For more information call 708-452-3440.
If you need special accommodations to attend
any of these events please call 708-452-3471.
Attendance at Library programs and events constitutes
consent to be photographed for Oak Park Public Library
publicity purposes. It should be noted, however, that
names of individuals will not be used in photo captions.
=Main Library =Maze Branch =Dole Branch
= event for kids = event for teens

more events happening at the Library

Monday, March 1

Library Gallery Exhibit. Works by Robert Litvan will be on display through March 31. A reception for the artist will be held March 2. Open to the public. Art Gallery, Second Floor, Main Library.

Chess Open Play. Open play for all ages, all skill levels. Every Monday. Drop in when you can. 5:30 pm to 9 pm Book Discussion Room, Second Floor, Main Library.

Tuesday, March 2

Toddler Playgroup. Books, music, and toys for infants and toddlers. 10 am Dole Branch.

Spring Is Coming (we promise!) Storytime. Come to a special family storytime filled with the promise of warm weather and frolicking in flowers! This program is best for kids 2 to 6. No registration required. 10 am Storytime Room, First Floor, Main Library.

Dr. Seuss Storytime. We're celebrating Dr. Seuss' birthday with a special storytime. For ages 3 to 6. 10:15 am Maze Branch.

Reception for Gallery Exhibit. Works by Robert Litvan will be on display through March 31. Reception is open to the public. 6 pm Art Gallery, Second Floor, Main Library.

Wednesday, March 3

Computer Class: Basic Computer Skills for Beginners. This class is for beginners who have not used computers before. Learn to use the mouse to click, double click, open a browser, highlight, scroll, and drag. This is a two-part class. Second session meets March 10. Registration with an Oak Park Public Library card is required. Sign up at the Third Floor Service Desk at the Main Library or call 708-452-3480. Non-residents with a library card can sign up one week before the class date. 9:30 am to 11:30 am Computer Classroom, Third Floor, Main Library.

Spring Is Coming (we promise!) Storytime. Come to a special family storytime filled with the promise of warm weather and frolicking in flowers! This program is best for kids 2 to 6. No registration required. 10:15 am Maze Branch.

Open Boardgame Play. Open game play. Bring your own board games, or just bring yourself. Join us on the first and third Wednesdays of every month. 6:30 pm to 9 pm Book Discussion Room, Second Floor, Main Library.

Thursday, March 4

Toddler Playgroup. Books, movies and music for infants and toddlers. 10 am Maze Branch.

Spring Is Coming (we promise!) Storytime. Come to a special family storytime filled with the promise of warm weather and frolicking in flowers! This program is best for kids 2 to 6. No registration required. 10:15 am Dole Branch.

Great Decisions 2010: Global Crime. Impartial, thought-provoking analysis on eight issues of concern to U.S. policymakers today and that represent our foreign policy challenges of tomorrow - the Great Decision discussion group runs through May. Join the group for the entire eight sessions or to come to individual topics of interest. This week's topic is Global Crime. The series is cosponsored by the League of Women Voters of Oak Park and River Forest. 1 pm Maze Branch.

Oak Park Job Club. Job club for adults. 6 pm Small Meeting Room, Second Floor, Main Library.

Pleasant Home Annual Lecture Series
Global Influences: Women in the Arts and Crafts Movement. A free lecture series focusing on important women in the Arts and Crafts movement around the world, including architecture, decorative arts, interior design, and social influences. Held in partnership with Pleasant Home. On March 4, Alice Ireland, a local historian whose extensive research explores the role of Chicago women in shaping the Arts & Crafts movement here, presents "Movers and Shapers: Women of the Chicago Arts & Crafts Movement." 7 pm Veterans Room, Second Floor, Main Library.

Friday, March 5

Magazine Giveaway. Stop in to pick up back issues of magazines. Boxes of 2007 and 2008 magazines will be in the Lobby beginning at 12 noon on Friday and will be available through the weekend while supplies last. This Magazine Giveaway is first-come, first-served - no titles will be saved for anyone. Bring a bag! 12 pm to 6 pm Lobby, First Floor, Main Library.

