Our annual librarian-curated roundup of books, TV shows, movies, and music is here! Explore staff favorites across every age and interest. Discover our staff’s favorite teen fiction and nonfiction titles on this page or browse more using the links below. Adult fiction: General | Adult fiction: Romance, lives & relationships | Adult fiction: Thriller, graphic novel, sci-fi & fantasy | Adult nonfiction |Teen fiction & nonfiction | … Read more
Looking for gift ideas for this holiday season? Might we suggest a great book? Our collection management librarians have curated a range of excellent gift ideas for the book, movie, TV, or music lover in your life. Adults | Teens & kids Adults: for the… Teens & kids: for the…
Oak Park Public Library acknowledges that Oak Park is situated on the ancestral land of the Bodewamiadkiwen (Potawatomi), Myaamia (Miami), Oceti Sakowin, Kiikaapoi (Kickapoo), and Peoria. We honor them and thank them for their stewardship of this land. Source: native-land.ca Your public library is here to connect you with books, learning experiences, and online resources that celebrate … Read more
Need a good book? Middle School Librarian Fiona Dolce (aka Ms. D) and Middle and High School Services Supervising Librarian Alexander Gutierrez (aka Mr. G) are here with lots of great fiction and graphic novels for students in grades 6–12. Below, see what the librarians have to say about each book. Then, click on each … Read more
The Oak Park Public Library has partnered with researchers at Northwestern University to co-develop a mental health program for high school students. The program is now looking for high school students in grades 9-12 to help test out the program at the library. Students can earn up to $115 in gift cards for participating. Eligible … Read more
Feel that chill in the air? Halloween season is here! Your Oak Park librarians are back with spine-tingling reads, creepy tales, and plenty of Halloween fun for all ages. Browse: Spine-chilling tales & scary stories More to explore HORROR FOR ADULTS HORROR FOR TEENS HALLOWEEN FOR KIDS Attend: Upcoming events ADULTS Wednesday Movie Matinee: Practical … Read more
After school, we know kids want to relax, be with their friends, do homework, have fun, and be creative. Here are seven reasons why middle and high school students are spending time at the library after the bell rings. 1. Friends! At the library, we’re about building connections, creating experiences, and giving every kid a … Read more
Traducir esta página al español Your public library is here to connect you with books, events, learning experiences, and online resources that celebrate Hispanic heritage and culture this month and all year long. On this page, you can: Titles we suggest More to explore Available in Spanish from your digital library Upcoming events For adults … Read more
Develop a new skill, dive deep into a hobby you love, or expand your knowledge on a topic you’ve always wanted to explore with these books our librarians love. Check out the curated titles below, plus more to explore in your digital library and upcoming events where you can expand your knowledge, make, and create. … Read more
Your public library is here to connect you with books, learning experiences, events, and online resources that celebrate people with disabilities and disability as an identity in July and all year long. On this page, you can: What is Disability Pride Month? Disability Pride celebrates people with disabilities and disability as an identity, honoring the … Read more
Your public library is here with books, resources, and experiences that can help us connect and celebrate the LGBTQ+ community. Titles we suggest More to explore Reading lists for kids From your digital library Upcoming events For all ages Book Bike: Out in the BurbsSaturday, June 7, 12-4 pm, downtown Oak Park The Book Bike … Read more
Your public library is here with books, resources, and experiences that can help us connect and celebrate Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander heritage. The month of May is recognized as Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in Illinois. Other organizations also honor this month as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, … Read more
Your public library is here with books, resources, and experiences that can help us connect and celebrate Jewish American history and culture. The month of May is recognized as Jewish American Heritage Month in Illinois. Title suggestions for all ages More to explore Special display Idea Box: Jewish American Heritage MonthMay 13-31, Main Library Local … Read more
Your public library is here with books, resources, and experiences that can help us connect and celebrate Arab American history and culture. The month of April is recognized as Arab American Heritage Month in Illinois. Title suggestions for all ages More to explore Celebration event Arab American Heritage CelebrationSaturday, April 12, 12-3 pm, Main Library … Read more
Held each year on March 31, Transgender Day of Visibility (TDoV) celebrates the lives and accomplishments of transgender and nonbinary people. Trans advocate Rachel Crandall founded TDoV in 2010 because stories in the media about transgender and nonbinary people so often focus only on violence. As legislation across the country continues to target and discriminate … Read more
Your public library is here to connect us through books, resources, and experiences that celebrate women’s history. Browse titles we suggest More from your digital library Register now to attend events Illinois Libraries Present: Exploring Space With Coralie AdamTuesday, March 4, 7 pm, virtual Get an inside look at the space industry with Illinois’ own Coralie … Read more
Your public library is here with books, resources, and experiences that can help us connect and celebrate Black history and culture. Browse titles we suggest More to explore View exhibits Art Exhibit: Stories My Camera Tells by Howard SimmonsThrough February 22, Main Library Gallery Still photography tells its stories through captured moments in time. Stories told with … Read more
Every Wednesday after school, middle schoolers gather at the Main Library for tea and snacks with their friends and a couple of trusted adults. It’s called Tea Talk, and it’s a time for everyone to talk about mental health and emotions. This mentoring group, now in its second year, draws about 10-15 kids each week, … Read more
Latonia Jackson, Manager of Middle and High School Services, says the number one question she consistently gets from teens and their parents is, “Can you help me get a job?” To help prepare teens for getting jobs—as well as providing exposure to library career paths and the field of library work in general—we welcomed five … Read more
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 Knapp (pictured above, left), who studies teens, technology, and mental health at Northwestern University’s Feinberg … Read more
