Check out the 2021 National Book Awards winners and our readalike title suggestions, curated by Oak Park’s fantastically well-read librarians! The National Book Awards were established in 1950 to celebrate the best writing in America. Learn more about how the awards work from the National Book Foundation » Winners & readalikes
Our community showed an abundance of giving in October, during two donation drives hosted at the Main Library. Thanks to all who donated! Boxes & boxes of socks! This was our fifth year participating in the annual Socktober drive. In past years, we collected hundreds of pairs of socks for clients of shelters. And this … Read more
By Children’s Librarian Eileen Saam As mentioned in my first post in this series, Google is a great resource of information and can be a useful first source when researching for school projects. But did you know that there are many subscription-based library resources that can be accessed online with your Oak Park library card? … Read more
Playaway Launchpads are tablets pre-loaded with high-quality learning apps and games for kids ages preschool through fifth grade. No ads. No download time. No need for internet access. Available at all locations. Children can create a personal avatar and choose their own adventures. From math and science to reading and music, launchpads are 100% secure, designed … Read more
By Shelley Harris, Children’s Librarian It’s been a week since Halloween: is your kid still wearing their costumes? Dress-up imaginative play is such an important part of childhood! You know what big fans we are of Mr. Rogers here at the library, and this quote really resonated: “One of Fred’s favorite stories was about a … Read more
By Collection Management Librarian Kathy Every November, National Family Caregivers Month “offers an opportunity to raise awareness of caregiving issues, educate communities, and increase support for caregivers.” Find titles featuring support and resources especially for caregivers below. And visit acl.gov to learn more about the observance and find additional resources for caregivers » Books for … Read more
Whether you’ve got a long-standing book club or want to start a new one—make it easy for everyone and check out a ready-to-read Book Club Kit! The kits are located on the Main Library’s second floor, near new fiction. What’s in each Book Club Kit bag 10 copies of the same popular title Discussion questions … Read more
By Kristen Romanowski, Staff Writer & Editor Artist Jacob Hashimoto stopped by the Main Library in September. While in the area for the opening of his show at a Chicago gallery, he came to Oak Park to make repairs to parts of his intricate artwork in our library’s permanent art collection. Hashimoto’s 8-by-12-foot piece skip … Read more
By Children’s Librarian Eileen Saam Many people use Google to search for information on the internet. Google is a powerful tool for research. It is fast and convenient and can help you access lots of useful information. But is Google always the best research tool for everyone? Often Google is not a good tool to … Read more
By Collection Management Librarian Dontaná Each fall we gather to celebrate and recognize former head librarian Barbara Ballinger and her many years of dedicated service to the library and to Oak Park. Sponsored by the Friends of the Oak Park Public Library, this year’s Barbara Ballinger Lecture features a virtual lecture and Q&A with author Michelle … Read more
