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

Wednesday, April 1

Library Gallery Exhibit: "Windows." Works by Beth Granton will be on display through April 30. A reception for the artist will be held April 5. Open to the public. Art Gallery, Second Floor, Main Library.

Dinosaurs! All ages are welcome at this Open Family Storytime full of prehistoric fun! Miss Mandy and Miss Amanda present T-rex tales, Stegosaurus songs, and raptor rhymes. No registration is necessary. 10:30 am Storytime Room, First Floor, Main Library.

Thursday, April 2

Great Decisions Book Discussion: Egypt in the 21st Century. We invite you to join us in learning about the world. Each session in the Great Decisions 2009 series will begin with a 20-minute DVD on the topic. The April 2 and 7 discussions will cover Egypt in the 21st Century, led by moderator Ed White. The series is cosponsored by the League of Women Voters of Oak Park and River Forest. 1 pm to 3 pm Small Meeting Room, Second Floor, Main Library.

Open Boardgame Play. Open Gaming with the Chicago Boardgames Meetup group. You bring it, we play it! Or just bring yourself, there will be quite a few games available. 6 pm Small Meeting Room, Second Floor, Main Library.

Saturday, April 4

Computer Class: Basic Computer Skills for Beginners. This class is for beginners who have not used computers before. First of two sessions. Second session meets April 11. Registration is required. Sign up at the Third Floor Service Desk at the Main Library or call 708-452-3480. 9:15 am to 11:15 am Computer Classroom, Third Floor, Main Library.

Super Smash Bros. Brawl Tournament. This free event includes pizza and prizes. Must be in grades 6 to 12 to enter the tournament. Register in advance by calling 708-452-3440. 10 am to 3 pm Veterans Room, Second Floor, Main Library.

Art Appreciation Tours. Docents lead free one-hour tours of the Main Library’s permanent art collection. Tours available on the first and third Saturday of each month. 1 pm Lobby, First Floor, Main Library.

Sunday, April 5

Disability as Diversity Film Series: Rory O'Shea Was Here. Rory O'Shea Was Here (Rated R) is a story of independence that follows two unlikely friends determined to face the world on their own terms. Michael, who has Cerebral Palsy, meets rebellious Rory, who is paralyzed. The two move from a quiet, safe institution to their own apartment. Join film historian Doug Deuchler for a series of Sunday afternoon films and discussions at the Library. The series consists of films chosen for their portrayal of persons with disabilities. All films will include English subtitles. If you need additional accommodations, contact Jeanne Friedell at 708-452-3471 or Cosponsored by the Friends of the Oak Park Public Library and the Village of Oak Park Universal Access Commission. 2 pm Veterans Room, Second Floor, Main Library.

Reception for Gallery Exhibit. Works by Beth Granton will be on display through April 30. Reception is open to the public. 3 pm to 5 pm Art Gallery, Second Floor, Main Library.

Monday, April 6

Chess Open Play. Open play for all ages and all skill levels. We have a supply of boards, or you can bring your own. Every Monday. 5:30 pm to 9 pm Book Discussion Room, Second Floor, Main Library.

Tuesday, April 7

Great Decisions Book Discussion: Egypt in the 21st Century. We invite you to join us in learning about the world. Each session in the Great Decisions 2009 series will begin with a 20-minute DVD on the topic. The April 2 and 7 discussions will cover Egypt in the 21st Century, led by moderator Ed White. The series is cosponsored by the League of Women Voters of Oak Park and River Forest. 7 pm to 8:45 pmMaze Branch.

Wednesday, April 8

Oak Park Viewers: Foreign Exchange
Film Showing. Mountain Patrol (China). The Foreign Exchange series presents some of the finest in recent world cinema. A discussion will follow each film. This moving true story about volunteers protecting antelope against poachers in the severe mountains of Tibet won Best Asian Film at the Hong Kong Film Awards. 6:30 pm Veterans Room, Second Floor, Main Library.

