Dennis M O'Connor Public Library

10/02/2026

Looking for your next great read? 📖

Our library has new titles that are currently appearing on The New York Times Best Sellers lists—and they’re ready for you to discover! Stop by the library and check out these new arrivals!

09/11/2026

09/10/2026

Congratulations to our Adult Reading Challenge winners! 📚🎉

DeeAnn Anderton is celebrating her fifth win, and we’re thrilled to welcome first-time winner Ashley McGee to the challenge! Both DeeAnn and Ashley were awarded a $50 Amazon gift card for their participation.

By making reading a part of their lives, DeeAnn and Ashley are also serving as wonderful reading role models for younger children. Research shows that children who see the adults around them reading are more likely to read themselves. What a wonderful example to set!

Congratulations, DeeAnn and Ashley! Keep reading and inspiring others along the way! 📖💙

07/21/2026

Just a friendly reminder about the presentation tomorrow from Daymon with Grand Canyon University.

07/02/2026

Dennis M. O’Connor Public Library Hosts Free America250 Traveling Exhibit in Celebration of Nation’s Semiquincentennial

The Dennis M. O’Connor Public Library in Refugio invites the public to view a new temporary exhibit, Texas America250, on loan from the Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC).

Highlighting historically significant Texas Treasures from TSLAC’s collections, Texas America250 will be loaned to local public libraries, schools and other community organizations starting in summer 2025 and continuing throughout the semiquincentennial year of 2026. Celebrate and learn our nation’s history through your library!

The Texas America250 exhibit highlights historically significant Texas Treasures from the State Archives, encouraging all Americans to explore the story of the Lone Star State over the past 250 years. From Spanish missions to the space race, the landscape, culture, economy and people of Texas have played essential roles in the development of the United States.

“We are so excited to bring this traveling exhibit to the community,” said Tina McGuill, Library Director. “This is a great way for Texans of all ages to learn more about the state’s role in U.S. history and explore some of our most treasured documents, photographs and artifacts.”

TSLAC also invites Texans of all ages to join its statewide Texas America250 Reading Challenge in 2026. Additional resources from TSLAC’s extensive library collections, the Talking Book Program and the Texas Center for the Book will be available later this year. Bookmark www.tsl.texas.gov/america250/ to stay informed about upcoming America250 programming.

Texas America250 will be on view for free through Dec. 31, 2026 at the Dennis M. O’Connor Public Library, open Monday-Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.

This project is made possible by a grant from the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services.

06/29/2026

SUMMER BOOK IT PROGRAM WITH PIZZA HUT

Founded in 1984 by Pizza Hut, BOOK IT! is a reading program designed to inspire children to develop lifelong reading habits and discover the joy of reading.

The Pizza Hut BOOK IT! program is a fun way to get kids excited about reading during the school year and summer. As they reach their reading goals, they can earn rewards like a free personal pizza—all by themselves!

The program is fully available through the new BookIt app on both Android and Apple devices. The app lets you track your child’s reading progress, time their sessions, and even manage multiple kids at once—making it super easy for busy parents!

06/26/2026

For the final Summer Reading Program, children enjoyed a presentation from Mrs. Kim Davis, Extension Agent-Health with the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service.

Participants learned about healthy food choices through a hands-on demonstration comparing the fat content of regular potato chips and baked potato chips. Using two different bags of chips, participants observed and compared the amount of fat absorbed onto graph paper from each type. This activity helped illustrate how food preparation methods can affect fat content, encouraging participants to make healthier food choices.

Winners of the reading drawing were Aliyah Wills and Gianna Lopez. Congratulations Aliyah and Gianna! 🙂

06/18/2026

Summer Reading Program Brings Wildlife Learning to Life

Young readers participating in the summer reading program recently enjoyed an educational visit from the Aransas Wildlife Refuge, where they had the opportunity to learn about native wildlife through a hands-on presentation from Viv Atkinson.

Ms. Atkinson brought a variety of animal artifacts that allowed children to get an up-close look at wildlife that are native to Texas. Participants examined skulls and pelts from several animals, including a javelina, dolphin, alligator, and raccoon.

The interactive program gave children the chance to touch and study the specimens while learning about each animal's habitat, diet, and unique adaptations.

The hands-on experience sparked curiosity and excitement among the young attendees, who eagerly asked questions and compared the features of the various animals. Many were fascinated by the differences in teeth, fur, and skull shapes.

The presentation complemented the summer reading program's focus on learning and exploration, providing an engaging way for children to connect science, nature, and literacy.

Library staff expressed appreciation to Ms. Atkinson and the Aransas Wildlife Refuge for sharing its knowledge and resources with the community. The educational program helped inspire a greater appreciation for wildlife and the natural world while making learning fun for participants of all ages.

The winners of the weekly reading drawing were Aiden Perez and Stallone Flores. Congratulations Aiden and Stallone!

06/16/2026

The remaining Summer Reading Programs will be held at the library from 10:00-11:30. We're looking forward to seeing everyone tomorrow! 🙂