By Children’s Librarian Eileen Saam Have you heard about TechGirlz? Each month, the Oak Park Public Library hosts TechGirlz workshops for girls in grades 5-8. What is TechGirlz? Nonprofit organization TechGirlz offers free, fun, interactive workshops with a focus on empowering middle school girls to explore the possibilities of technology and empower their future careers. TechGirlz’s … Read more
By Shelley Harris, Children’s Librarian Who else is watching the Winter Olympics? I love my regular dive back into curling, which always feels like such a fun, accessible and possible sport to play. I also love figure skating, which is less accessible, even when I try to do Ridgeland Common’s noon skates! But whatever the sport on … Read more
By Children’s Librarian Genevieve Grove Love it, hate it, or just tolerate it, snow is a fact of life for those of us living in the Midwest! Here are some of my favorite ways to look at those fluffy, icy, crunchy, and powdery piles outside our windows. Read & explore Wilson “Snowflake” Bentley was a … Read more
By Children’s Librarian Eileen Saam As we spend time at home this winter, many families are likely dedicating more time to screens—playing games and watching videos, movies, and television shows. Time on screens can provide positive experiences for families—a way to relax and have fun, connect, and share experiences together. This time also can provide … Read more
By Shelley Harris, Children’s Librarian The start of a new year is a traditional time to set goals and try new things. Success, of course, varies! With so much uncertainty still overshadowing our days—thanks to the pandemic—success might feel even more challenging than usual. So let’s talk about ways to build early learning routines in … Read more
By Eileen Saam, Children’s Librarian As families wrap up their holiday shopping, parents and caregivers of preschool-aged children may be thinking about purchasing a tablet for their child. Some may have recently purchased a tablet and are now wondering which apps they should download. Some may also be wondering how much screen time is appropriate … Read more
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
By Children’s Librarian Shelley Harris “Fairy tales are more than true: not because they tell us that dragons exist, but because they tell us that dragons can be beaten.” This quote by author Neil Gaiman is one I think about a lot when autumn comes and Halloween rolls around. This is the time of year … Read more
By Hal, Rainbow Services Librarian Astrology and astronomy are similar words that are easy to confuse! Both relate to space and the universe, but astronomy is a branch of science, and astrology is an interpretation of the movements of the stars, planets, and other celestial bodies. Back in September, Children’s Librarian Genevieve Grove shared books and … Read more
By Shelley Harris, Children’s Librarian October is the month especially set aside to celebrate and recognize various disabilities, including Augmentative and Alternative Communication Awareness Month, something dear to my heart as my brother uses a communication device to speak, and Down Syndrome Awareness Month, dear to Miss Jenny’s heart because of her niece. But that’s … Read more