Great Books Discussion: Happiness by Mary Lavin. This monthly discussion, led by a Great Books Foundation-trained moderator, focuses on readings from Happiness and Discontent, available on the Third Floor of the Main Library (808 HAP) or through the Great Books Foundation. 7:30 pm Book Discussion Room, Second Floor, Main Library.

Book Discussion: The Enchanted April by Elizabeth von Arnim. A pair of unhappily married women rent an Italian villa for a month, sharing it with two strangers - a crusty English woman and a lonely aristocrat. Sun, rest, and peaceful relaxation weaves its magic and creates a soulful effect on the four of them and on the men in their lives, who pay a surprise visit. 7:30 pm Maze Branch.

Thursday, April 9

Active Agers Game Day. Try bowling without having to lift a heavy ball, play golf, or enjoy a good game of Scrabble with fellow Active Agers. The Library will provide traditional board games as well as the new Wii game systems. Refreshments will be served, and no experience is required! 2 pm to 4 pm Veterans Room, Second Floor, Main Library.

Saturday, April 11

Computer Class: Basic Computer Skills for Beginners. Second of two sessions. First session meets April 4. 9:15 am to 11:15 am Computer Classroom, Third Floor, Main Library.

Sunday, April 12

All Library Locations Closed for Easter. More Library closings.

Monday, April 13

Chess Open Play. Open play for all ages and all skill levels. We have a supply of boards, or you can bring your own. Every Monday. 5:30 pm to 9 pm Book Discussion Room, Second Floor, Main Library.

Tuesday, April 14

Computer Class: Microsoft Word. Learn the basics of using Microsoft Word. Topics include typing text, formatting, inserting images and graphics, and other features. Sign up at the Third Floor Service Desk at the Main Library or call 708-452-3480. 9:30 am to 11:30 am Computer Classroom, Third Floor, Main Library.

Wednesday, April 15

Book Discussion: Hot, Flat, and Crowded by Thomas Friedman. Friedman explains why we need a green revolution - and how it can renew America. 1 pm Book Discussion Room, Second Floor, Main Library.

T.A.C. (Teen Advisory Council) Meeting. Looking for a volunteer position? The Oak Park Public Library TAC is a group of teens ages 11 to 18 who want to make the Library a better place. If you want your voice to be heard, you would be a great TAC member. No registration is required. TAC meets every third Wednesday of the month. 4 pm to 5 pm Book Discussion Room, Second Floor, Main Library.

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

Thursday, April 16

Computer Class: Take a Trip Online. Learn to search the web for travel bargains, tours, transportation, and more. Begin with these resources for travel in the United States. Sign up for this class in advance at the Third Floor Service Desk at the Main Library or call 708-452-3480. 9:30 am to 11:30 am Computer Classroom, Third Floor, Main Library.

Great Decisions Book Discussion: Global Food Supply. We invite you to join us in learning about the world. Each session in the Great Decisions 2009 series will begin with a 20-minute DVD on the topic. The April 16 and 21 discussions will cover Global Food Supply, led by moderator Ed White. The series is cosponsored by the League of Women Voters of Oak Park and River Forest. 1 pm to 3 pm Small Meeting Room, Second Floor, Main Library.

Craft Time: Busy Butterflies. Drop into the Dole Branch and welcome spring with this special craft program! Kids ages three and up are welcome to design and color the own unique butterfly. No registration is necessary. 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm Dole Branch.

Open Boardgame Play. Open Gaming with the Chicago Boardgames Meetup group. You bring it, we play it! Or just bring yourself, there will be quite a few games available. 6 pm Small Meeting Room, Second Floor, Main Library.

Friday, April 17

Teen Coffeehouse Open Mic: Fire on the Mic. Teen Coffeehouse brings together area teens to showcase their skills on our stage every third Friday. Bring poetry, dance, hip-hop, music, comedy-whatever you do! Food and drinks are always provided. No registration is required. 7 pm to 9 pm Veterans Room, Second Floor, Main Library.

