Best of 2023: Kids & picture books

Best of 2023: Kids & Picture Books

Oak Park’s Best of 2023 returns! Our annual librarian-curated selection of titles features some of the titles most requested and checked out by Oak Parkers. See our kids and picture books favorites on this page or browse more using the links below. Adult fiction: General | Adult fiction: Romance, lives & relationships | Adult fiction: Mystery, thriller, sci-fi & fantasy | Adult nonfiction | Teen fiction | Teen nonfiction | … Read more

Holidays Around the World

A collage of library staff and family members celebrating the holidays

From Diwali, Christmas, Hannukah, and Kwanzaa 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 … Read more

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

Librarian Shelley smiling while wearing a winter coat and ear muffs

By Children’s Librarian Shelley Harris The trees are changing, the weather is cooling, and the days are shortening. Winter is on its way! The changing seasons always offer great learning opportunities for kids, who are already asking why all of the above is happening. Explore the virtual tutorial Caregivers and parents, we’ve heard from you … Read more

Gift Guide 2023

Gift Guide 2023 text with a gold gift box wrapped in a white ribbon surrounded by glitter stars

Looking for gift ideas for this holiday season? Might we suggest a great book? Our collection management librarians have gathered some of their favorite recently published titles that are sure to engage, educate, and inspire people of all ages on your list! Adults | Teens & kids Adults: for the… Teens & kids: for the…

Celebrating AAC, ADHD & Down Syndrome Awareness Months: Activities for early learners & support for caregivers

Shelley pointing to a visual aid featuring autumn animals

By Children’s Librarian Shelley Harris October is a big month! Many kids are excited for Halloween, of course. We finally enter an autumn that will last a while; that’s usually pretty great. Sometimes we even see a few snow flurries, which is probably more exciting to me than to others.  And of course, every year, … Read more

Chilling reads, thrilling tales & lots of Halloween fun

Smiling jack-o-lantern in a dark forest

Feel that chill in the air? Halloween season is here! And your Oak Park librarians are back with spine-chilling reads, creepy tales, and lots more Halloween fun: Browse: Spine-chilling tales & scary stories More from your digital library, sorted by audience & app HORROR FOR ADULTS HORROR FOR TEENS HALLOWEEN FOR KIDS Attend: Upcoming events … Read more

‘Won’t you be my neighbor?’ Videos & activities for early learners

Still, promotional image for Mister Rogers with Fred Rogers posing with the Neighborhood Trolley

By Children’s Librarian Shelley Harris “You’ve made this day a special day, by just your being you. There’s no person in the whole world like you, and I like you just the way you are.”  Strong, meaningful words from Fred Rogers, my early childhood hero. He was, as most know, the host of Mister Rogers’ … Read more

Hispanic Heritage books, events, videos & more

Collage of books

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: This commemorative month (held September 15-October 15) was officially designated as Hispanic Heritage Month by the U.S. Congress in 1968. Learn more at … Read more

BingePass: A new way to explore online content on Hoopla

New! Hoopla BingePass with an icon featuring two tickets on a starbust background

With Hoopla‘s new 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 BingePass? Watch the video below for an overview of how to use BingePass. Please note: The video shows how to access BingePass using an iPhone. For … Read more

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