by Collection Management Librarian Andrea Who says horror is just for Halloween? Winter can be equally terrifying—with long dark nights and uncontrollable storms that can be truly isolating, both figuratively and literally. So grab your favorite blanket, turn off the lights, and lean into the horror of winter with these titles! Bone-chilling films About Andrea … Read more
March is Youth Art Month All March in the Main Library Lobby Community Space: We’re delighted to welcome back a Youth Art Month display (pictured above and below). Student artists in grades K-5, from all eight Oak Park Elementary School District 97 schools, contributed their art to this display. Come in for a close viewing … Read more
By Kristen Romanowski, Staff Writer & Editor “No harm in trying.” That’s what Oak Park resident Chris Brown told himself last fall when he put in a proposal to exhibit his paintings at the library. A relative newcomer to painting, Brown says he first tried his hand at it “in the depths of the pandemic,” … Read more
By Kristen Romanowski, Staff Writer & Editor Growing up, Jason Dorsey always knew he wanted to travel. “It’s almost like I had a thread of adventure inside of me, always,” he says. So he joined the U.S. Marines in 2000, right out of high school. But after returning home from active duty four years later, … Read more
By Kristen Romanowski, Staff Writer & Editor Want to see some colorful birds during these dreary January days? Just look up. Above the bookshelves at Maze Branch, that is, where artwork by outsider artist Casey Jones went up earlier this month. Using recycled materials like packing boxes and paper, plus paint and glitter “and whatever … Read more
By Collection Management Librarian Andrea Halloween season is in full swing, and there’s no better time for a fright! As you rewatch all of your favorite classic scary movies, why not try some of these recently released horror titles too? Watch these new titles, if you dare…* *These titles are not suitable for children, and … Read more
By Kristen Romanowski, Staff Writer & Editor Longtime library regular and self-taught artist Vanley Roebuck will show his paintings in an exhibit this November at the Main Library. We caught up with him this summer, when some of his work was on display at Maze Branch, to talk about how he got into painting and … Read more
We’ve got some fantastic programs for adults coming up this fall, thanks to Jabez Patterson, Programming Librarian in Adult Services. Jabez, who joined the library in January, collaborates with local authors, musicians, and more to bring high-quality virtual and in-person programs to the library. He’s guided by community interests as well as his own—which include … Read more
By Collection Management Librarian Andrea With school starting and summer vacation coming to a close, the end of another summer feels just on the horizon. But that doesn’t mean your adventures have to come to an end! Whether you prefer the comfort of your own space or are in-between travel adventures, check out these travel … Read more
Oak Park artist Tia Etu will unveil her latest contribution to art in the library this June, when she presents her mixed-media painting The Call in a Main Library Idea Box exhibit. You can join the artist and see her work in a reception on Saturday, June 18. Juneteenth-inspired piece joins permanent art collection The … Read more
