        Personnel Committee –The committee met today at 4:15 and discussed changes to the personnel policy manual. Brittany is going to do some research and make suggested changes to the policy. Policy with changes will be presented at the March meeting for review and approval. The committee also discussed Brittany’s ongoing evaluation which will be covered in new business.
        Policy/Bylaws Committee-No report
        Building/Grounds Committee- No report
        Public Relations/Marketing Committee-No report
        Technology Committee-No report
        Planning Committee-No report
      6. Friends of the Library–The two book clubs are meeting. The Friends group is meeting in March, but the scheduled date was not known.
      7. Librarian’s Report
        Brittany Bass presented a thorough written report to the trustees.
      8. Correspondence/Communication/Public Relations – The library received their annual certificate of status from the Chief County Assessment Officer which needs to be signed by Julia Eichhorst and returned to the Assessor’s office.
      9. Old Business
        New Board Members – The mayor has appointed Julie Hill and Beverly Loomis as trustees. They will be officially sworn in at the next meeting by the city clerk. Julia Eichhorst will distribute new committee assignments at the next meeting.Sick Time Policy – The personnel committee reviewed sick time as well as other policies at their meeting, and recommended changes will be given to the board at the March meeting for approval.
      10. New Business
        Butler Street Sign – Brittany presented quotes from Scheutz and Designforce for Butler Street entrance signs. A motion was made by Crystal Trout to approve the steel sign bid from Designforce. Sarah Britton seconded the motion. Motion carried. The board is going to consider lighting for the sign at a future date.Director’s Evaluation – Herman Zuber distributed copies of Brittany’s Self-Review Form and the Director Evaluation Summation Form. Trustees should complete the evaluation form and return it to Herman Zuber at the March meeting to be compiled by the personnel committee.

        Salaries/Raises – Brittany presented the trustees with information regarding minimum wage increases which will affect the 2020-2021 budget as she is currently working to create a budget to submit to the board. The trustees made recommendations to be included in the budget so she and Lisa Boehl can move forward with the process.

      11. Executive Session – N/A
      12. Adjournment – Sarah Britton made a motion to adjourn. Marie Riggs seconded the motion. Measure carried. Meeting was adjourned at 6:30pm.

    Minutes submitted by Crystal Trout

February ’20 Board Meeting Minutes2020-03-17T16:02:05-06:00

Library Closure Notice 3/16

2020-03-16T17:13:06-06:00

Due to amended recommendations from the Illinois Library Association stating that all library staff stay home as much as possible and to not encourage people to be out any more than they need to be, and the temporary suspension of deliveries from our library system, the Olney Public Library is no longer planning to do curbside pickup. The Library will be closed to the public effective March 17th until (tentatively) March 30th as guided by the Governor and Illinois Library Association. We thank you all for your patience and cooperation during this time. Don’t forget that the Cloud Library app is available 24/7 and the WiFi will be on during what would be normal business hours. We greatly regret the inconveniences this causes.

Library Closure Notice 3/162020-03-16T17:13:06-06:00

October ’19 Board Meeting Minutes

2019-11-21T16:16:03-06:00
Board Meeting Minutes

OLNEY PUBLIC LIBRARY

BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING

October 8, 2019 Minutes

      1. Call to Order – Roll Call
        The monthly meeting of the Olney Public Library Board of Trustees was called to order by Julia Eichhorst, October 8, 2019 at 5:30pm.
        Present – Julia Eichhorst, Sheila Ritter, Crystal Trout, Sarah Britton, Marie Riggs, Dan Zuber, Herman Zuber
        Others Present – Brittany Bass, Library Director and Lisa Boehl, Bookkeeper
      2. Recognition of Visitors and Public Comments
        N/A
      3. Secretary’s Report and Approval of Previous Minutes
        The minutes of the September 10, 2019 meeting were reviewed. Herman Zuber made a motion to approve the minutes. Sheila Ritter seconded the motion. Measure carried.
      4. Treasurer’s Report & Approval of Bills Payable
        The September 2019 treasurer’s report was reviewed. Dan Zuber made a motion to approve the report. Herman Zuber seconded the motion. Motion carried. One additional check was presented for Baker & Taylor for $640.28 for books. Sheila Ritter made a motion to approve the additional payable. Sarah Britton seconded the motion. Motion carried.
      5. Committee Reports
        Finance Committee –No report
        Personnel Committee –No report
        Policy/Bylaws Committee-No report
        Building/Grounds Committee- No report
        Public Relations/Marketing Committee-No report
        Technology Committee-No report
        Planning Committee-No report
      6. Friends of the LibraryFriends of the Library’s book sale is this Friday and Saturday. Eleven volunteers met to sort books today and will meet again tomorrow to finish the project. Brittany shared the write-ups in both the Olney Daily Mail and Olney Gazette about the Friends and the new sign.
      7. Librarian’s Report
        Brittany Bass presented a thorough written report to the trustees.Additionally, Brittany has ordered 50 library yard signs that can be purchased by patrons. The signs are a great marketing piece for the library. The board discussed the multiple programs and author visits that have been taking place at the library which have been extremely well attended.

