“I live alone, and so I don’t have anyone to talk to. I feel great that today I had a chance to meet others virtually, and I learned many new words in English.” -Participant in English Language Conversation program Before the pandemic, English language learners came together every Saturday morning at the Main Library to … Read more
Our library’s Executive Director David J. Seleb has joined the board of directors of The Harwood Institute for Public Innovation. He began serving on the 11-member board in June 2020, as he continues to lead the library using the Harwood Institute’s “turning outward” approach. “The Harwood Institute has profoundly influenced my professional and personal life … Read more
By Collection Management Librarian Dontaná McPherson-Joseph Culture is created, manifested, and maintained. It cannot not exist without people actively perpetuating it, and it does not exist in a vacuum. These books explore Black culture in America, how it shapes and is shaped by music, and the ways racial and socioeconomic inequalities influence it. You can find … Read more
June is Pride Month, a celebration of the LGBTQIA+ community and the progress made toward equity and inclusion. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the first Pride March in New York City, held on June 28, 1970, to commemorate the one year anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising. Learn more about the Stonewall Uprising with … Read more
Dear Oak Park Community, We are sickened and horrified by the needless killing of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police officers. We are frightened for the black and brown members of our staff and our community who daily must endure the racism of our society. We are furious at the inequities that cause … Read more
By Guest Writer Erich Luepke UPDATE: If you would like to learn more about working for the Census, and believe you can help our community outreach efforts, please email the author of this piece at Erich.d.luepke@2020census.gov. Erich Luepke is an Oak Park resident recruiting people to apply for jobs with the 2020 Census. The opinions … Read more
Federal & state tax returns are due July 15 More details from the IRS » More details from the Illinois Department of Revenue (pdf) » Download, print tax forms from home Find links for federal and Illinois tax forms below to print at home. Federal Tax Forms Illinois Tax Forms Can’t find the IRS forms … Read more
Together, the six governing agencies of Oak Park are excited to introduce a new, free calendar service that enables you to easily keep track of Oak Park events! Burbio.com is a free website and mobile app that puts all six Oak Park government agencies and other local organizations in one online calendar. You can choose … Read more
As your public library, we love to share! And that includes sharing space with our neighbors. “The ethical cornerstone of public libraries is that we want to benefit the public good, and sharing what we have is the way we do it,” says Skye Lavin, Manager of Adult Services at the Forest Park Public Library. … Read more
“It was love.” That’s how planning committee member Josh Easter summed up last weekend’s Restorative Community Practices Conference—three days of peace circles, panel discussions, workshops, meals, music, and conversation. The October 4-6 conference drew national experts, local activists and teachers, families with children, community leaders, and passionate individuals. Together, we took a deep dive into … Read more
