In an effort to keep our patrons and staff safe during the COVID-19 pandemic, physical newspapers are unavailable at the Main Library. Read more about our plans » Introducing two new ways to access news digitally on all your devices from anywhere: Global Newsstream and Historical U.S. Major Dailies. When you log in with your Oak Park card and … Read more
“I live alone, and so I don’t have anyone to talk to. I feel great that today I had a chance to meet others virtually, and I learned many new words in English.” -Participant in English Language Conversation program Before the pandemic, English language learners came together every Saturday morning at the Main Library to … Read more
As one of the library’s Teen Services initiatives, Leading Edge strives to surround teens with opportunities to maximize their innate potential to lead socially and academically through peer mentoring and coaching. To help spread the word and increase program visibility, we are inviting interested teens to enter an image contest to promote Leading Edge at … Read more
And the Book Madness winner is… We went from 16 titles to 1 clear winner, and former First Lady Michelle Obama’s Becoming takes the prize! Thanks to everyone who voted online these last two weeks; more than 450 votes were cast. Percentage breakdowns by rounds and individual pairings are available below. Funny to see how some contests … Read more
As your public library, we love to share! Here’s a roundup of free entertainment resources for adults and teens that we’ve been collecting. Have something to share? Please do! Email communications@dev.oppl.org. Nature Explore the natural world around you with free field guides from The Field Museum. Experience spring garden moments with the Chicago Botanic Garden. … Read more
Things are changing so quickly. How do we engage with our young ones about everything that’s going on? Here are a few resources to help get you started. We’re adding new content virtual content daily on this page and pulled together a quick roundup of more virtual ways for kids to learn, stay engaged, and … Read more
Together, the six governing agencies of Oak Park are excited to introduce a new, free calendar service that enables you to easily keep track of Oak Park events! Burbio.com is a free website and mobile app that puts all six Oak Park government agencies and other local organizations in one online calendar. You can choose … 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
New! Watch the promotional video » Join us for the three-day Restorative Community Practices: Building Stronger Families, Schools, and Communities conference at the Main Library this October 4-6. Expanding on last fall’s restorative justice conference, this year’s conference takes a wider look at how restorative practices can be applied within families, schools, and communities. Also … Read more
The following post was originally published in the Wednesday Journal as “Sharing space, making room for all voices,” a One View column by Juanita Harrell, on Tuesday, July 30. Juanita Harrell is Oak Park Public Library’s One Book coordinator and Health & Wellness Librarian. ‘Who owns the public space?” asks Linda Francis in a recent Wednesday Journal column … Read more
