Juneteenth 2025

Words "Juneteenth Freedom Day" on a red, black, green, and yellow background

On Thursday, June 19, all library locations will be closed for Juneteenth. This national, state, and Oak Park holiday celebrates African Americans’ freedom from enslavement in the United States. Celebrations at the Main Library Juneteenth is a joyous celebration of freedom, but also a time to remember the countless sacrifices made to achieve it. Join … Read more

Celebrating Pride Month

Collage of book covers

Your public library is here with books, resources, and experiences that can help us connect and celebrate the LGBTQ+ community. Titles we suggest More to explore Reading lists for kids From your digital library *The Advocate is now part of Out magazine (new standalone issues of The Advocate are no longer available). Upcoming events For all … Read more

48 new books, movies & TV shows coming this summer

A bright beach scene graphic with text that reads Sizzling Summer Titles

Collection Management Librarians Andrea, Dontaná, Jenna, and Kathy Jump into summer with these new books, movies, and TV shows—for all ages—that we think will be hot, hot, hot all summer. And don’t forget to register and track your reading for summer reading. Adult fiction | Adult nonfiction | Teens | Kids | Movies & TV … Read more

Adult summer reading returns June 1

Graphics of a movie projector, book, conversation bubbles, and headphones and a beachy background

It’s time to pull out your reading list and get warmed up for adult summer reading 2025! From June 1 through August 19, sign up via Beanstack, track your reading, complete activities, and earn badges for a chance to win gift cards to local businesses. No library card? No problem. You don’t need one to participate. If … Read more

Books & bagels: New pop-up library at Daly Bagel

In a cafe window, there's a tray with a to-go coffee cup and a sesame seed bagel, a bin of kids books with a sign that says "Read while you wait," and paper event calendars

Announcing our newest pop-up library location: The Daly Bagel, 130 Chicago Ave., Oak Park! Pop-up libraries allow community members to use the library when they’re out and about, no library card or checkouts needed. “We are thrilled and honored to be part of the Pop-Up Library initiative!” said Adrienne Guldin and Amanda Daly of The Daly Bagel. … Read more

Celebrating Seniors Week 2025

Older adults talking and enjoying coffee at the library

Spring is here, so it’s time again for Celebrating Seniors Week! Held this year from May 8 to 15, the weeklong celebration is dedicated to honoring, recognizing, and serving seniors in Oak Park, River Forest, and Forest Park. Celebrating Seniors Week is sponsored by the Celebrating Seniors Coalition, an organization dedicated to uplifting and advocating for older … 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

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

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