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

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

Connecting you to Black history, then & now

Collage of book covers

Your public library is here to connect us with each other through books, resources, and experiences that celebrate Black history and culture. Browse titles we suggest More librarian-curated reading lists Ebooks, digital audiobooks, movies & more View the Julian Legacy Museum in the Idea Box The Julian Legacy Museum in the Main Library Idea Box … Read more

Honoring MLK Day: Books, a display, resources & more

Artistic rendering of Martin Luther King Jr. with an American flag in the background

On Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Monday, January 15), all library buildings will be closed, and we’ve gathered together title suggestions, online resources, and more for you to celebrate the life and legacy of one of the best-known leaders of the civil rights movement. Check out these titles More from your digital library: Watch films … Read more

Transgender Awareness Week: Books, a workshop & resources

Transgender flag drawn in chalk

This November 13-19, we celebrate Transgender Awareness Week, an annual event dedicated to educating our communities about the lives of transgender people. Transgender Awareness Week takes place in the week leading up to Transgender Day of Remembrance (November 20)—a day set aside to recognize each life lost during the year to transphobic violence around the … Read more

Book bans, censorship & intellectual freedom: Attend Saturday’s panel discussion

Headshots of four Barbara Ballinger Lecture presenters on teal background, with Barbara Ballinger Lecture logo

Across the United States, a movement has been growing to censor books in schools and public libraries, especially books by and about people of color and members of LGBTQ+ communities. As your public library, we will continue to make challenged and endangered books accessible to everyone, and to educate our community on the history and … Read more

Library recognized for ‘outstanding efforts on behalf of LGBTQ+ people’

Library group at the awards ceremony

In October, OPALGA+ (Oak Park Area Gay and Lesbian Association) recognized our library for “outstanding efforts on behalf of LGBTQ+ people in Oak Park and the surrounding area.” The library’s Executive Director Joslyn Bowling Dixon accepted the OPALGA+ Mel Wilson Founders Award at the OPALGA+ Annual Scholarship Fundraiser Gala on October 22. Library staff, including … Read more

Celebrating Native American Heritage Month: Books, an event, learning experiences & more

Native American Heritage book display in the Main Library

Oak Park Public Library acknowledges that Oak Park is situated on the ancestral land of the Bodewamiadkiwen (Potawatomi), Myaamia (Miami), Oceti Sakowin, Kiikaapoi (Kickapoo), and Peoria. We honor them and thank them for their stewardship of this land. Source: native-land.ca Your public library is here to connect you with books, videos, online resources, and learning experiences that … Read more

Programs to help you better understand gender identities & be an ally

Hand holding a rainbow

In November, please join us for two adult programs focused on trans and nonbinary identities. As a Library for Everyone, we believe that offering programs like these are a necessary component of us striving to be an anti-racist and equitable organization. Trans & Non-Binary 101 & Allyship Workshop Do you want to better understand trans … Read more

Celebrate Día de Muertos at library & in community

Front row, left to right: Jessy Martinez, Latine Language & Culture Librarian Nora Sanchez, Alma Martinez, Laura Pulido, and Maya Puentes. Back row: Omeyocan Dance Company

Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) is typically celebrated on November 1 and 2. The celebration, which originated in Mexico, is rooted in indigenous practices that existed long before Spanish settlers arrived.  Together with community members, our Latine Language & Culture Librarian Nora Sanchez has been working to bring the celebration to the library … Read more