Saturday, April 18

Art Appreciation Tours. Docents lead free one-hour tours of the Main Library’s permanent art collection. Tours available on the first and third Saturday of each month. 1 pm Lobby, First Floor, Main Library.

Sunday, April 19

Free Readers Ensemble: "The Rainmaker." As a paralyzing drought holds the West in its spell, a father and his two sons lose hope that the only female in the home, plain, old-maid Lizzie will ever find a husband. Into their parched lives comes a colorful and picaresque "rainmaker" who claims he can make the skies pour down water…for a fee. What follows is a gem of a romantic comedy as the rainmaker turns his magic on Lizzie and convinces her of her own special beauty. Written by N. Richard Nash. For more information see the Free Readers Ensemble website. 3 pm Veterans Room, Second Floor, Main Library.

Monday, April 20

Slaying the Debt Dragon. Learn strategies for reducing your debt. Martha Rohlfing of the Office of the Illinois State Treasurer presents. 7 pm to 9 pm Veterans Room, Second Floor, Main Library.

Chess Open Play. Open play for all ages and all skill levels. We have a supply of boards, or you can bring your own. Every Monday. 5:30 pm to 9 pm Book Discussion Room, Second Floor, Main Library.

Tuesday, April 21

Computer Class: Hidden Treasures of the Library's Website. Discover many precious gems from the Oak Park Public Library's website! Sign up at the Third Floor Service Desk at the Main Library or call 708-452-3480. 9:30 am to 11:30 am Computer Classroom, Third Floor, Main Library.

Great Decisions Book Discussion: Global Food Supply. We invite you to join us in learning about the world. Each session in the Great Decisions 2009 series will begin with a 20-minute DVD on the topic. The April 16 and 21 discussions will cover Global Food Supply, led by moderator Ed White. The series is cosponsored by the League of Women Voters of Oak Park and River Forest. 7 pm to 8:45 pm Maze Branch.

Wednesday, April 22

Computer Class: The Invisible Web. Learn why search engines can't "see" and index the information hidden in the "Invisible Web." Learn where to find this hidden information and how to narrow your search to find quality information. Sign up at the Third Floor Service Desk at the Main Library or call 708-452-3480. 9:30 am to 11:30 am Computer Classroom, Third Floor, Main Library.

Thursday, April 23

Computer Class: Introduction to the World Wide Web. Get a basic introduction to the World Wide Web and how it works, including some information on searching and getting an electronic mail account. First of two sessions. Second session meets April 30. Registration is required. Sign up at the Third Floor Service Desk at the Main Library or call 708-452-3480. 9:30 am to 11:30 am Computer Classroom, Third Floor, Main Library.

Explore the Chicago "L" with Author Greg Borzo. Discover the world-famous Chicago "L" in all its grit and glory when author Greg Borzo shares stories from his book, The Chicago "L." Operating since 1892, the "L" is not only an antique, but a working antique. Greg Borzo, whose first home was a few steps from the "L," enjoys riding it almost every day and gives history tours of several "L" lines. This program is free and open to the public. Cosponsored by the Historical Society of Oak Park and River Forest. 7 pm Veterans Room, Second Floor, Main Library.

I Want to Be Green, Where do I Sign Up? Want to know where to learn about becoming green and what organizations exist to help? Presenters from a variety of environmental organizations will talk about what they do and what you can do in your life to become more environmentally friendly. The presenters will also talk about opportunities for you to get more involved in your community and help other residents of Oak Park become green. 7 pm Small Meeting Room, Second Floor, Main Library.

Saturday, April 25

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. Sign up at the Third Floor Service Desk at the Main Library or call 708-452-3480. 9:15 am to 11:15 am Computer Classroom, Third Floor, Main Library.

