Your visit
Your digital library
Oak Park cardholders have anywhere, anytime access to massive amounts of growing virtual content. Read, watch, listen, find, learn, and research from where you want, when you want! See what’s available »
Building locations & hours
Get directions, parking information, scheduled closing dates, and information about book drops. See building locations & hours »
Self-service in the Main Library
The Main Library is open for self-service Mondays through Saturdays, 10 am-6 pm (parking garage closes at 6:15 pm). Expanded hours, better browsing, and more »
Accessibility
All library buildings are accessible and ADA compliant. The Main Library offers elevator access from its underground garage. Learn about accessibility »
Meet our staff
We follow a librarians of practice model. Each librarian gears their talents for research, relationship-building, and local expertise around a specific topic which informs how librarians select and maintain collections, develop programming, and cultivate community partnerships. Meet our staff »
Governance
Board of Library Trustees
Seven elected officials serve four-year terms. Together, the Board of Trustees of the Oak Park Public Library is responsible for governance and overseeing the provision of library service to meet the needs of the Oak Park community, including the library’s policies, budget, vision, mission, and strategic plan. More »
Policies
Written policies formally govern library operations. More »
Response to COVID-19
Our approach to put people and safety first. More »
Library Fact-Checker
Need to confirm something you read on Facebook or heard about your library? Get information in response to common questions and concerns »
Budget
Find the current year budget and audited financial statements from previous years. More »
Values & priorities
Vision, mission & strategic plan
Informed by the library’s vision (to empower every voice in our community), mission (we share the information, services, and opportunities that fulfill Oak Park’s aspirations), the strategic plan focuses on engagement, learning, and stewardship. More »
Turning outward
This is an intentional process, a stance, for listening to and learning about our community. It also means we make the choice to ground library work in the community’s shared aspirations. More »
Our anti-racism journey
We are committed as an organization and as individuals to dismantle the systems of oppression that have created, and that fuel, racist conditions. More »
Civic engagement
Civic engagement and literacy includes having the knowledge and skills to participate effectively in civic life, including how to stay informed, understand governmental processes, and exercise your citizenship rights and obligations at local, state, national, and global levels. More »
Sustainability
The library sustains, shares, and respects community resources, including the natural environment. Learn more about environmental initiatives like our Main Library Green Roof and its two honeybee colonies »
Data privacy
We are committed to protecting the privacy of all who use its services in compliance with Illinois state laws and professional standards related to the personal information of library users. More »
Our story
Evaluating our impact
We know it’s essential to look at both numbers and stories to understand the full impact of our library’s work. See the quantitative and qualitative data »
Current news & stories
We exist to empower every voice in our community, and we share the information, services, and opportunities to fulfill Oak Park’s aspirations. Read the latest library news and stories of impact »
History
Founded as a public library in 1903, James W. Scoville first helped establish a Pastor’s Library room at First Congregational Church (now First United Church). More library history »
Year in Review
Highlights of making an impact in our community. Read the 2020 Year in Review »
Support your library
Friends of the Oak Park Public Library
Since 1948, the Friends of the Oak Park Public Library have been building valuable bridges between the library and community and raising funds for the library. Become a Friend of the Oak Park Public Library »
Give
Endowment funds, by their nature, are often described as an “investment in the future.” The Oak Park-River Forest Community Foundation currently manages eight library endowment funds. More »
Volunteer
Want to connect with others, support your public library, and make your community a better place? Volunteer at the library »
Working here
Jobs
At the Oak Park Public Library, we are engagers, we are learners, and we are stewards. Learn more about working here and see available jobs »
