News & Events

‘My lineage begins there. That’s a big part of my fascination and pursuit of documenting these wonderful people’: Photographer Jason Dorsey debuts portraits at Main Library

Massai tribesperson photographed in profile

By Kristen Romanowski, Staff Writer & Editor Growing up, Jason Dorsey always knew he wanted to travel. “It’s almost like I had a thread of adventure inside of me, always,” he says. So he joined the U.S. Marines in 2000, right out of high school. But after returning home from active duty four years later, … Read more

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

A collage of book covers with a check list graphic and colorful background

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

Just for kids: A list of fun & educational websites, curated by librarians

Kid using tablet with two adults in the background

By Eileen Saam, Children’s Librarian Looking for engaging and educational sites for kids? You’ve come to the right place!  Many websites designed for kids claim to be informative and entertaining, but it can be challenging to find fun, user-friendly sites for kids that are not loaded with advertisements. What should you look for when exploring … Read more

‘Outsider’ bird art brightens Maze Branch in winter

Artwork of woodpeckers and a cardinal by Casey Jones above bookshelves at Maze Branch

By Kristen Romanowski, Staff Writer & Editor Want to see some colorful birds during these dreary January days? Just look up. Above the bookshelves at Maze Branch, that is, where artwork by outsider artist Casey Jones went up earlier this month. Using recycled materials like packing boxes and paper, plus paint and glitter “and whatever … 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

New mentorship programs for youth

Two students in new mentoring program at the library

Our library’s vision is to empower every voice in our community, and our Middle & High School Services Team is doing just that for students this year. We’re excited to offer three new ways for youth in grades 6-12 to build relationships, learn with their peers and mentors, and grow in their schoolwork, job readiness, … Read more

Kwanzaa 2022 ‘was the best one yet’

After a pandemic hiatus, the Oak Park Community Kwanzaa Celebration was back in person at the Main Library in December, with a full house. “This year’s Kwanzaa celebration was the best one yet!” said Multicultural Learning Coordinator Juanta Griffin. Griffin organizes the annual intergenerational event, last held in person at the library in 2019. Among … Read more

Need help with school research projects? Library resources to the rescue! African-American History & American-Indian History (Part 3)

Three kids studying on a laptop

By Eileen Saam, Children’s Librarian  As the school year starts and school projects are assigned, know that the library is here to help! In addition to books, your Oak Park library card gives you access to a number of subscription-based resources that you can use to help you with your research. In my previous posts … Read more

LGBTQ+ people & history: Books, a new trivia game & resources to share with grade schoolers

Pride flag overlayed with a rainbow of colors

By Hal, Rainbow Services Librarian Did you know? Illinois is one of only six states with an inclusive curriculum bill that ensures students in public schools learn about LGBTQ+ and their contributions as part of their history curriculum. In their most recent published survey results (pdf), GLSEN found that inclusive curriculums have a positive impact … 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

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