Illustration of people of all ages outside of a library with a banner that says Find Your Joy.

National Library Week

The American Library Association’s National Library Week is April 19–25, 2026, with the theme “Find Your Joy.” Award-winning librarian, author, and new host of the children’s program Reading Rainbow, Mychal Threets is the 2026 Honorary Chair of National Library Week. … Read more

A selection of poetry book covers suggested below with the text April is National Poetry Month.

National Poetry Month

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

Collage of book covers, titles featured below.

Celebrating Arab American heritage

Your public library is here with books, resources, and experiences that can help us connect and celebrate Arab American history and culture. The month of April is recognized as Arab American Heritage Month in Illinois. Titles we suggest More to … Read more

Collage of book covers.

Honoring women’s history

Your public library is here to connect us through books, resources, and experiences that celebrate women’s history. Titles we suggest More to explore Upcoming events Latine Author Book Cafe: Daughters of Latin AmericaTuesday, March 10, 6 pm, Main Library Join … Read more

Collage of book covers

Connecting you to Black history, then & now

Your public library is here with books, resources, and experiences that can help us connect and celebrate Black history and culture. Titles we suggest More to explore Exhibits Art Exhibit: Dreamscapes by Amani BorahThrough February 28, Main Library Gallery The collected works … Read more

Martin Luther King Jr. leaning on a podium at a press conference, alongside a collage of book covers

Honoring MLK Day: Books, a display & resources

On Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Monday, January 19), all library buildings will be closed. We’ve gathered together title suggestions, online resources, and more to help you celebrate the life and legacy of one of the best-known leaders of the … Read more

Collage of book covers surrounded by sparkling gold stars

Celebrity book club round-up, January 2026

Since Oprah’s first book club pick in 1996, we have been reading as the celebrities do, falling in love with, or hating, characters with our fellow book club readers. Book clubs offer an opportunity to be in community with others, … Read more

Collage of book covers (books listed below)

New year, new you: Books to destress & reset

If everything just feels a bit more stressful these days (we certainly think so), why not try a little therapy? Art, music, nature, socialization, and actual therapy are all proven ways to help reduce stress and anxiety. Try these titles … Read more

Best of 2025: Adult fiction & nonfiction

Our annual librarian-curated roundup of books, TV shows, movies, and music is here! Explore staff favorites across every age and interest. Discover our staff’s favorite adult fiction and nonfiction titles on this page or browse more using the links below. … Read more

Best of 2025: Teen fiction & nonfiction

Our annual librarian-curated roundup of books, TV shows, movies, and music is here! Explore staff favorites across every age and interest. Discover our staff’s favorite teen fiction and nonfiction titles on this page or browse more using the links below. … Read more

Best of 2025: Kids & picture books

Our annual librarian-curated roundup of books, TV shows, movies, and music is here! Explore staff favorites across every age and interest. Discover our staff’s favorite kids and picture books on this page, or browse more using the links below. Adult fiction: General … Read more

Best of 2025: Movies, TV shows, & music

Our annual librarian-curated roundup of books, TV shows, movies, and music is here! Explore staff favorites across every age and interest. Discover our staff’s favorite movies, TV shows, and music on this page or browse more using the links below. … Read more

Book covers of the winners of the 76th National Book Awards

National Book Award Winners 2025

Check out the 2025 National Book Awards winners and our read-alike titles, suggested by Oak Park’s fantastically well-read librarians! The National Book Awards were established in 1950 to celebrate the best writing in America. Learn more about how the awards … Read more

Gift Guide 2025 text alongside two gift boxes wrapped in white and gold paper with ribbons.

Gift Guide 2025

Looking for gift ideas for this holiday season? Might we suggest a great book? Our collection management librarians have curated a range of excellent gift ideas for the book, movie, TV, or music lover in your life. Adults | Teens … Read more

Transgender flag drawn in chalk

Transgender Awareness Week: Books & resources

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 … Read more

American flags

Titles for Veterans Day

Every year on November 11, we honor America’s military veterans for their service. Below are some recent, thoughtful reads to help you observe. Honoring veterans The Houdini Club: The Epic Journey and Daring Escapes of the First Army Rangers of … Read more

Collage of books.

Celebrating Native American heritage

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 … Read more

Librarians Ms. D and Mr. G between shelves of teen fiction

What are Ms. D and Mr. G reading?

Need a good book? Middle School Librarian Fiona Dolce (aka Ms. D) and Middle and High School Services Supervising Librarian Alexander Gutierrez (aka Mr. G) are here with lots of great fiction and graphic novels for students in grades 6–12. … Read more