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

Online safety (Part 2): Fun & interactive lessons for kids & caregivers

Caregiver and kid sharing laptop

By Children’s Librarian Eileen Saam Whether playing video games, chatting with friends, watching videos, or browsing a favorite website, it’s important to keep online safety in mind. Although most of us are aware of important online safety tips, we all need helpful reminders, and kids need continual guidance to stay safe on the internet. Previously, … 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

Identity & coming out: Books, an event & a new on-demand virtual book club for grade schoolers

Tegan and Sara Junior High Book cover with a rainbow-colored overlay

October 11 is National Coming Out Day in the United States. Inaugurated in 1988, National Coming Out Day is a day to promote education, activism, and community for LGBTQIA+ people. For some people, sharing their identity with friends, family, and community can be empowering and affirming. However, coming out can also be scary or even … 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

Express yourself: Collaborative storytelling, tabletop roleplaying games & books for grade schoolers

Outline of multi-sided dice over a black-and-white map of castles, mountains, and trees

By Hal, Rainbow Services Librarian Find Your Voice was the theme of this year’s summer reading program. Although summer reading is coming to an end, finding your voice is a lifelong journey. Creative self-expression through collaborative storytelling and imaginative play experiences like tabletop roleplaying games are a fun way to discover your voice and share … Read more

Unplug at your library: Activities for grade schoolers

Kids creating in the Acorn Lab

By Eileen Saam, Children’s Librarian Kids, take a break from screens this summer with some unplugged activities at the library! Borrow a robot discovery kit We have several 100% screen-free robot discovery kits for different age groups. These fun robot kits help kids develop coding skills and promote problem-solving and critical thinking skills. Check out … Read more