After a career working in libraries around Illinois, Susan Burke retired to Oak Park. It was a return—she grew up in Chicago’s Austin neighborhood and lived in Oak Park in the early 1970s. “Oak Park has always been committed to social justice, and that was why I came back,” she said. Burke also gives back. … Read more
Join us this winter—and all year round—for activities that can help foster empathy in our community. On Wednesday, December 12, discover world holidays through crafts, games, books and artifacts from the Multicultural Collection at Holidays Around the World from 4 to 5 pm at Dole Branch Library. And join members of the community to celebrate Kwanzaa, a celebration … Read more
Read the report As a conclusion to its July 2018 Community Building Blocks Workshop in Oak Park, the Environmental Protection Agency published a 33-page recommendation report titled “Linking Community Building Blocks for Educational, Economic and Equity Outcomes (pdf) » Moving forward All local Oak Park elected officials, two-day workshop attendees, and the general public were invited … Read more
On Wednesday, November 28, come listen to young people present what they’ve learned about civil and human rights at the Main Library, from 6:30 to 8 pm. The teens who will be speaking have been preparing for the event since May, as part of their involvement in The Living History Project. It’s a grant-funded initiative … Read more
The following is a joint statement from the park district, township and the library. Collaboration is vital for addressing issues, effecting change On Nov. 6, Oak Parkers approved the following nonbinding referendum: “Shall the merger and consolidation of Oak Park taxing bodies be considered, including, but not limited to, the Village of Oak Park, Oak … Read more
Worried about the effects of Hurricane Florence? Find ways you can help. Resources and links on this page were curated by Oak Park’s very own librarians of practice. Related, September is National Preparedness Month. Ready.gov recommends taking time now to learn lifesaving skills, check insurance coverage, save for an emergency, and to “disaster-prepare” prepare your home—including knowing about basics … Read more
“It’s been a long time since I had a civics or a government class,” a patron wrote to us recently, requesting that the library host community workshops or classes on the workings of government. “Like Civics for Dummies or Civics 101.” You’ve told us: as citizens, you want to be engaged, empowered, and informed. As … Read more
Library live-streaming canceled; join us at OPRF Three years ago, Academy Award-nominated director Steve James filmed a year in the life of a dozen Oak Park and River Forest High School students. Due to overwhelming response and limited resources, we have canceled our plans to live-stream at the library. Please join us at Oak Park and … Read more
All summer long, we have been cheering and proclaiming the message that “Libraries are for everyone!” As your public library, we are for everyone because we are committed to encouraging the contributions of all people, regardless of race, color, ethnicity, ancestry, national origin, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital and/or familial status, … Read more
