Pegboard wall with hanging tags and text that says "Library of Things"

Library of Things turns 1

When our Library of Things collection made its debut last September, Nicole Brown and her family were ready for it. On previous visits to the Main Library, they’d seen staff assembling the wall in the lobby (pictured above) that showcases … Read more

Person holds a VHS tape at a computer station with the words "Creative Studio" on the wall

Preserving culture in the Creative Studio

Nothing lasts forever, and that includes your old VHS tapes. Even if you still have a VCR to play them, the tape quality can degrade as the years go by. The solution? Digitize those tapes. And you can do it … Read more

Children read and play around a bookshelf

Pop-up library now at Wonder Works

Pop-up libraries are collections you can access outside library buildings, in spaces where people already congregate. Our first one was installed this spring at the Park District of Oak Park’s Community Recreation Center, and we’re thrilled to add a second … Read more

Group of library staff pose together against an artwork backdrop

Improving our service to Spanish-speaking patrons

To meet our community’s growing needs, we partnered with Triton College this spring to offer an eight-week conversational Spanish course for 12 library staff members at the Main Library. The course was designed to help staff provide more responsive customer … Read more

Three people pose in front of a backdrop reading Northwestern Medicine Feinberg School of Medicine. Two hold framed certificates.

Partnering for teen mental health

American teens are in a mental health crisis, according to the Office of the Surgeon General and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention—and it began even before the COVID-19 pandemic. That’s why, since 2019, assistant professor and researcher Ashley … Read more

Cover of the summer Storyline magazine

The Storyline returns: Summer issue now out

This latest issue of the library’s magazine (PDF) highlights summer reading programs for kids, teens, and adults, plus: We love to see how you use your public library If you have an idea or story to share with us for … Read more

Librarian stands next to bookshelf in a lobby

Pop-up library launches at CRC

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 more

3D printer printing an octopus

Creative Studio turns 1

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 … Read more

Cabinet in restroom stocked with hygiene supplies and toiletries

Free toiletries for youth at Main Library, thanks to partnership

The library is partnering with the Oak Park Township to offer free personal hygiene supplies for youth at the library. Kids and their families can help themselves to soap, shampoo and conditioner, toothbrushes and toothpaste, floss, deodorant, lotion, and menstrual … Read more