Collage of book covers with a bright orange sunny background

Long books for long days

By Collection Management Librarian Dontaná Happy Solstice! It is the longest day of the year. The sun is shining. The air is fresh, and we don’t have to think about fall or winter for several more weeks. To celebrate, we … Read more

SWAN Libraries + app displayed on a smart phone screen with shelves of books in the background

Tech Tips: How to use the SWAN Libraries + app

Did you know that there is an app you can use to search for library materials, place holds, and manage your checkouts all in one place? The SWAN Libraries + app makes finding and requesting items easy.  Let’s review a … Read more

Three people pose in front of a backdrop reading Northwestern Medicine Feinberg School of Medicine. Two hold framed certificates.

Partnering for teen mental health

American teens are in a mental health crisis, according to the Office of the Surgeon General and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention—and it began even before the COVID-19 pandemic. That’s why, since 2019, assistant professor and researcher Ashley … Read more

Miss Eileen planting in the Accessible Community Garden

Community Sensory Garden

By Children’s Librarian Shelley Harris Did you know that 70% of disabled adults do not engage in community activities? The first time I heard this statistic it gave me pause. I see it with my disabled brother and his friends, … Read more

Cover of the summer Storyline magazine

The Storyline returns: Summer issue now out

This latest issue of the library’s magazine (PDF) highlights summer reading programs for kids, teens, and adults, plus: We love to see how you use your public library If you have an idea or story to share with us for … Read more

Kids and pets reading under a blanket

Kids summer reading: Kids as young as 2 can join the fun!

By Shelley Harris, Children’s Librarian Most people look at summer as a time to relax and have fun. For Children’s Services Librarians, it’s our busy season! We’ve spent the past few months preparing the summer reading program, and now it’s here! … Read more

Jacob Grant with covers of three books, Bear's Scare, No Pants! and Umami, and an acorn character reading a book on a cushion of leaves

Meet author, artist & ‘library guy’ Jacob Grant

Jacob Grant is an award-winning Oak Park author, illustrator, and dad who makes picture books, including Umami, No Pants!, and Bear’s Scare. He won the prestigious Bologna Children’s Book Fair Illustration Exhibition earlier this year. And he designed our new … Read more

Glazed ceramic art figures of three people, a dog, and a cat, and a platter

New ceramics display at Dole Branch

The next time you’re at Dole Branch Library, come see a wonderful collection of ceramic pieces adorning the library shelves and walls. These pieces were created by participants in the Park District of Oak Park’s Active Adults ceramics class. We’ve … Read more

Collage of book covers

ICYMI: Recently released fiction & nonfiction for AANHPI Heritage Month

By Collection Management Librarians Dontaná & Kathy Check out these recently released fiction and nonfiction titles that might have flown under your radar. They are perfect for celebrating Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month. Hawaiian Mythology by … Read more

Librarian stands next to bookshelf in a lobby

Pop-up library launches at CRC

In our continued quest to be a library for everyone, we strive to offer the widest possible access with the fewest barriers as possible. So we’re thrilled to offer a new way for community members to use the library and … Read more

3D printer printing an octopus

Creative Studio turns 1

We’re celebrating the first anniversary of the Creative Studio! Since the digital makerspace officially opened last April on the Main Library’s third floor, it’s been a fantastic year of learning, expanding offerings, and, of course, lots of creativity. “The Creative … Read more

LinkedIn Learning on laptop

Tech Tips: Getting started with LinkedIn Learning

LinkedIn Learning is an online learning platform with video tutorials to learn business, software, technology, and creative skills to achieve personal and professional goals. Check out LinkedIn Learning FAQs. Meet LinkedIn Learning With LinkedIn Learning you can: How to log in … Read more

Autism Acceptance & Pride with a rainbow infinity symbol

Autism acceptance & pride: Videos & activities for early learners

By Shelley Harris, Children’s Librarian Happy Autism Acceptance Month! To understand why we’re celebrating… Let’s start at the beginning: What is autism & why acceptance? There are two brain types: Neurodiversity encompasses both brain types. Autism is a complex neurodivergent, developmental disability … Read more

Screenshot of audiobook player on Libby app

Tech Tips: How to listen to audiobooks in Libby

By John Gargiulo, Supervising Librarian of Creative Technology In an earlier Tech Tips post, I shared tips and tricks on how to read ebooks and digital magazines on Libby with your smartphone or tablet. But did you know you also can listen to … Read more

Screenshot of magazines available on Libby app

Tech Tips: How to read ebooks & magazines in Libby

By John Gargiulo, Supervising Librarian of Creative Technology Did you know that as an Oak Park Public Library cardholder you can access tens of thousands of ebooks and digital audiobooks, and thousands of digital magazines on your smartphone or tablet? In this series … Read more

Two students working together on a tablet at STEAM Fest 2023

STEAM Fest is Thursday, April 18

By Eileen Saam, Children’s Librarian Experience the wide world of STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) at the Main Library this spring, as we once again partner with Oak Park Elementary School District 97 and the Oak Park Education Foundation for … Read more