Introducing Tech Tips: Using tabs in your internet browser

Introducing a new digital learning series called Tech Tips. In blog posts and emails, library staff will share digital learning tips in a short, approachable, and easy-to-digest manner. “We came up with this idea to reach our patrons who often attend our digital learning programs or have computer questions in the library,” says John Gargiulo, Supervising Librarian of … Read more

Supporting Power of Partnerships, a new virtual tutoring collaborative

District 97 E-Team Library Dominican logos

Logistical aspects of this partnership are currently in development. Information will be updated here as more details are formalized. To support Oak Park families and educators who will participate in remote learning, the library is partnering with the Equity Team (E-Team) of Oak Park, Oak Park Elementary School District 97, and Dominican University to serve … Read more

Library director joins Harwood Institute board

David Seleb and Rich Harwood in April 2019

Our library’s Executive Director David J. Seleb has joined the board of directors of The Harwood Institute for Public Innovation. He began serving on the 11-member board in June 2020, as he continues to lead the library using the Harwood Institute’s “turning outward” approach. “The Harwood Institute has profoundly influenced my professional and personal life … Read more

Meet Juanta: ‘Multicultural learning teaches us to see the world beyond our neighborhoods’

‘I am passionate about multicultural education’ Juanta Griffin, a longtime Oak Park resident and arts educator, is the library’s new Multicultural Learning Coordinator. “I am passionate about multicultural education not just for children but for adults as well,” she says. “I strongly believe that racism is rooted in fear and that fear stems from ignorance. … Read more

Census recruiting in Oak Park: ‘A call to action’

Eric Luepke talking with a patron at the library

By Guest Writer Erich Luepke UPDATE: If you would like to learn more about working for the Census, and believe you can help our community outreach efforts, please email the author of this piece at Erich.d.luepke@2020census.gov. Erich Luepke is an Oak Park resident recruiting people to apply for jobs with the 2020 Census. The opinions … Read more

Request for Proposal for Wireless Access Points and IDFs Switches

Wireless Access Point

Date Issued: Monday, March 16, 2020Proposals Due: Friday, April 3, 2020, 5 pm CSTOpening and Recording: Tuesday, April 8, 2020, at 9 am CST, Main Library, Conference Room The Oak Park Public Library is requesting proposals for Wireless Access Points and IDFs Switches replacement for the Main Library. Please refer to this PDF » All questions regarding this … Read more

Thank you, Dontaná and Jenna!

Librarians Jenna and Dontaná with books

As your (very proud) public library, we’re thrilled to share the words of two Oak Park librarians who recently served on prestigious American Library Association committees, one related to children’s literature and the other to LGBTQ+ literature. Here’s a little bit more about those meaningful experiences. Jenna: Newbery Medal ‘We…were willing to change our thoughts … Read more

Community survey results are in

Main Library at night

One thousand responses to the library’s Community Needs Assessment Survey are now available. This survey’s goals were twofold: (1) to learn more about what keeps people from using library resources and (2) to help shape how library spaces could and should be used in the future. Key findings touch upon community needs and vision, the … Read more

‘My mantra is to provide excellent customer service’

“Every time I walk through the doors of the library, the mantra I keep in my mind is: ‘To provide excellent customer service,’” says Rashmi Swain, Adult Education and Job Seekers Librarian. With 15 years of service to the library, Swain (pictured above, center) is among those celebrating milestone anniversaries this year. She and other … Read more