Music has always been part of Antonia Celeste Lucas-Ruppert’s life. “I call myself a gospel blues singer,” she says, tambourine in hand. Antonia is recording an album in the Main Library Audio Booth, which she hopes to release this fall. … Read more
We want everyone to get the most out of their public library, so we’re sharing five great reasons to get a library card—especially for kids and families. 1. Save more Did you know you can check out up to 200 … Read more
As a separate 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the Friends of the Oak Park Public Library have been raising funds and building valuable bridges between the library and community since 1948. The Friends are probably best known for the annual Book Fair, … Read more
This August 31 is the 25th anniversary of International Overdose Awareness Day. At the Main Library, the Oak Park Township and River Forest Township Opioid Task Force will screen the film Recovery City, followed by a Q&A panel with local … Read more
By Children’s Librarian Shelley Harris Sometimes kids and adults get nervous about visiting a new place for the first time. We get it! It can be useful to know what to expect before your first visit. With that in mind, we … Read more
AI stands for “artificial intelligence,” but what exactly does that mean? In science fiction, AI can think, reason, learn, make judgments, and possess cognitive abilities. In reality, however, the narrow AI products we have are trained to do specific tasks. In … 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 … Read more
If you are taking a trip anytime soon, make sure you check in with us before you leave. The Oak Park Public Library has helpful resources for planning and making sure you are fully prepared for your next adventure. Travel guides … Read more
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 … Read more
Few things are more frustrating than seeing a “Storage Full” notification. But what does it actually mean? For most people, the biggest reason is that their email account shares storage with other services. For example, Microsoft Outlook accounts include 5 GB … Read more
Looking for ways to stay cool, engaged, and connected to neighbors and friends this summer? We’ve got you covered at the library and at home. Get a leg up on summer reading! 1. Read & participate in a book discussion Check … Read more
By Children’s Librarian Shelley Harris Every July, we come together to celebrate Disability Pride as a community! As a disabled librarian (neurodivergent and chronically ill), I love creating programs not only for disabled kids but celebrating us as well. When … Read more
Did you know that 70% of disabled adults do not engage in community activities? After hearing the above statistic, we developed the Community Sensory Garden at the Maze Branch Library. Communities are so much richer when everyone is involved, and … Read more
The data is clear—playing games energizes the mind, body, soul. For older adults, playing games improves mood, facilitates connection, and keeps the mind sharp. Plus, it’s just fun! Get your game on at the Oak Park Public Library this summer. Here are some … Read more
On Friday, 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 and in Oak Park Juneteenth is … Read more
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 season. And don’t forget to register and track your reading for … Read more
RiverSong, an exhibit of quilts celebrating the Mississippi River Basin, will be on view at the Main Library this May and June. Here, we go behind the exhibit to learn more about its curator, local artist Lindsay Olson (pictured above, … Read more
In Lights, Camera, Community, a weekly after-school program at the Main Library, high school students have been learning the basics of video production and putting their new skills into practice. Earlier this year, students worked together to film, edit, and … Read more
Shalonda Lane is the library’s new Director of Equity & Anti-Racism. She brings over a decade of experience advancing equity through policy, programming, and community engagement across higher education and local government. Most recently, she served as the Collective Impact … Read more
The American Library Association’s National Library Week is April 19–25, 2026, with the theme “Find Your Joy.” Award-winning librarian, author, and new host of the children’s program Reading Rainbow, Mychal Threets is the 2026 Honorary Chair of National Library Week. … Read more
