By Shelley Harris and Genevieve Grove, Children’s Librarians Can you imagine a year without your library’s summer reading program? Neither can we! That’s why we’ve put together a safe, convenient, and fun new way to participate in our classic program online, starting June 1. This summer’s virtual version is super flexible, makes it easy to … Read more
As one of the library’s Teen Services initiatives, Leading Edge strives to surround teens with opportunities to maximize their innate potential to lead socially and academically through peer mentoring and coaching. To help spread the word and increase program visibility, we are inviting interested teens to enter an image contest to promote Leading Edge at … Read more
Texting and calling your friends is not the same as hanging out in person, and a Zoom prom is not the same as a real prom (Jimmy Fallon agrees). Gov. J.B. Pritzker, himself a parent of two teenagers, acknowledged this reality when he directly addressed students at the end of his March 31 press conference. … Read more
The library is partnering with Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine, Center for Behavioral Intervention Technologies (CBITs), on a project to design new smartphone apps that help teens better understand and manage their emotions, stress, and anxiety. Teens ages 12-17 are invited to get involved in this research project. Virtual interviews (lasting about 1-1.5 hours) will be scheduled … Read more
With graphic novels, fantasy titles, books in verse, and more, there’s so much for teens to explore in the Hoopla app! Check out titles recently added to the collection and some of our librarians’ favorites below. New! Hoopla checkout limits have temporarily tripled. Now you can enjoy 30 items a month! Want even more? Check … Read more
As your public library, we love to share! Here’s a roundup of free entertainment resources for adults and teens that we’ve been collecting. Have something to share? Please do! Email communications@oppl.org. Nature Explore the natural world around you with free field guides from The Field Museum. Experience spring garden moments with the Chicago Botanic Garden. … Read more
Oak Park cardholders now have access to on-demand virtual learning with a new library resource called Brainfuse HelpNow. HelpNow offers real-time help in skill building and test preparation. Learners of all ages can connect directly online with live, vetted tutors every day from 2 to 11 pm. Interactive tutoring & more With Brainfuse HelpNow, you … Read more
Across the nation, we celebrate achievements of African Americans and recognize the central role of blacks in U.S. history during the month of February. On this page, find suggested fiction, non-fiction and digital titles for adults, teens, and kids, all hand-selected by our librarians. And learn more about the origins of Black History Month itself … Read more
“Traditionally, Open Chess has been a small group of folks that come out every week and play together,” says Community Engagement Librarian Ian Gosse, who coordinates the weekly Monday evening meetup. But over the summer, attendance rocketed as more and more enthusiasts of all ages converged on the Main Library. Students from Oak Park and … Read more
Our summer reading program is open to all kids, wherever they live. And this past summer, we were able to better share it with kids who are new to the United States and still learning English. For the first time, we translated summer reading guides into multiple languages, including Albanian, Japanese, Polish, and Vietnamese. Librarian Genevieve … Read more
