Check out the 2020 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 work from the National Book Foundation » Fiction winner Interior Chinatown by Charles Yu & read-alikes … Read more
Register now for December 1: Stamped: Racism, Anti-Racism, and You Join us on Tuesday, December 1, 6-7:30 pm for the third family and community discussion of Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You by Jason Reynolds and Dr. Ibram X. Kendi. Register now » Stamped offers a history of racist and anti-racist ideas in America, from their roots in Europe … Read more
By Collection Management Librarian Dontaná McPherson-Joseph November 20 is Transgender Day of Remembrance, a day to honor the lives and legacies of trans people, the pioneers and the everyday neighbors, who have passed away, most often through violence. A notable and sudden passing this year was Monica Roberts, a Black trans woman who was better known … Read more
While we may be spending more time apart this year, sharing stories can connect people and families across distances, whether you’re separated by long distances or if you’re social distancing. During Family Stories Month this November, connect with your family—biological, adopted, by choice—by sharing stories, both learning about your family’s story and reading stories about … Read more
Every year on November 11, we honor America’s military veterans for their service. Below are some recent, thoughtful reads to help you observe. Plus, mark your calendar to watch Oak Park’s annual Veterans Day ceremony virtually on Zoom Wednesday, November 11 at 11 am: On your computer: Visit zoom.us, enter meeting ID 839-1069-9966 with passcode … Read more
Thinking about writing a novel? There’s no time like NaNoWriMo to get started, and your public library is here to support you on your journey! What is NaNoWriMo? National Novel Writing Month is a challenge to write 50,000 words of a novel in thirty days. Learn more at nanowrimo.org » Join your public library for upcoming … Read more
By Collection Management Librarian Kathy Sexton Are you up for the challenge of writing 50,000 words of a novel during the month of November? Join thousands of writers around the globe for NaNoWriMo and let these books bolster and guide you. Find novel writing events and resources from your library to help you get started … Read more
Gremlins, ghosts, and goblins, oh my! The spookiest day of the year is almost here! With a full moon on the horizon, this year’s Halloween is sure to be extra eerie. Keeping your Halloween festivities close to home this year? Cozy up with these titles suggested by your Oak Park librarians…but maybe keep the lights … Read more
Like our library-led book groups, many community-based book clubs are continuing to stay connected virtually during this pandemic. To help support everyone’s love of reading and need for social connection, here are three library services (two of which are new) to help keep you and your book club both together and on top of what’s … Read more
By Collection Management Librarian Dontaná McPherson-Joseph Travel with us to the oft-overlooked region of Appalachia. Nestled in the peaks, valleys, nooks, and crannies of the Appalachian Mountains, separating the East Coast from the Midwest, this beautiful region is home to rare accents, deep religion, and hidden secrets. Appalachian fiction Betty by Tiffany McDaniel Why you should … Read more
