March is Youth Art Month All March in the Main Library Lobby Community Space: We’re delighted to welcome back a Youth Art Month display (pictured above and below). Student artists in grades K-5, from all eight Oak Park Elementary School District 97 schools, contributed their art to this display. Come in for a close viewing … Read more
In March 2021, the Board of Library Trustees voted to approve the Oak Park Public Library’s first stand-alone Anti-Racism Strategic Plan. This multi-year plan was created to address internalized, interpersonal, institutional, and structural racism in both internal and external practices at the library. To stay accountable to the work outlined in that stand-alone plan—as well … Read more
By Shelley Harris, Children’s Librarian The grasshopper chirpeth, the lamb bleateth, the owl hooteth. Animal sounds are found in so many books and songs for children, including the first-known picture book written for children, published in 1659! What makes animal sounds so important that they’ve been taught to young children for centuries? Not only are … Read more
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
By Kristen Romanowski, Staff Writer & Editor Juanta Griffin was in third grade at Longfellow Elementary School when her teacher, Mrs. Simmons, turned her onto Eyes on the Prize. Griffin says it was this PBS series, which chronicled the civil rights movement from the perspective of ordinary people, that first opened her eyes and drove … Read more
As your public library, we are here for you and have compiled a list of library, local, and regional resources focusing on: Mental health and trauma assistance Gun violence Voting and legislation Misinformation Books and library resources Mental health & trauma assistance For all ages Managing distress in the aftermath of a shooting from the … Read more
By Eileen Saam, Children’s Librarian We are so excited to partner with Oak Park Elementary School District 97 and the Oak Park Education Foundation to bring you STEAM Fest 2023! On Thursday, March 2, families with students in grades K-8 are invited to come to the Oak Park Public Library to experience the wide world … Read more
By Kristen Romanowski, Staff Writer & Editor “No harm in trying.” That’s what Oak Park resident Chris Brown told himself last fall when he put in a proposal to exhibit his paintings at the library. A relative newcomer to painting, Brown says he first tried his hand at it “in the depths of the pandemic,” … Read more
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
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
