By Older Adult Services Librarian Claire Steiner
It’s that time again. Love them or hate them, the holidays are back. This year, let your public library help you take the guesswork out of gift-giving, decide what to bring to that holiday party, and—most importantly—give yourself some much-needed downtime.
1. Make handmade gifts & party favors
Your Oak Park library card gives you access to the artistic world of Creativebug, and all are welcome at our Creative Studio at the Main Library.
Creativebug
This online resource offers thousands of videos and resources for all varieties of arts and crafts. They have hundreds of videos available for crafts to do with kids, which are perfect for keeping visiting grandchildren entertained and maybe even making some nice holiday decorations together.
To access Creativebug, log in using the library’s Creativebug portal. If you need a hand, read this Tech Tip post on how to log in to Creativebug.
Creative Studio
Inside the Creative Studio, you can create a personalized mug, keychain, t-shirt, and much more. Walk-ins are welcome during the Makery’s Open Hours, or join us for an in-person program to create your own gifts this season.
- Sublimation Workshop: Custom Mugs, Tuesday, December 9, 6:30 pm, Main Library
- Sublimation Workshop: Ornaments, Tuesday, December 16, 6 pm, Main Library
2. Choose gifts
Not everyone has the time or inclination to create their own gifts, and purchasing the perfect item can seem overwhelming with all the choices out there. That’s where your Oak Park library card can help.
With your library card, you have access to the Consumer Reports database, where you can find unbiased ratings and performance reviews for thousands of common products—from electronics to bike helmets.
To access Consumer Reports, log in using the library’s Consumer Reports portal. For a full description of what Consumer Reports does and how to log in, check out this Tech Tips post on how to log in to Consumer Reports.
3. Check out our vast collection of cookbooks
I am not a great cook, but I always find myself volunteering to make something for parties around the holidays. Whether you just need a simple cookie recipe or something to impress your friends, you can find it at the library.
- We have thousands of cookbooks in our collection. No gluten? No problem. Need something to serve a huge group? We’ve got you covered. You can browse our collection on the shelves or search for them in the library catalog.
- Your library card also gives you access to a collection of digital cookbooks that you can check out through Media on Demand/Libby and Hoopla. Just prop up a tablet above the counter and read the recipe as you go.
- In addition to these physical and digital resources, the library is hosting a virtual cooking program soon.
- Illinois Library Presents: Kenji Lopez-Alt: A Journey Through Food & Science, Tuesday, November 18, 7 pm, virtual
- Classroom Kitchen: Fall Flavors Reimagined, Wednesday, November 19, 6:30 pm, virtual
4. Don’t survive—thrive
What are you doing to keep your good cheer while providing loved ones with an unforgettable holiday? Taking a break with a good movie, book, or enjoying a library program that interests you are great ways to keep your engine going during the holiday rush.
(Not feeling celebratory this year? The holidays can be a tough time for many people, and these suggestions are a cozy way to get through the day.)
- Set up your Kanopy account and watch a great movie, show, or documentary from almost anywhere. Kanopy can be streamed on your phone, computer, tablet, and smart TV. Download the app to get started.
- Hoopla offers BingePasses if you find yourself having a lazy day (we won’t tell).
- Library staff are always ready to help you find your next read. Browse our lists or visit a library service desk for suggestions. Audiobooks are a great way to read while wrapping presents, baking, or cleaning for a party.
- The library provides regular programs all season long. Check out our calendar to see what great programs are coming your way.
- Chair Yoga, Tuesdays, 12:30 pm, virtual
- Sound Bath Meditation, Wednesdays, November 19, 3 pm & December 17, 6 pm, Main Library
5. Plan a visit somewhere fun!
Your Oak Park library card gives you access to passes and discounts at locations all over the state.
- Bundle up and get a Museum Adventure Pass to the Brookfield Zoo to see their dazzling holiday lights.
- Get an Oak Park Park District rink pass for up to four people and go skating.
- Use Explore More Illinois to get a pass to the DuPage Children’s Museum when the kids or grandkids are out of school.
6. Attend a holiday event at the library
The library is always a great place to visit for fun events, services, and performances. Here are a couple of options for December:
- Musical Performance by Noteworthy, Wednesday, December 3, 7:30 pm, Main Library
- Kwanzaa Celebration, Tuesday, December 30, 6 pm, Main Library
About Claire
Claire is the Older Adult Services Librarian. On Friday mornings, you can find her cruising around delivering books for Home Delivery. Claire loves a good podcast, awesome finds at the thrift store, and Friday happy hour.