International Drag Day: What to read, listen to & watch

Collage of book covers

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 time. (Did you know that all the female parts were played by men back then? … Read more

Disability Pride books, a display & supported events

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Your public library is here to connect you with books, learning experiences, events, and online resources that celebrate people with disabilities and disability as an identity in July and all year long. On this page, you can: What is Disability Pride Month? Disability Pride celebrates people with disabilities and disability as an identity, honoring the … Read more

Celebrating Pride Month

Collage of book covers

Your public library is here with books, resources, and experiences that can help us connect and celebrate the LGBTQ+ community. Titles we suggest More to explore Reading lists for kids From your digital library *The Advocate is now part of Out magazine (new standalone issues of The Advocate are no longer available). Upcoming events For all … Read more

48 new books, movies & TV shows coming this summer

A bright beach scene graphic with text that reads Sizzling Summer Titles

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 summer. And don’t forget to register and track your reading for summer reading. Adult fiction | Adult nonfiction | Teens | Kids | Movies & TV … Read more

Adult summer reading returns June 1

Graphics of a movie projector, book, conversation bubbles, and headphones and a beachy background

It’s time to pull out your reading list and get warmed up for adult summer reading 2025! From June 1 through August 19, sign up via Beanstack, track your reading, complete activities, and earn badges for a chance to win gift cards to local businesses. No library card? No problem. You don’t need one to participate. If … Read more

Celebrating Asian American, Native Hawaiian & Pacific Islander heritage

Collage of book covers, see titles listed below

Your public library is here with books, resources, and experiences that can help us connect and celebrate Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander heritage. The month of May is recognized as Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in Illinois. Other organizations also honor this month as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, … Read more

Celebrating Jewish American heritage

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Your public library is here with books, resources, and experiences that can help us connect and celebrate Jewish American history and culture. The month of May is recognized as Jewish American Heritage Month in Illinois. Title suggestions for all ages More to explore Special display Idea Box: Jewish American Heritage MonthMay 13-31, Main Library Local … Read more

Celebrating Seniors Week 2025

Older adults talking and enjoying coffee at the library

Spring is here, so it’s time again for Celebrating Seniors Week! Held this year from May 8 to 15, the weeklong celebration is dedicated to honoring, recognizing, and serving seniors in Oak Park, River Forest, and Forest Park. Celebrating Seniors Week is sponsored by the Celebrating Seniors Coalition, an organization dedicated to uplifting and advocating for older … Read more

Want to protect libraries? Here’s what you can do

Show up For Our Libraries

We’re asking our community to stand up for libraries everywhere because the federal government is moving to cut off its modest but effective support for libraries, from withdrawal of funding for broadband to the elimination of the only source of federal funding for our nation’s 125,000 libraries, the Institute of Museum and Library Services. Watch: Spreading … Read more

National Poetry Month

Collage of book, album, and movie covers, see titles listed below

By Collection Management Librarians Dontaná & Andrea Poetry is good for our brains. Studies show that reading poems activates our brain’s cognitive functions differently than when we read novels and other nonfiction. Poetry helps us recognize rhymes and rhythms, and expands our “capacity to understand complex, multiple meanings.” This National Poetry Month, we’ve paired poetry collections … Read more

Celebrating Arab American heritage

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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. Title suggestions for all ages More to explore Celebration event Arab American Heritage CelebrationSaturday, April 12, 12-3 pm, Main Library … Read more

‘God of the Woods’: Waiting for it? Loved it? Try these titles!

God of the Woods book cover

I love how much our community uses the library. Sometimes that means waiting for the hottest titles. Don’t fret! I can help you find a similar reading experience to THAT book you are waiting for or that you finally read and loved. God of the Woods readalikes Knife River by Justine Champine Why you should … Read more

Honoring women’s history

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Your public library is here to connect us through books, resources, and experiences that celebrate women’s history. Browse titles we suggest More from your digital library Register now to attend events Illinois Libraries Present: Exploring Space With Coralie AdamTuesday, March 4, 7 pm, virtual Get an inside look at the space industry with Illinois’ own Coralie … Read more

Connecting you to Black history, then & now

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Your public library is here with books, resources, and experiences that can help us connect and celebrate Black history and culture. Browse titles we suggest More to explore View exhibits Art Exhibit: Stories My Camera Tells by Howard SimmonsThrough February 22, Main Library Gallery Still photography tells its stories through captured moments in time. Stories told with … Read more

Celebrity book club round-up, January 2025

Read with the stars text with sparkling stars and a book collage above

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, even if we’re not together in person.  Other celebrities who love to read have started … Read more

Honoring MLK Day: Books, a display, resources & more

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

On Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Monday, January 20), 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 civil rights movement. Check out these titles Contribute to a community ‘Dream Hands’ display As … Read more

New Year refresh: Books to get creative, active, moving & out

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Happy New Year, Oak Park! Ready to refresh in the new year? Explore our curated selection of books and digital resources on crafting, activism, exercise, and travel. Whether your goals are focused on exploring your creativity, making a difference, prioritizing your health, or going on an adventure, your public library has the resources to help … Read more

Best of 2024: Adult fiction & nonfiction

Best of 2024: Adult fiction & nonfiction

Oak Park’s Best of 2024 is back! See our adult fiction and nonfiction staff favorites on this page or browse more using the links below. Adult fiction: General | Adult fiction: Romance, lives & relationships | Adult fiction: Thriller, graphic novel, sci-fi & fantasy | Adult nonfiction |Teen fiction & nonfiction | Kids books | Picture books | Movies & TV shows | Music Adult fiction: General All Fours by Miranda July … Read more

Best of 2024: Kids & picture books

Best of 2024: Kids & Picture Books

Oak Park’s Best of 2024 is back! See our kids and picture books staff favorites on this page or browse more using the links below. Adult fiction: General | Adult fiction: Romance, lives & relationships | Adult fiction: Thriller, graphic novel, sci-fi & fantasy | Adult nonfiction |Teen fiction & nonfiction | Kids books | Picture books | Movies & TV shows | Music Kids books Daggers of Ire by J.C. Cervantes … Read more