First celebrated in 1988, National Coming Out Day celebrates “coming out”—living life openly as a member of the LGBTQ community—and raises awareness of the community and civil rights movement. Below, find coming-out stories for all ages and online resources to mark the 33rd anniversary of this national day. Coming out titles for all ages Online resources … Read more
By Kathy Sexton, Collection Management Librarian 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. Oak Park Public Library acknowledges that Oak Park is situated … Read more
By Dontaná McPherson-Joseph, Collection Management Librarian 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 lecture and Q&A with author and WBEZ Journalist Natalie … Read more
Join your neighbors, families, students, and friends this fall for a circle discussion series inspired by the 1619 Project. What is the 1619 Project? It’s an ongoing initiative from The New York Times Magazine that “aims to reframe the country’s history by placing the consequences of slavery and the contributions of black Americans at the … Read more
by Dontaná McPherson-Joseph & Andrea Trejo, Collection Management Librarians The equinox is upon us! That means it is officially fall and time to get cozy, make all the comfort food, watch some scary movies, and read books in a warm sweater. What we suggest this autumn The Craft: Legacy Why you should try it: If … Read more
Your public library is here to connect you with books, events, learning experiences, and online resources that celebrate Hispanic heritage and culture this month and all year long. On this page, you can: Browse: Curated title suggestions for all ages; Attend: Upcoming events; View: Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) ofrenda in the Idea Box; Watch: Multicultural … Read more
Every year during Banned Books Week (September 18-24 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 from data from the ALA’s Office of … Read more
by Dontaná McPherson-Joseph, Collection Management Librarian TikTok is a social media platform filled with people from all over the world sharing news, culture, and dance trends. It is also home to a community of readers posting book recommendations, sharing reviews, and engaging with authors. Popular & under-the-radar reads curated from the vast algorithm that is … Read more
By Kathy Sexton, Collection Management Librarian September is Library Card Sign-Up Month, and to celebrate we are featuring some fun and useful items that you may not know you can check out with your library card. Need a card? Let’s get started » Check out these 6 things to check out 1. Book Club Kit What … Read more
We’ve got some fantastic programs for adults coming up this fall, thanks to Jabez Patterson, Programming Librarian in Adult Services. Jabez, who joined the library in January, collaborates with local authors, musicians, and more to bring high-quality virtual and in-person programs to the library. He’s guided by community interests as well as his own—which include … Read more
