Like so much else these days, our monthly library groups for writers, performers, language learners, and more are now meeting virtually. While all in-person programs are canceled through August, these online programs are drawing new participants as well as regulars. For example, Oak Parkers who joined the virtual French Conversation Hour in April met new … Read more
While our library buildings are closed and many library services have moved online, we haven’t forgotten our dedicated volunteers who are waiting to return to help at our physical locations. April is National Volunteer Month. This year, we’re feeling the difference, as we aren’t able to express our appreciation to library volunteers in person. But despite the … Read more
We are living in uncertain times with a lot of fear and suffering. As library employees, we recognize this reality for ourselves, our households, our communities, and our world. And yet, even as library buildings are closed during the COVID-19 stay-at-home orders, we’re striving to connect, collaborate, and make a positive impact. Now more than … 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
Stewardship is one of the library’s three key priorities. It means we sustain, share, and respect community resources. That includes the nearly 150 people who work across our three library locations. “Having happy, stable, successful employees means that our patrons are going to have a better experience using their library,” says Director of Human Resources … Read more
About the library’s budget Each year, seven publicly elected Trustees of the Library Board review and approve the budget of the Oak Park Public Library. In accordance with Illinois law, because we are structured as a local village library, the approved budget is then submitted as a levy resolution to the Village of Oak Park, … Read more
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
Together, the six governing agencies of Oak Park are excited to introduce a new, free calendar service that enables you to easily keep track of Oak Park events! Burbio.com is a free website and mobile app that puts all six Oak Park government agencies and other local organizations in one online calendar. You can choose … Read more
“Traditionally, Open Chess has been a small group of folks that come out every week and play together,” says Community Engagement Librarian Ian Gosse, who coordinates the weekly Monday evening meetup. But over the summer, attendance rocketed as more and more enthusiasts of all ages converged on the Main Library. Students from Oak Park and … Read more
As your public library, we love to share! And that includes sharing space with our neighbors. “The ethical cornerstone of public libraries is that we want to benefit the public good, and sharing what we have is the way we do it,” says Skye Lavin, Manager of Adult Services at the Forest Park Public Library. … Read more
