The Village of Oak Park has proclaimed 2021 as the Year of the Butterfly, and we’re doing our part to ensure everyone knows all they can to protect the monarch butterfly! Want to help? Find facts, fun activities and resources, books to check out, and programs to attend below. Plus, stay tuned for more this … Read more
In the April 2021 issue of Library Journal, our Teen Services Manager Stephen Jackson writes about restorative practices and libraries. Read the article online or access the entire digitized issue. He illustrates how our library has integrated restorative practices since he joined the staff in 2016. Examples include the use of circles, annual community conferences, … Read more
By Shelley Harris, Children’s Librarian This week, the Fred Rogers Center shared an article from Zero to Three about the power of music for infants and toddlers. It ties music to key early development skills: physical, thinking, language, and literacy skills. As a librarian, I know the value of music; that’s why so much of … Read more
April 2021 marks the 20th anniversary of Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Coordinated by the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, this annual campaign is designed to raise awareness and educate the public on the prevention of sexual assault, harassment, and abuse. Learn more about the history of Sexual Assault Awareness Month at nsvrc.org » In support … Read more
by Alexander Gutierrez, Teen Services Librarian Spring is such an exciting time of year, and it’s also a great opportunity to crack open a new book while taking a break from that tedious spring cleaning! With so much happening this year, a fresh new book might be exactly what the doctor ordered, and it also … Read more
By Eileen Saam, Children’s Services Library Assistant Nearly everyone appreciates music, whether it is listening to a favorite playlist, singing a song in the bathtub, tapping to the beat of the music playing on the car radio, or playing an instrument. It would be difficult to find someone who does not enjoy music! And kids … Read more
This week, we celebrate both National Library Week (April 4-10) and National Public Health Week (April 5-11). The American Public Health Association sponsors National Public Health Week every April. The theme this year, during what it calls “the most challenging public health crisis of our lifetimes,” is Building Bridges to Better Health. National Library Week … Read more
By Collection Management Librarian Dontaná Happy National Library Week! For one week in April each year (April 4-10 this year), we celebrate libraries and library staff for their contributions to their communities, big and small. Enjoy these library-centric books! Our favorite books about libraries The Library Book by Susan Orlean Libraries or librarians: Both! While … Read more
From a very young age, Nora Sanchez knew she wanted to work with children. Before going to college, she worked in a daycare center, assisting teachers who became role models to her. “Because it wasn’t just a job to them,” Nora says. “It was who they were.” Years later, after having two children of her … Read more
By Shelley Harris, Children’s Librarian Marvelous! Splendiferous! Sensational! There are so many delightful and fun words that exist. The more words that kids know, the easier it will be for them to decode and read them when they’re ready. Preschoolers young and old love to use big fancy words. How many can you use together? … Read more
