Main Library closed; will open at 9 am Thursday

Main Library Closed Wednesday, April 30

UPDATE: The Main Library will open at 9 am Thursday, May 1, thanks to the diligence of our library’s facilities team, our mechanical contractor, and NICOR. The repair has been completed and related cleanup work is in process. Due to a small natural gas leak, the Main Library is now closed, and will remain closed … Read more

Want to protect libraries? Here’s what you can do

Show up For Our Libraries

We’re asking our community to stand up for libraries everywhere because the federal government is moving to cut off its modest but effective support for libraries, from withdrawal of funding for broadband to the elimination of the only source of federal funding for our nation’s 125,000 libraries, the Institute of Museum and Library Services. Watch: Spreading … Read more

March 27, 2025: Library Board hires Elsworth Carman as new executive director

Elsworth Carman

After an extensive national search, the Oak Park Public Library Board of Trustees voted Thursday evening to hire Elsworth Carman as the library’s next executive director.  “Elsworth’s compassionate, value-driven, and unifying leadership is a great fit for the Oak Park Public Library at this locally and nationally significant time,” said Madhurima Chakraborty, Search Committee Chair … Read more

Honoring women’s history

Collage of book covers

Your public library is here to connect us through books, resources, and experiences that celebrate women’s history. Browse titles we suggest More from your digital library Register now to attend events Illinois Libraries Present: Exploring Space With Coralie AdamTuesday, March 4, 7 pm, virtual Get an inside look at the space industry with Illinois’ own Coralie … Read more

Book Club Kits: 10 copies, one great discussion

Shelf with black tote bags labeled Book Club Kit

Did you know the library has a curated section of Book Club Kits? These are pre-assembled bags with 10 copies of the same popular title, discussion questions curated by Oak Park librarians, and lists of similar titles for book groups. Each bag can be placed on hold by an individual Oak Park cardholder and is checked … Read more

Ways to watch Oscar-nominated films

Collage of Oscar-nominated films

The countdown to the big night has begun! The 97th Academy Awards airs on Sunday, March 2, and your library has a few ways to watch some of the year’s most talked-about films. Join us: Register for our 15th Annual Oscarthon No need to wait on the red carpet—come to our 15th Annual Oscarthon movie … Read more

Explore self-expression through play: Pronoun Discovery Kits for grade schoolers

Pronoun Kid cards face down on a table

Interested in facilitating conversations about self-expression and gender identity? Check out these two Discovery Kits about pronouns designed to help kids explore self-expression through play. Playing With Pronouns kit The Wellness & Life Skills: Playing With Pronouns kit includes the books They, She, He, Easy as ABC and What Are Your Words? and a game … Read more

Tech Tips: What does that icon mean?

Chat icon and a question mark

By Amy Hofmockel, Creative Technology Librarian In today’s technology landscape, there are hundreds of icons in use. Icons are meant to help people navigate technology by serving as clear, recognizable symbols that represent a function, tool, or file. However, there is currently no standard for use for most of them.  Still, across various technologies, some icons … Read more

Celebrity book club round-up, January 2025

Read with the stars text with sparkling stars and a book collage above

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

Oak Park celebrates Kwanzaa with ‘the spirit of community and cultural richness’

Delighted faces among audience members in the Main Library Veterans Room

Oak Park’s Kwanzaa celebration drew almost 200 people to the Main Library on Monday, December 30, and was a resounding success. With music, dance, crafts, artwork, food, and ceremony, the Black American harvest celebration “truly captured the spirit of community and cultural richness that Kwanzaa represents,” said Manager of Community Engagement Chibuike Enyia. Seven principles … Read more

Honoring MLK Day: Books, a display, resources & more

Martin Luther King Jr. leaning on a podium at a press conference, alongside a collage of book covers

On Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Monday, January 20), 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

How to get started with Little Pim, a language learning app for kids (ages 0-6)

Child watching LIttle Pim video featuring a cartoon panda on laptop screen

Introducing Little Pim, a new way for kids ages 0-6 to have fun while learning a new language! To get started, choose from 12 languages—Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin), English, French, German, Hebrew, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish. A series of short, engaging videos voiced by native speakers will help kids to learn the new … Read more

29 things to do with little ones this winter

Illustrated animals listening to a live performance and reading books inside while snow can be seen through the windows

The days may be short, but there are so many ways to make the most of each one! Your public library and the Collaboration for Early Childhood have collected activities, events, and more for you and your little ones to get out and explore this winter season. Activities Storytimes Places Events

Holidays Around the World

A lantern with a glowing candle inside sitting in the snow under a tree

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

Pop-up library now at Styles 4 Kidz

Person next to small bookshelf with kids books, and bookshelf in hair salon

Announcing our newest pop-up library location: Styles 4 Kidz, 235 Harrison St., Oak Park! Pop-up libraries allow community members to use the library when they’re out and about, no library card or checkouts needed. Styles 4 Kidz is our third pop-up library location, adding to ones installed earlier this year at the Community Recreation Center … Read more

After-school program serves up tea, snacks & space for middle schoolers to talk about feelings

Group of middle schoolers sit around a table and talk with each other and an adult who's standing up

Every Wednesday after school, middle schoolers gather at the Main Library for tea and snacks with their friends and a couple of trusted adults. It’s called Tea Talk, and it’s a time for everyone to talk about mental health and emotions. This mentoring group, now in its second year, draws about 10-15 kids each week, … Read more

Celebrating Native American Heritage Month

Book cover collage

Oak Park Public Library acknowledges that Oak Park is situated on the ancestral land of the Bodewamiadkiwen (Potawatomi), Myaamia (Miami), Oceti Sakowin, Kiikaapoi (Kickapoo), and Peoria. We honor them and thank them for their stewardship of this land. Source: native-land.ca Your public library is here to connect you with books, videos, online resources, and learning experiences that … Read more

Tech Tips: How to use Consumer Reports

Two older adults laughing while using a laptop and holding a credit card

Are you thinking about buying a new car, appliance, gadget, or literally anything else, but feeling overwhelmed or not sure where to start? Consumer Reports is designed to help you navigate all of the options and narrow down products based on consumer tests and reviews. Their goal is to create a fair and just marketplace … Read more