Best of 2025: Teen fiction & nonfiction

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 teen fiction and nonfiction titles on this page or browse more using the links below. … Read more

Best of 2025: Kids & picture books

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 kids and picture books on this page, or browse more using the links below. Adult fiction: General … Read more

Best of 2025: Movies, TV shows, & music

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. … Read more

A lantern with a glowing candle inside sitting in the snow under a tree

Holidays Around the World

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, … Read more

Book covers of the winners of the 76th National Book Awards

National Book Award Winners 2025

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 … Read more

Creativebug logo on top of a table with a floral watercolor and painting supplies

Tech Tips: How to use Creativebug

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 … Read more

Gift Guide 2025 text alongside two gift boxes wrapped in white and gold paper with ribbons.

Gift Guide 2025

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 … Read more

Transgender flag drawn in chalk

Transgender Awareness Week: Books & resources

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 … Read more

American flags

Titles for Veterans Day

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 … Read more

Collage of books.

Celebrating Native American heritage

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 … Read more

Student studying while holding a notebook and pencil and interacting with a laptop.

Helping kids with homework & studying: Brainfuse HelpNow

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 … Read more

Interior of Oak Park River Forest Museum. A stuffed Dalmation wearing a firefighter's hat sits next to a bin of books, and a person sits on a stool with a picture book.

New pop-up library at Oak Park River Forest Museum

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 … Read more

Librarians Ms. D and Mr. G between shelves of teen fiction

What are Ms. D and Mr. G reading?

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. … Read more

Collage of book covers.

Chilling reads, thrilling tales & lots of Halloween fun

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 … Read more