Greening Your Loved Ones. Now that we're all changing our light bulbs, how we can lessen the environmental impacts associated with children and pets? Learn about green products that help kids and pets; they'll love you for it. Karen Heart from the Green Community Center presents. 10:30 am Small Meeting Room, Second Floor, Main Library.

Sunday, April 26

Disability as Diversity Film Series: Autism: The Musical. Autism: The Musical (Not Rated) follows an extraordinary acting coach and five children with autism as they improbably and heroically mount a full-length original stage production. Join film historian Doug Deuchler for a series of Sunday afternoon films and discussions at the Library. The series consists of films chosen for their portrayal of persons with disabilities. All films will include English subtitles. If you need additional accommodations, contact Jeanne Friedell at 708-452-3471 or Cosponsored by the Friends of the Oak Park Public Library and the Village of Oak Park Universal Access Commission. 2 pm Veterans Room, Second Floor, Main Library.

Monday, April 27

Chess Open Play. Open play for all ages and all skill levels. We have a supply of boards, or you can bring your own. Every Monday. 5:30 pm to 9 pm Book Discussion Room, Second Floor, Main Library.

Oak Park Photography Club. Join us in critiquing photographs. All skills levels welcome. Call 708-697-6915 for more information. 7 pm Veterans Room, Second Floor, Main Library.

Tuesday, April 28

Computer Class: Beyond the World Wide Web. Move beyond the topics covered in the Introduction class. Topics include email, advanced finding tools, evaluating the accuracy of web pages, and demonstration of useful websites. Registration is required. Sign up at the Third Floor Service Desk at the Main Library or call 708-452-3480. 9:30 am to 11:30 am Computer Classroom, Third Floor, Main Library.

Author Elizabeth Berg Reads from Home Safe. Popular novelist Elizabeth Berg reads from her newly published book, Home Safe about a woman, a daughter, and a surprising change in life. Elizabeth Berg, an Oak Park resident, is the author of 18 novels, 10 of which are bestsellers. Barbara's Bookstore will have copies of Home Safe and other Elizabeth Berg books for sale. This event, which is free and open to the public, is cosponsored by Barbara's Bookstore. 7:30 pm at Unity Temple, 865 Lake Street, Oak Park.

Wednesday, April 29

FREE Training on Morningstar. Are you looking for real time investment information? Take a virtual tour of Morningstar Research Center. Oak Park Public Library cardholders can conveniently access the training session from any location with a phone and Internet connection. Discover how to use this valuable database to search for stocks, mutual funds, and ETFs. Learn how to evaluate retirement and portfolio holdings. Get independent analysis reports, helpful articles, and industry commentary to help you make sense of this challenging market. To register send an email to librarytraining@morningstar.com and please mention Oak Park Public Library in your email. Call 708-452-3465 for more information. 3 pm from anywhere with a phone and Internet connection.

Oak Park Viewers: Oscar's Overlooked Film Series: Happy Go Lucky. Oak Park Viewers presents a selection of films from 2008 that were not nominated for Academy Awards. A discussion will follow each film. Happy Go Lucky looks at a few chapters in the life of Poppy, a cheery, colorful, North London schoolteacher whose optimism tends to exasperate those around her. 6:30 pm Maze Branch.

Computer Class: Computer Reports and More. Learn to access Consumer Reports, other consumer information, and newspaper articles using online tools available at the Library. Sign up at the Third Floor Service Desk at the Main Library or call 708-452-3480. 7 pm to 9 pm Computer Classroom, Third Floor, Main Library.

Thursday, April 30

Computer Class: Introduction to the World Wide Web. Second of two sessions. First session meets April 23. 9:30 am to 11:30 am Computer Classroom, Third Floor, Main Library.

Oak Park Readers. Join our no-stress book club! Come for food, drink and conversation about your favorite books, leave with a great reading list. 7 pm Veterans Room, Second Floor, Main Library.

May 2009

March 2009

May 2009