Fun & educational websites for kids (librarian approved!)

Kid using tablet with two adults in the background

By Eileen Saam, Children’s Librarian Looking for fun and educational websites for kids without advertisements? You’ve come to the right place! From math games, puzzles, and science videos to language learning activities, art exploration, and narrated stories, the list of free websites below offers a variety of engaging online experiences for kids of all ages. … Read more

Disability Pride: Activities for early learners & info for caregivers

Miss Shelley, a brown-haired librarian, holding the What Happened to You book

By Children’s Librarian Shelley Harris Every July, we come together to celebrate Disability Pride as a community! As a disabled librarian (neurodivergent and chronically ill), I love creating programs not only for disabled kids but celebrating us as well. When Miss Genevieve and I lead our Disability Understanding and Advocacy field trips for elementary kids, … Read more

Disability Pride books, a display & supported events

Collage of book covers

Your public library is here to connect you with books, learning experiences, events, and online resources that celebrate people with disabilities and disability as an identity in July and all year long. On this page, you can: What is Disability Pride Month? Disability Pride celebrates people with disabilities and disability as an identity, honoring the … Read more

BingePass gives you 7 days of unlimited streaming

New! Hoopla BingePass with an icon featuring two tickets on a starbust background

With hoopla‘s new BingePass and your Oak Park library card, you can get unlimited streaming for seven days with a single borrow! Let’s get started… How do I use hoopla’s BingePass? Watch the video below for an overview but please note that this video shows how to access BingePass using an iPhone. For instructions on … Read more

Supported gardening: What’s happening in the Community Sensory Garden

Miss Eileen planting in the Accessible Community Garden

By Children’s Librarian Shelley Harris Did you know that 70% of disabled adults do not engage in community activities? The first time I heard this statistic it gave me pause. I see it with my disabled brother and his friends, but it’s hard to see it widely confirmed. It’s what inspired me to develop a … Read more

37 things to do with your little ones this summer

An illustration of worms working in a garden with two cats looking on and a rainbow in the background

There is so much to do and explore during the summer! Together with the Collaboration for Early Childhood, we’ve put together a collection of activities and free, fun, local community events—especially for families with young children happening all summer long. Take advantage of this beautiful season and enjoy the sunshine and long days with your … Read more

Updated for summer: Early Bird Learning videos: A virtual tutorial for babies, toddlers & preschoolers

Miss Eileen singing

By Children’s Librarian Shelley Harris Summer is the perfect time for tons of outdoor play! We’ve compiled some of our favorite songs, activities, and rhymes to give you some great ways to explore nature and enjoy the weather, all while giving your kids a literacy boost. Explore the virtual tutorial Caregivers and parents, we’ve heard … Read more

Kids summer reading: Kids as young as 2 can join the fun!

Kids and pets reading under a blanket

By Shelley Harris, Children’s Librarian Most people look at summer as a time to relax and have fun. For Children’s Services Librarians, it’s our busy season! We’ve spent the past few months preparing the summer reading program, and now it’s here! This summer, our theme is Adventure Begins at Your Library. Once again we are using … Read more

Celebrate summer reading & Pride Month: Events & books for kids

Line drawings of a calendar, a book, and a bingo card on a rainbow background

By Hal, Rainbow Services Librarian This year, our theme for kids summer reading is Adventure Begins at Your Library. Reading books, trying out something new in a Discovery Kit, or attending a library event can all be adventures. I think the best adventures teach us more about ourselves and those around us.  June 1 is … Read more

Celebrating Pride Month

Collage of book covers

Your public library is here to connect you with books, learning experiences, events, and online resources that celebrate the LGBTQ+ community in June and all year long. On this page, you can: Browse titles we suggest Just for kids From your digital library Ebooks, audiobooks & movies Magazines *The Advocate is now part of Out magazine … Read more