Tech Tips: Digitize VHS, cassettes & film at the Creative Studio Media Stations

Two desks with digital equipment sitting alongside a wall with Creative Studio Media Lab displayed on it

Have VHS tapes, cassette tapes, or film negatives you’d like to digitize and preserve? The library’s Media Stations have equipment to help you do just that. Located on the third floor of the Main Library in the Creative Studio, the stations provide VCRs, high-quality scanners, and other equipment for you to turn your analog media … Read more

Connecting you to Black history, then & now

Collage of book covers

Your public library is here with books, resources, and experiences that can help us connect and celebrate Black history and culture. Browse titles we suggest More to explore View exhibits Art Exhibit: Stories My Camera Tells by Howard SimmonsThrough February 22, Main Library Gallery Still photography tells its stories through captured moments in time. Stories told with … Read more

Ways to watch Oscar-nominated films

Collage of Oscar-nominated films

The countdown to the big night has begun! The 97th Academy Awards airs on Sunday, March 2, and your library has a few ways to watch some of the year’s most talked-about films. Join us: Register for our 15th Annual Oscarthon No need to wait on the red carpet—come to our 15th Annual Oscarthon movie … Read more

Tax Day is April 15: Print tax forms, file online at the library

Calculator and pen on paper

Federal & state tax returns are due April 15 Download tax forms Find links for federal and Illinois tax forms below: Print tax forms At the library, you can use a library computer to print popular state and federal tax forms at no charge. Or print remotely and pick up same day at any library … Read more

Explore self-expression through play: Pronoun Discovery Kits for grade schoolers

Pronoun Kid cards face down on a table

Interested in facilitating conversations about self-expression and gender identity? Check out these two Discovery Kits about pronouns designed to help kids explore self-expression through play. Playing With Pronouns kit The Wellness & Life Skills: Playing With Pronouns kit includes the books They, She, He, Easy as ABC and What Are Your Words? and a game … Read more

Tech Tips: What does that icon mean?

Chat icon and a question mark

By Amy Hofmockel, Creative Technology Librarian In today’s technology landscape, there are hundreds of icons in use. Icons are meant to help people navigate technology by serving as clear, recognizable symbols that represent a function, tool, or file. However, there is currently no standard for use for most of them.  Still, across various technologies, some icons … Read more

Start a healthy habit: 5 ways to thrive in 2025

Person meditating next to dog standing on its hind legs

Today is as good a day as any to start a healthy habit! Try one (or all) of these five suggestions in 2025. 1. Connect & socialize Seeking to connect and socialize with other older adults? Join us on the first Friday of the month for Older Adult Coffee Hour at the Main Library, and … Read more

Honoring MLK Day: Books, a display, resources & more

Martin Luther King Jr. leaning on a podium at a press conference, alongside a collage of book covers

On Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Monday, January 20), all library buildings will be closed. We’ve gathered together title suggestions, online resources, and more to help you celebrate the life and legacy of one of the best-known leaders of the civil rights movement. Check out these titles Contribute to a community ‘Dream Hands’ display As … Read more

New Year refresh: Books to get creative, active, moving & out

Collage of book covers

Happy New Year, Oak Park! Ready to refresh in the new year? Explore our curated selection of books and digital resources on crafting, activism, exercise, and travel. Whether your goals are focused on exploring your creativity, making a difference, prioritizing your health, or going on an adventure, your public library has the resources to help … Read more

January 2: Looking for your input by January 8

 The following content was distributed via email to active Oak Park Public Library cardholders on December 23. Dear Oak Park Public Library Patrons, As you may know, the Board of Library Trustees began working with Koya Partners in June on the search for the next executive director of the Oak Park Public Library. In January, we are excited to be moving … Read more

BingePass gives you 7 days of unlimited streaming

New! Hoopla BingePass with an icon featuring two tickets on a starbust background

With hoopla‘s new BingePass and your Oak Park library card, you can get unlimited streaming for seven days with a single borrow! Let’s get started… How do I use hoopla’s BingePass? Watch the video below for an overview but please note that this video shows how to access BingePass using an iPhone. For instructions on … Read more

29 things to do with little ones this winter

Illustrated animals listening to a live performance and reading books inside while snow can be seen through the windows

The days may be short, but there are so many ways to make the most of each one! Your public library and the Collaboration for Early Childhood have collected activities, events, and more for you and your little ones to get out and explore this winter season. Activities Storytimes Places Events

Holidays Around the World

A lantern with a glowing candle inside sitting in the snow under a tree

From Diwali, Christmas, and Hanukkah 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 play … Read more

Early Bird Learning videos: A virtual tutorial for babies, toddlers & preschoolers

Librarian Shelley smiling while wearing a winter coat and ear muffs

The world changes in winter: We get cozy and snuggly, animals shift their behavior, and trees and flowers wait for spring. There are also a lot of family holidays, which can be joyful and stressful at the same time! Let’s sing some seasonal songs, practice self-regulation, and get ready for fun learning together. Explore the … Read more

National Book Award Winners 2024

Book covers of the winners of the 75th National Book Awards

Check out the 2024 National Book Awards winners and our read-alike titles, suggested by Oak Park’s fantastically well-read librarians! The National Book Awards were established in 1950 to celebrate the best writing in America. Learn more about how the awards work from the National Book Foundation » The winners & readalikes The winners

Pop-up library now at Styles 4 Kidz

Person next to small bookshelf with kids books, and bookshelf in hair salon

Announcing our newest pop-up library location: Styles 4 Kidz, 235 Harrison St., Oak Park, IL 60304. Pop-up libraries allow community members to use the library when they’re out and about, no library card or checkouts needed. Styles 4 Kidz is our third pop-up library location, adding to ones installed earlier this year at the Community … Read more

Tech Tips: How to use the scanner at the library

Scan station at the library

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 a USB, or scan to the cloud storage. … Read more

5 ways to celebrate & prepare for the holiday season

Collage of holiday photos: a snowman gift tag, a sheet of music with lights, wrapped presents, an ornament, and baking utensils with evergreen boughs

Time is about to move twice its usual speed. Physics will tell you this is impossible, but physics doesn’t take the holiday season into account—when there never seems to be enough time to do everything.  Luckily, whether it’s planning for holiday visitors or figuring out some of the best gifts, the library has tools to … Read more

After-school program serves up tea, snacks & space for middle schoolers to talk about feelings

Group of middle schoolers sit around a table and talk with each other and an adult who's standing up

Every Wednesday after school, middle schoolers gather at the Main Library for tea and snacks with their friends and a couple of trusted adults. It’s called Tea Talk, and it’s a time for everyone to talk about mental health and emotions. This mentoring group, now in its second year, draws about 10-15 kids each week, … Read more