Tabletop roleplaying games: Activities for grade schoolers

Jenny, Hal, and Shelley smiling in a virtual meeting

By Hal, Rainbow Services Librarian Have you ever wished you could explore the worlds of your favorite characters? Do you dream of running off on a grand adventure with your friends by your side? If you answered yes to either of those questions, then you might want to try tabletop roleplaying at your next game … Read more

Meet Nora, Latinx Language & Culture Librarian

Headshot of Nora Sanchez with text Nora Sanchez, Latinx Language & Culture Librarian

Please note: As of March 24, 2023, the library has changed its usage from “Latinx” to “Latine.” Nora is now the Latine Language & Culture Librarian. “As an organization, we are continuously learning and evolving to meet the needs expressed to us by our community,” says Manager of Community Engagement Sarah Yale. “Increasingly, we are hearing from … Read more

Resolution in Support of Library Staff, Collections, and Programming

Approved by the Board of Library Trustees on October 6, 2022 Whereas the Oak Park Public Library adheres to the American Library Association Freedom to Read Statement; Whereas the Oak Park Public Library adheres to the American Library Association Freedom to View Statement; Whereas the Oak Park Public Library has Collection Strategy Statement that was … Read more

Welcome to your library

Family with new library cards

September was #LibraryCardSignUpMonth. Let’s give a warm Oak Park welcome to these new library cardholders! September sign-up success On average, roughly 200 people a month get new Oak Park library cards. But from June through September this year, notes Patron Services Manager Martyn Churchouse, more than 400 people got new cards each month! During September’s … Read more

Honoring Indigenous People

Indigenous Peoples Day October 10

By Collection Management Librarian Kathy In 2017, the Village of Oak Park Board of Trustees approved a proclamation declaring the second Monday in October Indigenous Peoples Day. This day recognizes that Native peoples were the first inhabitants of North America and celebrates their history, traditions, and stories. Oak Park Public Library acknowledges that Oak Park is situated … Read more

Tech Tips: Basic digital security: How to create a strong password

Lock icon centered inside a shield with a check mark bubble floating above

By Amy Hofmockel, Creative Technology Librarian It’s so important to create strong passwords—and frequently update them—even though most websites have security measures in place to keep your personal information private. Let’s go over a few of the most basic—but most important—ways to keep your digital data safe, starting with how to: 7 steps to a … Read more

Barbara Ballinger Lecture 2022: ‘The Billboard’ readalikes

Author Natalie Moore with her book The Billboard, the Barbara Ballinger Lecture logo and the Friends of the Library logo

By Collection Management Librarian Dontaná Each fall we gather to celebrate and recognize former head librarian Barbara Ballinger and her many years of dedicated service to the library and to Oak Park. Sponsored by the Friends of the Oak Park Public Library, this year’s Barbara Ballinger Lecture features a lecture and Q&A with author and WBEZ Journalist Natalie … Read more