Best of 2022: Adult fiction & nonfiction

Best of 2022: adult fiction and nonfiction text next to a thumbs up icon with sparkles floating above, all on a misty fuchsia orb background

Oak Park’s Best of 2022 returns! Our annual librarian-curated selection of titles features some of the titles most requested and checked out by Oak Parkers. See our adult fiction and nonfiction favorites on this page or browse more using the links below. Adult fiction: General | Adult fiction: Romance, lives & relationships | Adult fiction: Mystery, history & sci-fi | Adult nonfiction | Teen fiction | Kids books | Picture books | TV shows | Movies | Music Adult fiction: … Read more

Older Adults

Attend upcoming health and wellness programs, daytime events, and find resources, and services especially appealing for patrons ages 60+. To hear what’s coming up next, subscribe to our “Older Adults (60+)” email. What’s new Find the latest library news, curated just for you! More news for older adults » Have a tech question? We can help! … Read more

Meet Latonia, Manager of Teen Services

Latonia Jackson

UPDATE: Under Latonia’s leadership, Teen Services expanded and changed its name to “Middle and High School Services” in August 2022. Say hello to the newest member of our team, Latonia Jackson! “I am passionate about helping others reach their fullest potential,” Latonia says. “I am eager to grow and learn every day. If you’re willing, … Read more

We suggest: Best of 2021 kids & picture books

Best of 2021 kids & picture books with thumbs up icon and sparkles on a geometric background

Introducing Oak Park’s Best of 2021, a librarian-curated selection of titles, featuring some of the titles most requested and checked out by Oak Parkers! See our kids and picture books favorites on this page or browse more using the links below. Adult fiction & nonfiction | Teen fiction | Kids & picture books | TV … Read more

Dress-up imaginative play: Videos & books for early learners

Cartoon children in different costumes with a confetti background

By Shelley Harris, Children’s Librarian It’s been a week since Halloween: is your kid still wearing their costumes? Dress-up imaginative play is such an important part of childhood! You know what big fans we are of Mr. Rogers here at the library, and this quote really resonated: “One of Fred’s favorite stories was about a … Read more

All about origami: How-to videos, books & more for grade schoolers

Butterfly origami

Library assistant Margaret can always be found doing origami and helping kids learn! Origami helps kids practice visual and spatial skills, concentration, and math, and is a great fidget activity for experienced creators. It’s also a lot of fun! Watch this video Can you make a butterfly following her tutorial? It’s the perfect way to … Read more

Discover & explore for grade schoolers: Hands-on art

Kid painting

By Children’s Librarian Shelley Harris There are so many reasons art is important, including that it can reduce stress and anxiety. What child or adult doesn’t need that during this pandemic? This article from NPR goes into the details, joys, and benefits of creating—knitting, writing, baking, collaging, and more. What will your family create this … Read more

‘Kids are reflective and ready to do this work’: Supporting anti-racism in Oak Park middle schools

Beronica Puhr and Katy Alejos load van with boxes of books

“Schools are a reflection of our society, so in the wake of social justice and anti-racism demonstrations, we must support our students in becoming global citizens in a diverse democracy.” —Oak Park Elementary School District 97, Anti-Racism in District 97 All Oak Park Elementary School District 97 middle school students are reading and discussing Stamped: … Read more

How we’re partnering ‘to develop young minds’ during COVID-19

Parent and child with computer

While so much has changed this year, our priority to support early childhood learning remains strong. “We work with educators, children, and caregivers to develop young minds,” says Early Childhood Community Engagement Specialist Jenny Jackson. “We set a foundation in social and emotional learning, and through that foundation we focus on literacy and connectedness.” Connectedness … Read more