Your public library is here to connect you with books, learning experiences, events, and online resources that celebrate people with disabilities and disability as an identity in July and all year long.
- Browse: Curated title suggestions for all ages.
- Attend: Upcoming supported events for disabled people, their families, and the community, like the Disability Pride March & Rally on July 11.
- View: Special displays for Disability Pride Month throughout the Main Library.
- Explore: Librarian-curated resources and more specifically for early learners and their caregivers.
- Learn: About accessibility and supported services at the library.
What is Disability Pride Month?
Disability Pride Month celebrates people with disabilities, honors the disability identity, and recognizes the disability community and culture, while highlighting achievements and the continued fight for civil rights. It aims to directly challenge systemic ableism and discrimination faced by those with a disability, centering disabled experiences.
Disability Pride means different things to different people: honoring early activists, recognition that their disability is intrinsic to their self, celebrating disability visibility in public spaces, and more. Learn more from disabled people and self-advocates on social media by searching #DisabilityPride and #DisabilityPrideMonth.
Titles we suggest
More to explore
- Reading list for all ages: Disability affirming books
- Reading lists for kids: Disability Reads: Books for kids with and without disabilities
- Stream on Kanopy: Films and documentaries
- Read on Media on Demand & Libby: Dystinct Magazine, a resource for the families and educators of children and young people with learning difficulties
Upcoming events
For all ages
4th Annual Disability Pride March & Rally
Saturday, July 11, Main Library
Let’s celebrate disabled people and disability as an identity with a march around the Main Library and our plaza! This march is for disabled people and allies; a disability is not required to celebrate with us. Stay after for a rally to share your feelings and experiences, and another fabulous disability pride sing-along with Dynamic Lynks. Registration is encouraged so we can get excited, but drop-ins are just as welcome. We will meet in the Main Library Lobby at 11 am. Sign-making and ribbon wand supplies will be available in the Lobby 9-11 am.
Neurodivergent Nerdout!
Sunday, July 19, 1 pm, Main Library
This new intergenerational program welcomes neurodivergent kids, teens, adults, and seniors. Participants can choose to participate in various ways, including hanging out in the space. Fidgets and support will be available. This program is run by neurodivergent librarians.
Disability Pride Ice Cream Social & DIY Fidgets
Sunday, July 19, 3 pm, Main Library
Come as you are and stay as you like—this Disability Pride Ice Cream Social is a low-pressure, high-joy celebration of community, connection, and inclusion. Whether you’re coming from the Neurodivergent Nerdout event or just dropping by for a treat, enjoy a welcoming environment that honors the many ways people can experience and express themselves socially.
American Sign Language Conversation Hour
Thursday, July 23, 7 pm, Main Library
Join Oak Park staff on the fourth Thursday of the month for an American Sign Language Conversation Hour. Members of the Deaf community and those who sign are invited! This is an opportunity for deaf conversations, networking, and a space for community members to gather and support each other. This is NOT an ASL class, but a conversation group for students and ASL users. This is a voice-off event. Pen and paper are welcome.
For adults
Wednesday Movie Matinee: The Ride Ahead
Wednesday, July 22, 1 pm, Main Library
Samuel Habib is a 21-year-old, itching to move out, start a career, find love. But no one tells you how to be an adult, let alone a disabled adult. Can a community of disability activists help him follow his dreams? PG-13, 1h35m, Documentary. Fidgets will be available and captioning will be on.
(adults with hidden/non-apparent disabilities)
Wednesday, July 23, 7:30 pm, Main Library
This circle for adults with hidden/non-apparent disabilities will be focused on healing. Examples of non-apparent disabilities include, but are not limited to, mental health, arthritis, diabetes, neurodivergence, hearing, and more. Peace circles are structured with equal opportunities to share, listen, and reflect.
For kids
Disability Pride Storywalk: Come Over to My House by Eliza Hull and Sally Rippon
July 1-31, on the Main Library Children’s Room windows
Come Over To My House is a delightful picture book that explores the home lives of children and parents who are Deaf or disabled. Co-written by disability advocate Eliza Hull and Sally Rippin, the inclusive rhyming text authentically explores the characters’ various disabilities. A cast of friendly characters invite friends over for a play—there’s fun to be had, food to eat and families to meet!
Supported Storytime & Family Play (kids with disabilities age 3+ with caregiver)
Tuesdays, July 7, 14, 21 & 28, 1:30 pm, Main Library
Designed for children with disabilities and support needs ages 3+ with caregiver support. Classes are structured with visual schedules and include fun picture books and songs, with fine and gross motor movement activities. Sensory supports like lap weights and fidget toys are available to help children be successful. Siblings welcome. Stay after class to play and chat with other parents and families!
Disability Pride Storytime
Wednesday, July 8, 10 am, Main Library
It’s Disability Pride Month, but what is a disability? In this special storytime, we’ll learn how people with disabilities might do things a little differently than others and how we can all work together to make our community more welcoming and safe for everyone. Best for kids ages 4-8 with a caregiver.
Screening: Carl the Collector & Collection Share
Wednesday, July 8, 4 pm, Main Library
Join us for a screening of two Carl the Collector episodes! Carl the Collector is a PBS Kids show about a warm-hearted young autistic raccoon who loves to collect things. After the episodes, everyone has a chance to share about their special interest or collection. Supports will be available. Best for kids 4-8.
Supported Gardening (kids with disabilities age 3+ & their siblings)
Wednesday, July 15, 4 pm, Maze Branch Library
Gardening helps build strong bodies and minds! This season, we will grow 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. Registration suggested.
Inclusive Creative Movement Workshops (grades 1-3 and grades 4-5)
Monday, July 20, Main Library
Join instructors from Oak Park’s inclusive dance company, MOMENTA, for a movement workshop designed for kids with and without a disability. Get ready for dance games, structured improvisation, and a ton of fun. “We believe that the art form of dance is accessible to everyone. We believe that everyone can dance and that dance is for everyone.”
Register for:
View special displays
From July 1 to 31, we will explore disability culture, community, and advocacy in displays throughout the Main Library.
Explore librarian-curated resources
For all ages
For kids & caregivers
Activities, videos & more
- Disability Pride Month: Activities for early learners and caregivers
- Tips for planning a successful library trip with a new virtual tutorial
- Autism Acceptance Month
- Down Syndrome & AAC Awareness Months
- On-demand supported storytime and activity videos
Kits to check out
- Social-Emotional Learning Kits are a unique, one-of-a-kind resource combining books, open-ended questions, and more based on a theme, designed for caregivers to share with early learners and grade schoolers. Borrow the Supported Gardening Kit »
- Book Bundles are themed groups of books that come in a handy carrying case. Check out the Disability Pride book bundle »
Learn about accessibility & supported services at the library
- Library buildings are ADA-compliant, and supports are available for successful library visits.
- Access and inclusion are driving forces behind our work: Resources, services, and programs designed specifically to support disabled people and available to all