Creating calm for children in uncertain times

Caregiver and child playing with toy train

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

Fostering quality of life, aging in place

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

Mental health: Reaching people where they are

Free-Mental-Health-Assessments

Thanks to a unique partnership with Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, people without adequate health care coverage have been receiving confidential mental health assessments from a licensed clinical psychologist at the Main Library since last fall. “Rush University Medical Center is recognizing that our library is where people are coming every day,” says the … Read more

Art in the library: Inspiring empathy, connection

In November, two traveling art exhibits that inspire empathy and connection are on display at the Main Library. When Home Won’t Let You Stay, in the Idea Box, shares stories and portraits of refugees. Community on a Shelf, in the Lobby Community Engagement Space, explores the human side of mental illness, community support, and libraries. … Read more

Free mental health assessments available

Free-Mental-Health-Assessments

The library, in partnership with Rush University Medical Center is offering free mental health assessments (through prescheduled appointments) for children, teens, and adults on Wednesdays from 9:30 am to 1:30 pm at the Main Library. A Rush psychologist will conduct the onsite assessment. To learn more about these free assessments and to schedule an appointment, … Read more

Inclusion is a driving force behind my library work

Shelley Harris with Adapted Boardmaker book

By Shelley Harris, Children’s Services Librarian October brings us the sights, smells, sounds, tastes and textures of fall, and has been chosen to highlight awareness of many disability communities. It’s a time to call for acceptance of and advocacy for people who process the world in diverse ways, including those who use communication aids to … Read more

Making the rounds: Hospital staff get library cards

Rush Oak Park Hospital staff holds a novelty library card

Our librarians keep ending up in the hospital! No need to send flowers, though—they’re doing just fine. It’s all been in the name of sharing resources and access to information. Over the past year, library staff have been making repeat visits to Rush Oak Park Hospital, 520 S. Maple Ave., to sign up hospital staff … Read more

Nursing pod now open at the Main Library

Mamava Nursing Pod open

Caregivers looking for spaces to breastfeed, pump, or bottle feed now have another option at the Main Library. Our newly installed and ADA-compliant Mamava lactation suite is now open in the Children’s Services Area for first-come, first-served use. “We are so excited to be able to offer this amenity,” says Jennifer Norborg, Manager of Children’s … Read more