The Board of Library Trustees approved the library’s 2020 budget at its October 2019 meeting, setting clear priorities to address building and IT infrastructure and maintenance needs and to achieve greater wage and salary equity. More background: From tax years 2009 through 2019, the library’s actual growth rate is 2.37%, according to data from the … Read more
In November, two traveling art exhibits that inspire empathy and connection are on display at the Main Library. When Home Won’t Let You Stay, in the Idea Box, shares stories and portraits of refugees. Community on a Shelf, in the Lobby Community Engagement Space, explores the human side of mental illness, community support, and libraries. … Read more
Date Issued: Friday, October 18, 2019Proposals Due: Friday, November 8, 2019, 5 pmOpening and Recording: Monday, Nov. 11, 2019 at 10 am, Main Library, Scoville Room The Oak Park Public Library is requesting proposals to contract for the provision of cleaning services for its three branch locations. All questions regarding this Request For Proposal (RFP) … Read more
The library, in partnership with Rush University Medical Center is offering free mental health assessments (through prescheduled appointments) for children, teens, and adults on Wednesdays from 9:30 am to 1:30 pm at the Main Library. A Rush psychologist will conduct the onsite assessment. To learn more about these free assessments and to schedule an appointment, … Read more
All September long, also #LibraryCardSignUp Month, Oak Parkers shared with us their favorites ways to use their cards. Many ways mentioned the joy of finding new releases, borrowing books to feed curiosities, and checking out titles that provide “the ability to be transported by compelling information and stories.” Here are 10 more unique ways that … Read more
“Banned Books Week, being celebrated this year from September 22-28, usually is about challenging outright censorship,” wrote Kent Oliver, director of the Nashville Public Library, for a recent opinion piece published in his hometown newspaper. Now, “publisher Macmillan’s new e-book embargo must be challenged too.” We couldn’t agree more, Kent! Ebook embargo limits what libraries … Read more
Caregivers looking for spaces to breastfeed, pump, or bottle feed now have another option at the Main Library. Our newly installed and ADA-compliant Mamava lactation suite is now open in the Children’s Services Area for first-come, first-served use. “We are so excited to be able to offer this amenity,” says Jennifer Norborg, Manager of Children’s … Read more
A community needs survey is now underway The survey’s goals are twofold: to learn more about what keeps people from using library resources and to help shape how library spaces could and should be used in the future. Oak Park households receiving this random sample survey can choose to complete it on paper, online, or … Read more
Love free live music and the great outdoors? We’ve got good news for you! Highland Park-based Ravinia Festival has once again generously offered Oak Park Public Library cardholders a selection of free tickets to summer concerts. Through Ravinia’s Words & Music outreach program, specific dates are available for Chicago Symphony Orchestra Concerts and Martin Theater Concerts. Tickets are … Read more
With a collaborative spirit, the ownership of the Dole Learning Center was recently transferred from the Village of Oak Park to the Park District of Oak Park. The Dole Branch Library will continue operations in Dole Learning Center, and the Park District looks forward to offering new senior programs in the building. To prepare, the … Read more
