Generous tax-deductible support given to our library invests in Oak Park’s future, and enables development of innovative programs and unique initiatives.
The Book Bike, seen here with engaged readers at a 2023 block party, was purchased with donated funds in 2015. Due to its success since, the library expects to roll out a second bike in 2024—an electric bike also purchased with donated funds—to expand the joy of reading to more people of all ages in our community.
Give and buy securely online
To give directly and securely online, click the Give Now button below. To support the library through the purchase of branded merchandise, visit The Store by clicking the Shop Now button below. Please note: donors are thanked and recognized in the library annual impact report and may receive communications related to future library support.
How giving supports a library for everyone
Initiatives funded by philanthropy included:
- Oak Park’s Library of Things was developed with a gift from our former head librarian and beloved Oak Parker Barbara Ballinger.
- The Main Library’s winter Pop-Up Shop also was developed with donated funds—as a way for the library to test a new way to generate revenue by selling branded merchandise.
- Oak Park’s Book Bike, the Paperback Rider.
- The Main Library lactation suite (nursing pod).
Contributing to endowment funds
Managed by the Oak Park-River Forest Community Foundation, these eight endowment funds also provide a tax-deductible opportunity to support the library and its future. Each endowment fund listed below is earmarked for a specific area of spending.
- Building & capital project support. Established with support from Ina Ostertag. Give now.
- Collection support. Established by Bernard and Cecilia Sinkevitch. Give now.
- Children’s support. Established by the Fallon Family. Give now.
- Continued education support. Established in recognition of Jim Madigan. Give now.
- New materials support. Established by Helen Harrison. Give now.
- Overall library support. Established by the Friends of the Oak Park Public Library. Give now.
- Projects & programs support. Established by H. Spencer Green. Give now.
- Scholarship support. Established by the Scoville-Hutchinson Library. Give now.
