By Children’s Librarian Genevieve Grove While we live very close to one of the most well-known art museums in the world, you don’t need to leave Oak Park, or even your desk, to experience art! Here are a couple of fun resources to explore and use to make your own art, too. Try these activities … 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 … Read more
By Shelley Harris, Children’s Librarian Well, 2021 has certainly begun right where 2020 left off: with a lot of tough topics. Even our youngest kids know when big or upsetting things happen in the news. They may not know the details, but they can see and feel the strong emotions of their grownups and that … Read more
By Rose Barnes, Adult Digital Learning Librarian We’ve all been spending more time at home this year, and maybe during that time you’ve been watching more television. Maybe you’ve heard about a new show on a streaming service instead of cable. There are so many options for streaming nowadays and more people are opting out … Read more
After the year that was 2020, we know everyone could use some self-care and recuperation. And what better way to accomplish this than through books that offer hope, spark creativity, elicit empathy, and encourage mindfulness. What we suggest Find more digital titles to help you rest, recharge, and reset in 2021 on Hoopla »
This fall, we’ve been sharing some of our favorite virtual activities with our Discover and Explore posts. Have you missed any? Check out this list of great activities to do all year round! Visit museums virtually The National Museum of Mathematics is offering free classes for kids throughout the pandemic to explore the fun side … Read more
By Shelley Harris, Children’s Librarian Every year, our final Early Bird Reader tip we send via text (Want weekly early learning tips from the Oak Park Public Library? Sign up now for Early Bird Readers ») is to share stories about the year that’s ending. Sharing memories is a great way to practice narrating stories, … Read more
Feeling stuck in your own neighborhood? Let’s visit Mr. Jose as he walks us around his Chicago neighborhood, Belmont Cragin, and shows us some of his favorite places. If you were making a video tour of your neighborhood, what are your favorite parts that you would show off? What other places would you like to visit by … Read more
By Shelley Harris, Children’s Librarian Songs are powerful! When we plan our storytime classes, we organize them to build energy and then calm kids down before we send them back on their way. When we want to build energy, we do a lot of movement songs and silly songs, and then choose quieter songs to … Read more
By Digital Learning Coordinator Toni McGee Shopping online more this holiday season? Do it safely, and avoid becoming a victim of online scams, with these resources and tips! ‘Beware amazing deals’: 15 tips from Norton LifeLock “Beware amazing deals,” especially on social media. That’s one of the 15 tips from Norton LifeLock, a company known … Read more