Friday Friends Book Discussion. Middle school book discussion. 4:30 pm to 5:30 pm Dole Branch.

Saturday, March 6

Magazine Giveaway. Stop in to pick up back issues of magazines. Boxes of 2007 and 2008 magazines will be in the Lobby beginning at 12 noon on Friday and will be available through the weekend while supplies last. This Magazine Giveaway is first-come, first-served - no titles will be saved for anyone. Bring a bag! 9 am to 5 pm Lobby, First Floor, Main Library.

Dole Boutique. Join the Oak Park teen fashion scene at Dole Boutique! This month's topic is reading patterns. Come and pick up some tips and tricks to start your sewing project. We'll walk you through how to read, alter, and even create your own patterns. Bring in a project you want to work on or start one here. A sewing instructor will be available for project help and guidance. Registration is required, call 708-386-9032. For ages 12 and up. 12:30 pm Dole Branch.

Smartypants Olympics! The Friends of the Oak Park Public Library host the 1st annual trivia night fundraiser. Enjoy wine, beer, and a brainfood snack buffet while you challenge yourself to five rounds of increasingly tough trivia! Prizes will be awarded to the top three teams. Plus, library-land celebrity Keith Fiels will emcee and auction off festive items. Register your team by March 4. Doors open at 7 pm. Veterans Room, Second Floor, Main Library.

Sunday, March 7

Magazine Giveaway. Stop in to pick up back issues of magazines. Boxes of 2007 and 2008 magazines will be in the Lobby beginning at 12 noon on Friday and will be available through the weekend while supplies last. This Magazine Giveaway is first-come, first-served - no titles will be saved for anyone. Bring a bag! 1 pm to 6 pm Lobby, First Floor, Main Library.

Monday, March 8

Chess Open Play. Open play for all ages, all skill levels. Every Monday. Drop in when you can. 5:30 pm to 9 pm Book Discussion Room, Second Floor, Main Library.

Oak Park Photography Club. All skill levels welcome. Members share photos via digital slide show. Club meets second and fourth Mondays. 7 pm Veterans Room, Second Floor, Main Library.

Tuesday, March 9

Computer Class: Microsoft Word. Learn to type and format text, insert images and graphics, and other word processing skills. Registration with an Oak Park Public Library card is required. Sign up at the Third Floor Service Desk at the Main Library or call 708-452-3480. Non-residents with a library card can sign up one week before the class date. 9:30 am to 11:30 am Computer Classroom, Third Floor, Main Library.

It's Raining Cats and Dogs! This special storytime will be chock-full of our favorite pet stories and songs. This program is best for kids 2 to 6. No registration required. 10 am Storytime Room, First Floor, Main Library.

Toddler Playgroup. Books, music, and toys for infants and toddlers. 10 am Dole Branch.

Folk Series: Kat Eggleston. Warm up your winter with a free concert from Kat Eggeston, one of the most accomplished guitarists and singer/songwriters in the folk, Celtic, and traditional music genres. This concert is the second in "The Friends of the Oak Park Public Library Folk Series." The concert is free; seating is on a first-come, first-serve basis. Doors will open at 6:30 pm. Meet the performer and purchase CDs following the concert. 7 pm Veterans Room, Second Floor, Main Library.

Wednesday, March 10

Computer Class: Basic Computer Skills for Beginners. Second of two sessions. First session meets March 3. 9:30 am to 11:30 am Computer Classroom, Third Floor, Main Library.

Martin Scorsese Film Series: Taxi Driver. Every second Wednesday through June, Oak Park Viewers celebrate the iconic visionary's 37 years of cinema...the magic that is Martin Scorsese. In Taxi Driver, a mentally unstable Vietnam War veteran works as nighttime taxi driver in a city whose perceived decadence and sleaze feeds his urge to violently lash out, attempting to save a teenage prostitute in the process. 1975, starring Robert DeNiro. Refreshments will be served. Punch and corn are served, discussion follows each film. 6:30 pm Veterans Room, Second Floor, Main Library.

