Best of 2023: TV shows, movies & music

Best of 2023: Movies, music & more

Oak Park’s Best of 2023 is back! Our annual librarian-curated selection of titles features some of the titles most requested and checked out by Oak Parkers. See some of our favorite TV shows, movies, and music on this page or browse more using the links below. Adult fiction: General | Adult fiction: Romance, lives & relationships | Adult fiction: Mystery, history & sci-fi | Adult nonfiction | Teen fiction | Teen nonfiction … Read more

National Book Award Winners 2023

74th National Book Awards

Check out the 2023 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

Gift Guide 2023

Gift Guide 2023 text with a gold gift box wrapped in a white ribbon surrounded by glitter stars

Looking for gift ideas for this holiday season? Might we suggest a great book? Our collection management librarians have gathered some of their favorite recently published titles that are sure to engage, educate, and inspire people of all ages on your list! Adults | Teens & kids Adults: for the… Teens & kids: for the…

Tech Tips: How to use Creativebug

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

By Health & Senior Services Librarian Rose Barnes 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 … Read more

Book bans, censorship & intellectual freedom: Attend Saturday’s panel discussion

Headshots of four Barbara Ballinger Lecture presenters on teal background, with Barbara Ballinger Lecture logo

Across the United States, a movement has been growing to censor books in schools and public libraries, especially books by and about people of color and members of LGBTQ+ communities. As your public library, we will continue to make challenged and endangered books accessible to everyone, and to educate our community on the history and … Read more

Celebrating Native American Heritage Month: Books, an event, learning experiences & more

Native American Heritage book display in the Main Library

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, videos, online resources, and learning experiences that … Read more

Tech Tips: How to scan a QR code (plus, how to print from a smartphone at the library)

Printing sign with QR code sitting in front of printers at the Main Library

By Digital Learning Specialist Amelia You probably have seen them somewhere by now, black and white square or circular barcode images—known as QR codes (short for Quick Response codes)—on contactless menus, advertisements, and even as a form of payment around the world. But what are QR codes? These barcode images are readable by digital devices—like … Read more

‘Tom Lake’: Waiting for it? Loved it? Try these titles!

Book cover image for Tom Lake by Ann Patchett

By Collection Management Librarian Kathy I love how much our community uses the library. Sometimes that means waiting for the hottest titles. Don’t fret! I can help you find a similar reading experience to THAT book you are waiting for or that you finally read and loved. Tom Lake readalikes Good Company by Cynthia D’Aprix … Read more

Health Literacy Month: 3 ways to take charge of your health

Older adult meditating in a garden

By Health & Senior Services Librarian Rose Barnes October is the best! Apples, pumpkins, and crisp weather are back, and I am enjoying the change in the weather. Also, October is Health Literacy Month, a time to recognize the importance of making health information easy to understand and the healthcare system easier to navigate. Did … Read more