ICYMI: Recently released fiction & nonfiction

Book collage

By Collection Management Librarians Dontaná & Kathy Check out these recently released fiction and nonfiction titles that might have flown under your radar. They are perfect for celebrating Black History Month. Fiction Hush Harbor by Anise Vance Why you should try it: This gritty dystopian novel will make you think. Description: A resistance group takes America’s … Read more

Celebrating art in March

Oak Park Elementary School District 97 art teachers pose in front of a wall of student art in the Main Library

Youth Art Month in Main Library Lobby Thanks to all the Oak Park Elementary School District 97 teachers (pictured above) for curating this display of artwork by students in grades K-5. It will be on view all March in the Main Library Lobby, in celebration of Youth Art Month. Come in and see the students’ colorful … Read more

Let’s talk about bodies & puberty: Books, Discovery Kits & web resources for grade schoolers & caregivers

Kid looking at anatomy on tablet

By Hal, Rainbow Services Librarian Developing accurate and affirming language to name the parts of our bodies and understanding how bodies change as we age is an important skill for young people to learn. Not only is it a matter of physical health, but it also provides young people with better tools to advocate for … Read more

The Affordable Connectivity Program is winding down: Here’s what you need to know

Affordable Connectivity Program: ACP Wind-Down

By Supervising Librarian of Creative Technology John Gargiulo A federally funded benefit program, the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) has offered a monthly benefit to eligible households to help with affordable access to internet services since 2021. Now, the future of the program is uncertain. Without urgent congressional funding, the ACP will run out of funds. The funds are … Read more

2023: A year in review

Cover images of 2023 impact reports

Our library strives to be a library for everyone, one that prioritizes: To report on the impact of work in these areas, the library shares monthly public updates at its Board of Library Trustees meetings, and creates annual, year in review impact reports. These reports showcase library work that shared the information, services, and opportunities … Read more

Let’s explore the Library of Things

A collage of items: telescope, small folding table, microphone, canopy tent, drill, universal charger, bocce ball set, and projector

Have you checked out the new Library of Things collection?  The Library of Things is a new collection of physical objects All you need is an Oak Park library card to check out items from this collection. Items are broken up into four categories Here are some of my favorite things Bocce ball set: A … Read more

Ways to watch Oscar-nominated films

Collage of Oscar-nominated films

The countdown to the big night has begun! The 96th Academy Awards airs on Sunday, March 10, and your library has a few ways to watch some of the most-talked-about films of the year. Join us: Register for our 14th Annual Oscarthon (now two days!) No need to wait on the red carpet—come to our … Read more

Be kind to yourself: Videos & resources for grownups & early learners

Be Kind to Yourself text floating on a blue sky with clouds

By Shelley Harris, Children’s Librarian We often come back to the topic of emotions and social-emotional learning with our kids. Sometimes it may feel like we’re repeating ourselves! But we keep returning to the topic because it’s an important one. Kids (and adults!) learn best when they feel that they are safe and secure in … Read more

Connecting you to Black history, then & now

Collage of book covers

Your public library is here to connect us with each other through books, resources, and experiences that celebrate Black history and culture. Browse titles we suggest More librarian-curated reading lists Ebooks, digital audiobooks, movies & more View the Julian Legacy Museum in the Idea Box The Julian Legacy Museum in the Main Library Idea Box … Read more

Tech Tips: How to declutter your devices in 4 steps

A computer desktop cluttered with files

By Creative Technology Librarian Amy Hofmockel Do you have a desktop covered in icons you don’t use? Are you interested in decluttering your digital workspace? Let’s go over some basics of file management so you can find the files you want when you want them. First, what is file management? Just like you might have papers … Read more