As your (very proud) public library, we’re thrilled to share the words of two Oak Park librarians who recently served on prestigious American Library Association committees, one related to children’s literature and the other to LGBTQ+ literature. Here’s a little bit more about those meaningful experiences. Jenna: Newbery Medal ‘We…were willing to change our thoughts … Read more
The library, in partnership with Rush University Medical Center is offering free mental health assessments (through prescheduled appointments) for children, teens, and adults on Wednesdays from 9:30 am to 1:30 pm at the Main Library. A Rush psychologist will conduct the onsite assessment. To learn more about these free assessments and to schedule an appointment, … Read more
On Saturday, October 19, donate new and like-new children’s essential items to Cradles to Crayons, a nonprofit that provides children living in low-income and homeless situations with the essential items they need to thrive—at home, at school, and at play. Donations will be collected from 10 am to 1 pm in the Main Library Lobby. Most … Read more
RELATED: Film Screening & Discussion: The Public, October 27 » Socks are consistently among the most requested items at homeless shelters. All October, we’re collecting new pairs at all library locations to benefit the clients of Housing Forward and other organizations. It’s our fourth year participating in Socktober. In 2018, thanks to your generosity, we … Read more
“Banned Books Week, being celebrated this year from September 22-28, usually is about challenging outright censorship,” wrote Kent Oliver, director of the Nashville Public Library, for a recent opinion piece published in his hometown newspaper. Now, “publisher Macmillan’s new e-book embargo must be challenged too.” We couldn’t agree more, Kent! Ebook embargo limits what libraries … Read more
Our librarians keep ending up in the hospital! No need to send flowers, though—they’re doing just fine. It’s all been in the name of sharing resources and access to information. Over the past year, library staff have been making repeat visits to Rush Oak Park Hospital, 520 S. Maple Ave., to sign up hospital staff … Read more
Caregivers looking for spaces to breastfeed, pump, or bottle feed now have another option at the Main Library. Our newly installed and ADA-compliant Mamava lactation suite is now open in the Children’s Services Area for first-come, first-served use. “We are so excited to be able to offer this amenity,” says Jennifer Norborg, Manager of Children’s … Read more
For four weeks this summer, Oak Park elementary and middle-school students will once again be enjoying a new and exciting type of summer school opportunity created to enhance their study and reading skills while preparing them for the academic year ahead. In its second year at the Main Library, the program connects learning to inquiry, … Read more
For those who speak and read in languages other than English, there’s even more to find at the library this year, as we expand our world languages collections for adults, teens, and kids. Since last year, our librarians have been analyzing the collections, researching Oak Park demographics, and meeting with local educators to learn which … Read more
The following post was originally published in the Wednesday Journal as “Parks, libraries, and building community,” a One View column by Jan Arnold and David J. Seleb, on Tuesday, June 18. Jan Arnold is executive director of the Park District of Oak Park. David J. Seleb is executive director of the Oak Park Public Library. … Read more
