October 2025 – Everything is on the line this Election Day. On November 4, 2025, the future of our libraries will be decided at the ballot box. Without a YES vote, doors will close, programs will shrink, & our community will lose vital opportunities for learning & connection. One vote can mean the difference between strong, thriving libraries—or struggling ones. Stand up for your library. Vote YES! As always, find book reviews, upcoming events, featured resources & more in this month’s newsletter.

September 2025 – Join us for the glamorous Gatsby Ball in Oil City Library’s newly renovated historic theater, and learn more about the ongoing referendum campaign to secure dedicated library funding. This month’s featured booklist highlights The Great Gatsby read-alikes perfect for fans of classic elegance and intrigue. Plus, don’t miss fun events like a Swiftie Social, Franklin Library’s annual Quilt-a-Thon, and an inspiring evening of poetry reading. As always, find book reviews, upcoming events, featured resources & more in this month’s newsletter.

August 2025 – Check out our booklist of bestselling titles soon to hit the big screen, and get the latest on the Oil Region Festival of the Book, where local authors and readers come together to celebrate stories. We’re also sharing important updates on the library’s referendum campaign for sustainable funding. Plus, don’t miss our upcoming Pokémon tournament, The Gatsby Ball, and a special community baby shower for growing families! As always, find book reviews, upcoming events, featured resources & more in this month’s newsletter.

June 2025 – Get ready to Color Our World with this year’s Summer @ Your ORLA Library program! Starting this June, you can track your reading, complete fun challenges, and attend exciting weekly programs at your library—all while earning awesome prizes. As always, find book reviews, upcoming events, featured resources & more in this month’s newsletter.

May 2025 – This month, we take time to remember & honor David P. Mayer—longtime Board Chair, daily visitor, & one of our most dedicated supporters—by sharing a selection of his favorite books. Thoughtfully chosen from titles he loved & recommended over the years, this special feature reflects David’s wide-ranging curiosity, deep compassion, & enduring belief in the power of a good story. As always, find book reviews, upcoming events, featured resources & more in this month’s newsletter.

April 2025 – The American West has long been a land of myth and reinvention, and today’s writers are redefining the genre with fresh perspectives, unconventional heroes, and thrilling twists. Discover some genre-bending takes on the frontier in this issue! We’re also excited to tell you about 2 new museum passes that are available to check out with your library card this month. As always, find book reviews, upcoming events, featured resources & more in this month’s newsletter.

March 2025 – Have you ever finished an amazing TV show & wished you could dive even deeper into its world? Well, we’ve got some reading recommendations for your favorite shows this month! Get the latest about staffing changes, new hours at Cooperstown & the upcoming Teen Eggvent! As always, find book reviews, upcoming events, featured resources & more in this month’s newsletter.

February 2025 – The American Library Association (ALA) recently announced its 2025 Youth Media Award Winners, celebrating outstanding contributions in children’s & young adult literature. Check out several winners & honor books available through any ORLA location! We also have several fun events coming up this month that you won’t want to miss, like Valentine’s Day Storytime & a special Dog Man Party! As always, find book reviews, upcoming events, featured resources & more in this month’s newsletter.

January 2025 – It’s time for the annual Puzzle Challenge! Get your team together & race against the clock to put together a 1000-piece puzzle in the fastest time. Also featured this month is information about our new Makerspace at the Oil City Library, changes to Storytime programs & the winners of the Best Books of 2024. As always, find book reviews, upcoming events, featured resources & more in this month’s newsletter.