There are so many ways to use your library, and we’ve rounded up a few special ones for kids and families here. Not all of them require a library card, but we encourage Oak Park residents of any age to get one—even babies!
I like to explore new places
A library card can help you do that!
Check out Museum & Adventure Passes for offers and discounts to places like the Cubhouse Indoor Playground, Brookfield Zoo, Chicago Botanic Garden, and much more.
I like to make things
We do too! Come check out the Acorn Lab makerspace at the Main Library, where kids can create, explore, and play.
This mini makerspace is for kids ages 4+ with adult supervision. Stop in during regular hours and for occasional pop-up programs:
- Monday-Thursday, 3-6 pm
- Friday, 3-5 pm
Plus: Check out Tech Night for Kids programs.
I need help with a school project or homework
Use your library card to learn and do research!
We have kid-focused, subscription-based online resources, including interactive lessons and games, online encyclopedias and newspapers, and even live online tutoring.
I like to learn with my grown-up
Sing and dance with us in storytimes full of books and puppets!
Or check out one of our Social-Emotional Learning Kits to read books and talk about ideas and feelings together.
I want to learn something new
Explore nature, make art, practice coding, and even learn to play the ukulele or a steel tongue drum, with a Discovery Kit!
You can find Discovery Kits in the catalog and on shelves in the Main Library’s Children’s Services Area. Pictured above are the frog kit and the steel tongue drum kit.
I like to play
Use your imagination in our playspaces! Be a chef, do monthly scavenger hunts, and check out toys and games.
And with a library card, you can check out:
- American Girl Dolls: Each with their own journals, books, and accessories.
- Discovery Kits: Based on themes and full of hands-on play-and-learn activities. Explore nature, make art, practice coding, and even learn to play the ukulele.
- Early Learning Kits: A tool for educators, parents, and caregivers designed to engage and empower children with a love for learning. (Special thanks to the Collaboration for Early Childhood for generously providing the items in these kits!)
- The Multicultural Collection: Thousands of cultural resources and artifacts such as handmade textiles, games, dolls, as well as books, films, and music from around the world.
- Social-Emotional Learning Kits: Kits featuring books, open-ended questions, and materials to help young children share ideas and feelings with grown-ups and peers.
I like to visit the fish
And they love to see you! Find them on your way into the Main Library Children’s Services Area.
Fun fact: They’re all named Jenny.