Across the United States, a movement has been growing to censor books in schools and public libraries, especially books by and about people of color and members of LGBTQ+ communities. As your public library, we will continue to make challenged and endangered books accessible to everyone, and to educate our community on the history and … Read more
Thank you to everyone who shared their thoughts and ideas at our listening sessions! More than 250 individuals participated, with in-person conversations and feedback forms completed in April, May, and June. Here’s more about the nine public listening sessions hosted by Executive Director Joslyn Bowling Dixon and additional library staff: What you told us about … Read more
By Joslyn Bowling Dixon, Executive Director More than halfway through my first year as Oak Park Public Library’s executive director, I’m pleased to report back on what we’ve accomplished so far. As I said I would do in my initial job interview, I took ample time and great care to watch, review, observe, and listen … Read more
Big news! At its June 20 regular meeting, the Village of Oak Park Board of Trustees approved a new resolution declaring the Village of Oak Park a Book Sanctuary Community. This local resolution follows a new state law that Gov. JB Pritzker signed in early June that is meant to discourage state libraries from removing … Read more
All across the United States, there is an unprecedented campaign to censor books in school and public libraries. In March, the American Library Association (ALA) reported that 2022 saw the highest number of attempted book bans in 20 years, nearly double the number in 2021. “Overwhelmingly, we’re seeing these challenges come from organized censorship groups … Read more
Federal & state tax returns are due April 18 More details from the IRS » More details from the Illinois Department of Revenue » Download, print tax forms Download Find links for federal and Illinois tax forms below: Federal Tax Forms Illinois Tax Forms Can’t find the IRS forms you need online? To request forms … Read more
By John Gargiulo, Supervising Librarian of Creative Technology In today’s media landscape, it can be challenging to sort through the constant flow of information and evaluate the accuracy of news articles and social media posts. The fast pace, sensational headlines, and frequent layout changes of social media can make it challenging to assess what you are reading. These … Read more
Earth Day has been celebrated every April 22 since 1970. Learn more about Earth Day and its history from EarthDay.org, and below find seven ways to get involved locally! 1. Turn trash into treasure Celebrate Earth Day with your friends at the Main Library after school! In the Earth Day Upcycle Crafts for Kids & … Read more
The Village of Oak Park is asking all residents to get involved and share thoughts on its equity-centered, community-driven Oak Park Climate Plan. Learn more about climate science & share your thoughts Check out the Oak Park Climate Plan website to: Residents can provide feedback through May 31 via the interactive website or by emailing … Read more
The next Consolidated Municipal Election is Tuesday, April 6. Let the Oak Park-River Forest League of Women Voters help you do your voting homework on candidates running for elected positions in our village. This series of local candidate forums was co-hosted by the library and the league, a grassroots non-partisan political organization encouraging the informed … Read more
