Happy New Year, Oak Park! Each new year offers a fresh chance to start anew, but after two years of living in a pandemic, committing to a new challenge might feel like a bit much right now. We feel you. What about making a commitment to feel better, do better, play better, and/or age better … Read more
By Collection Management Librarian Kathy It’s always important to prioritize self-care, but if you need an excuse (you don’t), September is Self-Care Awareness Month. 7 books that encourage self-care Body Talk: How to Embrace Your Body and Start Living Your Best Life by Katie Sturino Why you should try it: This fun and upbeat book … Read more
April 2021 marks the 20th anniversary of Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Coordinated by the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, this annual campaign is designed to raise awareness and educate the public on the prevention of sexual assault, harassment, and abuse. Learn more about the history of Sexual Assault Awareness Month at nsvrc.org » In support … Read more
This week, we celebrate both National Library Week (April 4-10) and National Public Health Week (April 5-11). The American Public Health Association sponsors National Public Health Week every April. The theme this year, during what it calls “the most challenging public health crisis of our lifetimes,” is Building Bridges to Better Health. National Library Week … Read more
The library is partnering with Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine, Center for Behavioral Intervention Technologies (CBITs), on a project to design new smartphone apps that help teens better understand and manage their emotions, stress, and anxiety. Teens ages 12-17 are invited to get involved in this research project. Virtual interviews (lasting about 1-1.5 hours) will be scheduled … Read more
Each October, we recognize Health Literacy Month, a time to promote the importance of understandable health information. October is also a month chosen to highlight awareness of many disability communities, a time to call for acceptance of and advocacy for people who use communication aids to speak, have Down Syndrome, Sensory Processing Disorder, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, … Read more
Observed each October, Health Literacy Month highlights the importance of making health information easy to understand. Learn more at healthliteracymonth.org » Want to take charge of your health? Your public library can help you access trusted health information through online resources, books, virtual programs, and more. Learn more about health and wellness at your library » … Read more
By Collection Management Librarian Dontaná Did you know that September is self-care month? No? Neither did we, but what a time to find out! Self-care is simply taking the time and making decisions that prioritize wellness and happiness. It’s about relaxation, mindfulness, and taking steps to reduce stress. Self-care looks different for everyone. If you’ve … Read more
Reposted from Thrive Counseling Center and Senior Therapists Cicely Johnson, Kristen Keleher, and Angie Kauffmann As the world spins in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, our daily lives have altered in previously unimaginable ways. Cancelled events and flights, remote learning in schools, and closed businesses are now the norm. If we’re feeling anxious, it’s likely our children are, too. How can we minimize their anxiety amid such uncertainty? At Thrive Counseling … Read more
Becoming a ‘Dementia Friendly Community’ We know aging in place is a community aspiration. That’s why, last October, the library joined the Village of Oak Park, the Oak Park Township, and the Park District of Oak Park in the effort to become a designated “Dementia Friendly Community” by the nonprofit organization Dementia Friendly America. A dementia-friendly … Read more
