ORLA Newsletter
The ORLA Newsletter is your guide to staying informed about what’s happening at your libraries. Subscribe today to receive a curated summary of upcoming events & programs, news, featured articles, & more in your email inbox every month, or pick up a print version of the current issue at any 3 locations!
Past Issues
October 2024 – As the crisp autumn air settles in, there’s nothing better than curling up with a cozy mystery that combines charm, intrigue & a dash of suspense. Enjoy our cozy recommendations, as well as news about new staff, improvements at the Cooperstown branch & the merging of Venango and Clarion Library catalogs! As always, find book reviews, upcoming events, featured resources & more in this month’s newsletter.
September 2024 – STAND WITH THE BANNED for Banned Books Week this month! We’ve featured the top 10 most challenged books of 2023 for you to review & read yourself. Don’t miss Franklin’s popular Quilt-A-Thon this month, as well as the return of Adult Craft Club at BOTH Franklin & Oil City Libraries! As always, find book reviews, upcoming events, featured resources & more in this month’s newsletter.
August 2024 – Dive into our curated list of spine-chilling reads for those who just can’t wait until October. Don’t miss out on upcoming events, including a Ukrainian Batik Eggshell program, an Oral Heath & Herbs program, and a Pokémon Card Tournament where teens can show off their skills and catch ’em all! Additionally, take note of the new service hours for Franklin and Oil City libraries. As summer comes to a close, we look back on our Summer @ Your ORLA Library program and look forward to a new cycle of Teen Reading Lounge (TRL)! As always, find book reviews, upcoming events, featured resources & more in this month’s newsletter.
July 2024 – Dive into the world of dragons, aliens & talking animals with our Science Fiction Fantasy picks this month! July is a busy month at your library – we’re stacked with free, community programs, such as Touch-A-Truck, a poetry reading, a cookie-decorating class, a Palestinian song program & more. As always, find book reviews, upcoming workshops, featured resources & more in this month’s newsletter!
June 2024 – Adventure begins at your library with our annual Summer Program. ✨ Starting this month, you can track your reading, attend library programs & complete activities themed around the National Parks to win awesome prizes! Also, learn more about a new music streaming service available to library users. As always, find book reviews, upcoming workshops, featured resources & more in this month’s newsletter!
May 2024 – This month, we have exciting news about the Oil City Library’s theater project, as well as the addition of seed libraries at Franklin & Cooperstown locations! We’re also giving you more details about new library programs & our annual Summer @ Your ORLA Library program. Kickstart your personal growth journey with our list of self-help books that will inspire & motivate you. As always, find book reviews, upcoming workshops, featured resources & more in this month’s newsletter!
April 2024 – This month, we invite you to support our Founders Fund campaign, a vital fundraiser dedicated to the preservation & enhancement of Oil Region Library Services. Additionally, get ready to immerse yourself in the world of music with the upcoming launch of a new digital resource that promises to elevate your listening experience! Don’t forget to participate in our Spring & Star Wars basket raffles at our Franklin & Oil City locations, offering fantastic prizes while contributing to our mission. As we anticipate the upcoming total solar eclipse, be sure to check out our ‘Celestial Stories’ book list curated to celebrate this celestial event through literature & imagination. We’re also excited to welcome a new staff member to our team at the Franklin Public Library, as well as a new ORLA board member.
March 2024 – 💥FEMALE AUTHORS WHO ARE TOPPING THE CHARTS💥 We’re excited to shine a spotlight on some remarkable women whose works have recently captivated readers worldwide. Additionally, don’t miss out on exciting updates, including details about the upcoming Teen Eggvent, the area’s first Egg Hunt for teens! Discover your green thumb with the launch of Oil City Library’s new Seed Library, learn about Franklin Public Library’s new sensory bins, and unleash your creativity with Drawing Lessons at the Oil City Library. These are just a few highlights awaiting you in this edition!
February 2024 – First up, get ready to rock as the Oil City Library hosts an upcoming concert that’s sure to be a hit. If you’re more into quiet creativity, check out our art-themed book list for a cozy read. The Adult Craft Club is gearing up for a Spring comeback, offering a chance to unwind with some hands-on projects. And for those who enjoy a laid-back evening, join us for a craft night at the Cooperstown Library. There’s something for everyone this month, so mark your calendars and come be a part of the community spirit at your library.
January 2024 – We’re excited to unveil the literary treasures that captivated our readers throughout the year—join us as we reveal the Best Books of 2023, a curated selection voted on by YOU! Additionally, gear up for some jigsaw puzzle fun with details about the upcoming Puzzle Challenge in Oil City this month. Mark your calendars for the Franklin Public Library’s Bunco Party, a social gathering that combines luck, laughter & lunch! And don’t miss out on the 4th Annual Winter of Reading, a reading challenge for all ages.