Hispanic Heritage books, events, videos & more

Collage of book covers

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

Preserving culture in the Creative Studio

Person holds a VHS tape at a computer station with the words "Creative Studio" on the wall

Nothing lasts forever, and that includes your old VHS tapes. Even if you still have a VCR to play them, the tape quality can degrade as the years go by. The solution? Digitize those tapes. And you can do it for free in the Main Library Creative Studio! That’s why library patron Alex Yu has … Read more

Improving our service to Spanish-speaking patrons

Group of library staff pose together against an artwork backdrop

To meet our community’s growing needs, we partnered with Triton College this spring to offer an eight-week conversational Spanish course for 12 library staff members at the Main Library. The course was designed to help staff provide more responsive customer service and build relationships with Spanish-speaking community members who frequent the library. Rashmi Swain, Adult … Read more

Supported gardening: What’s happening in the Community Sensory Garden

Miss Eileen planting in the Accessible Community Garden

By Children’s Librarian Shelley Harris Did you know that 70% of disabled adults do not engage in community activities? The first time I heard this statistic it gave me pause. I see it with my disabled brother and his friends, but it’s hard to see it widely confirmed. It’s what inspired me to develop a … Read more

Juneteenth 2024

Words "Juneteenth Freedom Day" on a red, black, green, and yellow background

On Wednesday, June 19, all library locations will be closed for Juneteenth. This national, state, and Oak Park holiday celebrates African Americans’ freedom from enslavement in the United States. Celebrations at the Main Library Juneteenth is a joyous celebration of freedom, but also a time to remember the countless sacrifices made to achieve it. Join … Read more

Celebrating Pride Month

Collage of book covers

Your public library is here to connect you with books, learning experiences, events, and online resources that celebrate the LGBTQ+ community in June and all year long. On this page, you can: Browse titles we suggest Just for kids From your digital library Ebooks, audiobooks & movies Magazines *The Advocate is now part of Out magazine … Read more

ICYMI: Recently released fiction & nonfiction for AANHPI Heritage Month

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By Collection Management Librarians Dontaná & Kathy Check out these recently released fiction and nonfiction titles that might have flown under your radar. They are perfect for celebrating Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month. Hawaiian Mythology by Martha Beckwith Why you should try it: If you’ve made your way through the gateway … Read more

Celebrating Jewish American heritage

Book cover collage of Jewish American History Month titles

Your public library is here to connect you with books, online resources, and learning experiences that celebrate Jewish American history and culture this month and all year long. On this page, you can: The month of May is recognized as Jewish American Heritage Month by the White House. Title suggestions for all ages Celebration event … Read more

Honoring Asian American, Native Hawaiian & Pacific Islander heritage

Collage of books

Your public library is here to connect you with books, online resources, and learning experiences that honor Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander history and culture all year long. On this page, you can: The month of May is officially proclaimed by the White House as Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islanders Heritage Month but … Read more

Celebrating Arab American heritage

Arab American Heritage Month display in the Main Lobby

Your public library is here to connect you with books, online resources, and learning experiences that celebrate Arab American history and culture this month and all year long. On this page, you can: The month of April is recognized as Arab American Heritage Month in Illinois and the U.S. Title suggestions for all ages Celebration … Read more