BingePass gives you 7 days of unlimited streaming

New! Hoopla BingePass with an icon featuring two tickets on a starbust background

With hoopla‘s new BingePass and your Oak Park library card, you can get unlimited streaming for seven days with a single borrow! Let’s get started… How do I use hoopla’s BingePass? Watch the video below for an overview but please note that this video shows how to access BingePass using an iPhone. For instructions on … Read more

STEAM Fest is Thursday, April 18

Two students working together on a tablet at STEAM Fest 2023

By Eileen Saam, Children’s Librarian Experience the wide world of STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) at the Main Library this spring, as we once again partner with Oak Park Elementary School District 97 and the Oak Park Education Foundation for STEAM Fest. STEAM Fest 2024: Thursday, April 18, 6-7:30 pm Families with students in grades … Read more

Let’s talk about bodies & puberty: Books, Discovery Kits & web resources for grade schoolers & caregivers

Kid looking at anatomy on tablet

By Hal, Rainbow Services Librarian Developing accurate and affirming language to name the parts of our bodies and understanding how bodies change as we age is an important skill for young people to learn. Not only is it a matter of physical health, but it also provides young people with better tools to advocate for … Read more

Be kind to yourself: Videos & resources for grownups & early learners

Be Kind to Yourself text floating on a blue sky with clouds

By Shelley Harris, Children’s Librarian We often come back to the topic of emotions and social-emotional learning with our kids. Sometimes it may feel like we’re repeating ourselves! But we keep returning to the topic because it’s an important one. Kids (and adults!) learn best when they feel that they are safe and secure in … Read more

Holidays Around the World

A collage of library staff and family members celebrating the holidays

From Diwali, Christmas, Hannukah, and Kwanzaa celebrations to the observance of the winter solstice, Oak Park library staff love sharing their own winter holiday traditions with you in our annual Holidays Around the World! In addition to stories, videos, and photos, you’ll find related music, games, stories, and recipes for families to explore. Click the … Read more

Unleash your creativity: Activities, books & events for grade schoolers

Three kids crafting at a table

By Hal, Rainbow Services Librarian Crafting is a fun way to express yourself. The library has all kinds of resources to support and encourage young artists. Let’s explore a few! Create & craft with Creativebug Creativebug is one of my favorite resources. To get started, you’ll need to create an account with your Oak Park … Read more

Online safety (Part 1): 5 tips to share with kids

Parent and child using laptop together

By Children’s Librarian Eileen Saam The internet can be a powerful educational tool and a fun place for kids to explore, but here at the library, we understand that online safety for kids is top-of-mind for parents and caregivers. Keeping kids safe online can feel like an insurmountable task, but I’ve gathered some information to … Read more

Need help with school research projects? Library resources to the rescue: ScienceFlix & National Geographic Kids (Part 4)

Student using a laptop

By Children’s Librarian Eileen Saam  This school year, use your library card to access more than books. The library has many subscription-based resources that are helpful for school projects and assignments.  In my previous posts in this series, I highlighted CultureGrams, National Geographic Kids, AtoZ Maps Online, AtoZ World Culture, African-American History, and American Indian … Read more

Talking about emotions: Activities for early learners

Emojis: shocked, smiling, confused, and sad

By Children’s Librarian Shelley Harris It’s never too early to talk about emotions with children, even babies and toddlers. The end of summer and start of new autumn routines is close, and with all of the big changes can come big feelings.  Below are a few activities you can do together to encourage kids to … Read more

Kids summer reading: Get ready to ‘Find Your Voice’

Graphics of children on green background

By Eileen Saam, Children’s Librarian Summer is almost here, and it’s time to get excited about this year’s kids summer reading program: Find Your Voice! The program kicks off on June 1 for kids ages 2-11 and continues through August 15. We are thrilled about all of the opportunities that the summer reading program provides … Read more