‘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
By Beronica Puhr Note: A version of this post first appeared in Wednesday Journal and OakPark.com on August 3, 2021. Read the piece on OakPark.com » 2021 is the Year of the Butterfly in Oak Park Butterflies symbolize hope and renewal, and their existence is vital to the health of our planet. We all need hope and … Read more
By David J. Seleb, Executive Director Note: A version of this post first appeared in Wednesday Journal and OakPark.com on May 11, 2021. Read the piece on OakPark.com » We are on an anti-racism journey. This includes working with a local consultant and implementing a new anti-racism strategic plan. Why are we doing this? Because as … Read more
Last summer, we held a logo design contest to help spread the word about the Leading Edge Teen Advisory Board (LETAB), one of the library’s Teen Services initiatives. A volunteer group for students ages 13-17, LETAB’s mission is to offer guidance and a teen-centered perspective to the Oak Park community and the Teen Services team. … Read more
In the April 2021 issue of Library Journal, our Teen Services Manager Stephen Jackson writes about restorative practices and libraries. Read the article online or access the entire digitized issue. He illustrates how our library has integrated restorative practices since he joined the staff in 2016. Examples include the use of circles, annual community conferences, … 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
From a very young age, Nora Sanchez knew she wanted to work with children. Before going to college, she worked in a daycare center, assisting teachers who became role models to her. “Because it wasn’t just a job to them,” Nora says. “It was who they were.” Years later, after having two children of her … Read more
This spring, join us for anti-racism community discussions using the model of circles, a restorative practice which honors our stories, community relationships, and ability to keep learning from each other. Register for upcoming anti-racism circles What are circles? Circles are a structured process to build community where everyone feels connected and respected in their authentic selves. … Read more
