Kid using tablet with two adults in the background

Fun & educational websites for kids (librarian approved!)

By Eileen Saam, Children’s Librarian Looking for fun and educational websites for kids without advertisements? You’ve come to the right place! From math games, puzzles, and science videos to language learning activities, art exploration, and narrated stories, the list of … Read more

Collage of book covers with a bright orange sunny background

Long books for long days

By Collection Management Librarian Dontaná Happy Solstice! It is the longest day of the year. The sun is shining. The air is fresh, and we don’t have to think about fall or winter for several more weeks. To celebrate, we … Read more

SWAN Libraries + app displayed on a smart phone screen with shelves of books in the background

Tech Tips: How to use the SWAN Libraries + app

Did you know that there is an app you can use to search for library materials, place holds, and manage your checkouts all in one place? The SWAN Libraries + app makes finding and requesting items easy.  Let’s review a … Read more

Three people pose in front of a backdrop reading Northwestern Medicine Feinberg School of Medicine. Two hold framed certificates.

Partnering for teen mental health

American teens are in a mental health crisis, according to the Office of the Surgeon General and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention—and it began even before the COVID-19 pandemic. That’s why, since 2019, assistant professor and researcher Ashley … Read more

Jacob Grant with covers of three books, Bear's Scare, No Pants! and Umami, and an acorn character reading a book on a cushion of leaves

Meet author, artist & ‘library guy’ Jacob Grant

Jacob Grant is an award-winning Oak Park author, illustrator, and dad who makes picture books, including Umami, No Pants!, and Bear’s Scare. He won the prestigious Bologna Children’s Book Fair Illustration Exhibition earlier this year. And he designed our new … Read more

Glazed ceramic art figures of three people, a dog, and a cat, and a platter

New ceramics display at Dole Branch

The next time you’re at Dole Branch Library, come see a wonderful collection of ceramic pieces adorning the library shelves and walls. These pieces were created by participants in the Park District of Oak Park’s Active Adults ceramics class. We’ve … Read more

Autism Acceptance & Pride with a rainbow infinity symbol

Autism acceptance & pride: Videos & activities for early learners

By Shelley Harris, Children’s Librarian Happy Autism Acceptance Month! To understand why we’re celebrating… Let’s start at the beginning: What is autism & why acceptance? There are two brain types: Neurodiversity encompasses both brain types. Autism is a complex neurodivergent, developmental disability … Read more

Screenshot of audiobook player on Libby app

Tech Tips: How to listen to audiobooks in Libby

By John Gargiulo, Supervising Librarian of Creative Technology In an earlier Tech Tips post, I shared tips and tricks on how to read ebooks and digital magazines on Libby with your smartphone or tablet. But did you know you also can listen to … Read more

A computer desktop cluttered with files

Tech Tips: How to declutter your devices in 4 steps

By Creative Technology Librarian Amy Hofmockel Do you have a desktop covered in icons you don’t use? Are you interested in decluttering your digital workspace? Let’s go over some basics of file management so you can find the files you want … Read more

Child using tablet

Just for kids: Educational & fun apps, a librarian-curated list

By Children’s Librarian Eileen Saam During winter break, parents and caregivers may find themselves stressing about the amount of time that their kids are spending on a screen. While it’s surely important to set limits, time spent playing educational apps can … Read more

Emojis: shocked, smiling, confused, and sad

Talking about emotions: Activities for early learners

By Children’s Librarian Shelley Harris It’s never too early to talk about emotions with children, even babies and toddlers. The end of summer and start of new autumn routines is close, and with all of the big changes can come … Read more

Laptop sitting on kitchen table

Tech Tips: What is a URL?

By Amelia, Digital Learning Specialist Have you ever wondered what the letters “URL” mean or seen the phrase “follow this link for more information”? Maybe you’ve seen a URL or a website link in advertisements or on event flyers, product … Read more

Illustration of children listening to a story with sound waves in the background

Share sounds: Videos & books for early learners

By Shelley Harris, Children’s Librarian The grasshopper chirpeth, the lamb bleateth, the owl hooteth. Animal sounds are found in so many books and songs for children, including the first-known picture book written for children, published in 1659!   What makes animal … Read more