Extended: ‘Gender Is a Galaxy, Gender Is a Weapon’ This Idea Box exhibit has been extended to hold space for mourning and to honor the victims of the shooting that took place on November 19 at Club Q, an LGBTQ Nightclub in Colorado Springs. One day before Transgender Day of Remembrance, a shooter attacked Club … Read more
For the third year in a row, the library was proud to collaborate with local partners to host a Family and Community Discussion Series focused on intergenerational, anti-racist discussion circles inspired by books and other media. “I always look forward to these circles!” said one participant, who told us they’ve participated in this series for … Read more
Today is the first official day for the library’s new executive director, Joslyn Bowling Dixon. Last month, the Board of Library Trustees was thrilled to formally announce its unanimous vote to hire Joslyn as the library’s next executive director. Joslyn assumes the role from Interim Executive Director Lori Pulliam, who stepped up after previous Executive … 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. Browse: Curated title suggestions for all ages; View: A special display at Dole Branch Library; Check out: Artifacts from the Multicultural Collection; Watch: A multicultural learning video; Visit: The Mitchell Museum of the American … Read more
Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) is celebrated on November 1 and 2. An ofrenda (altar) is built to honor, celebrate, and remember the dearly departed. Through November 4, you can view ofrendas in the Main Library Idea Box and at Dole Branch. Also below, you can learn more about the community ofrendas you … Read more
The library is partnering with the Oak Park Township to offer free personal hygiene supplies for youth at the library. Kids and their families can help themselves to soap, shampoo and conditioner, toothbrushes and toothpaste, floss, deodorant, lotion, and menstrual products. The supplies are located inside a small latched cabinet in the wheelchair-accessible bathroom in … Read more
“As an organization, we are continuously learning and evolving to meet the needs expressed to us by our community,” says Manager of Community Engagement Sarah Yale. “Increasingly, we are hearing from the community that more intentional outreach and engagement of the Latinx and Spanish-speaking community is needed.” To that end, the library has named Nora Sanchez as … Read more
Approved by the Board of Library Trustees on October 6, 2022 Whereas the Oak Park Public Library adheres to the American Library Association Freedom to Read Statement; Whereas the Oak Park Public Library adheres to the American Library Association Freedom to View Statement; Whereas the Oak Park Public Library has Collection Strategy Statement that was … Read more
First celebrated in 1988, National Coming Out Day celebrates “coming out”—living life openly as a member of the LGBTQ community—and raises awareness of the community and civil rights movement. Below, find coming-out stories for all ages and online resources to mark the 33rd anniversary of this national day. Coming out titles for all ages Online resources … Read more
By Kathy Sexton, Collection Management Librarian 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. Oak Park Public Library acknowledges that Oak Park is situated … Read more