        Brittany noted that the library will be closed on November 7th so staff members can attend training. Brittany will publish the closure in advance by all available means.

        The lighting around the building has been installed by Scheutz Companies and the new pole lights are on order and will be installed upon arrival.

      8. Correspondence/Communication/Public Relations
        N/A
      9. Old BusinessNew Board Members – Brittany has sent a letter to the mayor regarding our new term limit policy and has also sent him the resignation letters of Charlotte Bruce and Charles Roberts. Brittany asked Mayor Lambird to fill the open positions as soon as possible, and she will follow up with him this week to see if any progress has been made.
      10. New BusinessLong Range Plan Progress Report – Brittany would like our current 5-year plan to include more details. She is going to review the plan with the planning committee and revise to more closely reflect the format of 5-year plans she has researched from other libraries.

        Library Policies and Bylaws – Brittany expressed concern over verbiage in our current personnel manual and is going to research the issue further. Brittany will follow up with the policy/bylaws committee. Brittany noted that there is an HR service that helps libraries write personnel policies, and she is going to check further into that service. Brittany also suggested that the trustees consider paid holidays of OPL be the same as that of Olney City Hall. She is going to research it further and present information at the November meeting.

        Brittany has also been reviewing other policies in the manual and will bring the trustees suggestions as she sees fit.

      11. Executive Session – N/A
      12. Adjournment – Sarah Britton made a motion to adjourn. Meeting was adjourned at 6:10pm.

    Minutes submitted by Crystal Trout

October ’19 Board Meeting Minutes2019-11-21T16:16:03-06:00

September ’19 Board of Trustee Minutes

2019-11-21T16:06:49-06:00
Board Meeting Minutes

OLNEY PUBLIC LIBRARY

BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING

September 10, 2019 Minutes

      1. Call to Order – Roll Call
        The monthly meeting of the Olney Public Library Board of Trustees was called to order by Crystal Trout, September 10, 2019 at 5:33pm. Present – Board members present: Crystal Trout, Marie Riggs, Charles Roberts, Dan Zuber, Herman Zuber.Absent – Board members absent: Sarah Britton, Julia Eichhorst, Sheila Ritter.Others Present – Brittany Bass, Library Director and Lisa Boehl, Bookkeeper
      2. Recognition of Visitors and Public Comments
        N/A
      3. Secretary’s Report and Approval of Previous Minutes
        The minutes of the August 13, 2019 meeting were reviewed. Charles Roberts made a motion to approve the minutes. Dan Zuber seconded the motion. Measure carried.
      4. Treasurer’s Report & Approval of Bills Payable
        The August 2019 treasurer’s report was reviewed. Additional checks presented for Barlow Lock and Security Inc. for $216.00, House of Guitars for $738.97 and The Lyceum Agency for $90.00. Herman Zuber made a motion to approve the report and payables. Charles Roberts seconded the motion. Motion carried.
      5. Committee Reports
        Finance Committee –No reportPersonnel Committee –No reportPolicy/Bylaws Committee-No reportBuilding/Grounds Committee- No report

        Public Relations/Marketing Committee-No report

        Technology Committee-No report

        Planning Committee-No report

      6. Friends of the Library
        Friends of the Library’s next meeting will be September 16th at 5:00 pm at OPL. They will be working on the upcoming book sale to be held October 11-12. Volunteers are needed for book sorting and Brittany has a sign-up sheet.
      7. Librarian’s Report
        Brittany Bass presented a thorough written report to the trustees.
      8. Correspondence/Communication/Public Relations
        Brittany circulated the tax levy report.A letter of resignation (from the board of trustees) was presented/read by Charles Roberts. Mr. Roberts has served on the board for over 20 years and feels positively about the direction of OPL and its leadership.The trustees also acknowledged the receipt of a resignation by email from Charlotte Bruce.
      9. Old Business
        New Board Members – There are now two open trustee positions on the board. Brittany will contact Mayor Lambird to ask for appointments and forward him a list of suggestions that was developed by the nominating committee and presented to the board in July. Additional board members will leave the board in May 2020 in response to the new term limit policy established June 2019. New committee assignments will be established by President Eichhorst when new trustees come onto the board.
      10. New Business
        Building & Grounds – The sign is now up and running.Brittany presented two project bids from Scheutz Companies for upgraded lighting for the library for $2,625.00 to replace lights on the building and $2850.00 to replace the light heads on the poles leading to Main Street.

        Herman Zuber made a motion to accept the bid from Scheutz to install six new LED lights around the outside of the library building for $2,625.00. Marie Riggs seconded the motion. Motion carried. Funds will be used from the Special Reserve Building fund to complete the project.

        Dan Zuber made a motion to accept the bid from Scheutz to replace the heads of the current pole lights that line the library drive coming from Main Street for $2850.00 The new heads will have an auto shut off (dusk to dawn) feature. Herman Zuber seconded the motion. Motion carried. Funds will be used from the Special Reserve Building fund to complete the project.

      11. Executive Session – N/A
      12. Adjournment – Marie Riggs made a motion to adjourn. Meeting was adjourned at 6:27pm

    Minutes submitted by Crystal Trout

September ’19 Board of Trustee Minutes2019-11-21T16:06:49-06:00
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