Honor the memory of Martin Luther King Jr. as a day on, not a day off on Monday, January 17. Below find title suggestions, online resources, and more to celebrate the life and legacy of one of the best-known leaders of the civil rights movement. And, yes, we’re open! The Main Library and Maze Branch … Read more
By Christian Harris Note: A version of this post first appeared in Wednesday Journal and OakPark.com on December 7, 2021. Read the piece on OakPark.com » As a young Black man growing up in Oak Park, I was never taught that Black people lived here before the 1950s, when world-renowned chemist Percy Julian moved in. I would … Read more
Your public library is here to connect you with books, videos, online resources, and learning experiences that celebrate Native American heritage all year long. This commemorative month was officially designated as Native American Heritage Month by the U.S. Congress in 1990. More: nativeamericanheritagemonth.gov » Currently on display in the Main Library Idea Box North American, Lakota, … Read more
In 2017, the Village of Oak Park Board of Trustees approved a proclamation declaring the second Monday in October Indigenous Peoples’ Day. This day recognizes that Native peoples were the first inhabitants of North America and celebrates their history, traditions, and stories. We acknowledge that Oak Park is situated on the ancestral land of the … Read more
By Nichelle Stigger, Brooks Middle School Note: A version of this post first appeared in Wednesday Journal and OakPark.com on October 5, 2021. Read the piece on OakPark.com » I have one rule in my sixth grade Language & Literature classroom at Brooks Middle School: lead with love. When working with a partner, when walking in the hallways, … Read more
Stephen A. Jackson has accepted the Oak Park Public Library’s new full-time position of Director of Equity and Anti-Racism. His first day in this new role will be Monday, October 11. Joining a handful of public libraries with similar equity-based leadership positions, the library created this position to support and fulfill its anti-racism journey and … Read more
This fall, join us for a three-part virtual series in which we’ll read and discuss the March graphic novel trilogy by John Lewis. We’ll use a circle format to discuss the work of the late civil rights icon and U.S. Congressman (D-Ga.) John Lewis, and reflect together on the impact of civil rights movements today. This honest, anti-racist … Read more
By Collection Management Librarian Kathy Sexton Whether you like history, memoirs, poetry, self-help, or magic, there is something for you on this list of newly or soon-to-be-released titles. And because it’s Hispanic Heritage Month, we’re highlighting titles by Hispanic authors. So place your holds today! Want more? Find more Hispanic Heritage Month title suggestions for all ages, … Read more
Your public library is here to connect you with books, videos, online resources, and learning experiences that celebrate Hispanic heritage all year long. On this page, you can: Watch Multicultural and Spanish language virtual learning videos. Browse suggested books for adults, teens, and kids, all hand-selected by our librarians. Log in with your Oak Park card … Read more
By Collection Management Librarian Dontaná McPherson-Joseph Love to be among the first to discover an amazing new book? We’re switching it up this month and sharing some books that you might get to brag about being the first among your friends to read. And because it’s Hispanic Heritage Month, we’re highlighting titles by Hispanic authors. … Read more
