This past year, Red Oak Public Library’s dedication to identifying and addressing the evolving needs of the expanding community underscores our commitment to providing an exceptional library experience for all.
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New Cardholders
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Total Items in Collection
The Library began the year with our brand-new STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) program designed for ages 7+. Each week focuses on a different STEAM category and educational, hands-on activity. With fun topics such as invisible ink, catapults, roller coaster building, coding, and more, participants always have a great time.
“A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies. The man who never reads lives only one.”
-George R.R. Martin
Two new gaming systems, an Xbox Series X and a Nintendo Switch, were introduced to the Library this January to further engage young cardholders and expand our gaming collection. Since their introduction, they have been used 79 times.
I am so proud of all our Library has accomplished within and beyond our walls this past year. Through strategic planning, collaboration with local organizations, and ongoing feedback from patrons, we continue to enhance our offerings and facilities, adapting to residents’ changing needs and preferences. By embracing innovation, inclusivity, and a spirit of service, Red Oak Public Library cultivates a dynamic and vibrant environment that enriches the lives of all who call it home.
– Elise Cook, Library Director
Community
“First place I went to when I moved to Red Oak. Love the Library and spending time there. Everyone is super friendly and helpful as well.”
-Desiree Benson
More than a place to check out materials, Red Oak Public Library serves the surrounding community by creating a world-class library experience for all.
Total Programs
Program Attendance
Anticipated Programs for 2024
The Library’s mission, to dynamically and efficiently improve the quality of life for the Red Oak community, was reflected in the programs, events, services, and new resources offered throughout the year.
“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.”
-Dr. Seuss
We recently expanded our collection to include more bilingual books, catering to our diverse community’s language needs and encouraging a love for reading in multiple languages.
Bilingual Titles
Bilingual Titles Checked Out
Spanish Materials
Our new selection of bilingual books features captivating stories, engaging illustrations, and educational content. These books provide an invaluable resource for bilingual families, language learners, and patrons seeking to explore different cultures and languages. In the coming years, the Library will continue to add new bilingual books in more languages such as French, Mandarin, and more.
“If you don’t like to read, you haven’t found the right book.”
-J.K. Rowling
The Library visited Red Oak Elementary School and Schupmann Elementary School students to read stories and lead a STEAM Lesson with hands-on engagement. And in March, the Library was invited to the Schupmann Literacy Night/ Open House to meet and interact with the families and faculty and spread Library awareness. 32 people signed up for Red Oak Public Library cards at the Literacy Night.
Texas State Technical College (TSTC) Resource Fair – This February, the Library attended the TSTC Resource Fair to meet and interact with the students and faculty and share information on our Library and the resources we offer. Some attendees signed up for Red Oak Public Library cards right then at the Fair.
Participation in Founder’s Day – Every year, the Red Oak Chamber of Commerce hosts Founder’s Day to celebrate the community. Featuring a parade, live music, games, food trucks, and tents manned by local businesses, last year, the Library hosted a booth highlighting our programs and events. We introduced our new Library Director to booth visitors, who made I Love My Library buttons.
Fall Festival – The Red Oak Fall Festival is an annual event for the whole family with seasonal games, rides, crafts, and lots of candy from booths. The Library participated in last year’s event by hosting the crafts station with mask making, rock painting, and bookmark making.
Christmas in Red Oak – In December, the Library participated in Christmas in Red Oak where our parade float received the award for Most Enthusiastic Parade Entry. Festivities also included bounce houses, local vendors, food trucks, pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus, crafts, letters to Santa, and cookie decorating. A huge success, over 250 people visited the Library during Christmas in Red Oak.
ENGAGEMENT
“That’s the thing about books. They let you travel without moving your feet.”
–Jhumpa Lahiri
From Launchpads, Wonderbooks, hotspots, and more, the Library offers a variety of technology and eResources for patrons of all ages.
Last year, Red Oak Public Library received a generous donation from Google of $100,000 to incorporate Participatory Learning in the Library through a makerspace. With the introduction of a makerspace, patrons of all ages will have the opportunity to learn through making, experimenting, and creating in a dynamic environment. From 3D printing to podcasting and STEAM projects, the makerspace will encourage active participation and empower patrons to become creators and innovators in their own right. This project is currently underway and will hopefully be unveiled before the end of 2024. Stay tuned!
“The investment from Google to the Red Oak Public Library is a testament of its commitment to empowering the next generation of tech leaders in Texas. The funds will support a new makerspace that will allow people in our community to explore technology that could lead to careers in anything from data centers to aerospace. Making these resources available and accessible to the public will propel the imaginations of our residents to new heights.”
–Mark Stanfill, DVM, Mayor of Red Oak
This Valentine’s Day, our Storytime kids created cards for seniors, which were then taken and shared at the Senior Center in time for the holiday.
