Former employee leaves $10,000 for outdoor pavilion at O’Fallon Public Library

A gesture by a former O’Fallon Public Library employee has made the new Outdoor Zone possible, expanding space to enjoy nature and activities.

The covered pavilion is on the library grounds, behind the main building. It is a 900-square-foot space with movable picnic tables, open until dusk and is suitable for all seasons.

In 2021, Christen Hefler Reinert, who had retired from the library, donated $10,000 to help fund an outdoor activity space. She died on Dec. 19, 2022 at the age of 67.

The Reinert Family is supportive of the project now in her honor – her husband, Ken, and her children Sarah and Amy Reinert and Laura and Nick Robison, and her grandchildren Peyton, Everett and Brooks Robison

The Friends of the O’Fallon Public Library and State Construction, director Ryan Johnson said the pavilion was recently completed and is ready for use. State Construction donated materials and labor.

“It opened possibilities. We can host bigger story times and hands-on activities that encourage a love of the outdoors in our youngest visitors. It’s perfect for families with toddlers and elementary-aged kids. It’s an ideal spot – they can get loud, they can get messy,” Johnson said.

“We’re tight on space inside. This expands our footprint, adding traditions. We can host two activities at once – one inside, one out. We can have larger events for kids. The Community Room can fit about 20 kids, with siblings and strollers, and here we can fit about 50,” he said.

Adults can enjoy sitting outside, taking a break, reading, meditating, and bringing their laptop. And yoga classes can be taught underneath the pavilion too, he noted.

“It’s not just for kids. Really, anything you might want to use the patio for – it’s multi-purpose,” he said.

There are no electric outlets, and the library will schedule the events. The best way to find out what’s happening is to check the library’s Facebook page, he said, and the website’s calendar section.

“We’re always seeking community ideas,” Johnson said.