What grows with restorative justice?

Panelists Darrius Lightfoot, Quintin Williams, and Tim Crawford at the Restorative Justice Conference at the Main Library in October

The first time Chicago police officer Tim Crawford observed a peace circle, he was skeptical. But after a while, “I started to see—hold on—this works,” he said. “Especially with people who experience trauma on a regular basis. You’ve got to have a place to vent, to speak your truth.” Crawford (pictured far right) works with … Read more

Celebrate diverse cultures

Children coloring and making crafts at a Holi celebration

Join us this winter—and all year round—for activities that can help foster empathy in our community. On Wednesday, December 12, discover world holidays through crafts, games, books and artifacts from the Multicultural Collection at Holidays Around the World from 4 to 5 pm at Dole Branch Library. And join members of the community to celebrate Kwanzaa, a celebration … Read more

Community Building Blocks

Outside view of Oak Park Public Library

Read the report As a conclusion to its July 2018 Community Building Blocks Workshop in Oak Park, the Environmental Protection Agency published a 33-page recommendation report titled “Linking Community Building Blocks for Educational, Economic and Equity Outcomes (pdf) » Moving forward All local Oak Park elected officials, two-day workshop attendees, and the general public were invited … Read more

Listen to the youth: Knowledge is power

Living History Project at the Main Library

On Wednesday, November 28, come listen to young people present what they’ve learned about civil and human rights at the Main Library, from 6:30 to 8 pm. The teens who will be speaking have been preparing for the event since May, as part of their involvement in The Living History Project. It’s a grant-funded initiative … Read more

Oak Park votes yes on nonbinding referendum

Ballot with flag

The following is a joint statement from the park district, township and the library. Collaboration is vital for addressing issues, effecting change On Nov. 6, Oak Parkers approved the following nonbinding referendum: “Shall the merger and consolidation of Oak Park taxing bodies be considered, including, but not limited to, the Village of Oak Park, Oak … Read more

New sensory garden at Maze Branch brings fall fun for kids with disabilities

Sensory Garden Launch

October is National Disability Awareness Month. All month, families and kids with disabilities can find fun at the library, with programs featuring stories, songs, and movement, plus tools and supports to help all children be successful. The fun includes yoga, spooky stories, and exploration of our just-launched sensory garden at Maze Branch. Accessible and appealing … Read more

Donate at the library this Socktober

Socktober

Socks are consistently among the most requested items at homeless shelters. All October, we’re collecting new pairs at all library locations to benefit the clients of Housing Forward and other organizations. It’s our third year participating in Socktober. In 2017, thanks to your generosity, we collected 446 pairs of socks, as well as 50 pairs … Read more

Removing assumptions, barriers to access

Oak Park Stories

“People make a lot of assumptions about who is experiencing homelessness, based on how someone looks, acts, smells, or dresses,” said the library’s Director of Social Services and Safety Robert Simmons. “But really, you don’t know if someone is homeless unless they tell you.” As the Oak Park Homelessness Coalition notes in its 2016 Plan … Read more

A welcoming place, where everybody is somebody

Teen Services Coordinator Stephen Jackson, Supervisor of Safety and Security Aaron Alonzo, and Social Services Director Robert Simmons

In March 2016, Robert Simmons joined the library as its first social worker, a direct result of the library’s intentional strategy of listening and responding to community aspirations. Since then, the Social Services and Safety team he’s built has served more than 350 vulnerable patrons. Most are Oak Park residents experiencing mental illness, homelessness, and … Read more