2020 theme: The Medicine Wheel: Balancing Humanity We’re excited to announce that Oak Park’s third annual Restorative Justice Conference will take place virtually, all throughout October. This year’s theme is The Medicine Wheel: Balancing Humanity (watch the video and see below for more on this theme). The goal of this year’s conference is to provide … Read more
Middle schoolers, high schoolers, and their families may need extra support and someone to talk to during these stressful times. Below, find resources for mental health and learning—along with some ideas for ways to connect, have fun, and stay active while practicing safe physical distancing. Counselors, social workers, remote learning & more From Oak Park … Read more
Oak Park’s all-virtual summer reading program for adults and teens, Many Voices, Many Stories, features six unique titles connected through one common theme: immigration. This week we’re exploring the title The Best We Could Do by Thi Bui. I’m doing what I can to illuminate the relationship between the past and the present and illuminate … Read more
Oak Park’s all-virtual summer reading program for adults and teens, Many Voices, Many Stories, features six unique titles connected through one common theme: immigration. This week we’re exploring the title 1919 by Eve L. Ewing. Watch Eve L. Ewing read from 1919 in the video below and view her post-reading interview on YouTube » “I became … 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
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
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
