book with heart

Our Summer Reading Program runs through Friday, July 11.

Check out our Online Calendar to see what events are still coming.

Be sure to return your reading logs by the 11th for grand prize entries!

FROM THE DIRECTOR

Dear Readers!


Mark your calendars to be our guests and share a fun night with friends and family. The City of Orange City Customer Appreciation Picnic is planned for Wednesday evening, July 9, from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm in downtown Windmill Park. City Council and City employees, including a few librarians, will be serving supper and ice cream treats. From 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm Bluey, your favorite outback blue heeler, will be in front of the bandshell for a meet and greet. Get your picture taken with her and then from 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm sit back and relax to sweet melodies, big band favorites and the patriotic pomp of our own Community Band.

Lisa Johnson - Director

FEATURED THIS MONTH:

NoveList Plus

Looking for your next great read? Orange City Public Library patrons can explore NoveList Plus, a powerful tool for discovering book recommendations tailored to your tastes. Whether you’re in the mood for a gripping mystery, heartfelt romance, fast-paced fantasy, or a great read-alike for your favorite author, NoveList Plus makes it easy to find books that match your interests. 

You can filter your search by genre, theme, or even by specific story elements you enjoy—like witty dialogue or an atmospheric setting. There are also curated lists to browse for seasonal reads, trending titles, and more. It's perfect for all ages and reading levels, and free to use with your library card!

BOOK TALK:

Book Review: Happiness Falls

I thoroughly enjoyed Happiness Falls by Angie Kim, a mystery that keeps you guessing. The story begins with the sudden disappearance of a father during an outing with his son who has Angelman syndrome and autism. What unfolds is an exploration of family, communication, and truth. Angie Kim weaves suspense with emotional depth, creating characters that feel incredibly real and complex. I especially appreciated how the mystery was not only about what happened, but why—and how the characters respond in ways that reveal their hidden strengths and vulnerabilities. If you’re looking for a thought-provoking page-turner with strong characterization, this one is well worth your time.  -Reviewed by Amy

JULY EVENTS

Visit our website for more details and to sign up soon for these events (some of them are already filled!)

Adults

EMBROIDERY 101

Tuesday, July 1

6:30 pm to 7:30 pm

Ever wanted to learn to embroider? Now you can! Special Presenter Lindsay Kuiper will walk you through some basic stitches and techniques to help you get started, or level up your embroidery! You will be provided with all the materials for the event.

*Registration is required for this event. 

PRESERVE THE TASTE OF SUMMER 101 

Tuesday, July 8

6:00 pm to 7:45 pm

Love that fresh garden produce but have more than you can eat? Preserve it! It’s not difficult, but you do need to follow safe methods. You’ll learn how to can, freeze, and dry foods safely at home in this introductory course.

*Registration is required for this event. 

SHAKESPEARE MURDER MYSTERY

Tuesday, July 22

6:00 pm to 7:30 pm

Gather round and help us solve a most unfortunate mystery. Sometime in the afternoon, the leading lady Mistress Arabella Fairfax was found dead in her dressing room of the Globe Theatre! Join us as we work to solve the murder and ensure the show goes on!

This murder mystery party is to prepare you for the visit of Starling Shakespeare in Windmill Park on Wednesday, July 23, hosted by OC Arts!

*Registration is required for this event. 

GOOD NUTRITION ON A BUDGET

Tuesday, July 29

6:30 pm to 7:30 pm

(Rescheduled Event)

Learn strategies to save money on food expenses and incorporate new ideas into menu planning and food shopping while exploring the Spend Smart. Eat Smart. website.

*Registration is required for this event. 

Youth

MOVIN' & GROOVIN' SENSORY STORY TIME

Wednesdays, July 2 & 9

9:30 am to 10:15 am

Move and groove in this unique story time with active stories, song and dance, and sensory-rich toys. Featuring Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?, this story time keeps kids moving and is a great introduction to story time. Designed for ages birth-3 and caretakers, but all are welcome!

READING BUDDY WORKSHOP

Wednesday, July 2

2:00 pm to 3:00 pm

Kindergarten-4th Grade: Enjoy some fun stories and create your own stuffed reading buddy in this stuffed animal workshop. The workshop will repeat three times – limited to one registration per person.

*Registration and adult helper required.

CHILDREN'S STORY TIME

Thursday, July 3

9:30 am to 10:15 am

Join us for stories, songs, crafts, and games geared for children ages 3–6 and their caregivers, but all are welcome to join! This session, we will be learning more about plants, how they grow and produce fruit, and growing gardens.

KWEKEN CO. STORY TIME 

Thursday, July 10

9:30 am to 10:15 am

Meet librarian Victoria in front of Kweken Co. at 9:30 am for a very special story time! We will get to hear McKenzie Kuiken, owner of Kweken Co., and some of her baristas share about their jobs! We will also get to read a few books about cafés, coffee, and other tasty treats!  

*Registration requested.

PERLER BEAD CRAFTING

Thursday, July 10

2:00 pm to 3:00 pm

Grades 5-12: Do you enjoy art? Do you enjoy melting things? Then this is the perfect event for you! Join us to learn some basics about perler beads, and create some practical artwork, from coasters to key chains! Follow a pattern or create one of your own.

*Registration is required for this event

All Ages

LEVEL UP YOUR PET CARE 

Tuesday, July 1

10:30 am to 11:15 am

in City Hall

For pet owners of all ages, come hear Dr. Laura Vander Stelt & Dr. Ashley Hoogland from Family Animal Care present practical and applicable advice on taking care of our furry friends! Whether cats, dogs, fish, or fowl, Dr. Vander Stelt & Dr. Hoogland will have advice about maintaining the health and happiness of your pet.

BOOM! SCIENCE CENTER OF IOWA

Tuesday, July 8

1:30 pm to 2:15 pm

in City Hall

Why do things explode? We’ll explore the interactions of pressure, temperature, and states of matter to explain why things pop, bang, or blow up. Experiment with ultra-cold liquid nitrogen and combustible gases in this spectacular program.

DOG THERAPY WITH LIBBY KARSSEN

Monday, July 21

4:00 pm to 5:00 pm

Looking to feel more comfortable around dogs? Need a little extra love? Or do you just love dogs? Join us at this drop-in dog therapy session!

READ FOR JULY:

National Anti-Boredom Month

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