News & Events

Update: Buildings open for regular hours Thursday, February 3

Winter storm warning

All Oak Park Public Library buildings were closed on Wednesday, February 2 because of severe weather. The National Weather Service had issued a winter storm warning for our area from 8 pm Tuesday, February 1 until 6 pm Wednesday, February 2.   Remote access available Your digital library remains open and virtual and digital services will be available during regular open hours. Library-led virtual storytime Shake, … Read more

Happy 120th Birthday, Oak Park! Books by Oak Parkers & local history resources

Historic photos of Oak Park decorated with birthday hats and starbursts

Happy Birthday, Oak Park! On January 25, 1902, Oak Park, Illinois was officially incorporated as a village. See a copy of the original articles of incorporation » Today, Oak Park is home to about 54,500 people in 4.5 square miles, and we’re very lucky to say that the village is and has been home to some … Read more

Digital media for preschoolers: Educational app recommendations (part 2)

Child and adult playing with phone in bed

By Children’s Librarian Eileen Saam As we spend time at home this winter, many families are likely dedicating more time to screens—playing games and watching videos, movies, and television shows. Time on screens can provide positive experiences for families—a way to relax and have fun, connect, and share experiences together. This time also can provide … Read more

We suggest: Celebrity book picks, January 2022

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 love to … Read more

New year, successful routines: Videos & books for early learners

New Year: Successful Routines, with cartoon children's faces inside flowers in pots

By Shelley Harris, Children’s Librarian The start of a new year is a traditional time to set goals and try new things. Success, of course, varies! With so much uncertainty still overshadowing our days—thanks to the pandemic—success might feel even more challenging than usual. So let’s talk about ways to build early learning routines in … Read more

Digital media for preschoolers: Recommendations & resources (part 1)

Young child using laptop while parents look on

By Eileen Saam, Children’s Librarian As families wrap up their holiday shopping, parents and caregivers of preschool-aged children may be thinking about purchasing a tablet for their child. Some may have recently purchased a tablet and are now wondering which apps they should download. Some may also be wondering how much screen time is appropriate … Read more

A conversation with thought leaders in the national reparations movement

"From Here to Equality" book cover, authors William Darity Jr. and A. Kirsten Mullen

By Christian Harris Note: A version of this post first appeared in Wednesday Journal and OakPark.com on December 7, 2021. Read the piece on OakPark.com » As a young Black man growing up in Oak Park, I was never taught that Black people lived here before the 1950s, when world-renowned chemist Percy Julian moved in. I would … Read more

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