Great Books Discussion: Fat by Raymond Carver and Famine by Xu Xi. The Great Book Discussions occur the second Wednesday of every month. Continuing in March with GLUTTONY, the group will discuss readings from The Seven Deadly Sins (Great Books Foundation). 7:30 pm Scoville Room, Second Floor, Main Library.

Hemingway Foundation Discussion. Book discussion series led by Hemingway Foundation. 7:30 pm Book Discussion Room, Second Floor, Main Library.

Thursday, March 11

Computer Class: Introduction to the World Wide Web. Get a basic introduction to the Internet and how it works, including some information on searching and getting an electronic mail account. This is a two-part class. Second session meets March 18. Registration with an Oak Park Public Library card is required. Sign up at the Third Floor Service Desk at the Main Library or call 708-452-3480. Non-residents with a library card can sign up one week before the class date. 9:30 am to 11:30 am Computer Classroom, Third Floor, Main Library.

Toddler Playgroup. Books, movies and music for infants and toddlers. 10 am Maze Branch.

Oak Park Job Club. Hands-on resume writing workshop. 6 pm Computer Classroom, Third Floor, Main Library.

Pleasant Home Annual Lecture Series
Global Influences: Women in the Arts and Crafts Movement. A free lecture series focusing on important women in the Arts and Crafts movement around the world, including architecture, decorative arts, interior design, and social influences. Held in partnership with Pleasant Home. On March 11, Monica Obniski, research assistant and exhibition coordinator, American Art, Art Institute of Chicago, presents "Chicago's Women Metalsmiths." 7 pm Veterans Room, Second Floor, Main Library.

Great Decisions 2010: Global Crime. Impartial, thought-provoking analysis on eight issues of concern to U.S. policymakers today and that represent our foreign policy challenges of tomorrow - the Great Decision discussion group runs through May. Join the group for the entire eight sessions or to come to individual topics of interest. This week's topic is Global Crime. The series is cosponsored by the League of Women Voters of Oak Park and River Forest. 7 pm Small Meeting Room, Second Floor, Main Library.

Friday, March 12

Curiosity Club. Discover! Explore! Investigate! Have fun with hands-on science experiments for young scientists (and their grownup lab partners). Dress for mess. This program is best for ages 4 and up. Registration starts March 1. Register at the Main Library or call 708-452-3420. 4 pm to 5 pm Storytime Room, First Floor, Main Library.

Monday, March 15

Dancing Leprechaun Craft. Make a mischievous leprechaun ready to jig for St. Patrick's Day. This easy to assemble craft is suitable for kids 3 to 6. No registration required. 4 pm to 5 pm Maze Branch.

Chess Open Play. Open play for all ages, all skill levels. Every Monday. Drop in when you can. 5:30 pm to 9 pm Book Discussion Room, Second Floor, Main Library.

Tuesday, March 16

Toddler Playgroup. Books, music, and toys for infants and toddlers. 10 am Dole Branch.

Dole's Brown Bag Book Group. On March 16 "Chicago - It's a Mystery to Me." Pack a lunch and join us as we discuss A Death in Pilsen by Robert Goldsborough and recommend other favorite Chicago authors. 11:30 am to 12:30 pm Dole Branch.

Library Board of Trustees Meeting. Open to the public. 7:30 pm Scoville Room, Second Floor, Main Library.

Wednesday, March 17

Book Discussion: The Things They Carried by Tim O'Brien. An unforgettable collection of stories about American soldiers in Vietnam. Copies of The Things They Carried will be available at the Second Floor Service Desk a month before the discussion. 1 pm Book Discussion Room, Second Floor, Main Library.

