We’ve planned so many exciting activities this month as part of the national celebration of Banned Books Week (Sept. 18 – 24).

The month kicks off with a free showing of the 1966 movie adaptation of Ray Bradbury’s novel Fahrenheit 451 on Sat., Sept. 3 at 7 p.m. at the Time Community Theater. Other events include:

• Mon., Sept. 5 - 30: Search for banned books hidden around Oshkosh.
• Thurs., Sept. 1 – Fri., Sept. 30: Visit the library to write a note of support to a banned author.
• Mon., Sept. 19 – Fri., Sept. 23 at 5 p.m.: Participate in banned book discussions at Planet Perk.
•  Sat., Sept. 24 at 1 p.m.: Dig into censorship with a panel of experts.  

Fifty books will be hidden at different locations around the city–ten copies of five titles, which are on the American Library Association’s Top Ten Most Challenged Books of 2021. Each book has been wrapped in custom artwork to make your find a truly unique piece.

Discover the hidden books by following the daily clues posted on the library’s Facebook page (starting Sept. 5) or displayed on the library’s First Floor bulletin board. The hunt continues until all the books are found.

“Every time we allow ourselves to lean into joy and give in to those moments, we build resilience, and we cultivate hope.”

Author Brené Brown, Daring Greatly

This year, local photographers are invited to submit entries that capture moments of genuine joy.

Prizes will be awarded to the top three finishers in two categories: ages 13 – 17 and ages 18 and older.

A selection of photos will be printed and exhibited during a reception following the Downtown Oshkosh Holiday Parade on Thurs., Dec. 1 from 7 – 9 p.m. in the library’s First Floor Reading Room.

Please share this information with anyone who has an interest in photography. Both amateur and professional work is accepted.

Thank you to our contest and exhibit sponsors Generac and Camera Casino. 

What will you read, watch or do this month?

Did you know that our librarians will select a stack of books just for you based on your interests? Fill out a brief Google form to let us know what you prefer to read (Adults, Teens, Kids). You’ll receive a notice when your books are ready. Pick them up either inside the library or use Curbside Service for added convenience. Questions? Call (920) 236-5203.

Our trained therapy dogs return from vacation this month and are ready to listen to your child read. Not only are these dogs adorable, but they can also help boost young readers’ confidence in their abilities.

All signs point to Fall in our September Adult DIY program. Register for a free class or reserve a Take & Make Kit to complete your craft at home. If you’re looking for a fun and budget-friendly activity, register today! 

Join us for a monthly LEGO building challenge for adults at Fifth Ward Brewing Co.! We’ll bring the bricks; you bring your imagination and LEGO-loving friends! Select creations will be chosen for public display at the library.



Dates: Sept. 14, Oct. 12, and Nov. 9 | 6 – 7:30 p.m.

Visit the library to view a rare collection of wooden decoy ducks roosting in our Second Floor display cases. On loan from Roger Ludwig, president of the Midwest Decoy Collectors Association, these exceptional pieces were handcrafted by Oshkosh artists - the oldest decoy dates to the 1920s. Mr. Ludwig began his collection in 1957. 

Find things to do at the library in Sept., Oct., Nov. 

Starting Sun., Sept. 11, the library will be open on Sundays from 1 – 5 p.m. Visit oshkoshpubliclibrary.org for current hours.