Welcome to the Dennis M. O'Connor Public Library
THE GREAT AMERICAN COWBOY: FROM ANCIENT EGYPT TO THE PRESENT
In this program, Jim Hodges takes us all the way back to the first recorded images of "cowboys", cattle ranching, cattle drives, and branding. Detailing the trail that led to the Americas, and how we benefit today from ancient teachings. Many are surprised to learn the answers, and enjoy the opportunity to ask questions and join the discussion.
Come meet J.L. "Jim Hodges" a real-life Texas cowboy, author, and historian as he presents this special informative program. Please RSVP by Oct. 11th by calling 361-526-2608.
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LIBRARY OPENS NEW CHAPTER DEBUTING NEW VIBRANT AMBIANCE OF THE LIBRARY
The newly transformed Dennis M. O'Connor Public Library will start a new chapter Monday, Feb. 12, 2024 following completion of a $147,000 transformation project. The renovations were made possible by the Tocker Foundation, the Stillwater Foundation, the M.G. & Lillie A. Johnson Foundation, and the Kathrynn O'Connor Foundation. The library will be back to normal operating hours Monday, Feb. 12th.
There will be much to check out Monday during the reopening. Colors used throughout the project were inspired by the original building, which really adds a vibrant new ambiance to the library. The library includes specific areas designated for children, teens and adults. Additions to the childrens area include: a play kitchen, a discovery activity table, and an interactive touch table with 13 games.
The reopening of the Dennis M. O'Connor Public Library means a revitalized hub for the community. The library is a symbol of our dedication to knowledge, inclusivity, and progress. As a space newly designed for everyone, this transformation project has created a place where people of all ages can learn, collaborate and engage.
"The long-awaited improvements to the library have lived up to our expectations", said Tina McGuill, Library Director.
1,000 BOOKS BEFORE KINDERGARTEN
The Dennis M. O'Connor Public Library is implementing an early literacy program designed to help parents begin the routine of reading to their children daily, to prepare them for kindergarten.
1,000 books does sound like a lot, and that's why it's a great goal to have. It's good to remember that reading just a few books at a time over the 5 years from birth to Kindergarten will get you to that goal. If you read just 10 books each week for 2 years, you'd have read 1,040 books!
This program is free of charge, and is available to all families with children between the ages of birth and six years. Registration can be completed at the library, or online at https://forms.gle/sTdei5HNMTyhpiRu7
Log sheets can be downloaded at the link below, or a mobile app can be used to keep track. Prizes are offered at different milestones throughout the program, as well as at the end when 1,000 books are reached. We also like to post milestones on our social media (with parental permission) to help motivate others to keep working towards their goals.
Click here for Program Instructions
Click here for Spanish Program Instructions
Click here for iPhone mobile app
Click here for Android mobile app
Click here for iPhone and Android mobile app instructions
1,000 Books Before Kindergarten is a registered trademark of the 1,000 Books Foundation, and used with permission.
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Browse the library's collection of fiction and non-fiction books, audio books, large print books, magazines and movies. Search by title, author, keyword, series or subject.
LearningExpress Library features nearly 1,000 online tutorials, practice tests, and eBooks to help patrons of all ages. It offers job search and workplace skills improvement, skill building in reading, writing, math and basic science, career certification and licensure exam prep, college and grad school entrance test prep, GED test prep, and more.