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

Banned Books Week 2025

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 … Read more

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Celebrating Hispanic heritage

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 … Read more

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

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

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 … Read more

Person shows off their T-shirt that says "Having fun isn't hard when you've got a library card" while standing outside the Main Library.

Have fun & save money with a library card

By Collection Management Librarian Kathy Folks have said that their library card is the most valuable card in their wallet. Okay, former First Lady Laura Bush (a former librarian!) is generally attributed with saying this, but I bet a lot of … Read more

The 2025 Booker Prize Longlist

By Collection Management Librarian Kathy The UK’s most prestigious literary award, The Booker Prize is awarded annually to the best novel of the year written in English and published in the UK or Ireland. Check out the longlist titles below—featuring all of … Read more

Life of a Book

Watch now: ‘Life of a Book’

How do you think a book gets to the shelf in a library? Where does it go after that? We’ve got a video to answer these and other questions, thanks to our Collections Services Team members who do the work! A tell-all … Read more

Learn for the fun of it

Develop a new skill, dive deep into a hobby you love, or expand your knowledge on a topic you’ve always wanted to explore with these books our librarians love. Check out the curated titles below, plus more to explore in … Read more

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International Drag Day: What to read, listen to & watch

Drag is an art and a performance. In As You Like It, Shakespeare wrote “All the world’s a stage, / And the men and women merely players.” Drag performers throughout history have taken this line to heart, including in Shakespeare’s own … Read more

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Disability Pride books, a display & supported events

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 … Read more

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Celebrating Pride Month

Your public library is here with books, resources, and experiences that can help us connect and celebrate the LGBTQ+ community. Titles we suggest More to explore Reading lists for kids From your digital library Upcoming events For all ages Book … Read more

Graphics of a movie projector, book, conversation bubbles, and headphones and a beachy background

Adult summer reading returns June 1

It’s time to pull out your reading list and get warmed up for adult summer reading 2025! From June 1 through August 19, sign up via Beanstack, track your reading, complete activities, and earn badges for a chance to win … Read more

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Celebrating Jewish American heritage

Your public library is here with books, resources, and experiences that can help us connect and celebrate Jewish American history and culture. The month of May is recognized as Jewish American Heritage Month in Illinois. Title suggestions for all ages … Read more

A person holds a phone with one hand and swipes the screen with the other. A logo for Beanstack is in the upper left.

Tech Tips: How to use Beanstack to register for summer reading

By Digital Learning Specialist Amelia Get ready for an awesome adventure at your public library this summer! We’re thrilled to kick off our summer reading program (for kids and adults), which runs all summer long—June 1-August 19. Once again, we’re … Read more

A group of older adults talking to one another and enjoying coffee at the library.

Older Americans Month: A time to celebrate you

Spring is in full swing, and May is Older Americans Month. It’s a beautiful time to celebrate our older adult community. Our local Celebrating Seniors committee is working to make this year’s Celebrating Seniors Week better than ever. Celebrating Seniors Week … Read more