HomeMy WebLinkAboutOPL highlights September2021 FINALOshkosh Public Library Highlights
September 2021
1. Patrons returning to in-person programs are excited to once again enjoy literacy and learning
experiences with others in the library. Registration is required for family programs to allow for
safe distancing. Some programs are also offering hybrid options - providing Wonderlab and
Adult DIY kits for patrons who prefer to do the activities at home. Staff are sharing information
about our safety practices with attendees and patrons are cooperating with required safety
practices.
2. The library is now the site for COVID-19 vaccination clinics every Tuesday from 9:30 a.m. to
12:30 p.m., under the Dome. No appointment is needed and Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are
available. The clinics are part of a regional vaccination tour offered by public health departments
in Calumet, Outagamie and Winnebago counties and staffed by the Wisconsin Army National
Guard. As of Sept. 21 a total of 84 people have been vaccinated over eight sessions.
3. Teens and tweens came together in the library for their first in-person book club experience
since the beginning of the pandemic. The Welcome Back Party for the Teen and Tween Book
Clubs drew 19 kids to discuss the book Wonder and watch the movie it inspired. The group
enjoyed the film but said they preferred the detail included in the book. The two book clubs will
move forward on the first Friday of every month with new titles selected to encourage lively and
thoughtful discussion.
4. A free subscription service for teens launched at OPL in September, offering personalized boxes
of treats, goodies and specially selected library books based on what each teen likes to read. The
first box featured a pirate theme, with a Halloween Haunts box planned for October. Boxes are
available for pickup on the 15th of every month.
5. The introduction of Teen Book Bundles in September means OPL now offers personalized book
selections for all ages. This new version is for teens or adults who enjoy reading Young Adult
books. The bundles leverage our reader’s advisory expertise and make it easier for readers who
don’t have time to browse to get books from the library.
6. The first Oshkosh Poet Laureate has been selected and was introduced at a recent Oshkosh
Common Council meeting. Thomas Cannon begins his two-year term on Oct. 1 and will promote
poetry through publication, performance, education, workshops and social media. He is an
educator and experienced writer who has helped to plan and been a presenter at the Lakefly
Writer’s Conference. A Nov. 4 reception for Cannon is being planned. OPL is a partner in the
Oshkosh Poet Laureate program along with the City of Oshkosh and Oshkosh Convention and
Visitors Bureau.