Virtual learning for early learners: Explore a world of words

Mr. Dean working on Bones Discovery Kit

By Children’s Librarian Shelley Harris Greetings and salutations! Jenny and I have been having fun sharing words this week, from words about apples to what we can find around our homes. Words are everywhere! Explore words together with these videos, activities, books, and more. Watch these videos Miss Jenny has a book called Be Kind, … Read more

We suggest: Regional stories: Appalachian fiction

Book covers

By Collection Management Librarian Dontaná Travel with us to the oft-overlooked region of Appalachia. Nestled in the peaks, valleys, nooks, and crannies of the Appalachian Mountains, separating the East Coast from the Midwest, this beautiful region is home to rare accents, deep religion, and hidden secrets. Appalachian fiction Betty by Tiffany McDaniel Why you should … Read more

We suggest: New(ish) nonfiction titles

Nonfiction book covers

By Collection Management Librarian Kathy Looking for a good nonfiction read? Whether it’s current events, history, science, memoir, or poetry, here are a few recently published books that are sure to scratch your nonfiction itch. Nonfiction titles you might have missed 14 Miles by D.W. Gibson Why you should try it: Tired of hearing the … Read more

Discover & explore for grade schoolers: Hands-on art

Kid painting

By Children’s Librarian Shelley Harris There are so many reasons art is important, including that it can reduce stress and anxiety. What child or adult doesn’t need that during this pandemic? This article from NPR goes into the details, joys, and benefits of creating—knitting, writing, baking, collaging, and more. What will your family create this … Read more

We suggest: Disability reads

Child with hearing aide reading book

Each October, we recognize Health Literacy Month, a time to promote the importance of understandable health information. October is also a month chosen to highlight awareness of many disability communities, a time to call for acceptance of and advocacy for people who use communication aids to speak, have Down Syndrome, Sensory Processing Disorder, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, … Read more

Books Empower: How we’re partnering to give new books to people who need them most

Books Empower: Book delivery

‘The kind of project that makes us love Oak Park’ With funding from the Illinois State Library, we’ve launched an initiative to distribute new, free books to community members who are most in need of resources. Recipients will be able to keep these books forever and use them to build their home libraries. This new … Read more