We Suggest: Titles for Veterans Day

American flags

By Collection Management Librarian Kathy 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 They Were Soldiers by Joseph L. Galloway Why you should try it: Be inspired by the stories of these 49 Vietnam veterans who went on … Read more

We Suggest: Titles for National Novel Writing Month

National Novel Writing Month logo

By Collection Management Librarian Kathy 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. NaNoWriMo inspiration Storyville! by John Dufresne Why you should try it: Accessible and fun, with … Read more

We suggest: Regional stories: Appalachian fiction

Book covers

By Collection Management Librarian Dontaná 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

We suggest: New(ish) nonfiction titles

Nonfiction book covers

By Collection Management Librarian Kathy Looking for a good nonfiction read? Whether it’s current events, history, science, memoir, or poetry, here are a few recently published books that are sure to scratch your nonfiction itch. Nonfiction titles you might have missed 14 Miles by D.W. Gibson Why you should try it: Tired of hearing the … Read more

We suggest: Disability reads

Child with hearing aide reading book

Each October, we recognize Health Literacy Month, a time to promote the importance of understandable health information. October is also a month chosen to highlight awareness of many disability communities, a time to call for acceptance of and advocacy for people who use communication aids to speak, have Down Syndrome, Sensory Processing Disorder, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, … Read more

Books Empower: How we’re partnering to give new books to people who need them most

Books Empower: Book delivery

‘The kind of project that makes us love Oak Park’ With funding from the Illinois State Library, we’ve launched an initiative to distribute new, free books to community members who are most in need of resources. Recipients will be able to keep these books forever and use them to build their home libraries. This new … Read more

October is Health Literacy Month

Because an informed community is a healthier community

Observed each October, Health Literacy Month highlights the importance of making health information easy to understand. Learn more at healthliteracymonth.org » Want to take charge of your health? Your public library can help you access trusted health information through online resources, books, virtual programs, and more. Learn more about health and wellness at your library » … Read more

‘Kids are reflective and ready to do this work’: Supporting anti-racism in Oak Park middle schools

Beronica Puhr and Katy Alejos load van with boxes of books

“Schools are a reflection of our society, so in the wake of social justice and anti-racism demonstrations, we must support our students in becoming global citizens in a diverse democracy.” —Oak Park Elementary School District 97, Anti-Racism in District 97 All Oak Park Elementary School District 97 middle school students are reading and discussing Stamped: … Read more

We suggest: Iowa Writers’ Workshop edition

Book covers

By Collection Management Librarian Dontaná This October, we’re excited to welcome Claire Lombardo as the speaker at this year’s Ballinger Lecture, held virtually on Zoom, on Sunday, October 11, 2-3 pm. And we’re also thrilled that so many Oak Parkers read and loved Lombardo’s The Most Fun We Ever Had. In honor of her upcoming virtual … Read more