St. Patrick's Day: Special Book Buzz Craft. You won't turn green with envy if you make this holiday craft for yourself! This program is best for kids 4 to 8. No registration is required. 3 pm Storytime Room, First Floor, Main Library.

Open Boardgame Play. Open game play. Bring your own board games, or just bring yourself. Join us on the first and third Wednesdays of every month. 6:30 pm to 9 pm Book Discussion Room, Second Floor, Main Library.

Pajama Storytime. Come dressed in your PJs to this special storytime with Miss Niki. For children ages 2 to 6. 7 pm Dole Branch.

Book Discussion: The Odes of John Keats. Join us for a discussion of "Ode to Psyche," "Ode to a Nightingale," Ode on a Grecian Urn," "To Autumn," "Ode to Melancholy," and "Ode on Indolence." 7 pm Maze Branch.

Thursday, March 18

Computer Class: Introduction to the World Wide Web. Second of two sessions. First session meets March 11. 9:30 am to 11:30 am Computer Classroom, Third Floor, Main Library.

Toddler Playgroup. Books, movies and music for infants and toddlers. 10 am Maze Branch.

Great Decisions 2010: U.S. - China. Impartial, thought-provoking analysis on eight issues of concern to U.S. policymakers today and that represent our foreign policy challenges of tomorrow - the Great Decision discussion group runs through May. Join the group for the entire eight sessions or to come to individual topics of interest. This week's topic is U.S. - China. The series is cosponsored by the League of Women Voters of Oak Park and River Forest. 1 pm Maze Branch.

Oak Park Job Club. Job club for adults. 6 pm Book Discussion Room, Second Floor, Main Library.

Building your Business with Reference USA & the Library. Reference USA provides in-depth information on more than 14 million U.S. businesses and 210 million residents! Scott Lea, a ReferenceUSA Representative, will demonstrate this online tool which can assist you in researching industries and companies, mailing lists, and the competition. Presentation topics include: researching potential markets, comparing market segments, pin-pointing competition, researching prospects for mailing lists, and locating vendors for your business. 6 pm to 7 pm Small Meeting Room, Second Floor, Main Library.

Book Discussion: Still Alice by Lisa Genova. The author narrates Alice's struggle with an earlier more progressive, degenerative disease for which there is no cure. Alice loses her profession, independence, clarity, and contact with the world with shocking rapidity. 6:30 pm Dole Branch.

Friday, March 19

Fire on the Mic Teen Poetry Night. For over 16 years now, the Oak Park Public Library has hosted an open mic for teens to recite poetry, sing, dance, and express themselves in a variety of ways. Food and drink provided. Hosted by Marcelis Wyatt and Ed O'Brien. 7 pm to 9 pm Veterans Room, Second Floor, Main Library.

Saturday, March 20

Donuts with Dads. Hey big guys! Bring your little ones with you to storytime and enjoy books, songs, and snacks in a relaxing environment with other dads. (Moms are also welcome!) Best for kids 2 to 6. No registration required. 10 am Storytime Room, First Floor, Main Library.

Sunday, March 21

Free Readers Ensemble: "A Trip to Bountiful." Living in a three-room Houston apartment shared with her son and daughter-in-law, aging widow, Carrie Watts, dreams of visiting Bountiful; the town where she grew up and raised her own family. Stealing away with her latest pension check, her trip is fatefully doomed by the family's call to the police. The Sheriff who tracks her down at the bus station however, does take her on to her old homestead. Carrie's quest for self-meaning in an ever-changing world is - The Trip to Bountiful. By Horton Foote. For more information see the Free Readers Ensemble website. 3 pm Veterans Room, Second Floor, Main Library.

Monday, March 22

Chess Open Play. Open play for all ages, all skill levels. Every Monday. Drop in when you can. 5:30 pm to 9 pm Book Discussion Room, Second Floor, Main Library.

Oak Park Photography Club. All skill levels welcome. Members share photos via digital slide show. Club meets second and fourth Mondays. 7 pm Veterans Room, Second Floor, Main Library.

