Music has always been part of Antonia Celeste Lucas-Ruppert’s life. “I call myself a gospel blues singer,” she says, tambourine in hand. Antonia is recording an album in the Main Library Audio Booth, which she hopes to release this fall. … Read more
As a separate 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the Friends of the Oak Park Public Library have been raising funds and building valuable bridges between the library and community since 1948. The Friends are probably best known for the annual Book Fair, … Read more
Develop a new skill, dive deep into a hobby you love, or expand your knowledge on a topic you’ve always wanted to explore with these books our librarians love. Check out the curated titles below, plus more to explore in … Read more
Ravinia Festival’s Words & Music Program provides Chicago-area library patrons with complimentary lawn passes to concerts featuring the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and other classical artists each season. This summer season, 11 concerts are featured. Find more information on each concert … Read more
Collection Management Librarians Andrea, Dontaná, Jenna, and Kathy Jump into summer with these new books, movies, and TV shows—for all ages—that we think will be hot, hot, hot all season. And don’t forget to register and track your reading for … Read more
RiverSong, an exhibit of quilts celebrating the Mississippi River Basin, will be on view at the Main Library this May and June. Here, we go behind the exhibit to learn more about its curator, local artist Lindsay Olson (pictured above, … Read more
April is National Poetry Month! And whether you love poetry or are looking to try something new, we hope you’ll find a new favorite poem (or two!) in these lists of new titles for all ages, curated by your Oak … Read more
After her father passed away, artist Marea Cordero began learning more about his life growing up in the Philippines. And as she reconnected with the Filipino side of her family, she also began exploring the concept of ancestors more generally … Read more
Libraries are full of surprises! Discover the new additions to the Library of Things collection, which features a variety of physical objects available for checkout with your Oak Park library card. Explore items in four categories Do It Yourself (DIY) For creating, … Read more
The countdown to the big night has begun! The 98th Academy Awards airs on Sunday, March 15, and your library has a few ways to watch some of the year’s most talked-about films. Join us: Register for our 16th Annual … Read more
With hoopla‘s BingePass and your Oak Park library card, you can get unlimited streaming for seven days with a single borrow! Let’s get started… How do I use hoopla’s BingePass? Watch the video below for an overview. For more detailed … Read more
Last year, artist Antonia Ruppert traveled to Alabama to visit family. Before she returned to Chicago, her cousin gave her some family memorabilia to take home, including a photograph of her grandfather, Prince James. Ruppert had never met her grandfather, … Read more
Whether you are new to crafting or a seasoned master crafter, there is something for everyone on Creativebug. An inspirational resource for DIY, crafters, and makers, Creativebug features more than 1,000 award-winning art and craft video classes taught by recognized … Read more
It’s that time again. Love them or hate them, the holidays are back. This year, let your public library help you take the guesswork out of gift-giving, decide what to bring to that holiday party, and—most importantly—give yourself some much-needed … Read more
September is Library Card Sign-Up Month. Celebrate your public library by trying a service you haven’t used before. Unlock the full potential of your library card While our library continues to provide traditional services such as lending books and movies, … Read more
Drag is an art and a performance. In As You Like It, Shakespeare wrote “All the world’s a stage, / And the men and women merely players.” Drag performers throughout history have taken this line to heart, including in Shakespeare’s own … Read more
Summer has arrived, and it’s time to get out and see what our beautiful state has to offer. Your Oak Park library card provides instant access to discounted admission and other deals through Museum Adventure Pass and Explore More Illinois. … Read more
Encoded Memories is an art exhibit coming to the Main Library Gallery in May. Revolving around themes of time, place, and memory, it will feature images showing Oak Park past and present, including historical scenes from the library’s Special Collections. But … Read more
Oak Park’s Kwanzaa celebration drew almost 200 people to the Main Library on Monday, December 30, and was a resounding success. With music, dance, crafts, artwork, food, and ceremony, the Black American harvest celebration “truly captured the spirit of community … Read more
By Collection Management Librarian Dontaná People contain multitudes. We have multiple interests, hobbies, and even go on side-quests from time to time. Celebrities often do the same thing, exploring the depths of their creativity and passions. Books, music & more … Read more
