January 2022 – ORLA’S BEST BOOKS OF 2021 ARE HERE. The votes are in! 9 of the most-loved books at Oil Region Libraries get their moment this month (and rightfully so – they are pretty amazing!). Learn more about upcoming library events & workshops, the 2nd annual Winter of Reading challenge, returning youth programs, and more by reading this month’s issue!

February 2022 – HAVE YOU EVER HEARD OF A SPACE OPERA? Hint: They’re not about astronauts singing in outer space. You might’ve already read one without actually realizing it’s an entire sub-genre! This month, we highlight some shining stars (no pun intended) in the Space Opera realm of literature, as well as some upcoming events, programs, projects & workshops at Oil Region Libraries.

March 2022 – ON THE HEELS OF BLACK HISTORY MONTH AND FREEDOM TO READ WEEK, it’s important to recognize that the ‘Right to Read’ hasn’t always been free and accessible to many populations in America. This month’s issue sheds light on a very formative component of library history that you may be surprised to learn: the modern book club was largely shaped by marginalized groups in a centuries-long fight for the freedom to read. This month, learn more about the origins of the modern book club, as well as some upcoming events, programs, projects & workshops at Oil Region Libraries.

April 2022 – IN CELEBRATION OF NATIONAL LIBRARY WEEK, we’re kicking off a brand new fundraiser in the absence of The Week of Giving – the Founders Fund. You can also cast your vote to pick your favorite books to be painted on the Oil City Library steps! This issue gives you all the details about how you can help preserve library services for Oil Region Libraries, as well as some upcoming events, programs, & projects at your library!

May 2022 – BLOOM AT YOUR LIBRARY THIS SPRING! Our ‘Paint the Steps’ winners have been picked, as well as the ORLA Teen Poetry Contest winner! This issue gives you a sneak peek at this year’s Summer @ Your ORLA Library program, as well as some upcoming events, workshops, & projects at your library!

June 2022 – SUMMER IS HERE! Lots of renovations have been taking place & we can’t wait to show you how they turned out. There’s also a Designer Purse Bingo this month that you won’t want to miss! This issue gives you all the details for this year’s Summer @ Your ORLA Library program, as well as some upcoming events, workshops, & projects at your library!

July 2022 –  🎶THANK YOU FOR BEIN’ A FRIEND🎶 Joining your library’s Friends group is an awesome way to stay involved & volunteer at your library. Special library events are in full swing now that summer is here – Franklin Public Library introduced a new Community Conversation series & the Oil Heritage festivities are coming up soon! This issue highlights our Friends of the Library groups, as well as some upcoming events, workshops, & projects at your library!

August 2022 – Happy August! Our summer program has come to a close, and school is starting soon. The 2nd Annual Oil Region Festival of the Book is slated for the 27th, and the Cooperstown Library is hosting a painting night! We’ve got a busy month ahead of us & we hope you’ll join us for some fun events. This issue highlights some great Campus Reads, as well as some upcoming events, workshops, & projects at your library!

September 2022 – HAPPY SEPTEMBER! Libraries aren’t just places to read or check out books – they’re also places to CREATE! ORLA locations provide many opportunities for all ages to create something awesome – whether it be at a library program, a take-home activity, or even if you’re just hanging out at the library for a few hours! This issue highlights some exciting opportunities to ✨CREATE✨ at your library, as well as some upcoming events, workshops, & projects!

October 2022 – HAPPY OCTOBER! It sure is starting to feel like fall – A.K.A. Applefest® Book Sale Season! 😊🍎🍂 We have an exciting new fundraiser debuting this month called “Library Lotto” that gives YOU a chance to WIN BIG! This issue puts the spotlight on Diversity Before University, a new reading challenge for teens, as well as some upcoming events, workshops, & projects at your library!

November 2022 – CALLING ALL WRITERS! Writing an entire novel in a month sounds like a lot, but it’s actually quite achievable. November is National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo), so it’s the perfect time to put your skills to the test. This issue offers tips & resources for writers, as well as some upcoming events, workshops, & projects at your library!