9 ways to encourage spontaneous, meaningful language

Adult reading a picture book with a baby

Library staff love to talk about the importance of language and play for kids: It helps them explore their world, learn about themselves and the people around them, get ready for school learning, and so much more! Pediatric staff from Kids Unlimited Therapy Services in Oak Park have some practical ways to encourage spontaneous, meaningful … Read more

An Important Message from the Oak Park Public Library Board of Trustees

Statement from the board of Library Trustees

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

Earth Month at your library

Text "Eco-Extravaganza" on green background

One year into her position as the library’s Environmental Programming Specialist, Christine Poreba is looking forward to Earth Month programming at the library in April—although, as she puts it, her attention is on the Earth and sustainability year-round. In January, Christine received a Village of Oak Park Green Award in recognition for her work, including launching new … Read more

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

Miss Eileen singing

By Children’s Librarian Shelley Harris The world is waking up in spring! Warm, rainy days bring growing flowers, birds fly home, and the sun shines longer each day. Let’s celebrate with songs, activities, and nature play! The changing seasons always offer great learning opportunities for kids, who are already asking why all of the above … Read more

36 things to do with little ones this spring

Illustrated animals playing dress up and coloring

The daffodils are starting to bloom and that means that warm weather is on the way! 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 the soon-to-be-spring season. Activities Storytimes Events

Message from the Executive Director

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

Honoring women’s history

Collage of books

Your public library is here to connect us with each other through books, resources, and experiences that celebrate women’s history. Browse titles we suggest More from your digital library Register now to attend events Empower Her MentorshipWednesdays, March 6, 13 & 20, 4-5 pm, Main Library A mentoring program that develops life and leadership skills, … Read more

Statement from the Board of Library Trustees

Statement from the board of Library Trustees

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

ICYMI: Recently released fiction & nonfiction

Book collage

By Collection Management Librarians Dontaná & Kathy Check out these recently released fiction and nonfiction titles that might have flown under your radar. They are perfect for celebrating Black History Month. Fiction Hush Harbor by Anise Vance Why you should try it: This gritty dystopian novel will make you think. Description: A resistance group takes America’s … Read more

Celebrating art in March

Oak Park Elementary School District 97 art teachers pose in front of a wall of student art in the Main Library

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