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
We know the middle school years can be a time when kids need even more adult guidance, places to go, and things to do. That’s why, in addition to two full-time librarians who work with middle and high schoolers, we recently added two more staff members dedicated to serving tweens and teens. And now that … Read more
Hello, Early Bird Readers! In today’s video, Miss Jenny and Miss Shelley share ways to work on emotional dictionaries and self-regulation with children, and share their favorite picture book to use with social-emotional learning. Borrow The Rabbit Listened » About Early Bird Readers Early Bird Readers is a digital early learning program to support parents, … Read more
In this summer’s One Book, One Oak Park series, we’re connecting over Eric Klinenberg’s Palaces for the People, which looks at how open, accessible spaces can promote civic engagement and social interaction. The author uses the term “social infrastructure” to describe public libraries, parks, schools, community gardens, and other places where people assemble and engage. … Read more
In April, New Moms Oak Park Center and Clare Place opened their doors to the community, inviting us in to see their beautiful new building at 206 Chicago Ave. The new location provides 18 permanent supportive homes for previously homeless families with young children, plus space for community programs and an outdoor playground. “For more … Read more
When visiting local daycares and preschools, Children’s Outreach and Programming Specialist Jenny Jackson (pictured) always includes social and emotional concepts in her storytimes. “What do you think ‘anxious’ is? Have you ever had butterflies in your tummy?” she asks as reads aloud to preschoolers in the PreKindergarten Partnership (PKP) classes at Longfellow Elementary, one of … Read more
Did you know there’s a barbershop inside the Oak Park Public Library? Twice a month, the Main Library Idea Box brings in local barbers to give free haircuts to anyone who comes in. All are welcome, including children and teenagers. And on Friday, May 17, from 2 to 6 pm, it’s turning into a space … Read more
Every year, our librarians review all our curated reading lists for kids and families, making sure we’re intentionally including books that represent diversity in race and ethnicity, gender, disability and neurodivergence, and more. One recent addition: Arab Heritage Reads, a list with fiction, nonfiction, and picture books by Arab and Arab-American authors and illustrators, is available … Read more
Hello, Early Bird Readers! In today’s video, Miss Jenny and Miss Shelley will continue talking about social-emotional skills, this time using songs and breathing to help kids name and regulate hard emotions. About Early Bird Readers Early Bird Readers is a digital early learning program to support parents, caregivers, and teachers. It is based on … Read more
Every Saturday, a group of families gathers at the public library for Arabic Calligraphy Club. Using free meeting room space at the Main Library, they bring supplies: plain white paper, pens and markers, canvases, bottles of ink. And, of course, snacks—a tin of butter cookies, a few tomatoes, falafel, chocolate. “It’s good family time,” says … Read more
