Library News

Encore! artist in residence paints Mt. Morris Senior Center fence

The Mt. Morris Senior Center has a new mural thanks to Encore!’s artist in residence, Annie Timmer.

“We are very grateful for the new mural that was painted on our fence,” Director Melissa Nicholson said. “What started out as a brown fence with chipping paint has become a thing of beauty.”

Nicholson said Timmer and seniors worked together to come up with a design.

“After the seniors painted the background of the fence, Annie took over. She used many different volunteers from Encore! and from the community to complete her vision of large flowers,” Nicholson said. “Annie even used pictures of flowers that she had taken herself to make the flowers look as realistic as possible.

“If you haven’t had a chance to check out the new fence at the Mt. Morris Senior Center make sure you stop by,” Nicholson said.

The senior center is located at 9 E. Front St. in Mt. Morris.

“All are welcome,” Nicholson said.

Encore!’s artist in residence, Annie Timmer, stands by the new mural she painted on the fence by the Mt. Morris Senior Center.

Photo provided

OREGON LIBRARY

Welcome Stephanie Nissen, library director

Stephanie grew up just down the road in Byron. She attended Rock Valley College for her associate degree and transferred to Northern Illinois University to complete a bachelor’s degree in English.

She is currently completing her master’s in library science. For the past 3½ years Stephanie has been at Rock Valley College Library as the circulation services coordinator.

Before that, she worked at Ida Public Library in Belvidere as the local history/ reference librarian and before that as library assistant at Byron Public Library. Stephanie is looking forward to getting to know the community!

Preschool storytime (18 months to 6 years) Storytime will be taking a break until Sept.

MT. MORRIS LIBRARY

Program coordinator needed

Now taking applications for a program coordinator. If you enjoy working with people of all ages, planning events and programs, and marketing those programs, you might be the right person for this job. This position is part time and includes some evening and weekend hours. You can pick up an application at the circulation desk.

Explore More Illinois

Explore More Illinois is a cultural pass program that provides discounts at museums, visual and performing arts 9. We will meet in person at 11 a.m. for stories, crafts and fun. Registration and masks required.

Yoga on Mondays, 9:30 a.m.

Krystal Casey, owner of ADM Studios, will be teaching a Monday morning yoga class at the library.

At ADM Studios, their mission is to inspire Americans to practice balance, wholeness, wellness – as individuals, as communities, as a nation.

We are all human; we are all part of something greater; we are all connected. Casey’s personal mission is to inspire a spirit of oneness, acceptance, love, and peace among the community and empower all Americans to live their dream lives, every day. Registration is required at 815-732-2724.

centers, park districts and more around the state. Use Explore More Illinois to find fun and educational places to go on a free afternoon or for a little getaway. Explore More Illinois is easy to use with your library card. Visit the library’s website to browse attractions. You can find the information on our resource page.

Curbside service is available

We want to remind everyone that you still have the option of having your materials delivered to your vehicle. If you have holds waiting for you, call us to tell us you are on your way, and we will bring them out to your

Library book clubs

The 2WBC Book Club meets Sept. 8 at 12:30 p.m. to discuss “Code Name Helene” by Ariel Lawhon.

The Afternoon Book Club meets Sept. 15 at 1 p.m. to discuss “The Vanishing Half” by Brit Bennett.

Books on Tap meets Sept. 23 at 6 p.m. to discuss “The Last House Guest” by Megan Miranda

StoryWalk

StoryWalk was created in 2007 by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, Vermont, and developed in collaboration with the Vermont Bicycle & Pedestrian Coalition and the Kellogg Hubbard Library. Thank you to the Etnyre Foundation and the Oregon Park District for helping the Oregon Public Library offer this unique reading experience at Oregon Park West.

The current story being presented is “The Wizard of Oz” by Carol Ottolenghi (picture book version).

Book review by Jennica Ciesiel

“Dash & Lily’s Book of Dares” by Rachel Cohn & David Levithan

Set in present day, New York City. Dash finds a notebook in a book store with a message leading him to clues written by Lily. They write back and forth in the notebook and leave the notebook in various locations taking them on a wild adventure.

“I liked this book, even though I don’t usually like romance books.” I give it 3½ stars!”

vehicle when you arrive. Call us if you need more information.

Storytime

We will be having storytime on Wednesdays at 11:15 a.m. starting Sept. 1. Donna Wells will be our guest reader. All preschool children are welcome.

Adult book club

The September book will be “Code Girls” by Liza Mundy. Contact the library to get a copy. This group will meet in person at the library on Sept. 27. No registration required.

Digital Network Access of Illinois Libraries Grant

We were the recipients of a Digital Network Access of Illinois Libraries Grant, which allows wifi access 24 hours a day. Simply find MMPL Guest, agree to the Terms and Conditions on the login page and enjoy access for up to eight hours.

Funding for this grant was awarded by the Illinois State Library, a department of the Office of Secretary of State, using funds provided by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act.