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Learn for the fun of it

Develop a new skill, dive deep into a hobby you love, or expand your knowledge on a topic you’ve always wanted to explore with these books our librarians love. Check out the curated titles below, plus more to explore in your digital library and upcoming events where you can expand your knowledge, make, and create.

What sparks your curiosity?

More to discover from your digital library

Browse how-to ebooks, videos, and other resources available digitally with your Oak Park library card and PIN.

Ebooks

Digital magazines

Online resources

  • Auto Repair Source: Do-it-yourself repair and maintenance information on most major manufacturers of domestic and imported vehicles.
  • Creativebug: An inspirational resource for DIY, crafters, and makers with more than 1,000 award-winning art and craft video classes taught by recognized design experts and artists.
  • Hobbies & Crafts Source: Detailed how-to instructions and creative ideas for hobby enthusiasts of all kinds, with full-text articles from leading hobby and craft magazines.
  • LinkedIn Learning: Online learning platform with video tutorials to learn business, software, technology, and creative skills to achieve personal and professional goals.
  • Mango Languages: Reach conversational proficiency in more than 70 languages—including learning English in more than 20 different native languages—good for beginners and tourists.
  • Pressbooks: Easy-to-use book writing software that creates a book in all the formats needed to publish, in print and digitally.

Videos

The Great Courses

The Great Courses instructional videos—with courses covering a wide range of topics, from Art to Zoology—are available on:

More lifelong learning on Hoopla

 Check out a Hoopla BingePass to get unlimited streaming for seven days with a single borrow:

  • Creative Coping Toolkit: From anxiety to belonging, find the mental health support you need with engaging programs, tips, and adaptable tools.
  • Curiosity Stream: Watch thousands of documentaries and nonfiction series spanning topics like science, nature, society, lifestyle, and even children’s content.
  • Fret Zealot: Master an instrument at your own pace with 3,500 video lessons from the world’s top instructors catering to all skill levels.
  • Gardening with Monty Don: Discover delightful gardening ideas with 300+ episodes of the UK’s acclaimed gardening series Gardeners’ World featuring the renowned British horticulture broadcaster and writer.
  • Get Healthy U TV BingePass: Transform your home into the ultimate fitness studio with a diverse range of workouts—strength, cardio, kickboxing, barre, bodyweight, low impact, yoga, and more—led by expert trainers.
  • In the Kitchen with Craftsy: Dive into a collection of 64 cooking and baking episodes led by renowned experts—covering everything from baking basics to advanced techniques—for everyone from novices to seasoned chefs.
  • medici.tv: Explore free classical music and jazz videos online—including concerts, opera shows, ballets, music documentaries, master classes, and world-class jazz performances.
  • New! PBS The French Chef: Cook up some magic with Julia Child. Savor authentic French cuisine as you dive into 84 delightful episodes.

How-to, hobby & crafting events

Follow the links below to register now.

For all ages

Family Art Workshop with Shane-Jahi Jackson
Saturday, August 16, 2:30 pm, Main Library

Join us for a family-friendly art-making workshop led by Illinois-based artist Shane-Jahi Jackson. The workshop is inspired by his art exhibit Our Reality: Not Your Pathology, on view July 22–August 23 in the Main Library Gallery. In this exhibition, Shane-Jahi inspires us to think about the meaning of family and all its permutations. 

This workshop will take you through the artist's process of creating his paintings. You will use photographs combined with collage and abstract drawing. Please feel free to bring a copy of a cherished family photo, or the artist can take pictures of you and your family members and print them on the day of the workshop.

The workshop will include the following art-making techniques:

  • Drawing: Using pencils, pens, and markers.
  • Collage and color: Combining textures and paint to create an abstract effect.
  • Scratching and drawing: Using pencils, pens, and markers to draw back into the collage and paint layers.
  • Adding the portrait: Gluing and cutting out the portrait to the abstract work.

No previous art experience is necessary, and all workshop materials will be provided.

For adults

Chair Yoga
Tuesdays, ongoing, 12:30 pm, virtual

Calm and center your mind while moving your body through intentional poses and sequences. Chair yoga can improve your flexibility, concentration, and strength, while boosting your mood, and reducing stress and joint strain. Now is a great time to start a practice or revisit one.

Maker Show-and-Tell
Thursday, August 7, Main Library

An event for artists and makers of any medium! Come share what you make (whatever that is!) in a friendly, casual environment. All are welcome, whether you: 

  • Have a finished project ready to share
  • Have a work-in-progress and want some feedback
  • Have an artistic idea or question that you want to learn more about
  • Just want to connect with other makers! 

