October 11 is National Coming Out Day in the United States. Inaugurated in 1988, National Coming Out Day is a day to promote education, activism, and community for LGBTQIA+ people. For some people, sharing their identity with friends, family, and community can be empowering and affirming. However, coming out can also be scary or even … Read more
Across the United States, a movement has been growing to censor books in schools and public libraries, especially books by and about people of color and members of LGBTQ+ communities. As your public library, we will continue to make challenged and endangered books accessible to everyone, and to educate our community on the history and … Read more
A few years ago, Sharon Eckhoff inherited a Mac laptop from her son. She loves pretty much everything about it, including the sensory feel of typing on it. “It’s a pleasure to work with the darn thing,” she told us. However, she realized earlier this year that, to keep up with her online courses in … Read more
When Robert Kelly (pictured above with his grandsons) was working in the software industry, he subscribed widely to magazines and newspapers from around the country. “I like to be able to read a lot,” he told us. “Because there’s so much going on in the world, I like to have a variety of opinions.” After … Read more
By Supervising Librarian of Creative Technology John Gargiulo Did you know that there is an app you can use to search for library materials, place holds, and manage your checkouts all in one place? The SWAN Libraries App makes finding and requesting items easy. Let’s review a few basics of how to use the SWAN Libraries App Log … Read more
By Health & Senior Services Librarian Rose Barnes Happy September! I hope you’re enjoying the slow cool down from summer and are ready to put your library card to good use this autumn. Did you know that September is Library Card Sign-Up Month? During the month of September, all over the country, libraries work to … Read more
Hip hop is more than music and dance, says Director of Equity & Anti-Racism Stephen Jackson. “It is culture. It permeates every fabric of American life. It is the way people talk, the words they use, the way people wear their clothes.” This year, our library was one of more than 30 organizations around the … Read more
Fall is festive and fun for families! Your public library and the Collaboration for Early Childhood have curated activities, events, and resources for you and your little ones to make the most of this special season. Activities Storytimes Places Events
By Children’s Librarian Shelley Harris The trees are changing, the weather is cooling, and the days are shortening. Autumn is on its way! The changing seasons always offer great learning opportunities for kids, who are already asking why all of the above is happening. Explore the virtual tutorial Caregivers and parents, we’ve heard from you … Read more
By Health & Senior Services Librarian Rose Barnes Did you know? You can scan documents for free at any Oak Park library location. Scan equipment is available on the Main Library’s third floor and at the Maze and Dole branches. Using the scanner, you can send your scan to copy (print), fax, email, save to … Read more
