How to get free passes & discounted admission to museums & cultural attractions

Person riding a bike in front of a museum

By Rose Barnes, Health & Senior Services Librarian Spring is just around the corner, and like me, you might be itching to get out of the house after months of mostly being inside over the winter. This time of year can be fickle, not quite winter and not quite spring; it’s a weird, in-between time … Read more

2023 award-winning titles

A collage of award-winning titles on a purple and gold background

By Collection Management Librarian Kathy We love book award season! Here are some recent winners for all ages—that also all happen to be written by women. A great way to celebrate Women’s History Month! Award-winning titles written by women Tomb of Sand by Geetanjali Shree Why you should try it: For folks who want a well-written, leisurely-paced, … Read more

ICYMI: Recently released fiction & nonfiction

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By Collection Management Librarians Dontaná and Kathy Check out these recently released fiction and nonfiction titles that might have flown under your radar. They are perfect for celebrating Black History Month. Fiction Africa Risen: A New Era of Speculative Fiction edited by Sheree R. Thomas, Oghenechovwe Donald Ekpeki & Zelda Knight Why you should try … Read more

Celebrate Black Love Day

Book cover collage with purple hearts on a black background

By Collection Management Librarian Dontaná Nestled in the middle of February’s observance of Black History Month, and the day before Valentine’s Day, Black Love Day is a celebration of love specific to Black people. Founded in 1993 by Ayo Handy-Kendi, Black Love Day rests upon “5 Loving Acts”: Love for The Creator, Love for Self, … Read more

How to listen to music with your library card

Person wearing headphones

By Rose Barnes, Health & Senior Services Librarian There are so many benefits to having an Oak Park library card, and checking out digital music on Hoopla is one of my favorites. Part of your digital library, Hoopla features ebooks, digital audiobooks, movies, TV shows, and more that you can check out instantly—no holds, no … Read more

Resolved to read more this year? Check out 6 titles perfect for reading challenges

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By Collection Management Librarian Kathy Looking to read more this year? Or better yet, looking to expand your reading horizons? Reading challenges are great ways to do both! Try one of these titles that will start you off on the right track to meet your 2023 reading goals. Titles to challenge yourself Finding Me by … Read more

Celebrity book club round-up, January 2023

Celebrity Book Clubs: Read with the Stars

By Collection Management Librarian Dontaná 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 … Read more

Events to help you keep your New Year’s intentions, especially for older adults

Tibetan singing bowl in sound meditation therapy

By Rose Barnes, Health & Senior Services Librarian January is a month when many set intentions for the New Year and some may even take on new projects or hobbies. This year, my intention is to slow down and be more present in my interactions and activities. With that in mind, I’d like to highlight … Read more

New year, fresh start: Title suggestions, health & wellness programs

New Year: Fresh Start 2023 text with colorful firework background

Happy New Year, Oak Park! Not big on resolutions? We understand! For some, the start of a new year is a time for wish-making and goal-setting. What would you like to feel, do, or experience more—or less—of this year? Might we suggest less stress, more movement, less clutter, or more color in 2023? Below you’ll … Read more