Learn for the fun of it

Develop a new skill, dive deep into a hobby you love, or expand your knowledge on a topic you’ve always wanted to explore with these books our librarians love. Check out the curated titles below, plus more to explore in your digital library and upcoming events where you can expand your knowledge, make, and create. … Read more

Updated July 23, 2025: Trustees: Tell the Appropriations Committees to fund libraries

UPDATE: Congress has decided to push back their discussions on library funding until the first week of September. This gives you a great opportunity to get in touch with your Appropriations Committee Congressmember during August recess and urge them to defend federal library funding this fall.   In June, trustees of the Oak Park Public Library … Read more

Read, relax, repeat: 5 library perks for a better summer

Two older adults participating in a book discussion, sitting in chairs, and holding books

Looking for ways to stay cool, engaged, and connected to neighbors and friends this summer? We’ve got you covered at the library and at home. Get up a leg up on summer reading! 1. Read & participate in a book discussion Check out these titles and join a book discussion to share your thoughts with … Read more

Opioid awareness: Take a pouch, save a life & meet community partners in the Main Library Idea Box

Public Safety employee holding a pouch containing naloxone and a bookmark with instructions

In August, local organizations will host the educational exhibit “Understanding Opioids: Awareness, Support, and Hope” in the Main Library Idea Box, in honor of International Overdose Awareness Day on August 31. Additionally, we want to make our community aware that, all year, the Main Library offers life-saving resources just inside the front entrance. Since March … Read more

Ravinia Festival’s Words & Music Program

Entrance to Ravinia Festival

All tickets for 2025 concerts have been claimed. Thank you, Oak Park! Ravinia Festival’s Words & Music Program provides patrons of Chicago-area libraries complimentary lawn passes to attend concerts featuring the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and other classical artists every season. This summer season, 12 concerts are featured. More information on each concert and venue details … Read more

Disability Pride books, a display & supported events

Collage of book covers

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: What is Disability Pride Month? Disability Pride celebrates people with disabilities and disability as an identity, honoring the … Read more

New pop-up library at Oak Park Township

Oak Park Township staff Stephanie Scaletta and Yazmin Morales hold up books in the lobby of the Township offices.

Update November 5, 2025: A second Oak Park Township location has been added at their Senior & Disability Services office, 130 S. Oak Park Ave. Announcing our newest pop-up library location at Oak Park Township‘s Youth & Family Services office, 105 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park. Pop-up libraries allow community members to use the library … Read more

Juneteenth 2025

Words "Juneteenth Freedom Day" on a red, black, green, and yellow background

On Thursday, June 19, all library locations will be closed for Juneteenth. This national, state, and Oak Park holiday celebrates African Americans’ freedom from enslavement in the United States. Celebrations at the Main Library Juneteenth is a joyous celebration of freedom, but also a time to remember the countless sacrifices made to achieve it. Join … Read more

Preparing for Pride Month: Books & trivia games for kids

Book icon on a rainbow background

By Hal, Rainbow Services Librarian As the summer approaches, so does Pride Month. In the United States and many other countries around the world, we celebrate Pride during June in honor of the Stonewall Uprising of 1969. Nowadays, communities throughout the world celebrate Pride Month with parades of rainbows and glitter. These parades began as … Read more

Books & bagels: New pop-up library at Daly Bagel

In a cafe window, there's a tray with a to-go coffee cup and a sesame seed bagel, a bin of kids books with a sign that says "Read while you wait," and paper event calendars

Announcing our newest pop-up library location: The Daly Bagel, 130 Chicago Ave., Oak Park! Pop-up libraries allow community members to use the library when they’re out and about, no library card or checkouts needed. “We are thrilled and honored to be part of the Pop-Up Library initiative!” said Adrienne Guldin and Amanda Daly of The Daly Bagel. … Read more

Celebrating Asian American, Native Hawaiian & Pacific Islander heritage

Collage of book covers, see titles listed below

Your public library is here with books, resources, and experiences that can help us connect and celebrate Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander heritage. The month of May is recognized as Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in Illinois. Other organizations also honor this month as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, … Read more

Celebrating Jewish American heritage

Collage of book covers featured below

Your public library is here with books, resources, and experiences that can help us connect and celebrate Jewish American history and culture. The month of May is recognized as Jewish American Heritage Month in Illinois. Title suggestions for all ages More to explore Special display Idea Box: Jewish American Heritage MonthMay 13-31, Main Library Local … Read more

Celebrating Seniors Week 2025

Older adults talking and enjoying coffee at the library

Spring is here, so it’s time again for Celebrating Seniors Week! Held this year from May 8 to 15, the weeklong celebration is dedicated to honoring, recognizing, and serving seniors in Oak Park, River Forest, and Forest Park. Celebrating Seniors Week is sponsored by the Celebrating Seniors Coalition, an organization dedicated to uplifting and advocating for older … Read more

Want to protect libraries? Here’s what you can do

Show up For Our Libraries

We’re asking our community to stand up for libraries everywhere because the federal government is moving to cut off its modest but effective support for libraries, from withdrawal of funding for broadband to the elimination of the only source of federal funding for our nation’s 125,000 libraries, the Institute of Museum and Library Services. Watch: Spreading … Read more

What libraries mean to Oak Park

Collage of three library staff holding signs to celebrate and stand up for public libraries during National Library Week

Before and during National Library Week, we asked our staff and community members: What do you love about libraries? What do libraries mean to you? Here’s what they shared. Library staff | Community members Oak Park library staff ‘Magical, vital institutions’ “Libraries are places for all where possibilities seem endless. They are magical, vital institutions … Read more

New pop-up library at Oak Park’s Village Hall

A shelf of books in the lobby of a municipal building, and two Village of Oak Park staff

Announcing our newest pop-up library location: Oak Park’s Village Hall, 123 Madison St., Oak Park! Pop-up libraries allow community members to use the library when they’re out and about, no library card or checkouts needed. This new shelf, located in the welcome center of Oak Park’s main municipal building, offers books about fire trucks, voting rights, community … Read more

Tech Tips: Copy, cut, & paste shortcuts for Windows & Mac

Do you need an easier way to move text or images around without having to rewrite a whole paragraph or insert a new photo? The copy, cut, and paste tools are useful skills to know—whether you’re using Microsoft Word, Google Docs, Safari, Google Chrome, or many other browsers and applications. The instructions below will help … Read more