The Local History collection at the Oak Park Public Library includes both current and historical material on the town of Oak Park, its institutions, and its people. The collection includes books, files, photographs, computer databases, and microforms.

Local Directories
Oak Park Directories 1887-1967 on microfilm.
Oak Park Telephone Directories 1909-present in several formats.

Local Newspapers
Oak Park newspapers 1883-present on microfilm.

Local Newspaper Index
A subject index to articles appearing in Oak Park newspapers 1883-1987 on cards, 1988-present on computer.

Historic Preservation Commission File
A file containing information on Oak Park homes and other buildings. It includes material from the 1970 Hasbrouck/Sprague architectural survey of Oak Park and other sources.

Steiner Index
References to the architecture of Oak Park and River Forest compiled by Frances H. Steiner.

Legends Of Our Time Videos
A library sponsored oral history project which concentrates on the history of racial diversity in Oak Park. There are fourteen edited videotapes in the project funded by a Library Services and Construction Act Grant from the Illinois State Library. These videos are available for circulation from the Oak Park Public Library.

Using Local History Materials
Materials in the Local History Collection are available for reference use at the Main Library. Circulating copies of some of the books in the collection are also available.

Local History Questions
Send reference questions concerning Oak Park history to the attention of:
William Jerousek, Local History Librarian
Oak Park Public Library
834 Lake Street, Oak Park, IL 60301
Telephone 708-452-3480
Fax 708-697-6900
Email