2024 Issues
December 2024 – Cast your vote for ORLA’s Best Books of 2024 and help crown this year’s favorites. Celebrate the season with festive holiday events across all three library branches, and get the latest updates on Oil City Library’s exciting theater renovation project. As always, find book reviews, upcoming events, featured resources & more in this month’s newsletter.
November 2024 – Discover a handpicked list of new romance reads to cozy up with, learn about our new hours at the Cooperstown Public Library, and get ready for holiday library events perfect for all ages. Plus, join readers across the globe in the Big Library Read! As always, find book reviews, upcoming events, featured resources & more in this month’s newsletter.
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.
2023 Issues
January 2023 – THE RESULTS ARE IN! Discover the best books of 2022 (as voted by you!), as well as the details about ORLA’s 3rd annual Winter of Reading, in this month’s issue!
February 2023 – THE INCLUSION LIBRARY is a collection of games, sports and outdoor equipment that was developed by The Arc of Clarion and Venango Counties Inc. in collaboration with the Oil Region Library Association. The purpose of the library is to afford everyone with the opportunity to be fully included in the community through activities that promote access, diversity and belonging. Learn more about this exciting new partnership, as well as upcoming events & programs at your library, in this month’s issue!
March 2023 – WE’RE PROUD AND HONORED to be named the Venango Area Chamber of Commerce’s 2022 Partner in Business of the Year! We also have some exciting news about new youth programs to share this month, like the new Adulting 101 program at Franklin and the return of Full STEAM Ahead at Oil City! Learn more about our Chamber recognition, as well as upcoming events & programs at your library, in this month’s issue!
April 2023 – WHO IS COLLEEN HOOVER & WHY IS SHE SUDDENLY EVERYWHERE? You’ve most likely heard her name at some point. She has risen to book-fame incredibly quickly, & we’ve compiled a list of read-alikes for those who can’t get enough of her! There’s also information in this issue about supporting your library through the Founder’s Fund, a fundraiser we launched last year to preserve Oil Region library services. Learn more about Colleen Hoover’s rise to book-fame, as well as upcoming events & programs at your library, in this month’s issue!
May 2023 – This May, we’re excited to share the ways we’re growing – many of which directly involve YOU! The Oil City Library is collecting seeds for a Seed Swap program launching in 2024. We’re expanding our book delivery services to more areas in Venango County. We’re adding more items to our collections, like gardening tools! Learn more about the ways your library is growing, as well as upcoming events & programs at your library, in this month’s issue!
June 2023 – Summer is just about here! The Oil Region Libraries have an exciting Summer program coming up for all ages that’s full of crafting, exploding art, food science and other STEAM activities. Learn more about this year’s Summer @ Your ORLA Library, as well as upcoming events & programs, in this month’s issue!
July 2023 – Fight for your right to read! Public libraries play a crucial role in advocating for the freedom to read and upholding its significance in today’s society. We invite you to join us in this fight & challenge yourself to read outside of your comfort zone. Read a banned book. Read something you normally wouldn’t. As the wise author Isaac Asimov once said, “Any book worth banning is a book worth reading”. Learn more about how libraries help protect your freedom to read, as well as upcoming events & programs, in this month’s issue!
August 2023 – Deaf representation in literature has seen significant growth and recognition in recent years. Authors have embraced the importance of authentic representation, crafting narratives that delve into the Deaf experience, highlighting their unique perspectives, culture, and language. This month, we’ve picked out some great reads for you that highlight & inform about the Deaf experience. Learn more about upcoming events & programs in this month’s issue too!
September 2023 – Fall is on its way & we’re gearing up for some new events, programs &, of course, some great new books! 🍂🍁 This month, we’ve picked out some great reads for you that are sure to put you in the mood for fall. Learn more about upcoming events & programs in this month’s issue too!
October 2023 – Spooky season is upon us! 👻 That also means one of the area’s largest festivals is, too – APPLEFEST! 🍎 Join in on the Applefest fun with the Franklin Public Library during October, as well as some other seasonal programs & workshops at your library that are sure to be fun for all. This month, we’ve got some FANG-tastic vampire reads picked out for you, as well as a Fall Reading Challenge that’s perfect for the Autumn season!
November 2023 – In an era dominated by digital resources & endless online cooking tutorials, there’s still something charming & valuable about flipping through the pages of a physical cookbook borrowed from your local library. Just in time for the holidays, we explore several reasons why library cookbooks can actually make your life a whole lot easier, too. We’ve also got some exciting news about upcoming holiday programs & events, as well as book reviews from some amazing 3rd graders!
December 2023 – 📚🎄❄️ Get ready for a cozy winter wonderland at your library! ❄️🎄📚Take a break from the chilly weather and dive into some heartwarming winter reads, specially curated for this issue. Explore the enchanting world of books as you discover the Best Books of 2023 — don’t miss out on the chance to cast your vote and have your say! ✨📖 Exciting workshops and programs are also on the horizon, tailored to spark creativity and inspire learning. Stay tuned for all the amazing happenings this season! 🌟
2022 Issues
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!
December 2022 – BOOKS ON WHEELS is an exciting new program designed by our Youth Services Coordinator, Annie Welsh. Learn more about how ORLA is partnering with local Elementary Schools to provide access to new & diverse books in this month’s issue!
