Now virtual, English conversation program ‘has really blossomed’

People on Zoom computer screen

“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

Library director joins Harwood Institute board

David Seleb and Rich Harwood in April 2019

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

Relevant reads: Culture

Book covers for Magical Negro, They Can't Kill Us Until They Kill Us, and Wayward Lives Beautiful Experiments on painted canvas

By Collection Management Librarian Dontaná 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

Census recruiting in Oak Park: ‘A call to action’

Eric Luepke talking with a patron at the library

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

Libraries collaborate for the public good

People wear hard hats outside library building

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

‘We are on the right path’: Thoughts on the Restorative Community Practices Conference

“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

Register now: Restorative practices to strengthen families, schools, and communities

Restorative Justice Conference participants

New! Watch the promotional video » Join us for the three-day Restorative Community Practices: Building Stronger Families, Schools, and Communities conference at the Main Library this October 4-6. Expanding on last fall’s restorative justice conference, this year’s conference takes a wider look at how restorative practices can be applied within families, schools, and communities. Also … Read more

Help set a course for the library’s future

Woman on cell phone using computer

A community needs survey is now underway The survey’s goals are twofold: to learn more about what keeps people from using library resources and to help shape how library spaces could and should be used in the future. Oak Park households receiving this random sample survey can choose to complete it on paper, online, or … Read more