Connecting you to Black history, then & now

Collage of book covers

Your public library is here with books, resources, and experiences that can help us connect and celebrate Black history and culture. Titles we suggest More to explore Exhibits Art Exhibit: Dreamscapes by Amani BorahThrough February 28, Main Library Gallery The collected works exhibited in Dreamscapes invite each individual to participate in the colors and activities on the island of … Read more

BingePass gives you 7 days of unlimited streaming

Text reading Hoopla BingePass in front of graphics representing various BingePasses listed below.

With hoopla‘s BingePass and your Oak Park library card, you can get unlimited streaming for seven days with a single borrow! Let’s get started… How do I use hoopla’s BingePass? Watch the video below for an overview. For more detailed instructions, see How do I borrow a BingePass. What can I borrow with unlimited access? … Read more

Educational app recommendations for preschoolers

Young child using laptop while parents look on

Experts at the Educational Development Center say that digital media can help young children make sense of their world, especially when screen time is facilitated and guided by parents or caregivers.  Below, you will find screen time guidelines for parents and caregivers of children aged 2-6, as well as findings and recommendations for digital content … Read more

29 things to do with little ones this winter

Illustrated animals playing in the snow

Winter is here, and as the days grow cozier, your public library and the Collaboration for Early Childhood have put together a bunch of fun ways for families and kids to learn, play, and stay connected. So take a peek at what’s ahead this season, and we’ll see you out and about! Activities Storytimes Places … Read more

Early Bird Learning videos: A virtual tutorial for babies, toddlers & preschoolers

Librarian Shelley smiling while wearing a winter coat and ear muffs

Did you know that children’s staff have created more than 400 early learning videos since March 2020?! You can watch them all in a YouTube playlist and find them organized into 16 different categories on the Early Learning page—including art, en español, life skills, and supported. To make it even easier to find what you … Read more

Best of 2025: Kids & picture books

Our annual librarian-curated roundup of books, TV shows, movies, and music is here! Explore staff favorites across every age and interest. Discover our staff’s favorite kids and picture books on this page, or browse more using the links below. Adult fiction: General | Adult fiction: Romance, lives & relationships | Adult fiction: Thriller, graphic novel, sci-fi & fantasy | Adult nonfiction |Teen fiction & nonfiction | Kids … Read more

Holidays Around the World

A lantern with a glowing candle inside sitting in the snow under a tree

From Diwali, Christmas, and Hanukkah celebrations to the observance of the winter solstice, Oak Park library staff love sharing their own winter holiday traditions with you in our annual Holidays Around the World! In addition to stories, videos, and photos, you’ll find related music, games, stories, and recipes for families to explore. Click the play … Read more

New pop-up library at Oak Park River Forest Museum

Interior of Oak Park River Forest Museum. A stuffed Dalmation wearing a firefighter's hat sits next to a bin of books, and a person sits on a stool with a picture book.

Announcing our newest pop-up library location: Oak Park River Forest Museum, 129 Lake St., Oak Park. Pop-up libraries allow community members to use the library when they’re out and about, no library card or checkouts needed. The new collection is in the second-floor children’s section at the historical museum. Curated for kids and families, it includes board … Read more

Chilling reads, thrilling tales & lots of Halloween fun

Collage of book covers.

Feel that chill in the air? Halloween season is here! Your Oak Park librarians are back with spine-tingling reads, creepy tales, and plenty of Halloween fun for all ages. Browse: Spine-chilling tales & scary stories More to explore HORROR FOR ADULTS HORROR FOR TEENS HALLOWEEN FOR KIDS Attend: Upcoming events ADULTS Wednesday Movie Matinee: Practical … Read more

38 things to do with little ones this fall

An illustration of animal families playing in a leaf pile in the park

It’s a beautiful season! From playful family adventures to creative fun, fall is for connection and new ways to learn and grow. Take a peek at all the exciting happenings for families—curated by your public library and the Collaboration for Early Childhood—and we’ll see you around the neighborhood! Activities Storytimes Places Events

New year, new transitions! Videos & books for early learners

Text reading Back to School alongside colorful illustrations of a school bus, flowers, clouds, trees, and a smiling sun

Welcome to the -ber months: September, October, November, and December! Most people celebrate the start of a new year in January. Not me. I graduated from library school more than 15 years ago, but the start of the school year is still the start of my personal new year. For a lot of young kids, … Read more

Celebrating Hispanic heritage

Collage of book covers

Traducir esta página al español Your public library is here to connect you with books, events, learning experiences, and online resources that celebrate Hispanic heritage and culture this month and all year long. On this page, you can: Titles we suggest More to explore Available in Spanish from your digital library Upcoming events For adults … Read more

Learn for the fun of it

Develop a new skill, dive deep into a hobby you love, or expand your knowledge on a topic you’ve always wanted to explore with these books our librarians love. Check out the curated titles below, plus more to explore in your digital library and upcoming events where you can expand your knowledge, make, and create. … Read more

Disability Pride books, a display & supported events

Collage of book covers

Your public library is here to connect you with books, learning experiences, events, and online resources that celebrate people with disabilities and disability as an identity in July and all year long. On this page, you can: What is Disability Pride Month? Disability Pride celebrates people with disabilities and disability as an identity, honoring the … Read more

Celebrating Disability Pride for young learners & caregivers

An adult and three kids all smile and hold up handmade signs in the Main Library entryway in support of disability pride and awareness.

July 26 marks the 25th anniversary of signing the Americans With Disabilities Act into law, and July as a whole marks the 25th anniversary of Disability Pride Month. As always, we are eager to celebrate this vibrant, vital, diverse community within our larger library community!  For many non-disabled people, disability is considered a negative word, … Read more

44 things to do with your little ones this summer

Illustration of animal families enjoying lemonade in the park in summer

There is so much to do and explore during the summer! Together with the Collaboration for Early Childhood, we’ve put together a collection of activities and free, fun, local community events happening all summer long—especially for families with young children. Take advantage of this beautiful season and drink in the sunshine and long days with … Read more

New pop-up library at Oak Park Township

Oak Park Township staff Stephanie Scaletta and Yazmin Morales hold up books in the lobby of the Township offices.

Update November 5, 2025: A second Oak Park Township location has been added at their Senior & Disability Services office, 130 S. Oak Park Ave. Announcing our newest pop-up library location at Oak Park Township‘s Youth & Family Services office, 105 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park. Pop-up libraries allow community members to use the library … Read more

Celebrating Pride Month

Collage of book covers

Your public library is here with books, resources, and experiences that can help us connect and celebrate the LGBTQ+ community. Titles we suggest More to explore Reading lists for kids From your digital library Upcoming events For all ages Book Bike: Out in the BurbsSaturday, June 7, 12-4 pm, downtown Oak Park The Book Bike … Read more

Books & bagels: New pop-up library at Daly Bagel

In a cafe window, there's a tray with a to-go coffee cup and a sesame seed bagel, a bin of kids books with a sign that says "Read while you wait," and paper event calendars

Announcing our newest pop-up library location: The Daly Bagel, 130 Chicago Ave., Oak Park! Pop-up libraries allow community members to use the library when they’re out and about, no library card or checkouts needed. “We are thrilled and honored to be part of the Pop-Up Library initiative!” said Adrienne Guldin and Amanda Daly of The Daly Bagel. … Read more