2021 Issues
January 2021 – Last year may have been a complete dumpster fire, but we’ve picked out the best bookish parts for you to start out 2021 with some fresh reads! We’ll also be detailing some specific new service changes & a Winter Coding Contest!
February 2021 – This month, we celebrate Black History Month by highlighting Black excellence in literature & exploring the importance of supporting Black creators and Black-owned businesses.
March 2021 – We’re focusing on sustainability & buying local this month, featuring an interview with Core Goods Co-Owner Ashley Sheffer, along with some recommended reading & tips to get you started on an amazing sustainability journey!
April 2021 – National Library Week is this month, & this year we think it’s important to explore an important initiative: Libraries Are For Everyone. Find out what this really means, plus get a sneak peek at Summer @ Your ORLA Library 2021!
May 2021 – Oil Region Libraries are celebrating a special anniversary this year! You don’t want to miss this issue, especially if you love history. Can you believe we’ve been around for 150 years?!
June 2021 – We’re here to give you all the details about Summer @ Your ORLA Library (formerly known as “SummerQuest” or “Summer Reading”) this month & we hope you’ll join in on all the fun this Summer. Plus, there’s some pretty cool prizes up for grabs…
July 2021 – July is HERE! This month, we’re discussing the puzzling disappearance of one of the most famous authors of all time, nearly 100 years ago! You’ll also get the inside scoop on Pennsylvania’s new Library of Accessible Media & a brand new Festival debuting at the Oil City Library next month!
August 2021 – Can you believe it’s already August? Our Summer Programs may be wrapping up, but new programs are on the way! Get the latest on new programs and workshops in this issue, as well as some exciting updates at Franklin Public Library and ORLA’s first Oil Region Festival of the Book!
September 2021 – Fall is in the air and we’ve got some exciting things coming your way! ORLA libraries are going fine-free. Yes, fine-free! Learn more about this important step we’re taking, as well as some amazing fall events & workshops, by reading this month’s issue!
October 2021 – WHY IS IT SO FUN TO READ SCARY THINGS? Maybe we’ll never really know, but in the meantime we’ve jam-packed this issue with a ton of them for you to read if you agree! Learn more about fall library events & workshops, enjoy our staff reviewing some of the worst books they’ve ever read, and more by reading this month’s issue!
November 2021 – November is Native American Heritage Month! We’re highlighting & celebrating Native American Heritage with a booklist packed with Indigenous stories, authors & perspectives. Learn more about upcoming holiday events & workshops, our new Museum Pass Partner Program, new youth programs, and more by reading this month’s issue!
December 2021 – Contrary to popular belief, superheroes & villains aren’t all that graphic novels have to offer. Graphic novels are read by all ages & cover a plethora of topics. For December, we’re highlighting some of our favorite graphic novels, as well as several ‘Holiday Happenings’ going on this month! You can also vote for the Best Books of 2021 & support the Oil Region Libraries during our annual appeal.
2020 Issues
January 2020 – Marking the end of a decade (& the beginning of a new one!), ORLA’s first issue highlights the top books of the decade, new staff & programs, & a new feature that makes renewing your items so much easier.
February 2020 – ‘Love Your Library’ Month is here & we want to know why YOU love YOUR library! Plus, learn how you can show your love for libraries this month by eating out at a local restaurant.
March 2020 – ORLA is once again participating in BBCF’s annual Week of Giving! In this issue, we answer the questions: What is the Week of Giving? What can ORLA do with your support? How can you support your libraries during the Week of Giving?
April 2020 – Oil Region Libraries may be closed, but we’re still here for you. In this issue, learn how you can use your library during a closure & how you can help to limit the spread of COVID-19. Plus, the Week of Giving results are in!
May 2020 – Discover new ways to use your library from home & get up to speed on recent changes to upcoming voting procedures & the 2020 U.S. Census.
June 2020 – Library services are starting to look a little different. In this issue, we fill you in on everything you need to know about the “new normal” at your library & some very important announcements about SummerQuest!
July 2020 – Welcome back! The Oil Region Libraries lay out their reopening plans & service changes in order to keep you safe & informed. We also share some of your SummerQuest creations & announce our new, shared website.
August 2020 – Celebrate International Women’s Day with our list of fierce, female authors of the 21st century. Plus, we introduce new virtual programs you won’t want to miss!
September 2020 – The spotlight this month is on Banned Books Week! In this issue, we take a closer look at some of our favorite challenged books, as well as exploring what it means to ‘Stand Up For Libraries’.
October 2020 – We’re celebrating all things “horror” during this spooky month, as well as the return of in-person programming at all ORLA locations!
November 2020 – Did you know that children’s picture books, on average, contain 50% more rare words than primetime television or college student conversations? This month, we explore the ‘Power of Picture Books’ with some great recommendations from our Youth Services Coordinator, as well as 2 new digitally available resources & an Amateur Photography Contest!
December 2020 – Snow got you gloomy? Participate in ORLA’s new Winter Reading Challenge for all ages! Plus, we give you all the details on how to support your library this year with ORLA’s 2nd Annual Appeal.