As this uncertain and difficult year goes on, we know our community’s need for health and wellness support is only increasing. Library programs focused on health and wellness—Midday Meditation, Grief Journaling, and more—offer opportunities for community members to carve out time and space for their mental and physical health. “Since March, much of our programming … Read more
Reposted from Thrive Counseling Center and Senior Therapists Cicely Johnson, Kristen Keleher, and Angie Kauffmann As the world spins in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, our daily lives have altered in previously unimaginable ways. Cancelled events and flights, remote learning in schools, and closed businesses are now the norm. If we’re feeling anxious, it’s likely our children are, too. How can we minimize their anxiety amid such uncertainty? At Thrive Counseling … Read more
Becoming a ‘Dementia Friendly Community’ We know aging in place is a community aspiration. That’s why, last October, the library joined the Village of Oak Park, the Oak Park Township, and the Park District of Oak Park in the effort to become a designated “Dementia Friendly Community” by the nonprofit organization Dementia Friendly America. A dementia-friendly … Read more
Thanks to a unique partnership with Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, people without adequate health care coverage have been receiving confidential mental health assessments from a licensed clinical psychologist at the Main Library since last fall. “Rush University Medical Center is recognizing that our library is where people are coming every day,” says the … Read more
Happy New Year, Oak Park! Did you resolve to be kinder, more mindful, healthier? Do you want to explore your creative side, make smarter financial decisions, land a new job, or get a promotion? Your public library can help you find the inspiration and develop the skills you need to reach your goals in 2020! … Read more
In November, two traveling art exhibits that inspire empathy and connection are on display at the Main Library. When Home Won’t Let You Stay, in the Idea Box, shares stories and portraits of refugees. Community on a Shelf, in the Lobby Community Engagement Space, explores the human side of mental illness, community support, and libraries. … Read more
The library, in partnership with Rush University Medical Center is offering free mental health assessments (through prescheduled appointments) for children, teens, and adults on Wednesdays from 9:30 am to 1:30 pm at the Main Library. A Rush psychologist will conduct the onsite assessment. To learn more about these free assessments and to schedule an appointment, … Read more
By Shelley Harris October brings us the sights, smells, sounds, tastes and textures of fall, and has been chosen to highlight awareness of many disability communities. It’s a time to call for acceptance of and advocacy for people who process the world in diverse ways, including those who use communication aids to speak, have Down … Read more
Observed each October, Health Literacy Month highlights the importance of making health information easy to understand and making the health care system easier to navigate. Learn more at health.gov » Want to take charge of your health? Your public library can help you access trusted health information through online resources, books, and more. Plus, join us … Read more
Our librarians keep ending up in the hospital! No need to send flowers, though—they’re doing just fine. It’s all been in the name of sharing resources and access to information. Over the past year, library staff have been making repeat visits to Rush Oak Park Hospital, 520 S. Maple Ave., to sign up hospital staff … Read more
