One year into her position as the library’s Environmental Programming Specialist, Christine Poreba is looking forward to Earth Month programming at the library in April—although, as she puts it, her attention is on the Earth and sustainability year-round.
In January, Christine received a Village of Oak Park Green Award in recognition for her work, including launching new programs that help residents learn about solar power, electric vehicles, recycling, and home energy improvements, in collaboration with the Citizens Utility Board, the Village of Oak Park, and the Cook County Department of Environment and Sustainability.
She’s also brought in artists, writers, climate scientists, and local experts; collaborated with a colleague to create Earth Lounge, an Environmental Book Discussion Series; and regularly helps connect people to resources, information, and community groups focused on sustainability and climate change.
Here’s what the library has coming up in April for Earth Month
And make sure you check out our calendar of sustainability programs all year long.
Oak Park Eco-Extravaganza
Saturday, April 6, 10 am-noon, Main Library. Join us for this Earth Month Community Kickoff event for all ages and learn about a wide variety of community sustainability groups and opportunities right here in Oak Park. This is an information fair with a scavenger hunt flair and numerous local treats and surprises.
With more than a dozen organizations represented, ideas for everyday sustainable action steps, and activities that range from presentations on an exciting new program by Oak Park Climate Action Network to demonstrations by the Repair Cafe and updates on how youth can get involved in climate action with groups like It’s Our Future!, as well as green trivia, games, and puzzles, there truly is something for everyone!
Registration encouraged; walk-ins welcome. Hosted in partnership with One Earth Local, Climate Ready Community Outreach Oak Park (COOP) and the Village of Oak Park. Join us!
The Tallgrass Prairie: An Introduction
Thursday, April 11, 6:30-8 pm, Oak Park Public Library, Main Library and virtual on Zoom. Illinois’ nickname is “The Prairie State.” Listen to stories from Cindy Crosby, author and Master Gardener, of the history of the tallgrass prairie and its amazing plants and creatures – from blooms to butterflies to bison. Discover plants that work well in the home garden as you enjoy learning about Illinois’ “landscape of home.” Register now »
One Earth Film Festival Children’s Watch Party
Saturday, April 20, 1-2:30 pm, Main Library. Young environmentalists, join us for seven award-winning short films and discussions, where we’ll enjoy reel stories and think about taking action to create real change to celebrate and preserve our earth! We’ll also settle in to contemplate and celebrate the power of storytelling, youth voices, and the 54th anniversary of Earth Day. Doors open at 1 pm, and film screenings begin at 1:30 pm. Please register via the One Earth Film Festival website »
One Earth Film Festival: Common Ground
Sunday, April 21, 1-3:30 pm, Main Library. Join this Watch Party of One Earth Film Festival’s screening of the film Common Ground. Doors open at 1 pm, and the film screening begins at 1:30 pm. Please register via One Earth Film Festival »
About Common Ground
From the filmmakers of Kiss the Ground (Netflix) comes the follow-up documentary Common Ground, winner of the Tribeca Film Festival. Common Ground is an important new documentary film featuring Laura Dern, Jason Momoa, Woody Harrelson, Ian Somerhalder, Donald Glover, Rosario Dawson, Mark Hyman, Gabe Brown, and many others. This film provides hope for future generations with concrete ways to fix a broken planetary system. Common Ground explores how regenerative agriculture can help heal the soil, our health, and the planet.
Upcycle Earth Day Craft
Monday, April 22, 3:30-5 pm, Main Library. Repurpose materials and make a fun craft to celebrate Earth Day! For kids in preschool through grade 5. Register now »
Dig deeper into eco-friendly living with these books