Dr. Seuss Birthday Bash – To celebrate Dr. Seuss and his wonderful contribution to children’s literacy, we threw him a birthday party this past March. Guests came dressed as their favorite Dr. Seuss character to participate in our costume contest and enjoyed two special storytimes, arts and crafts, games, and wacky Seuss-themed snacks.
New STEAM resources allow Library users to explore their creativity while experiencing new technologies.
“Libraries are information and learning hubs that play an essential role in every community. They foster growth and development for residents of all ages. Google is honored to play a part in helping the Cities of Midlothian and Red Oak meet their goals of transforming these spaces for local residents.”
-Kate Franko, Regional Head of Data Center Public Affairs for Google
All throughout the year, we offered programs within and beyond Red Oak Public Library’s walls.
“You know you’ve read a good book when you turn the last page and feel a little as if you have lost a friend.”
-Paul Sweeney
This year, we hosted a week-long Spring Break program: on Monday, participants used indoor Chalk Art on butcher paper tables to avoid the rain. Tuesday involved DIY kites made from large brown paper bags and kite flying in the nearby park.
On Wednesday, we partnered with Parks and Recreation to host a Super Mario Brothers movie with snacks and arts and crafts.
For Thursday, we used our new gaming systems for Karaoke and on Friday, we partnered with Parks and Recreation for another movie and crafts night featuring the new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem movie.
And on Saturday, we had storytime and a Leprechaun Trap-making craft in the spirit of St. Patty’s Day.
Monday Attendees
Tuesday Attendees
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Saturday Attendees
The Library is the go-to spot where teens and young adults can meet and make new friends while also gaining key skills for career development.
For our Petals & Pages program, teens got creative and customized their reading experience with a dried flower bookmark.
Children's Programs
Teen Programs
Adult Programs
General Interest Programs
We pride ourselves on serving all age groups, including Red Oak adults and seniors.
Hooks & Needles – Participants aged 16 and older brought their own knit/crochet/cross stitch/embroidery projects to work on while meeting up with others who shared their DIY interests.
“When I look back, I am so impressed again with the life-giving power of literature. If I were a young person today, trying to gain a sense of myself in the world, I would do that again by reading, just as I did when I was young.”
-Maya Angelou
Acting as a community hub with special events and innovative programs, the Library served as the place for arts and culture in Red Oak last year.
In April, the Library organized an engaging new program, the “Human Library” where adult participants shared personal stories, achievements, and intriguing experiences with children. During the Human Library event, patrons had the opportunity to:
- “Check out” a Human Book for 15-minute intervals
- Extend their time with a Human Book if there were no holds placed
- Engage with the Human Book as they shared their life story or significant events
LEARNING
“A children’s story that can only be enjoyed by children is not a good children’s story in the slightest.”
-C.S. Lewis
Physical Checkouts
Digital Downloads
Questions Answered
Red Oak Public Library provides low-cost access to information and entertainment materials through both digital and analog mediums. We pride ourselves on facilitating a love of learning in residents of all ages and provide interactive programming and community outreach.
With opportunities for afterschool play and learning and materials that extend beyond traditional book, we value innovation, creativity, and fun for all.
¡Amigos del Idioma Ole! – Participants learned at their own pace in an interactive environment and improved their Spanish-speaking abilities.
Language Learners
Programs for Language Learners
Red Oak’s brand new Exploratory Kits provide families with engaging materials and activities to promote early literacy development and lifelong learning at home.
Computer Usage
Wi-Fi Usage
“Reading for me, is spending time with a friend.”
-Gary Paulsen
This summer, Red Oak Public Library is helping the community maintain summer learning and engagement through the annual Summer Reading Program. This year’s theme, Adventure Begins at Your Library, encourages users of all ages to come to the Library and participate in a variety of literacy-themed activities for prizes, special events outside the Library, and more.
“Summer reading programs at libraries ignite a love for reading, spark imagination, and open doors to endless possibilities.”
-Elise Cook, Library Director
Red Oak Public Library is excited for our upcoming Summer Reading Program. With a schedule packed full of exciting programs including performers, storytimes, family game days, movies and crafts, STEAM, summer athletics, and more, Summer Reading at Red Oak Public Library will have something for everyone!
Featured Community Partners
Thank you to all our community partners who continue to contribute to a successful year.
- Christina Stone, DCA Certified ADR Divorce Coach
- Tamara Louden, 4 Ever Mon-Cheri Keepsakes
- Dakassha Holmon, Financial Literacy for youth and families
- Rich Lee, ROISD Math Teacher
Impact Communities - Community National Bank & Trust of Texas
- Red Oak Friends of the Library
- Red Oak Chamber of Commerce
- Dance Xpressions
- Red Oak Music
- Ellis County African American Hall of Fame Museum and Library
- Dallas Museum of Art
- Southwestern Adventist University
- Dinosaur Science Museum and Research Center
- Perot Museum of Nature and Science
- Ellis County Children’s Theater
- Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center
- Texas A&M Forest Service
- Red Oak Police
- Red Oak Fire