Once again, the Odenville Public Library saw one of their busiest summer reading events come to a successful conclusion, with close to 100 children and 34 adults participating in the “One World Many Stories” reading program.  At the kickoff party, the children were fascinated by the stories special guest Ronnie Rhoads told about children who live on the banks of the Amazon River. As the children listened with rapt attention and peppered  Mrs. Rhoads with questions, the kickoff was a good indicator of how successful the reading program would be. When the program ended on June 30th,  816 books had been read, and the children received their Summer Reading Certificate. The closing ceremony featured the McWane Science Center’s “Science Around the World” program along with an appearance by the Little Caesar mascot, and of course, pizza.

The theme of the summer program, “One World Many Stories” can apply to the Odenville Public Library throughout the year.  Programs such as Story Time for pre-school age children and sewing classes for young adults are just two of the library’s outreach efforts to the community.  The Story Time program takes an interactive approach, which provides a better understanding of the story being told. The program, which occurs on Fridays at 10 a.m. has seen as many as 35 in attendance, including adults, and continues to be one of the library’s fun events.

As only one of two libraries within St. Clair County, the Odenville Public Library now has 12 Apple iMac27 computers set up for library members.  The computers were purchased with  funds from the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program administered by Auburn University, and will provide library members with the opportunity to access websites faster. Added to the programs is the option to write reports using Microsoft Word, which will allow students or others, the ability to write reports and print onsite. Although you  need an Odenville Public Library card to use  the computers, there is a small fee to print documents..  

In addition to the reading programs, the library has a display case which gives local residents an opportunity to display their memorabilia collections and other objects of interest, which is a popular attraction for the library patrons. On different days of the month, the library hosts the Odenville Art Club, the Critic’s Corner Book Club, and a Stitch in Time. With so many activities, events, computers, books and more provided by this small town library, it really is a treasure trove of goodies in a relatively small package. You can learn more about the library and these meetings by calling the library at 629-5901, or logging onto their website, www.odenlib.org.