Oak Park votes yes on nonbinding referendum

Ballot with flag

The following is a joint statement from the park district, township and the library. Collaboration is vital for addressing issues, effecting change On Nov. 6, Oak Parkers approved the following nonbinding referendum: “Shall the merger and consolidation of Oak Park taxing bodies be considered, including, but not limited to, the Village of Oak Park, Oak … Read more

New sensory garden at Maze Branch brings fall fun for kids with disabilities

Sensory Garden Launch

October is National Disability Awareness Month. All month, families and kids with disabilities can find fun at the library, with programs featuring stories, songs, and movement, plus tools and supports to help all children be successful. The fun includes yoga, spooky stories, and exploration of our just-launched sensory garden at Maze Branch. Accessible and appealing … Read more

Donate at the library this Socktober

Socktober

Socks are consistently among the most requested items at homeless shelters. All October, we’re collecting new pairs at all library locations to benefit the clients of Housing Forward and other organizations. It’s our third year participating in Socktober. In 2017, thanks to your generosity, we collected 446 pairs of socks, as well as 50 pairs … Read more

Women and gender in Islam

Understanding the World of Islam

By Maliha Chishti Dr. Maliha Chishti is a researcher specializing in war and post-conflict peacebuilding and a Lecturer at the Harris School of Public Policy. On Wednesday, October 3, she joins us at the Main Library at 7 pm as part of the ongoing series Understanding the World of Islam, presented in partnership with the … Read more

Addressing a national epidemic

National Recovery Month 2018

When it comes to opioid use and abuse, Oak Park and River Forest are really no different than anywhere else in the country, said Mike Charley, Director of the Oak Park Department of Public Health. Local data show increases in overdoses, particularly from heroin, and mirror what’s going on in the rest of the country, … Read more

Refresh your civic knowledge: Local government, the First Amendment, and more

Civics 101

“It’s been a long time since I had a civics or a government class,” a patron wrote to us recently, requesting that the library host community workshops or classes on the workings of government. “Like Civics for Dummies or Civics 101.” You’ve told us: as citizens, you want to be engaged, empowered, and informed. As … Read more

High school hosting America to Me viewings

Still of four teens in a huddle from STARZ America to Me Documentary

Library live-streaming canceled; join us at OPRF Three years ago, Academy Award-nominated director Steve James filmed a year in the life of a dozen Oak Park and River Forest High School students. Due to overwhelming response and limited resources, we have canceled our plans to live-stream at the library. Please join us at Oak Park … Read more

New summer school program designed to motivate, engage students

Power of Partnerships summer 2018

IN THE NEWS: Free summer camp tackles equity gap; Power of Partnerships speaks to ‘whole child’ The Power of Partnerships (POP) Summer Program is a new free learning opportunity specifically designed to motivate and engage about 80 students entering grades 2–8 this fall. Happening now in the Main Library, Mondays through Fridays from 9 am to 3 pm, this … Read more

Celebrating civic life, liberties, libraries for everyone

Library staff, board members, and friends holding Libraries Are for Everyone banner with balloons

All summer long, we have been cheering and proclaiming the message that “Libraries are for everyone!” As your public library, we are for everyone because we are committed to encouraging the contributions of all people, regardless of race, color, ethnicity, ancestry, national origin, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital and/or familial status, … Read more

Free Ravinia Tickets at A Day in Our Village

Ravinia

Love free live music and the great outdoors? We’ve got good news for you! Ravinia Festival has once again generously offered Oak Park Public Library cardholders tickets to summer concerts. Specific dates are available for Chicago Symphony Orchestra Concerts and Martin Theater Concerts. Tickets are valid only on the date printed, may only be used on the evening … Read more