The Solon Public Library Foundation is proud to award the Don Ochs Scholarships each year. As a professor of Rhetoric and Communications at the University of Iowa, Don Ochs knew that continuing education was the key to unlocking a better future for anyone willing to try. As an avid reader himself, Don knew that a strong public library is essential to support those who dreamed of a better future for themselves and for others. In honor and memory of Don Ochs and his commitment to the Solon community of learners, the Solon Public Library Foundation awards two (2) $500 scholarships each year in his name to promote and support lifelong learning for members of our Solon community. This year the Foundation awarded the Don Ochs Scholarships to Kate Richards and Jamison Grimm of the 2024 Solon graduating class. The Foundation invited the recipients to their June meeting to celebrate their bright futures.
Library Events
Make use of our great maker tools at Maker’s Space Monday, July 1 at 3:00 p.m. This drop-in program is for all-ages to make use of the sewing machine, button maker, Cricut machine, craft supplies, and much more. Drop-in to create!
We’re looking forward to another exciting Storytime at a special location Tuesday, July 2! Join us at Randal Park for books, songs, and games at 10:30 a.m.
We’re excited to host local experts Thursday, July 11 at 6:30 p.m. to learn more about Purple Martins and American Kestrels. Come learn about these two species and how you can help further the work for the benefit of the Purple Martins and American Kestrels. This program is geared toward adults, but all ages are welcome to attend.
As bird populations continue to decline, volunteers are scouting new real estate for purple martins in parks, schools and other public settings. Local Purple Martin Landlord, Larry Olsen, will join us to educate about attracting, caring for, and helping conserve purple martins in Solon. Larry has 15 years’ experience as a Purple Martin Landlord, and currently cares for nine housing clusters in the Solon area to help with the conservation effort of Purple Martins in Iowa.
Local birder Don Lund has more than ten years’ experience following kestrels in the wild. More than seven years monitoring kestrel houses and currently monitors 25 kestrel houses in Johnson County.
Library Access
Regular Library hours are Monday-Thursday, 9:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. and Friday-Saturday, 9:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. Closed Sundays.
The Library will be open 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Friday, June 28 to allow time for our staff in-service after close.
The Library will be closed Thursday, July 4 in observance of Independence Day.
Don’t forget, the digital library is always available! Find an eBook, eAudiobook, magazines and more with Bridges, or with the Libby app on your favorite smart device. You can even stream classic films, discover new favorites, and more with Kanopy on your favorite smart device.
Everyone is welcome at the Library and our programs. Please contact us with access needs.
What’s New?
Whether you’re seeking advice, learning a new skill, or ready to try a new recipe…find a book (or two) in the nonfiction section. These are just a few new titles we’re excited about.
ADHD is Awesome by Penn and Kim Holderness. You live in a world that wasn’t designed for you. A world where you’re expected to sit still, stay quiet, and focus. Because of the way your brain is wired, you can feel like you’re failing at life. But you are not failing. You are awesome.
Award-winning content creators Kim and Penn Holderness are on a mission to reboot how we think about the unfortunately named “attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.” As always, they are doing it by looking in the mirror, because they don’t just study ADHD; they live it.
Make Your Mark, Make a Difference by Joan Marie Galat. Take the first steps into activism with this comprehensive middle grade guide that empowers readers to choose and become knowledgeable in a cause they are most passionate to reform, and to create meaningful change through learning what’s already been accomplished—and what can still be done. Getting involved can be an overwhelming prospect, but this guide provides readers with tools to become informed and effective activists with an accessible approach offering hope and perspective.
Noodles, Rice, and Everything Spice by Christina De Witte and Mallika Kauppinen. From an exciting all-female, all-Thai team, Noodles, Rice, and Everything Spice combines easy-to-follow comic book panels with pops of vibrant food photography to perfectly capture the bright, colorful flavors and ingredients that are crucial to Thai cuisine. Noodles, Rice, and Everything Spice showcases real Thai food from the country’s distinct culinary regions. Journey to the northern Lanna region and dine “Khan Tok”–style with small bowls of chili dips, curries, sticky rice, and vegetables on a gilded pedestal tray for sharing; sit cross-legged on a bamboo mat around a spread of tangy salads and grilled meats in the northeast Isaan region; roam the bustling markets of central Bangkok for iconic street food treats; and lounge on a beach in southern Thailand with dangerously spicy seafood.
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