By Collection Management Librarian Dontaná McPherson-Joseph The time of ghouls, ghosts, and otherworldly creatures is upon us! Are you ready to have the stuffing scared out of you? Dig into these new tales of slasher and bizarro horror, featuring the two reigning kings of the genre, and a local favorite. Terrifying tales The Final Girl Support … Read more
In 2017, the Village of Oak Park Board of Trustees approved a proclamation declaring the second Monday in October Indigenous Peoples’ Day. This day recognizes that Native peoples were the first inhabitants of North America and celebrates their history, traditions, and stories. We acknowledge that Oak Park is situated on the ancestral land of the … Read more
By Nichelle Stigger, Brooks Middle School Note: A version of this post first appeared in Wednesday Journal and OakPark.com on October 5, 2021. Read the piece on OakPark.com » I have one rule in my sixth grade Language & Literature classroom at Brooks Middle School: lead with love. When working with a partner, when walking in the hallways, … Read more
By Collection Management Librarian Dontaná McPherson-Joseph Each fall we gather to celebrate and recognize former head librarian Barbara Ballinger and her many years of dedicated service to the library and to Oak Park. Sponsored by the Friends of the Oak Park Public Library, this year’s Barbara Ballinger Lecture features a virtual lecture and Q&A with author Michelle … Read more
Halloween season is finally here! Looking for a spine-chilling read, a creepy tale, or a story that’s just a little eerie and fun? Our Oak Park librarians have something for all ages! Plus, watch a video about letting kids take the lead on how scary they want their stories, and find more titles to stream … Read more
By Collection Management Librarian Kathy Sexton 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. Velvet Was the Night read-alikes The Best … Read more
This fall, join us for a three-part virtual series in which we’ll read and discuss the March graphic novel trilogy by John Lewis. We’ll use a circle format to discuss the work of the late civil rights icon and U.S. Congressman (D-Ga.) John Lewis, and reflect together on the impact of civil rights movements today. This honest, anti-racist … Read more
By Collection Management Librarian Kathy Sexton Whether you like history, memoirs, poetry, self-help, or magic, there is something for you on this list of newly or soon-to-be-released titles. And because it’s Hispanic Heritage Month, we’re highlighting titles by Hispanic authors. So place your holds today! Want more? Find more Hispanic Heritage Month title suggestions for all ages, … Read more
By Collection Management Librarian Dontaná McPherson-Joseph Every year during Banned Books Week (September 26-October 2 this year), the American Library Association (ALA) celebrates the freedom to read by recognizing books that have been challenged, censored, and banned in libraries and schools. Check out the top ten most challenged books—and why they were challenged—from the last year (compiled … Read more
Your public library is here to connect you with books, videos, online resources, and learning experiences that celebrate Hispanic heritage all year long. On this page, you can: Watch Multicultural and Spanish language virtual learning videos. Browse suggested books for adults, teens, and kids, all hand-selected by our librarians. Log in with your Oak Park card … Read more
