By Shelley Harris, Children’s Librarian Who else is watching the Winter Olympics? I love my regular dive back into curling, which always feels like such a fun, accessible and possible sport to play. I also love figure skating, which is less accessible, even when I try to do Ridgeland Common’s noon skates! But whatever the sport on … Read more
by Collection Management Librarian Dontaná February is a month to celebrate many things—among them: love and libraries. What is more romantic than a bookstore date? What is more enduring than a library? Whether you love love or love libraries, you’ll find a book on this list to hold close to your heart this month in … Read more
By Children’s Librarian Genevieve Grove Love it, hate it, or just tolerate it, snow is a fact of life for those of us living in the Midwest! Here are some of my favorite ways to look at those fluffy, icy, crunchy, and powdery piles outside our windows. Read & explore Wilson “Snowflake” Bentley was a … Read more
Happy Birthday, Oak Park! On January 25, 1902, Oak Park, Illinois was officially incorporated as a village. See a copy of the original articles of incorporation » Today, Oak Park is home to about 54,500 people in 4.5 square miles, and we’re very lucky to say that the village is and has been home to some … Read more
By Children’s Librarian Eileen Saam As we spend time at home this winter, many families are likely dedicating more time to screens—playing games and watching videos, movies, and television shows. Time on screens can provide positive experiences for families—a way to relax and have fun, connect, and share experiences together. This time also can provide … Read more
by Collection Management Librarian Dontaná 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 more
Betty White was a television powerhouse. With a career that spanned over 70 years and included roles on The Mary Tyler Moore Show, The Golden Girls, and Hot in Cleveland, Betty White has touched the lives of generations. Born right here in Oak Park in 1922, Betty would have been 100 years old on January … Read more
Happy New Year, Oak Park! Each new year offers a fresh chance to start anew, but after two years of living in a pandemic, committing to a new challenge might feel like a bit much right now. We feel you. What about making a commitment to feel better, do better, play better, and/or age better … Read more
By Eileen Saam, Children’s Librarian As families wrap up their holiday shopping, parents and caregivers of preschool-aged children may be thinking about purchasing a tablet for their child. Some may have recently purchased a tablet and are now wondering which apps they should download. Some may also be wondering how much screen time is appropriate … Read more
Welcome everyone! Today we will briefly explore a pillar of Puerto Rican cultural expression known as Bomba. We will learn that beyond its existence as a musical genre in Puerto Rico, Bomba has its origins amongst the enslaved Africans on the island dating back to at least the 17th century and it was used as … Read more
