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. Designed both for and with community, the Idea Box space exists to empower voices and to provide historically, intentionally, and traditionally marginalized people groups a unique public space to create, inform, build, share, and be. Through April 30, the National … Read more
Your public library is here to connect you with books, online resources, and learning experiences that celebrate Arab American history and culture this month and all year long. On this page, you can: The month of April is recognized as Arab American Heritage Month in Illinois and the U.S. Title suggestions for all ages Celebration … Read more
April is National Poetry Month, and there’s so much to explore at your library! Poetry books for all ages Whether you love poetry or are looking to try something new, we hope you’ll find a new favorite poem (or two!) in these lists of new titles for all ages, curated by your Oak Park librarians. … Read more
The Oak Park Public Library has been recognized over the years with awards from community organizations, library professional associations, and more. See a selection in the Main Library Lobby and a list by year below. 2023 American Library Association Sustainability Round Table, Citation for Wellness in the Workplace: Awarded to the library in recognition of … 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 the Julian Legacy Museum in the Idea Box The Julian Legacy Museum in the Main Library Idea Box … Read more
On Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Monday, January 15), all library buildings will be closed, and we’ve gathered together title suggestions, online resources, and more for you to celebrate the life and legacy of one of the best-known leaders of the civil rights movement. Check out these titles More from your digital library: Watch films … Read more
Just get a new library card? This page is for you! Below, find a very general overview of library services and resources—provided in hopes of helping you get the most out of your individual library use and experience. If you shared an email address when signing up for a library account, you will receive this … Read more
From Diwali, Christmas, Hannukah, and Kwanzaa celebrations to the observance of the winter solstice, Oak Park library staff love sharing their own winter holiday traditions with you in our annual Holidays Around the World! In addition to stories, videos, and photos, you’ll find related music, games, stories, and recipes for families to explore. Click the … Read more
By Health & Senior Services Librarian Rose Barnes The holiday season can be both joyful and a stressful time of year. Your library offers virtual and on-site resources and programs to help you take care of yourself. Here are a few of my favorite ways to use the library to prepare for and celebrate the … Read more