Tuesday, March 23

Computer Class: Beyond the World Wide Web. Move beyond the topics covered in the Introduction class. Learn about email, advanced finding tools, and evaluating the accuracy of web pages. Registration with an Oak Park Public Library card is required. Sign up at the Third Floor Service Desk at the Main Library or call 708-452-3480. Non-residents with a library card can sign up one week before the class date. 9:30 am to 11:30 am Computer Classroom, Third Floor, Main Library.

Toddler Playgroup. Books, music, and toys for infants and toddlers. 10 am Dole Branch.

Crazy (Lion) Manes in March. March roars in like a lion! Make a crazy mane and roar about the coming of spring. This program is best for kids 3 and up. No registration required. 4 pm to 5 pm Dole Branch.

Author David Heinzmann. Author program. 7 pm Veterans Room, Second Floor, Main Library.

genre X Book Discussion. In Defense of Food: An Eater's Manifesto by Michael Pollan. genre X is a book discussion group for those in their twenties and thirties. The group meets every fourth Tuesday at 8 pm Molly Malone's, 7652 Madison Street, Forest Park.

Wednesday, March 24

Computer Class: Job Searching Online. Learn to use the Internet to find and apply for jobs. Learn to search job sites and sort and refine search results. Also learn formatting choices and tools for resumes. Prerequisite: valid email account. Registration with an Oak Park Public Library card is required. Sign up at the Third Floor Service Desk at the Main Library or call 708-452-3480. Non-residents with a library card can sign up one week before the class date. 9:30 am to 11:30 am Computer Classroom, Third Floor, Main Library.

Book Buzz! Stories and crafts are matched in this fun, interactive session which features longer books and art activities for children in kindergarten through second grade. 3 pm Storytime Room, First Floor, Main Library.

Hemingway Foundation Discussion. Book discussion series led by Hemingway Foundation. 7:30 pm Book Discussion Room, Second Floor, Main Library.

Thursday, March 25

Toddler Playgroup. Books, movies and music for infants and toddlers. 10 am Maze Branch.

Oak Park Job Club. Job club for adults. 6 pm Book Discussion Room, Second Floor, Main Library.

Great Decisions 2010: U.S. - China. Impartial, thought-provoking analysis on eight issues of concern to U.S. policymakers today and that represent our foreign policy challenges of tomorrow - the Great Decision discussion group runs through May. Join the group for the entire eight sessions or to come to individual topics of interest. This week's topic is U.S. - China. The series is cosponsored by the League of Women Voters of Oak Park and River Forest. 7 pm Small Meeting Room, Second Floor, Main Library.

Dramatic Portrayal of Pioneer Juliette Kinzie. Come celebrate the early days of the frontier with writer, historian, and pioneer Juliette Magill Kinzie. Actress Betsey Means of WomanLore brings this courageous woman from 19th century Chicago to life! This Women's History Month event is free and open to the public and is co-sponsored by the Historical Society of Oak Park and River Forest. 7 pm Veterans Room, Second Floor, Main Library.

Computer Class: Introduction to Spreadsheets. Learn to create, edit, format, save, and print simple spreadsheets in Microsoft Excel. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Basic Computers for Beginners and Microsoft Word. Registration with an Oak Park Public Library card is required. Sign up at the Third Floor Service Desk at the Main Library or call 708-452-3480. Non-residents with a library card can sign up one week before the class date. 7 pm to 9 pm Computer Classroom, Third Floor, Main Library.

Friday, March 26

Computer Class: Online Tools @ Your Fingertips. Learn to do research using newspaper/magazine databases, find more information on a particular company, or study a new language. This class provides an overview of free online tools available at the Library. Registration with an Oak Park Public Library card is required. Sign up at the Third Floor Service Desk at the Main Library or call 708-452-3480. Non-residents with a library card can sign up one week before the class date. 9:30 am to 11:30 am Computer Classroom, Third Floor, Main Library.

