The Oak Park Public Library Board of Trustees (the Board) issued a Request for Proposals for qualified vendors to assist the Board in identifying the next Executive Director of the Oak Park Public Library. The Board seeks a partner to help identify an Executive Director to ensure that the library’s vision, mission, and strategic priorities … Read more
In our continued quest to be a library for everyone, we strive to offer the widest possible access with the fewest barriers as possible. So we’re thrilled to offer a new way for community members to use the library and read library books when they’re out and about in the community: pop-up libraries! Pop-up libraries … Read more
We’re celebrating the first anniversary of the Creative Studio! Since the digital makerspace officially opened last April on the Main Library’s third floor, it’s been a fantastic year of learning, expanding offerings, and, of course, lots of creativity. “The Creative Studio provides access to technology and tools that help patrons realize their personal, professional, and … Read more
LinkedIn Learning is an online learning platform with video tutorials to learn business, software, technology, and creative skills to achieve personal and professional goals. Check out LinkedIn Learning FAQs. Meet LinkedIn Learning With LinkedIn Learning you can: How to log in & get started Watch the LinkedIn Learning video tutorial on this page or follow these … Read more
This is an updated version of the statement that was read at the conclusion of the March 16 Special Board Meeting. Watch the meeting here. At a special meeting today, with regret, the Oak Park Public Library Board of Trustees voted to terminate the employment of Executive Director Joslyn Bowling Dixon, who joined the Library in … Read more
Dear Oak Park Public Library Community, I am sorry. There has been a lot of public conversation, hurt, and confusion about our library over the last week. I am accountable for this library and to this library. And I am deeply sorry I contributed to the hurt experienced by community members surrounding the Celebration of … Read more
The Board of Library Trustees acknowledges there have been multiple examples of damage caused to the Oak Park area community, to our community partners, and to members of the Oak Park Public Library staff, and that we have much work to do to rebuild the broken trust. We apologize for the relationships that have been … Read more
Youth Art Month in Main Library Lobby Thanks to all the Oak Park Elementary School District 97 teachers (pictured above) for curating this display of artwork by students in grades K-5. It will be on view all March in the Main Library Lobby, in celebration of Youth Art Month. Come in and see the students’ colorful … Read more
Developing accurate and affirming language to name the parts of our bodies and understanding how bodies change as we age is an important skill for young people to learn. Not only is it a matter of physical health, but it also provides young people with better tools to advocate for themselves and set boundaries. Unfortunately, … Read more
We often come back to the topic of emotions and social-emotional learning with our kids. Sometimes it may feel like we’re repeating ourselves! But we keep returning to the topic because it’s an important one. Kids (and adults!) learn best when they feel that they are safe and secure in their space and relationships. Part … Read more
By Creative Technology Librarian Amy Hofmockel Do you have a desktop covered in icons you don’t use? Are you interested in decluttering your digital workspace? Let’s go over some basics of file management so you can find the files you want when you want them. First, what is file management? Just like you might have papers … Read more
By Children’s Librarian Eileen Saam Whether playing video games, chatting with friends, watching videos, or browsing a favorite website, it’s important to keep online safety in mind. Although most of us are aware of important online safety tips, we all need helpful reminders, and kids need continual guidance to stay safe on the internet. Previously, … Read more
By Children’s Librarian Eileen Saam During winter break, parents and caregivers may find themselves stressing about the amount of time that their kids are spending on a screen. While it’s surely important to set limits, time spent playing educational apps can offer kids fun and valuable learning experiences. But with so many games and apps to … Read more
By Children’s Librarian Eileen Saam The internet can be a powerful educational tool and a fun place for kids to explore, but here at the library, we understand that online safety for kids is top-of-mind for parents and caregivers. Keeping kids safe online can feel like an insurmountable task, but I’ve gathered some information to … Read more
By Digital Learning Specialist Amelia You probably have seen them somewhere by now, black and white square or circular barcode images—known as QR codes (short for Quick Response codes)—on contactless menus, advertisements, and even as a form of payment around the world. But what are QR codes? These barcode images are readable by digital devices—like … Read more
Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) is typically celebrated on November 1 and 2. The celebration, which originated in Mexico, is rooted in indigenous practices that existed long before Spanish settlers arrived. Together with community members, our Latine Language & Culture Librarian Nora Sanchez has been working to bring the celebration to the library … Read more
Since 2019, the library has been partnering with researchers from Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine to develop a digital tool to help teens with anxiety. Now in the fourth year of a five-year grant, the research partnership has won an award for its strong collaborative research principles and work to impact health and equity … 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
Know an Oak Park neighbor, co-worker or educator—even a newborn—without a library card? Send them our way! Every Oak Park resident and Oak Park-based educator, daycare provider, and business owner can get complete access to public library services and resources. A card gives you full access to library services Have questions about how to get … Read more
By Children’s Librarian Shelley Harris It’s never too early to talk about emotions with children, even babies and toddlers. The end of summer and start of new autumn routines is close, and with all of the big changes can come big feelings. Below are a few activities you can do together to encourage kids to … Read more
