Fox Valley Reads is a partnership among five libraries in the Fox Valley corridor in Northern Illinois. This is the sixth year that Oswego libraries have participated in this community-wide reading initiative. Along with the Aurora Public Library, the Big Rock Library, the Messenger Public Library of North Aurora and the Sugar Grove Public Library, we are commemorating the 150th anniversary of the Civil War with a variety of programs, tours and book discussions from Oct. 2 to 30. Although registration is preferred, drop-ins are always welcome. Program brochures are available at both the …

Calling all muggles ages 7-14! Oswego Public Library District Youth Services is having a Harry Potter Celebration for the release of the last Harry Potter movie. Join us from 1 to 3 p.m. Friday, July 8, at the Montgomery Campus. Test your magical abilities at seven different stations. It will take approximately 35 minutes to complete all activities. The Harry Potter Essay Contest is open to all muggles and wizards ages 8-17. In 500 words or less, tell us what character (besides Harry) is the most important and why. All essays will be judged equally on originality, clarity of ideas, and the …

The Oswego Public Library District now offers downloadable eBooks for adults, teens and children. With an internet connection and an Oswego library card and PIN, you can download your selections at home to a PC, a Mac, and a variety of other portable devices. Currently Kindles are not compatible devices, but eBooks for Kindles are expected to be available to libraries soon. eBooks are provided by OMNI (Online Media of Northern Illinois)/Overdrive. To begin downloading your eBooks, visit the library’s website and select Downloadable Books.  Family Reading Challenge at the Library The Family …

Let’s get the whole family reading this summer! The Oswego Public Library District is once again sponsoring summer reading for infants to eighth grade, plus teens and adults. Summer reading begins on June 1 with many fun activities and programs for kids at both the Oswego and Montgomery campuses. The theme for Summer Reading is A Midsummer Knight’s Read so be sure to pick up a brochure to check out what’s being offered. They are available at the Youth Services desks at both campuses. There are drop-in programs, as well as special events and programs requiring registration. One of the special …

For those of you who regularly use the library's website or the Public Access Computer stations in the library, you will have noticed some changes to the Catalog and My Account features. Not only is the catalog more colorful but there are more options for searching. Plus kids now have their own catalog to search! The results are limited to materials located in the Youth Room.   If you haven't had the opportunity to use our new catalog just go to the library's website at www.oswego.lib.il.us and select My Account/Catalog. You will be directed to the catalog where you can check Your Account and…

Upcoming Events at the Library April 10-16 marks National Library Week throughout our state and country. Join us at the Montgomery campus from 6:30-7:15 p.m. Friday, April 15,  as storyteller Linda Gorham performs some amazing stories for families with children ages 5-14.  Registration begins on April 5. This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Library.  The Earth Day Book Swap for infants to 14-year-olds will be held the week of April 18 to 24 at both the Oswego and Montgomery campuses. Swap books you no longer read for different ones! Bring your books (up to 5) to Youth Services. …

Have you ever wondered what library staff do when they’re not working? Well, we do the same things you do. (I know this because I have not always worked in a library.)  We spend time with our families and friends, volunteer for our favorite charities, join community groups, attend school and yes, perform the more mundane chores of daily life. You will bump into us at the service station pumping gas, at the supermarket shopping for groceries and in the dentist’s or doctor’s waiting room. But the one thing we always make time for is reading, whether it’s late at night or early in the morning. …

The Oswego Public Library District, which includes the Oswego and Montgomery campuses, will be upgrading our circulation system April 4 to 6. Although there will be a disruption in our regular services, the Internet will remain available from library computers.  During this upgrading process we will not have access to any patron records. This means you will not be able to check your account, renew items, place holds, or get a new library card, via the library, website or phone.  If you are planning on becoming a reciprocal borrower at a neighboring library, you need to do so before April 3 or…

With temperatures bordering on the unbearable, The Oswego Public Library District can't be beat for a cheap and cozy break from the winter weather. Teen Life Teens who are looking for something new can participate in the following activities. So Many Books is the teen book discussion group that meets at the Montgomery campus. The next meeting is 7 to 8 p.m. Tueday, March, 1. Teens can pick up a copy of Acceleration by Graham McNamee at the Youth Services’ desks at the Montgomery and Oswego campuses. If you’ve already read the book, come join the discussion. Andrea Flores and Rose Cook will …

Everyone is looking for the federal and state tax forms including the Oswego Public Library District. Both the Montgomery and Oswego campuses have a few federal and state forms. Although we have the federal Form 1040 and 1040-A, we are anxiously waiting to receive instruction booklets for these forms. If you use 1040-EZ, we have both the form and instructions. Federal forms are also available online at the IRS website. Illinois tax forms also can be found online. Civil War Sesquicentennial The 150th anniversary of the U.S. Civil War is set to officially commence Friday, Feb. 11. Libraries and…

The Oswego Public Library District is happy to announce that downloadable audiobooks for adults, teens and children are now available through the library’s website. Select Downloadable Audiobooks on the left side of the web page and after entering your library bar code number and clicking on the submit button, you will be redirected to Net Library, where you may create a free account and download your selections. Join the 44 users who have mastered this new technology.Don’t be daunted if you are a first time user. Click on “Create a Free Account” in the upper right corner to set up your user …

The excitement of the holidays is over and the cold and snowy winter days already seem endless. Stop by the Montgomery or Oswego campuses of the Oswego Public Library District and join in fun activities for all ages.  Participate in the annual winter reading program at the Montgomery and Oswego campuses beginning Monday, Jan. 3.  The 2011 theme is A Carnival of Books. Let's make this best winter reading program yet! Our younger readers can pick up their reading logs at the Youth Services' desks beginning Jan. 3. There are also tons of fun programs they can attend. And be sure to grab a copy …

Are you looking for fun things to do this holiday season?  The library has many programs, activities and materials for all ages.  The programs are free and the materials are available to all Oswego Public Library District patrons.  Special Programs Make sure you are on the "good" list when Santa visits the Youth Program Room at the Montgomery Campus on Monday, Dec. 20  All children are welcome, infants to 14 year olds, with an adult who can help with all the fun activities.  Families may stop in between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. to visit with Santa.  Seasonal crafts will be available for families to…