After a pandemic hiatus, we welcomed local artist exhibits back to the library. A new library committee composed of a diverse group of library staff was formed to review and select exhibit proposals. This new process follows a more conscious effort to align with community-wide aspirations of diversity, equity, inclusion, literacy, and education.

The Main Library Idea Box became a dedicated space for multicultural holiday and celebration displays. The intention was to amplify voices and celebrate differences, especially by partnering with members of the community who represent different identities.

On October 26, 2021, the Board of Library Trustees approved revised policies, including A Library for Everyone, Striving to Support Positive Experiences and the library’s Equity and Anti-Racism Statement.

With the anti-racism strategic plan came a new approach to public communications, one that prioritizes relationship building and centering historically and intentionally marginalized people. 

Staff created a year-long self-guided learning experience for adult and teen patrons, using specially selected books, media, articles, and websites divided into unique themes. Both the challenge itself and the materials featured in it were curated with intention, passion, and library-wide representation by the library’s Anti-Racism Resources Guide Team.

Library staff members shared feedback on the Anti-Racism Advisory Team’s draft strategic plan. A second all-staff training included peace circles for sharing and building community around the objectives and actions included in the plan.

An Anti-Racism Advisory Team was formed—consisting of library staff, patrons, board representation, local administrators, and young adults— to help shape direction and to eventually develop an anti-racism strategic plan.

During the COVID-19 pandemic when buildings were closed, library staff created multicultural learning videos to showcase holidays and heritages. We collaborated with community members to bring “windows and mirrors” into the homes, daycares, and virtual classrooms of our youngest patrons.

Library staff who are certified circle facilitators increasingly began using circles with staff and community members. Circles as we practice them are rooted in the traditional practices of Indigenous cultures in North America, and are a way to come together to explore a subject by asking a series of questions and providing all with an … Read more

The library hired Reesheda Graham Washington & RGW Consulting to conduct an internal equity audit. She began by listening, inviting staff from historically and intentionally marginalized people groups to share their experiences working at the library.

Community leaders shared ideas and challenges when approaching institutional change in support of equity and anti-racism. Groups meeting regularly included Oak Park Elementary School District 97, Oak Park and River Forest High School, River Forest Public Library, and River Forest School District 90.

Over two days, restorative justice practitioners from organizations including Heartland Alliance, Catherine Cook School, and A.L.M.A. (Arts Language Music Alliance) led workshops and spoke on panels at the Main Library, sharing strategies and creating community.

Through relationships built with more than 45 Chicagoland organizations, plus extensive experience working in Oak Park, the newly formed Social Services and Public Safety team served more than 350 patrons during its first two years. Oak Park residents experiencing mental illness, homelessness, and extreme poverty gained access to support.