When it comes to learning, there is no such thing as starting too early. Research tells us how important it is to introduce literacy concepts to children in their first years of life, even as newborns. It’s why we strategically support parents, caregivers, teachers, babies, toddlers, and preschoolers—with library-based resources and expertise as well as … Read more
By Carolyn Newberry Schwartz Executive Director, Collaboration for Early Childhood “Baby can’t wait” is a phrase you hear often at the Collaboration for Early Childhood. A compelling body of research shows the vital role early experiences play in a child’s ability to grow up healthy and ready to succeed. The Collaboration for Early Childhood, a public/private partnership, was … Read more
As it widens access to early Ernest Hemingway artifacts, the library is now devoting even more resources to its Special Collections. For the first time in its 113-year history, the library is dedicating a full-time staff position exclusively to its Special Collections, which include Hemingway artifacts owned by The Ernest Hemingway Foundation of Oak Park … Read more
‘Stunning images, handwritten commentary’ Unprecedented, online access is now available to rare Ernest Hemingway family artifacts from the late 1800s and early 1900s through the Illinois Digital Archives (IDA). Thanks to an $86,900 grant from the Illinois Secretary of State and State Librarian Jesse White, the first 84 digitized artifacts from the Oak Park Public Library’s … Read more
Robert A. Simmons has accepted the library’s new full-time position of Manager for Community Resources. His first day in this new library role will be Monday, March 7. Joining a handful of public libraries in cities (including Denver, San Francisco, and Washington, DC) with similar social services-based positions, the library created the new role in late 2015. Primary responsibilities will include working … Read more
Now online are the first 84 of at least 300 digitized artifacts from the library, The Ernest Hemingway Foundation of Oak Park (EHFOP), and the Historical Society of Oak Park and River Forest. All artifacts will be uploaded into the Illinois Digital Archives (IDA) in time for the Hemingway Society’s 17th biennial international conference. in Oak Park … Read more
For Millicent Hosp, a 101-year-old resident of Brookdale Plaza Oak Park, printed books are a thing of the past. Hosp remembers the stories she used to read on paper—mysteries featuring a favorite female detective, or tales about unusual families—back when she was living in her home in south Oak Park and receiving Home Delivery Service … Read more
By David J. Seleb, Executive Director, Oak Park Public Library I was introduced to the Harwood practice in October 2013, while attending a Public Innovators Lab in Washington, DC, sponsored by the American Library Association and the Harwood Institute. I have since spoken with and learned from many members of the Oak Park community. Each conversation … Read more
