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Who works in Children's Services?
Meet our staff.

How can I contact Children's Services?
You can call us at 708.452.3420, email us at childrens@oppl.org or visit us at the Main Library.

What ages are served by the Children's Services?
We serve children and families from birth through fifth grade. We also have some study materials for students through eighth grade.

How many items do you have for children?
Our collection is made up of approximately 75,000 items. In 2006, the Children's Department circulated 406,205 items (these numbers include Young Adult materials).

What may children check out?
Children under 18 need a parent to sign the library card application. Children may use their library cards to borrow all circulating items at the Oak Park Public Library. The Library does not limit children to specific collections. It is the parents' responsibility to guide a child's borrowing.

What kind of items does Children's Services have to check out?
Board Books, Picture Books, Fiction, Nonfiction, Easy Readers, Biographies, Magazines, Graphic Novels, Audiobooks, Movies, Book Kits, and CDs.

What does it cost to check stuff out?
All children's materials may be borrowed for free!

What kinds of programming and outreach do you provide?
Our programs include storytimes, School's Out programs, family programs, afterschool fun, and summer and winter reading programs. The librarians and traveling storytime interns also average twenty visits each month to local daycares.

Can you recommend a professional storyteller for my party?
The listed performers have been recommended for Illinois libraries, however, the Oak Park Public Library does not endorse any particular performer.
Illinois Storytelling Inc.
Harvest of Resources Directory of Performers
A Parade of Programs: Resources for Library Programming

Can my class visit the Library?
Yes! Tours, storytimes and group visits may be scheduled for school classes, scout groups, daycares, and parent groups. To schedule a visit, please complete our Class Visit Request form. Please send this information to the Children's Services Department at least two weeks before you plan to visit the Library.

Are there special spaces to study in your library?
The Main Branch of the library has two study rooms available for children through grade 5 or adults working with children. Rooms may be reserved up to one week in advance.

When can children visit the Library by themselves?
The Library has an Unattended Child Policy. Read our suggestions before your child visits the Library alone.

UNATTENDED CHILD POLICY (Library Board approved March 19, 2008. Revised July 21, 2009.)

Parents are responsible for the care and behavior of their children while they are in the Library. Violations of this policy are grounds for suspension of library privileges. The Oak Park Public Library staff is committed to help children with activities related to the Library. However, Library staff cannot, nor is it their responsibility to serve as baby-sitters, teachers, or disciplinarians.

Children under the age of eight must be accompanied and directly supervised at all times by a parent or other responsible caregiver. Unattended children under the age of eight may be asked to remain at the nearest Service Desk while staff attempt to locate the caregiver. When the safety of an unattended child is in doubt or the parent or responsible caregiver cannot be located, or if the Library is closing, Library staff are authorized to call the police and stay with the child until the police arrive.

From time to time, the Oak Park Public Library schedules or provides programs that are designed and suitable for attendance by children without parental supervision. In that case, the parent or caregiver is expected to remain in proximity to the program in order that they are available should they be needed.

Children of the age of eight or over may use the Library unattended by an adult, subject to other Library rules and policies concerning behavior, conduct, and demeanor.

Unattended Children After Hours
If an unattended child or children under the age of eight are present after closing at least two staff members or one staff member and a security guard shall remain with the children. In the event a child under the age of eight is still at the library 15 minutes after the library closes to the public, the police will be called to pick up the young person. Attempts will be made during that 15 minutes to reach the parents. Whenever the Librarian in Charge / Person in Charge feels that it is appropriate to follow this process with a child or children eight years old or older, they are authorized to do so. However, in no instance will a staff member, volunteer, or a security guard transport a child or children or wait alone with the child or children.

Still have questions? Ask A Librarian.

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Does the Library have computers for children?
The Main Library offers 20 computers for use by children in the Children's Room on the First Floor. These include 10 Internet, 4 word processing, and 6 games computers.

How old do I have to be to use a computer for children?
Preschoolers and older children through fifth grade may use a computer in the Children's Room. Children younger than 8 years old must have an adult or responsible caregiver with them at the computer.

How do I sign up to use a computer?
Children will need an Oak Park Public Library card to use most of the computers. Guest computers are available for children who do not have an Oak Park Public Library card.

How long may I use a computer?
Children may use Internet, database, and word processing computers for 45 minute periods. Children may play a games computer for 30 minute periods.

How many kids may use the same computer?
Only two children may use a computer at one time.

May I bring my own games or software to use on the games computers?
No, only the games currently on the games computers can be used.

How do I save files that I'm working on?
Children wishing to save files may purchase a flash drive at the Circulation Desk. A zip drive can be checked out from the Children's Services Desk.

How do I print from these computers?
Children may purchase a print card in order to print from a computer or put money on their library cards. The fee for printing is 10 cents per page. The printer and print vending cards are available in the Children's Room.

Does the Library have computers for adults?
Adults may use the computers in the Children's Room if they are attended by children or working on a child-related project and need access to resources in the Children's Room. However, children are given priority for computers in the Children's Room.

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