By Children’s Librarian Genevieve Grove Whether we are signing “What’s the Weather” in kindergarten or wondering what we should wear each day, meteorology is on our minds! Meteorology studies the atmosphere to learn more about weather processes and systems, and to use that information to forecast what’s coming. Observable weather events are called “meteorological phenomena” … Read more
By Children’s Librarian Shelley Harris Engineering sounds like a big and overwhelming topic, especially for caregivers that aren’t as familiar or comfortable with science. But in fact, even babies and toddlers explore engineering! Engineering activities include: Building (with blocks, legos, and more) Construction Cause and effect Math Paper airplanes Not too overwhelming, right? Check out … Read more
By Children’s Librarian José Cruz Let’s explore Salsa! Salsa music is primarily a Caribbean rhythm that is enjoyed throughout Latin America. The word salsa also means sauce in English. Seems fitting if you consider the different elements involved in Salsa. The term was first coined by Cuban and Puerto Ricans in New York in the … Read more
By Middle School Services Librarian Beronica Puhr With a new year comes new tech learning! Find new ebooks, articles, a podcast, and activities all about technology below. Check out these titles Folding Tech: Using Origami and Nature to Revolutionize Technology by Karen Latchana Kenney (grades 8-12): This book shows how the intricate details of origami … Read more
By Children’s Librarian Hal Patnott Have you ever wished you could explore the worlds of your favorite characters? Do you dream of running off on a grand adventure with your friends by your side? If you answered yes to either of those questions, then you might want to try tabletop roleplaying at your next game … Read more
With the explosion of interest in chess fueled by Netflix’s The Queen’s Gambit last fall, library resource BrainFuse HelpNow has responded by offering live chess tutoring with expert coaches. Expert chess tutors are available Monday through Thursday from 3 to 9 pm CT. Tutors have certifiable qualifications such as high Elo ratings (2000+), chess coaching … Read more
By Children’s Librarian Genevieve Grove While we live very close to one of the most well-known art museums in the world, you don’t need to leave Oak Park, or even your desk, to experience art! Here are a couple of fun resources to explore and use to make your own art, too. Try these activities … Read more
Feeling stuck in your own neighborhood? Let’s visit Mr. Jose as he walks us around his Chicago neighborhood, Belmont Cragin, and shows us some of his favorite places. If you were making a video tour of your neighborhood, what are your favorite parts that you would show off? What other places would you like to visit by … Read more
By Middle School Services Librarian Beronica Puhr This winter, be safe with what you send over your digital device and where your devices end up after their lifespan ends. Check out these digital titles available on Hoopla E-Waste in Guiyu, China by Shannon Berg (grades 3-6): Understanding what “e-waste” means and how Guiyu, China was … Read more
By Children’s Librarian Hal Patnott It’s Transgender Awareness Week, an annual event dedicated to educating our communities about the lives of transgender people. Transgender Awareness Week is celebrated every year during the week leading up to Transgender Day of Remembrance (November 20), a day set aside to recognize each life lost during the year to … Read more
