Two students and an adult with video equipment in the library.

Lights, Camera, Community: ‘Young people are our now’

In Lights, Camera, Community, a weekly after-school program at the Main Library, high school students have been learning the basics of video production and putting their new skills into practice. Earlier this year, students worked together to film, edit, and … Read more

Top view of a desktop keyboard.

Tech Tips: Computer basics 101: The keyboard

Think of your computer keyboard as a modern version of the classic typewriter, only smarter. It’s your primary tool for typing text, entering commands, and interacting with your computer. Whether you’re writing an email, browsing the web, or playing a … Read more

Headshot of Shalonda Lane.

Shalonda Lane, Director of Equity & Anti-Racism

Shalonda Lane is the library’s new Director of Equity & Anti-Racism. She brings over a decade of experience advancing equity through policy, programming, and community engagement across higher education and local government. Most recently, she served as the Collective Impact … Read more

Illustration of people of all ages outside of a library with a banner that says Find Your Joy.

National Library Week

The American Library Association’s National Library Week is April 19–25, 2026, with the theme “Find Your Joy.” Award-winning librarian, author, and new host of the children’s program Reading Rainbow, Mychal Threets is the 2026 Honorary Chair of National Library Week. … Read more

A selection of poetry book covers suggested below with the text April is National Poetry Month.

National Poetry Month

April is National Poetry Month! And whether you love poetry or are looking to try something new, we hope you’ll find a new favorite poem (or two!) in these lists of new titles for all ages, curated by your Oak … Read more

Collage of book covers.

Earth Month at your library

Earth Day is April 22, and this year’s theme is Our Power, Our Planet. The library offers events, information, and resources focused on sustainability and environmental issues all year. In April, we continue to learn, take action, and collaborate on … Read more

A cartoon-style illustration of the Earth with a smiling face as human hand pats it on the top.

Celebrate Earth Day: Activities for grade schoolers

Every year on Earth Day, April 22, we celebrate our precious planet. Check out ways you can celebrate and protect our planet at the same time below! Join us for Earth Month programs at the Main Library Earth Month Community … Read more

Person working on laptop and writing on paper with pen

Tech Tips: Google Docs basics

By John Gargiulo, Supervising Librarian of Creative Technology Do you have a Gmail account? If you have a Gmail account, Google provides you with access to additional Google apps like Docs, Drive, and Slides. In this post, we’ll cover a few basics of … Read more

Paper-cut collages depicting women, with artist Marea Cordero's headshot in lower left.

Artist Marea Cordero honors ancestors & finds common ground

After her father passed away, artist Marea Cordero began learning more about his life growing up in the Philippines. And as she reconnected with the Filipino side of her family, she also began exploring the concept of ancestors more generally … Read more

Collage of book covers, titles featured below.

Celebrating Arab American heritage

Your public library is here with books, resources, and experiences that can help us connect and celebrate Arab American history and culture. The month of April is recognized as Arab American Heritage Month in Illinois. Titles we suggest More to … Read more

Illustration of animals reading issues of a newsletter in the park.

32 things to do with little ones this spring

Signs of spring are here and your public library, in partnership with the Collaboration for Early Childhood, has put together a collection of activities, events, and resources for you and your little ones. Here’s to exploring, learning, and playing in … Read more

Autism with cut paper rainbow on a cloud

Resources for autistic people & their caregivers

So you, your child, or your student has been diagnosed with autism? Congratulations! As overwhelming as it can be to hear a diagnosis, you are now ready to find and receive the supports you need to live the life you … Read more

Butterfly origami

All about origami: How-to videos, books & more for grade schoolers

Have you ever seen origami art at the Main Library Children’s Services desk? Miss Margaret has made and displayed so many over the years: Carmen Sprung’s Carambola Flower, an Omega Star, a Traditional Star Box, and various Tomoko Fuse Modular boxes. Origami helps kids … Read more

Children using a computer at school.

Helping kids tackle school projects: World Book

Are you looking for a great resource for kids to do research online? Did you know that World Book is accessible with your library card? World Book offers a comprehensive suite of engaging content for learners of all ages, all … Read more