October is Health Literacy Month, a time to recognize the importance of making health information easy to understand and the healthcare system more accessible to navigate. Did you know that our library offers a range of resources and programs focused on health and wellness? Explore our collection of resources and find support for your health and … Read more
Looking for ways to stay cool, engaged, and connected to neighbors and friends this summer? We’ve got you covered at the library and at home. Get up a leg up on summer reading! 1. Read & participate in a book discussion Check out these titles and join a book discussion to share your thoughts with … Read more
In August, local organizations will host the educational exhibit “Understanding Opioids: Awareness, Support, and Hope” in the Main Library Idea Box, in honor of International Overdose Awareness Day on August 31. Additionally, we want to make our community aware that, all year, the Main Library offers life-saving resources just inside the front entrance. Since March … Read more
Your public library is here to connect you with books, learning experiences, events, and online resources that celebrate people with disabilities and disability as an identity in July and all year long. On this page, you can: What is Disability Pride Month? Disability Pride celebrates people with disabilities and disability as an identity, honoring the … Read more
Spring is here, so it’s time again for Celebrating Seniors Week! Held this year from May 8 to 15, the weeklong celebration is dedicated to honoring, recognizing, and serving seniors in Oak Park, River Forest, and Forest Park. Celebrating Seniors Week is sponsored by the Celebrating Seniors Coalition, an organization dedicated to uplifting and advocating for older … Read more
Spring is here—the perfect time to explore ways to start or strengthen your green living habits. Green living contributes to a healthier planet and a healthier future for all. By practicing sustainability, you’re contributing to a healthier environment and, therefore, a healthier future for everyone. Green living not only helps protect the planet but also … Read more
Today is as good a day as any to start a healthy habit! Try one (or all) of these five suggestions in 2025. 1. Connect & socialize Seeking to connect and socialize with other older adults? Join us on the first Friday of the month for Older Adult Coffee Hour at the Main Library, and … Read more
By Children’s Librarian Shelley Harris Every July, we come together to celebrate Disability Pride as a community! As a disabled librarian (neurodivergent and chronically ill), I love creating programs not only for disabled kids but celebrating us as well. When Miss Genevieve and I lead our Disability Understanding and Advocacy field trips for elementary kids, … Read more
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
Happy January 2024! The year is new, and the weather is cold. But luckily there are so many things happening at the library to help you stay warm and keep on track with any resolutions you might have made. Even if you don’t make resolutions, the New Year is a great time to reset and … Read more
Since 2019, the library has been partnering with researchers from Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine to develop a digital tool to help teens with anxiety. Now in the fourth year of a five-year grant, the research partnership has won an award for its strong collaborative research principles and work to impact health and equity … Read more
Oak Park receives 2023 Citation for Wellness in the Workplace Awarded annually by the American Library Association (ALA)’s Sustainability Round Table (SustainRT), this citation recognizes our library’s strategic commitment to “supporting all library staff to achieve happiness, well-being, and success.” From the SustainRT announcement: ‘Well-being activities and initiatives a priority’ “We are grateful to be … Read more
In response to the U.S. Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v. Wade, the 1973 landmark ruling that established the right to an abortion, our librarians have compiled the resources listed below. Looking for something not listed here? Roe v. Wade Conversations Roe v. Wade Conversations (catalog list compiled in May 2022) Adult titles Nonfiction Fiction Teen titles Nonfiction … Read more
By Children’s Librarian Shelley Harris So you, your child, or your student has been diagnosed with autism? Congratulations! As overwhelming as it can be to hear a diagnosis, you are now ready to find and receive the supports you need to live the life you want for yourself. There are a lot of negative and … Read more
