By Kristen Romanowski, Staff Writer & Editor Juanta Griffin was in third grade at Longfellow Elementary School when her teacher, Mrs. Simmons, turned her onto Eyes on the Prize. Griffin says it was this PBS series, which chronicled the civil rights movement from the perspective of ordinary people, that first opened her eyes and drove … Read more
Located just inside the entrance of the Main Library, this 9×13 space is always changing. It is typically curated by Multicultural Coordinator Juanta Griffin (juantag@oppl.org) and additional members of the Community Engagement Team. Designed both for and with community, the Idea Box space exists to empower voices and to provide historically, intentionally, and traditionally marginalized … Read more
Your public library is here to connect you with books, online resources, and learning experiences that honor Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander history and culture all year long. On this page, you can: The month of May is officially proclaimed as Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month by the White House but … Read more
All across the United States, there is an unprecedented campaign to censor books in school and public libraries. In March, the American Library Association (ALA) reported that 2022 saw the highest number of attempted book bans in 20 years, nearly double the number in 2021. “Overwhelmingly, we’re seeing these challenges come from organized censorship groups … Read more
Your public library is here to connect you with books, online resources, and learning experiences that celebrate Arab American history and culture all year long. On this page, you can: The month of April was officially designated as Arab American Heritage Month in Illinois in December 2018. Read the proclamation » Title suggestions for all … Read more
Your public library is here to connect us with each other through books, resources, and experiences that celebrate Black history and culture. Browse titles we suggest More librarian-curated reading lists Ebooks, digital audiobooks, movies & more View special exhibits, documentary film screening ‘The Work’: Black History Museum in the Idea BoxAll February on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, … Read more
Honor the memory of Martin Luther King Jr. as a day on, not a day off on Monday, January 16. Below find title suggestions, online resources, and more to celebrate the life and legacy of one of the best-known leaders of the civil rights movement. And, yes, we’re open! The Main Library and Maze Branch … Read more
From Diwali celebrations to Brazilian New Year, Oak Park library staff love sharing their own winter holiday traditions with you in our annual—and now virtual, on-demand—Holidays Around the World! In addition to stories, videos, and photos, you’ll find related music, games, and stories for families to explore. Click the play button below to start celebrating … Read more
Extended: ‘Gender Is a Galaxy, Gender Is a Weapon’ This Idea Box exhibit has been extended to hold space for mourning and to honor the victims of the shooting that took place on November 19 at Club Q, an LGBTQ Nightclub in Colorado Springs. One day before Transgender Day of Remembrance, a shooter attacked Club … Read more
Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) is celebrated on November 1 and 2. An ofrenda (altar) is built to honor, celebrate, and remember the dearly departed. Through November 4, you can view ofrendas in the Main Library Idea Box and at Dole Branch. Also below, you can learn more about the community ofrendas you … Read more