Saturday, March 27

Donuts with Dads. Hey big guys! Bring your little ones with you to storytime and enjoy books, songs, and snacks in a relaxing environment with other dads. (Moms are also welcome!) Best for kids 2 to 6. No registration required. 10 am Storytime Room, First Floor, Main Library.

Sunday, March 28

Film Showing: The Last Truck. Film program co-sponsored by the Oak Park Coalition for Truth and Justice. 2 pm Veterans Room, Second Floor, Main Library.

Monday, March 29

Yarn Crafts for Kids. Indulge your crafty side during Spring Break with these special yarn-based projects. Register by calling the Maze Branch at 708-386-4751 starting March 15. March 29: Friendship Pens for ages 7 to 11. Continues on March 30 with Ojo de Dios for ages 5 to 7 and on April 1 with Crocheted Beaded Necklace for ages 8 to 11. 11 am Maze Branch.

Wii Like to Sing and Dance! Need something fun to do during Spring Break? Join us for some fun karaoke and dancing games on our Wii video game system. Best for kids 6 and up. No registration required. 2 pm to 4 pm Storytime Room, First Floor, Main Library.

Chess Open Play. Open play for all ages, all skill levels. Every Monday. Drop in when you can. 5:30 pm to 9 pm Book Discussion Room, Second Floor, Main Library.

Tuesday, March 30

Computer Class: No Drop Shopping. Learn the in's and out's of online shopping in plenty of time for the holidays. Looking for bargains? Arts and crafts? Used items? Join us for a shopping introduction, tips, and tricks. Registration with an Oak Park Public Library card is required. Sign up at the Third Floor Service Desk at the Main Library or call 708-452-3480. Non-residents with a library card can sign up one week before the class date. 9:30 am to 11:30 am Computer Classroom, Third Floor, Main Library.

Toddler Playgroup. Books, music, and toys for infants and toddlers. 10 am Dole Branch.

Yarn Crafts for Kids. Indulge your crafty side during Spring Break with these special yarn-based projects. Register by calling the Maze Branch at 708-386-4751 starting March 15. March 30: Ojo de Dios for ages 5 to 7. Continues on April 1 with Crocheted Beaded Necklace for ages 8 to 11. 11 am Maze Branch.

Film Showing: Up! Join us for a fabulous recent movie! No registration required. 3 pm Veterans Room, Second Floor, Main Library.

French Club Film Showing: The Diving Bell and the Butterfly (Le Scaphandre et le Papillon). A 2007 film by Julian Schnabel, starring Mathieu Almaric. Based on the memoir of Jean-Dominique Bauby who was the editor of Elle, the French fashion magazine, when he had a paralyzing stroke. Academy Award nominations for best director and best adapted screenplay. Highly acclaimed by film critics who have described it as a poetic story of the triumph of the human spirit, portrayed with brilliant cinematography. In French with English subtitles. Admission is free and the public is welcome. 7 pm Veterans Room, Second Floor, Main Library.

Wednesday, March 31

Computer Class: Genealogy on the World Wide Web. In this beginners class, explore the best free sites and databases available for genealogical research. Registration with an Oak Park Public Library card is required. Sign up at the Third Floor Service Desk at the Main Library or call 708-452-3480. Non-residents with a library card can sign up one week before the class date. 9:30 am to 11:30 am Computer Classroom, Third Floor, Main Library.

Film and Discussion: Katyn. Come watch and discuss some of the best recent foreign language films as Oak Park Viewers takes you from Israel to Mexico, with stops in between. Punch and popcorn will be served. Katyn is an examination of the Soviet slaughter of thousands of Polish officers and citizens in the Katyn forest in 1940. 2 pm Maze Branch.

Book Buzz! Stories and crafts are matched in this fun, interactive session which features longer books and art activities for children in kindergarten through second grade. 3 pm Storytime Room, First Floor, Main Library.

February 2010