By Children’s Librarian Shelley Harris Did you know that 70% of disabled adults do not engage in community activities? This statistic, from a 2005 paper, gave me pause the first time I heard it at a conference. I see it with my disabled brother and his friends, but it’s hard to see it widely confirmed. … Read more
The Village of Oak Park has proclaimed 2021 as the Year of the Butterfly, and we’re doing our part to ensure everyone knows all they can to protect the monarch butterfly! Want to help? Find facts, fun activities and resources, books to check out, and programs to attend below. Plus, stay tuned for more this … Read more
By Eileen Saam, Children’s Services Library Assistant Nearly everyone appreciates music, whether it is listening to a favorite playlist, singing a song in the bathtub, tapping to the beat of the music playing on the car radio, or playing an instrument. It would be difficult to find someone who does not enjoy music! And kids … Read more
By Hal, Rainbow Services Librarian March 31 is Transgender Day of Visibility (TDoV). Founded in 2009 by Rachel Crandall, Transgender Day of Visibility celebrates the resilience and accomplishments of transgender and nonbinary people. Back in November, we shared books and resources about gender identity. This time, in honor of TDoV, let’s explore some books written … Read more
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 Shelley Harris, Children’s Librarian 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
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 mid-1970s. Below you will find … 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
