Our brain is a muscle. How do we exercise it, keep it healthy, and nurture it? In honor of Brain Awareness Week (March 16-22), explore books, articles, and resources available with your Oak Park library card to boost your brain health. Boost your brain health Ready to jump-start your brain health journey? Use your Oak … Read more
Have you ever seen origami art at the Main Library Children’s Services desk? Miss Margaret has made and displayed so many over the years: Carmen Sprung’s Carambola Flower, an Omega Star, a Traditional Star Box, and various Tomoko Fuse Modular boxes. Origami helps kids practice visual and spatial skills, concentration, and math, and is a great fidget activity for … Read more
Are you looking for a great resource for kids to do research online? Did you know that World Book is accessible with your library card? World Book offers a comprehensive suite of engaging content for learners of all ages, all in one place. This site, along with all of our subscription-based resources, can be accessed … Read more
Libraries are full of surprises! Discover the new additions to the Library of Things collection, which features a variety of physical objects available for checkout with your Oak Park library card. Explore items in four categories Do It Yourself (DIY) For creating, crafting, and home improvement. Includes a wall stud finder, laser level, electric drill, sewing machine, … Read more
I love how much our community uses the library. Sometimes that means waiting for the hottest titles. Don’t fret! I can help you find a similar reading experience to THAT book you are waiting for or that you finally read and loved. The Frozen River readalikes Broken Fields by Marcie Rendon Why you should try … Read more
Your public library is here with books, resources, and experiences that can help us connect and celebrate Black history and culture. Titles we suggest More to explore Exhibits Art Exhibit: Dreamscapes by Amani BorahThrough February 28, Main Library Gallery The collected works exhibited in Dreamscapes invite each individual to participate in the colors and activities on the island of … Read more
The countdown to the big night has begun! The 98th Academy Awards airs on Sunday, March 15, and your library has a few ways to watch some of the year’s most talked-about films. Join us: Register for our 16th Annual Oscarthon No need to wait on the red carpet—come to our 16th Annual Oscarthon movie … Read more
In honor of Black History Month, let’s learn more about Arturo Alfonso Schomburg, a Puerto Rican historian, writer, curator, and activist! Born in Santurce, Puerto Rico in 1874, Schomburg was the son of a Puerto Rican merchant of German descent and an Afro-Caribbean woman from the Danish West Indies. He spent the majority of his … Read more
Our understanding of gender and the language we use to describe it is constantly evolving. Often, we learn a limiting definition of gender that tries to put everyone into just two categories—boy or girl. Those categories come with many unfair expectations about the activities and interests we’re allowed to enjoy, how we’re supposed to dress … Read more
Federal & state tax returns are due April 15 Download tax forms Find links for federal and Illinois tax forms below: Print tax forms At the library, you can use a public computer to print popular state and federal tax forms at no charge. Or print remotely and pick up the same day at any … Read more
Happy January 2026! As the new year begins and the weather stays cold, the library offers plenty to keep you engaged. Whether or not you make resolutions, the new year is a perfect time to reset and explore new ways to connect, and your library is here for you! Six in 2026! Books to destress … Read more
With hoopla‘s 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. For more detailed instructions, see How do I borrow a BingePass. What can I borrow with unlimited access? … Read more
On Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Monday, January 19), all library buildings will be closed. We’ve gathered together title suggestions, online resources, and more to help you celebrate the life and legacy of one of the best-known leaders of the civil rights movement. Check out these titles Contribute to a community ‘Dream Hands’ display As … Read more
Since Oprah’s first book club pick in 1996, we have been reading as the celebrities do, falling in love with, or hating, characters with our fellow book club readers. Book clubs offer an opportunity to be in community with others, even if we’re not together in person. Other celebrities who love to read have started … Read more
Experts at the Educational Development Center say that digital media can help young children make sense of their world, especially when screen time is facilitated and guided by parents or caregivers. Below, you will find screen time guidelines for parents and caregivers of children aged 2-6, as well as findings and recommendations for digital content … Read more
Traducir al español | Przetłumacz na polskiBy John Gargiulo, Supervising Librarian of Creative Technology (translated by Oak Park Public Library staff) Have you ever tried to translate a webpage from one language to another? While some webpages provide a button to switch between certain languages, this is not always the case. Fortunately, most web browsers include translation functions … Read more
From Diwali, Christmas, and Hanukkah 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 play … Read more
Whether you are new to crafting or a seasoned master crafter, there is something for everyone on Creativebug. An inspirational resource for DIY, crafters, and makers, Creativebug features more than 1,000 award-winning art and craft video classes taught by recognized design experts and artists. You can take a class on art, sewing, food techniques, knitting … Read more
Looking for gift ideas for this holiday season? Might we suggest a great book? Our collection management librarians have curated a range of excellent gift ideas for the book, movie, TV, or music lover in your life. Adults | Teens & kids Adults: for the… Teens & kids: for the…
One evening when Danielle Désiré was small, about 3 or 4 years old, she was running around in the backyard. It was time to settle down for the night and get ready for bed, but Danielle was too busy watching birds flying in the sky. Why, she asked her grandpa, were there birds flying at … Read more
