News & Stories

Why do we exist? To empower every voice in our community. What do we do? We share the information, services, and opportunities that fulfill Oak Park’s aspirations. Read news announcements and stories of library impact below.

More Than a Model: Community members collaborate with us to share cultural heritage

In May, Oak Park residents Pem Hessing, Nicole Sumida, and Yoko Terretta organized a family celebration at the Main Library in honor of Asian American ...
More »
/ Building Community, Impact, Multicultural

A warm thanks for donating this Socktober

Thank you for your generosity this Socktober! To help fellow community members in need, you donated well over 200 pairs of socks, plus backpacks, toiletries, ...
More »
/ Impact
The current Main Library building

2020 Library Levy Request

The Board of Library Trustees approved the library’s 2020 budget at its October 2019 meeting, setting clear priorities to address building and IT infrastructure and ...
More »
/ Announcements

Let’s celebrate! 1,000 Books turns 2

Emilia and Camila, ages 6 and 4, finished our 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program in November. This November, our early literacy program 1,000 Books Before ...
More »
/ Early Learning, Impact, Kids, Kids & Families

‘Filled with the spirit of unity’: Community members collaborate with us to share cultural heritage

This year's Community Kwanzaa Celebration will be the third one that Oak Park resident Juanta Griffin has organized at the Main Library. Here, Griffin shares ...
More »
/ Building Community, Impact, Multicultural

Art in the library: Inspiring empathy, connection

EveryLibrary's 2019 Artist in Residence VersAnnette Blackman-Bosia (center), with Librarian Laura Damon-Moore (left) and EveryLibrary Founder John Chrastka (right), at the October 20 Oak Park ...
More »
/ Announcements, Arts & Culture, Featured Home, Health & Wellness, Learn & Connect, Multicultural, Teens
Book covers for The Invoice by Jonas Karlsson, A Visit from the Goon Squad by Jennifer Egan, The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin, The Zen of Creativity by John Daido Loori, Creative Intelligence by Bruce Nussbaum, Where the Dead Sit Talking by Brandon Hobson, Trail of Lightning by Rebecca Roanhorse, The Round House by Louise Erdrich

What’s trending, what we suggest for November

Wondering what to read or watch next? We’ve got you covered with selections handpicked by our librarians! Check out our top picks for November: If ...
More »
/ Authors & Books, We Suggest

‘My mission is transmitting the folklore’: A volunteer’s story

Of all the Peruvian folk dances that Oak Park resident Kathy Valdivia has studied and taught, her favorite is the Huaylarsh. It’s “a happy dance,” ...
More »
/ Building Community, Impact, Multicultural, Volunteer

Stay current on news and new arrivals.