Follow us on social media All week long—and in honor of his birthday on April 11—#OakPark‘s Special Collections team is sharing information via displays in the library and on the library’s social media channels (Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter) about this great American research chemist and pioneer. Visiting the library? Be sure to check out onsite … Read more
To amplify awareness around the creative work of local BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) artists, a new spring program series combines people and resources from your library and the local community arts organization Compound Yellow. Everyone of all ages is welcome to attend these free educational programs funded by an Illinois State Library … Read more
by Collection Management Librarian Kathy Love nonfiction? Looking for some new books? Check out these recently released titles that also happen to celebrate Black History Month. Find more titles and resources connecting you to Black history » Recently released nonfiction The Black Agenda: Bold Solutions for a Broken System edited by Anna Gifty Opoku-Agyeman Why … Read more
By Collection Management Librarian Dontaná Love fiction? Looking for some new books? Check out these recently released titles that also happen to celebrate Black History Month. Find more titles and resources connecting you to Black history » Recently released fiction None but the Righteous by Chantal James Why you should try it: Haunting and reflective, … 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
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 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, videos, … Read more
By Collection Management Librarian Dontaná 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. So … Read more
