New partnership shines a light on local BIPOC artists

Jordan Campbell and Jon Veal

To amplify awareness around the creative work of local BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) artists, a new spring program series combines people and resources from your library and the local community arts organization Compound Yellow. Everyone of all ages is welcome to attend these free educational programs funded by an Illinois State Library … Read more

Art refresh: New pieces, monthly exhibits return

Two people look at two paintings

Did you know your library has a permanent art collection? You can see works of art at all three locations, including two recently donated paintings now on display at the Main Library. And this spring, monthly exhibits by local artists are returning to the Main Library Art Gallery and Maze Branch, after a two-year hiatus … Read more

Celebrating Betty White: Books, TV shows & more

Betty White smiling on the red carpet

Betty White was a television powerhouse. With a career that spanned over 70 years and included roles on The Mary Tyler Moore Show, The Golden Girls, and Hot in Cleveland, Betty White has touched the lives of generations. Born right here in Oak Park in 1922, Betty would have been 100 years old on January … Read more

Artist at work: Jacob Hashimoto at the Main Library

Artist works at table in front of artwork

By Kristen Romanowski, Staff Writer & Editor Artist Jacob Hashimoto stopped by the Main Library in September. While in the area for the opening of his show at a Chicago gallery, he came to Oak Park to make repairs to parts of his intricate artwork in our library’s permanent art collection. Hashimoto’s 8-by-12-foot piece skip … Read more

Exploring tarot: A new monthly meet-up & virtual tutorial

Tarot cards

By Hal, Rainbow Services Librarian Tarot is a journey. The cards of the major arcana in the Rider-Waite deck—the most commonly seen deck in the English-speaking world, but there are others!—depict the story of the youthful fool setting off on an adventure where they will encounter new people, face great challenges, and discover more about … Read more

A presidential portrait artist’s earlier work is on permanent display at your library

Easter Realness #2

The Obama Portraits are now on display at the Art Institute of Chicago, through August 25. President Barack Obama’s official presidential portrait was painted by Kehinde Wiley. But did you know that an earlier work by Wiley is on display on the Main Library third floor, open to all to experience anytime the library is … Read more

We suggest: Rashmi’s favorite sports films

Football on TV

If you’re missing football now that the Super Bowl is over, get your sports fix with these films recommended by Adult Services Librarian Rashmi! Rashmi’s favorite sports films The top 10 All top picks, listed alphabetically by sport Baseball Bull Durham Field of Dreams A League of Their Own Moneyball The Pride of the Yankees Basketball He Got … Read more