Let’s explore the Library of Things

Collage of Library of Things items - listed in text below

Libraries are full of surprises! Discover the new additions to the Library of Things collection, which features a variety of physical objects available for checkout with your Oak Park library card. Explore items in four categories Do It Yourself (DIY) For creating, crafting, and home improvement. Includes a wall stud finder, laser level, electric drill, sewing machine, … Read more

Connecting you to Black history, then & now

Collage of book covers

Your public library is here with books, resources, and experiences that can help us connect and celebrate Black history and culture. Titles we suggest More to explore Exhibits Art Exhibit: Dreamscapes by Amani BorahThrough February 28, Main Library Gallery The collected works exhibited in Dreamscapes invite each individual to participate in the colors and activities on the island of … Read more

Ways to watch Oscar-nominated films

Collage of Oscar-nominated films.

The countdown to the big night has begun! The 98th Academy Awards airs on Sunday, March 15, and your library has a few ways to watch some of the year’s most talked-about films. Join us: Register for our 16th Annual Oscarthon No need to wait on the red carpet—come to our 16th Annual Oscarthon movie … Read more

BingePass gives you 7 days of unlimited streaming

Text reading Hoopla BingePass in front of graphics representing various BingePasses listed below.

With hoopla‘s 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. For more detailed instructions, see How do I borrow a BingePass. What can I borrow with unlimited access? … Read more

Honoring MLK Day: Books, a display & resources

Martin Luther King Jr. leaning on a podium at a press conference, alongside a collage of book covers

On Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Monday, January 19), all library buildings will be closed. We’ve gathered together title suggestions, online resources, and more to help you celebrate the life and legacy of one of the best-known leaders of the civil rights movement. Check out these titles Contribute to a community ‘Dream Hands’ display As … Read more

Celebrity book club round-up, January 2026

Collage of book covers surrounded by sparkling gold stars

Since Oprah’s first book club pick in 1996, we have been reading as the celebrities do, falling in love with, or hating, characters with our fellow book club readers. Book clubs offer an opportunity to be in community with others, even if we’re not together in person.  Other celebrities who love to read have started … Read more

New year, new you: Books to destress & reset

Collage of book covers (books listed below)

If everything just feels a bit more stressful these days (we certainly think so), why not try a little therapy? Art, music, nature, socialization, and actual therapy are all proven ways to help reduce stress and anxiety. Try these titles to help you start your 2026 journey to wonder, delight, and, hopefully, calm. Titles for … Read more

Best of 2025: Adult fiction & nonfiction

Our annual librarian-curated roundup of books, TV shows, movies, and music is here! Explore staff favorites across every age and interest. Discover our staff’s favorite adult fiction and nonfiction titles on this page or browse more using the links below. Adult fiction: General | Adult fiction: Romance, lives & relationships | Adult fiction: Thriller, graphic novel, sci-fi & fantasy | Adult nonfiction |Teen fiction & nonfiction | … Read more

Best of 2025: Movies, TV shows, & music

Our annual librarian-curated roundup of books, TV shows, movies, and music is here! Explore staff favorites across every age and interest. Discover our staff’s favorite movies, TV shows, and music on this page or browse more using the links below. Adult fiction: General | Adult fiction: Romance, lives & relationships | Adult fiction: Thriller, graphic novel, sci-fi & fantasy | Adult nonfiction |Teen fiction & nonfiction | … Read more

National Book Award Winners 2025

Book covers of the winners of the 76th National Book Awards

Check out the 2025 National Book Awards winners and our read-alike titles, suggested by Oak Park’s fantastically well-read librarians! The National Book Awards were established in 1950 to celebrate the best writing in America. Learn more about how the awards work from the National Book Foundation. The winners & readalikes The winners

Tech Tips: How to use Creativebug

Creativebug logo on top of a table with a floral watercolor and painting supplies

Whether you are new to crafting or a seasoned master crafter, there is something for everyone on Creativebug. An inspirational resource for DIY, crafters, and makers, Creativebug features more than 1,000 award-winning art and craft video classes taught by recognized design experts and artists. You can take a class on art, sewing, food techniques, knitting … Read more

6 ways to make your holidays a little easier with help from your public library

Collage of holiday photos: an ornament, wrapped presents, an apple pie, a family watching a holiday movie, an outdoor display of trees lit with holiday lights, and a sheet of music with lights

It’s that time again. Love them or hate them, the holidays are back. This year, let your public library help you take the guesswork out of gift-giving, decide what to bring to that holiday party, and—most importantly—give yourself some much-needed downtime.   1. Make handmade gifts & party favors Your Oak Park library card gives you … Read more

Celebrating Native American heritage

Collage of books.

Oak Park Public Library acknowledges that Oak Park is situated on the ancestral land of the Bodewamiadkiwen (Potawatomi), Myaamia (Miami), Oceti Sakowin, Kiikaapoi (Kickapoo), and Peoria. We honor them and thank them for their stewardship of this land. Source: native-land.ca Your public library is here to connect you with books, learning experiences, and online resources that celebrate … Read more

Chilling reads, thrilling tales & lots of Halloween fun

Collage of book covers.

Feel that chill in the air? Halloween season is here! Your Oak Park librarians are back with spine-tingling reads, creepy tales, and plenty of Halloween fun for all ages. Browse: Spine-chilling tales & scary stories More to explore HORROR FOR ADULTS HORROR FOR TEENS HALLOWEEN FOR KIDS Attend: Upcoming events ADULTS Wednesday Movie Matinee: Practical … Read more

5 ways to take charge of your health, with help from your library

Older adult sitting on a couch smiling and looking at a tablet

October is Health Literacy Month, a time to recognize the importance of making health information easy to understand and the healthcare system more accessible to navigate. Did you know that our library offers a range of resources and programs focused on health and wellness? Explore our collection of resources and find support for your health and … Read more

Banned Books Week 2025

Censorship is so 1984. Read for your rights. Banned Books Week.

Every year during Banned Books Week (October 5-11 this year), the American Library Association (ALA) celebrates the freedom to read by recognizing books that have been challenged, censored, and banned in libraries and schools. Check out some of the most challenged books below—and why they were challenged—from the last year (compiled from data from the ALA’s Office … Read more

Celebrating Hispanic heritage

Collage of book covers

Traducir esta página al español Your public library is here to connect you with books, events, learning experiences, and online resources that celebrate Hispanic heritage and culture this month and all year long. On this page, you can: Titles we suggest More to explore Available in Spanish from your digital library Upcoming events For adults … Read more

Learn, create & save: What your Oak Park library card can do for you

Person holding a large novelty library card propped up on their walker in front of the set of stairs inside the library

September is Library Card Sign-Up Month. Celebrate your public library by trying a service you haven’t used before. Unlock the full potential of your library card While our library continues to provide traditional services such as lending books and movies, providing computers and printing services, and answering general reference questions, we are also very proud of all of … Read more