There will be time for everyone to present their art/work, gather feedback, ask questions about how the Creative Studio can support your projects, and connect with each other. 

Scrabble Club
Tuesday, August 12, 1 pm, Main Library

Join us for a friendly game of Scrabble. All skill levels and ages are welcome.

Adult Improv
Tuesday, August 12, 7 pm, Maze Branch
Tuesday, August 27, 7 pm, virtual

Looking for a way to let your inner comedian run free? Want to improve your quick-thinking skills? Join us for a night of spontaneous comedy. All skill levels welcome. Warning: Hilarity will ensue.

Backyard Composting with Illinois Extension Master Gardeners
Thursday, August 14, 6 pm, Main Library

Learn how to start and maintain a successful backyard compost bin in this informative session led by University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners. This program also covers indoor composting options and highlights local community composting efforts. Whether you're a beginner or looking to enhance your current practices, you'll leave with practical tips to reduce waste and enrich your garden soil.

Digitize a VHS Tape
Friday, August 22, 11 am, Main Library

Interested in converting VHS tapes to a digital format? This program will demonstrate how to use the library's equipment to digitize a VHS tape from start to finish. Please note that this program is just a demonstration. While there will not be time to digitize your own tapes at this session, we will overview the process and help you schedule a time to digitize your tapes at a future date.

Sound Bath Meditation
Wednesday, August 27, 3 pm, Main Library

Looking for a way to reset and relax? Calm your mind and expand your awareness through a guided meditation sound bath. This soothing practice creates a sense of calm, peace, and relaxation, promoting good health and balanced energy. Surrounded by the gentle sounds and vibrations of crystal and Tibetan singing bowls, along with Tingsha bells, you'll be guided to connect with your deeper self-consciousness. Some meditation sound baths may also incorporate soft singing, nature sounds, or rhythmic, abstract music.

Introduction to Salsa Dancing
Saturday, August 30, 11 am, Main Library

Looking for a fun, healthy activity to add to your lifestyle? Join DeSueño Dance for this workshop and get moving. Dance is an excellent way to relieve stress and connect socially through movement. Your dance instructor will be your guide as you begin learning to dance Salsa—one of the most popular dances in the world.

This workshop is designed to introduce participants to Salsa dancing. Participants will learn basic steps and movements to dance to various Salsa songs. DeSueño will teach movements that people will learn individually and not as partners. In Salsa, this is called footwork, shines, or pasitos. This is a footwork workshop, so no partners are necessary.

For teens

Vibez Outside
Thursday, August 14, 2-4 pm, Main Library

Join us as the MHS staff partners with Oak Park Township to bring exciting outdoor fun to the community! This year’s theme is: "Under the Teen Tent: Read, Create, Elevate – Carnival Style." Enjoy a variety of carnival-themed outdoor activities, engaging experiences, and opportunities to connect. Don’t miss out on the fun!

For kids

Kids Chess Class
Saturdays, August 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30, 10:15 am, Main Library

Chicago Chess Academy is here for weekly chess fun with kids ages 6-12! Learn and play in a fun, safe and supportive environment. No experience needed.

Coding for Kids & Teens!
Wednesday, August 6, 11 am, Main Library

Want to explore the world of code? Join Codifica + Code for an opportunity to code in a bilingual (English and Spanish) setting! Register now to participate in fun brain breaks and learn about coding and its intersection with cybersecurity, AI, and more.

Origami for Kids
Wednesday, August 6, 3:30 pm, Main Library

Level up your origami skills! We will provide paper and take you through a couple of patterns as a group. Best for kids ages 8-11.

Bilingual Coding For Kids
Saturday, August 9, 10 am, Main Library

Want to explore the world of code? Join Bilingual Coding for Kids for an opportunity to code your own app with Swift in a bilingual (English and Spanish) setting! Sign up now to participate in fun brain breaks and learn about coding and its intersection with cybersecurity, AI, and more!

Tech Time: Coding for Kids With Edison Robots
Tuesday, August 12, 10 am, Main Library

This month, we'll explore coding with LEGO-compatible robots called Edison robots! Code your own robot with Scratch! For kids in grades 2-5.

Supported Gardening
Monday, August 12, 10 am, Maze Branch

Gardening helps build strong bodies and minds! This season, we will be growing a Victory Garden with herbs and vegetables that we will harvest, turn some into snacks, and donate the rest to Beyond Hunger. Visual schedules and sensory supports will be provided. Every class, we will read a gardening book, tend the garden, and make a gluten and dairy-free recipe to try. Weather permitting. Designed for kids with disabilities age 3+ and their siblings.

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