As our Health and Senior Services Librarian, Rose Barnes is your go-to for resources on health and wellness and senior services. “I am most interested in exploring more ways to incorporate health and wellness programming into the library while also creating spaces for conversation and growth,” she says. “I am passionate about practicing yoga, baking, … 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
Our community showed an abundance of giving in October, during two donation drives hosted at the Main Library. Thanks to all who donated! Boxes & boxes of socks! This was our fifth year participating in the annual Socktober drive. In past years, we collected hundreds of pairs of socks for clients of shelters. And this … Read more
Your public library is here to connect you with books, videos, online resources, and learning experiences that celebrate Native American heritage all year long. This commemorative month was officially designated as Native American Heritage Month by the U.S. Congress in 1990. More: nativeamericanheritagemonth.gov » Currently on display in the Main Library Idea Box North American, Lakota, … Read more
Help us warm souls AND soles by donating new socks all October to benefit the clients of Housing Forward. And during the last week of October, we’ll be collecting donations of warm kids’ clothing and gear for Cradles to Crayons. October 1-31: New socks for Housing Forward clients Did you know that socks are consistently among the most … Read more
Thanks to all who participated in a joyful summer of creative learning with your public library! This summer’s reading program, Reading Colors Your World, was about so much more than reading, says Elementary School Services Librarian Genevieve Grove. “It was about experiential learning, getting kids physically moving and out exploring in nature, and having fun … Read more
‘Family-friendly and community-building’ On Saturday, August 21, we partnered with Bike Walk Oak Park for a bicycle tour of native gardens throughout Oak Park. The collaborative event was part of the Year of the Butterfly, a community initiative to bring awareness about how to support a healthy habitat for butterflies and other pollinators. “I loved … Read more
Two local students who care deeply about the environment and the climate crisis are spreading the word at the Main Library. Benjamin, age 12, created a poster all about monarchs, including why their population is in decline and how people can help. See it on the eastern windows in the Children’s Services Area on the … Read more
Kids and families have been drawing, observing, crafting, and reading about plants and pollinators in this year’s summer reading program, with special activities that tie into the Year of the Butterfly. Some have even been growing native plants and raising butterflies, and sharing their moments with us. Summer reading runs through August 31, and you … Read more
Everyone can use some health and wellness support in these times, and your library is committed to providing free access to all. Register via the library’s calendar for ongoing programs like Midday Meditation, Grief Journaling, and more, which are regularly held on Zoom. Find program details below, as well as more health and wellness resources … Read more
