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 us with each other through books, resources, and experiences that celebrate Black history and culture. Browse: Curated title suggestions for all ages. View: Special exhibits, including “The Work”: Black History Museum in the Idea Box and a documentary film screening. Donate: Gently used teacups and saucers for the … 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
“As an organization, we are continuously learning and evolving to meet the needs expressed to us by our community,” says Manager of Community Engagement Sarah Yale. “Increasingly, we are hearing from the community that more intentional outreach and engagement of the Latinx and Spanish-speaking community is needed.” To that end, the library has named Nora Sanchez as … Read more
Your public library is here to connect you with books, events, learning experiences, and online resources that celebrate Hispanic heritage and culture this month and all year long. On this page, you can: Browse: Curated title suggestions for all ages; Attend: Upcoming events; View: Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) ofrenda in the Idea Box; Watch: Multicultural … Read more
Your public library is here to connect you with books, learning experiences, events, and online resources that celebrate people with disabilities and disability as an identity in July and all year long. On this page, you can: Browse: Curated title suggestions for all ages. Attend: Upcoming supported events. View: A special display in the Main Library Idea … Read more
Your public library is here to connect you with books, learning experiences, events, and online resources that celebrate the LGBTQ+ community in June and all year long. On this page, you can: Browse: Curated title suggestions for all ages. Attend: Upcoming events. View: A special display in the Main Library Idea Box through June 15 and test … Read more
