Tax Day is April 15: Print tax forms, file online at the library

Calculator and pen on paper

Federal & state tax returns are due April 15 Download tax forms Find links for federal and Illinois tax forms below: Print tax forms At the library, you can use a library computer to print popular state and federal tax forms at no charge. Or print remotely and pick up same day at any library … Read more

November is National Entrepreneurship Month

Library staff, board members and Chamber of Commerce members celebrate the opening of the Main Library Creative Studio with a ribbon cutting

November is National Entrepreneurship Month. According to the White House, it’s a time to celebrate those who “create businesses that are the heart and soul of our communities.” Your library is a resource for entrepreneurs, new businesses, and nonprofit organizations. All Oak Park business owners, nonprofits, and employees can get a library card and gain full … Read more

New! Read all about it: Access 5 of the most popular U.S. national & regional newspapers

Newspapers with magnifying glass

Introducing two new ways to access news digitally on all your devices from anywhere: Global Newsstream and Historical U.S. Major Dailies. When you log in with your Oak Park card and PIN, you can find current and historical issues of these five major newspapers: You’ll also find some of the highest circulating news sources in the U.K., Mexico, … Read more

Lively & the library: A story of growth

Librarian and store owner at Lively Athletics

Lively Athletics didn’t always sell kids’ shoes. In 2014, Anne Pezalla opened the store at 109 N. Oak Park Ave. with her sister Kate, selling women’s athletic clothing and shoes. In 2016, she started kicking around the idea of adding shoes for kids. She was participating in the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program at … Read more

5 ways libraries support entrepreneurs, small business owners

OPRF Chamber Women in Business

Did you know your library can be a great business partner? “I don’t think a lot of small business owners or entrepreneurs even know what an amazing resource the library can be,” said Anne Pezalla, co-owner of Oak Park store Lively Athletics. This National Entrepreneurship Week, February 16-23, we’re showcasing five ways the library supports … Read more

‘Catalyst’ grant connects mentors with youth bound for college and career

Emerging Leaders Network

As an 18-month grant-funded initiative to empower youth for college and career builds to a finish at the Main Library, those involved are calling it a “community catalyst” for the way it’s sparking opportunities, strengthening relationships, and energizing young people, families, and those who work with young people. “To catalyze something means you can walk … Read more

Book Bike delivers small-business stories

Book Bike outside Kinslahger Brewing Company

Ride along with the Book Bike as we share the unique #OakParkStories of small businesses, starting this National Small Business Week, April 30-May 6. The idea is to turn outward and amplify voices from the community, said Neighborhood Services Librarian Sarah Yale. “To start, we intentionally reached out to local small businesses in areas not given as much ‘love’ as those in … Read more