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November 2023

@ OFPL

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There is a lot going on at the library this fall! Read on to find out about:


  • Native American Heritage Month reads @ OFPL
  • Our book club's discussion of Bury My Heart at Chuck E. Cheese's by Tiffany Midge
  • A series of talks on Understanding the Law by Attorney David Eason
  • Updates to our Children & Youth Library building
  • A Hunger Games fan party for teens
  • Book Cover Bingo and a K-pop Party
  • A great online tool for holiday crafting


Don't forget to check out our November calendar for a full listing of events!

Native American Heritage Month Reads @ OFPL

In honor of Native American Heritage Month, we invite you to explore our collection of books that celebrate and honor Indigenous cultures. From traditional stories and artwork to historical accounts and contemporary perspectives, our library has a wide range of materials to educate and inspire readers of all ages. Come visit us and discover something new today!

Explore Now

We READ, We TALK Book Club

Join us for a discussion of Tiffany Midge's memoir Bury My Heart at Chuck E. Cheese's, a finalist for the 2020 Washington State Book Award. In this powerful and moving book, Midge writes about her experiences growing up as a Native American woman in the American West. She shares stories of her family, her community, and the challenges she has faced.


Midge's writing is honest, insightful, and often humorous. She offers a unique perspective on Native American culture and identity, and her book is a must-read for anyone who wants to learn more about this important subject.


Our book club will meet on Saturday, November 18 at 2 PM and Tuesday, November 28 at 6 PM at the Main Library. Light refreshments will be served. There will also be an option to join via Zoom.


Email bmartin@gallupnm.gov for more information.

Understanding the Law

Have you ever been tangled up in the law and don’t know what to do? Empower yourself!


Join us at the Main Library with Attorney David Eason for a series of presentations and Q&A sessions on understanding the Anglo-American model of law. On November 21st at 5 PM, Mr. Eason will present a talk on legal contracts.


We are exposed to contracts daily - agreeing to terms when downloading a computer program, hiring a contractor, and even ordering a meal at a restaurant. Knowing the principles of contracts is not just a skill needed by lawyers, it is a crucial institution that we use all the time. Contracts are promises that the law will enforce.


This series of talks will be ongoing; stay tuned for more talks in the coming months.


Email tmoe@gallupnm.gov for more information.

Children & Youth Library Updates

This fall our Children & Youth Library building has gotten a few updates!


  • We replaced our old picture book shelves with new browsing bin-style shelves that are about half the height. This has really opened up the kids' area of the library, and made it so that kids can more easily browse the books.
  • We added wooden end panels to our other bookshelves. They allow us to display new or highlighted books on the ends of each row of shelves.
  • We added some new furniture to our Teen Area, and created a study area that includes booth seating.

Come and visit us at the Children & Youth Library to see the changes in person!

Teen Events

Teen Advisory Board Meetings

Are you--or do you know--a high schooler looking for leadership experience and opportunities?


OFPL is recruiting Teens to join its Teen Advisory Board (TAB). TAB members provide guidance and assistance for the library’s teen programming, space, and collections. They also serve as non-voting members of the Library Advisory Board. This is a great experience that teens can add to their resumes and college applications and count for National Honor Society or Key Club service hours.


The TAB has been meeting for two months and we have a great group of teens who are participating, but we are still welcoming more tens to join! We meet on the 4th Friday of each month (with the exception of December due to the holidays) from 6-7 PM at the Children & Youth Library. Food is provided!


Email pneilson@gallupnm.gov for more information.

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Hunger Games Fan Party

The OFPL TAB invites teens ages 13 - 18 to join them at the Children & Youth Library on Saturday, November 18th from 7 - 9 PM for a Hunger Games Fan Party!


Celebrate this beloved literary series and mark the release of the new film A Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.

  • Try your hand at archery, building, racing, and weaponry challenges: victors will be rewarded generously.
  • Enter your name in "The Reaping" to win free passes to the new Hunger Games movie or copies of the book.
  • Snacks featuring food from various districts will also be provided.
  • Cosplay is encouraged so come dressed as your favorite tribute or district citizen!

Back By Popular Demand

OFPL hosts many special classes and events for all ages. Two of our programs from earlier in the fall were so popular that we are bringing them back!

Book Cover Bingo - Holiday Edition!


People of all ages are invited to discover classic literature, must reads, holiday reads, and more as we have an afternoon of Book Cover Bingo. It’s just like the classic game you know and love, but with book covers! Prizes will be awarded and snacks will be provided.


This event will take place on Friday, December 1 at 5 PM at the Main Library.


Email pneilson@gallupnm.gov for more information.

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K-pop Party!


Annyeonghaseyo, fellow K-pop enthusiasts! Get ready for an epic night of music, dance, and fun at the library's K-pop party. Activities will include button making, a photo booth, bracelet charm making, and trivia.


This event will take place on Saturday, December 2 at 7 PM at the Children & Youth Library.


Email mpat@gallupnm.gov for more information.

Have You Met CreativeBug?

The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to get into the festive spirit than by making some holiday crafts? The library offers free access to CreativeBug, the popular crafting website! With your library card, you can now enjoy unlimited access to thousands of online crafting classes, projects, and patterns. 


CreativeBug has something for everyone, whether you're a seasoned crafter or just starting out. With classes ranging from knitting and crochet to paper crafts and jewelry making, there's no shortage of inspiration to get you started. And with new classes added every day, you'll always have something new to try.


Here are some examples:

Embroidered Snowflake Ornaments


Need a sweet little project to stitch up over a steaming cup of cocoa? This embroidery tutorial includes four snowflake panels to be embroidered by hand and then when they're complete, you can sew them into four festive holiday ornaments.

Botanical Boughs for All Seasons


Looking for a bit of seasonal foliage to greet you at your front door? This class will show you how using fresh, dried, or faux leaves and flowers can create a simple bough for your door or anywhere in your home.

Sew a Pie Carrier


Make easy work of transporting your freshly baked pie with this simply stitched pie carrier. Sewist-with-a-sweet-tooth Liana Allday shows how two pieces of cotton fabric plus handy cotton webbing straps quickly come together to make a classy bag to tote your torte.

So why not spend some quality time with your loved ones this holiday season and create something special together? With CreativeBug and your library card, the possibilities are endless. Access the website today and start crafting!

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