Our annual librarian-curated roundup of books, TV shows, movies, and music is here! Explore staff favorites across every age and interest. Discover our staff’s favorite movies, TV shows, and music on this page or browse more using the links below. Adult fiction: General | Adult fiction: Romance, lives & relationships | Adult fiction: Thriller, graphic novel, sci-fi & fantasy | Adult nonfiction |Teen fiction & nonfiction | … Read more
From Diwali, Christmas, and Hanukkah celebrations to the observance of the winter solstice, Oak Park library staff love sharing their own winter holiday traditions with you in our annual Holidays Around the World! In addition to stories, videos, and photos, you’ll find related music, games, stories, and recipes for families to explore. Click the play … Read more
Finding the right book or information for people is what librarians do. So when Jane wrote to us in September with a mysterious book-finding query, multiple librarians across departments jumped right in to try to solve it. “I have a detective challenge for you!” Jane wrote. “I would like help finding a small book from … Read more
Check out the 2025 National Book Awards winners and our read-alike titles, suggested by Oak Park’s fantastically well-read librarians! The National Book Awards were established in 1950 to celebrate the best writing in America. Learn more about how the awards work from the National Book Foundation. The winners & readalikes The winners
Last year, artist Antonia Ruppert traveled to Alabama to visit family. Before she returned to Chicago, her cousin gave her some family memorabilia to take home, including a photograph of her grandfather, Prince James. Ruppert had never met her grandfather, but she had heard stories of how he overcame injustice during the Jim Crow era, … Read more
Whether you are new to crafting or a seasoned master crafter, there is something for everyone on Creativebug. An inspirational resource for DIY, crafters, and makers, Creativebug features more than 1,000 award-winning art and craft video classes taught by recognized design experts and artists. You can take a class on art, sewing, food techniques, knitting … Read more
It’s that time again. Love them or hate them, the holidays are back. This year, let your public library help you take the guesswork out of gift-giving, decide what to bring to that holiday party, and—most importantly—give yourself some much-needed downtime. 1. Make handmade gifts & party favors Your Oak Park library card gives you … Read more
Looking for gift ideas for this holiday season? Might we suggest a great book? Our collection management librarians have curated a range of excellent gift ideas for the book, movie, TV, or music lover in your life. Adults | Teens & kids Adults: for the… Teens & kids: for the…
This November 13-19, we celebrate Transgender Awareness Week, an annual event dedicated to educating our communities about the lives of transgender people. Transgender Awareness Week takes place in the week leading up to Transgender Day of Remembrance (November 20)—a day set aside to recognize each life lost during the year to transphobic violence around the … Read more
Every year on November 11, we honor America’s military veterans for their service. Below are some recent, thoughtful reads to help you observe. Honoring veterans The Houdini Club: The Epic Journey and Daring Escapes of the First Army Rangers of WWII by Mir Bahmanyar Why you should try it: For a unique and enthralling look … Read more
One evening when Danielle Désiré was small, about 3 or 4 years old, she was running around in the backyard. It was time to settle down for the night and get ready for bed, but Danielle was too busy watching birds flying in the sky. Why, she asked her grandpa, were there birds flying at … Read more
Oak Park Public Library acknowledges that Oak Park is situated on the ancestral land of the Bodewamiadkiwen (Potawatomi), Myaamia (Miami), Oceti Sakowin, Kiikaapoi (Kickapoo), and Peoria. We honor them and thank them for their stewardship of this land. Source: native-land.ca Your public library is here to connect you with books, learning experiences, and online resources that celebrate … Read more
Did you know? Illinois is one of only eight 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 published survey results from 2021 (pdf), GLSEN found that inclusive curricula have a positive impact on the safety and mental … Read more
Need a tutor to help reinforce concepts learned in class or prepare for a test? Are you a parent looking for academic support for your child? Or are you a teacher seeking supplementary resources to assist your students? Your library is here to the rescue with Brainfuse HelpNow. Find this resource on the Homework Help … Read more
Announcing our newest pop-up library location: Oak Park River Forest Museum, 129 Lake St., Oak Park. Pop-up libraries allow community members to use the library when they’re out and about, no library card or checkouts needed. The new collection is in the second-floor children’s section at the historical museum. Curated for kids and families, it includes board … Read more
Need a good book? Middle School Librarian Fiona Dolce (aka Ms. D) and Middle and High School Services Supervising Librarian Alexander Gutierrez (aka Mr. G) are here with lots of great fiction and graphic novels for students in grades 6–12. Below, see what the librarians have to say about each book. Then, click on each … Read more
The Oak Park Public Library has partnered with researchers at Northwestern University to co-develop a mental health program for high school students. The program is now looking for high school students in grades 9-12 to help test out the program at the library. Students can earn up to $115 in gift cards for participating. Eligible … Read more
As school projects are assigned throughout the year, know that your 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, such as American Indian History. American Indian History This library research site … Read more
Feel that chill in the air? Halloween season is here! Your Oak Park librarians are back with spine-tingling reads, creepy tales, and plenty of Halloween fun for all ages. Browse: Spine-chilling tales & scary stories More to explore HORROR FOR ADULTS HORROR FOR TEENS HALLOWEEN FOR KIDS Attend: Upcoming events ADULTS Wednesday Movie Matinee: Practical … Read more
October is Health Literacy Month, a time to recognize the importance of making health information easy to understand and the healthcare system more accessible to navigate. Did you know that our library offers a range of resources and programs focused on health and wellness? Explore our collection of resources and find support for your health and … Read more
