Category: Milestones in our equity and anti-racism journey

We shared our 2023 Strategic Priorities and Equity & Anti-Racism reports, with stories and data that showcase the library’s progress in becoming an equitable and anti-racist organization, connecting people and building community, empowering every voice in our community, and more. Read the reports »

  We offered two adult programs focused on trans and nonbinary identities and gender-affirming care. As a Library for Everyone, we believe that offering programs like these are a necessary component of us striving to be an anti-racist and equitable organization. Read more »

OPALGA+ (Oak Park Area Gay and Lesbian Association) recognized our library for “outstanding efforts on behalf of LGBTQ+ people in Oak Park and the surrounding area.” Read more »

A research partnership between the library and Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine won an award for its strong collaborative research principles and work to impact health and equity in Oak Park and neighboring communities. The partnership’s goal is to provide accessible, evidence-based mental health services to local teens, particularly those from historically underrepresented racial … Read more

  We celebrated hip hop as it turned 50, along with many other libraries, museums, colleges, universities, and archives around the country. The collaborative initiative, Collections of Culture: 50 Years of Hip Hop Inside Libraries, Museums and Archives, was led by the Queens Public Library and funded by a grant from the Institute of Museum and … Read more

  More than halfway through her first year as the library’s executive director, Joslyn Bowling Dixon reported on accomplishments and committed to new equity and anti-racism work. “I am proud of the anti-racism and equity work our library has accomplished so far, and I am excited for the next chapter,” she said. “We will never … Read more

For Disability Pride Month, the library offered storytimes, film discussions, an inclusive dance workshop, a peace circle for people who have disabilities that are not apparent, and hosted Oak Park’s first Disability Pride March. Read more »

At its June 20 regular meeting, the Village of Oak Park Board of Trustees approved a new resolution declaring the Village of Oak Park a Book Sanctuary Community. This resolution upholds the library’s and community’s values of supporting democracy, intellectual freedom, and reading diverse and inclusive books. Read more »

Director of Public Services and Social Safety Rob Simmons was recognized for his commitment and contributions as a member of Oak Park’s Alternative Call Response Task Force, which brings together a wide range of experts, community members, and specialists focused on helping individuals suffering from a mental health crisis. In June, the task force presented its findings … Read more

In April, the library dedicated a full-time staff position to environmental and sustainability programming and learning. Environmental Programming Specialist Christine Poreba works with community partners to bring environmental and sustainability programs to the library, including workshops about home energy improvements, electric vehicles, and solar power. In August, more than 80 participants joined a community discussion … Read more