Did you know there’s a barbershop inside the Oak Park Public Library? Twice a month, the Main Library Idea Box brings in local barbers to give free haircuts to anyone who comes in. All are welcome, including children and teenagers. And on Friday, May 17, from 2 to 6 pm, it’s turning into a space … Read more
Join us as we dig in for the first full season of the Maze Branch Community Sensory Garden. Launched last fall with local families who have kids with disabilities, the garden is completely accessible and offers programs through summer and fall. “We have a wide range of supports so anyone can come in and be … Read more
As an 18-month grant-funded initiative to empower youth for college and career builds to a finish at the Main Library, those involved are calling it a “community catalyst” for the way it’s sparking opportunities, strengthening relationships, and energizing young people, families, and those who work with young people. “To catalyze something means you can walk … Read more
“Some people have a tendency of underestimating young people,” said Middle School Librarian Jose Cruz. “When sometimes it’s that we’re not providing them with something that is interesting for them, so you won’t see the results.” That hasn’t been the case for the Living History Project, a grant-funded initiative that’s formed a tight-knit group of … Read more
The first time Chicago police officer Tim Crawford observed a peace circle, he was skeptical. But after a while, “I started to see—hold on—this works,” he said. “Especially with people who experience trauma on a regular basis. You’ve got to have a place to vent, to speak your truth.” Crawford (pictured far right) works with … Read more
On Wednesday, November 28, come listen to young people present what they’ve learned about civil and human rights at the Main Library, from 6:30 to 8 pm. The teens who will be speaking have been preparing for the event since May, as part of their involvement in The Living History Project. It’s a grant-funded initiative … Read more
Visit a Chicago-area museum The Museum Adventure Pass program provides special offers and discounts to library cardholders at unique cultural destinations throughout the Chicago area. Participating destinations include beautiful outdoor spaces such as Brookfield Zoo, Cantigny Park, and Chicago Botanic Garden, historical facilities such as Oak Park’s Pleasant Home Foundation and Naper Settlement, and kid-centric … Read more
Opting for a staycation this spring break? Join us for events and activities at your library while school is out for Oak Park Elementary School District 97 March 26-31. Browse all Kids & Families events » American Girl Mystery EventMonday, March 26, 2–3:30 pm, Dole Branch. Decipher the clues and interact with Multicultural Collection artifacts … Read more
Institute of Museum and Library Services awards $150,000 grant to deliver new college and career readiness initiative The Washington, D.C.-based Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) has awarded a 2017 national leadership grant to Triton College. The $150,000 grant supports a new initiative developed in partnership with Triton, the Oak Park-based Equity Team, Inc. … Read more
What’s your personal mission? What are three qualities of a great leader? What would you say to a young man who stopped you on the street to ask? For five Wednesday afternoons this summer, participants in the library’s Leading Edge youth development program set out from the Main Library to pose such questions to pedestrians … Read more
