4 ways to keep summer reading fun going all year long

Summer Reading June 1-August 31: Oceans of Possibilities with two children reading and listening with headphones while riding a fish

By Eileen Saam, Children’s Librarian Summer reading is almost over—be sure to log your reading and activities in Beanstack by August 31—but that doesn’t mean the fun has to end. Here are four ways you can keep enjoying reading all year long! 1. Sign up for a library card! With your own library card, you … Read more

Soak up the last of summer reading: Log books & activities by August 31

Summer Reading June 1-August 31: Oceans of Possibilities with two children reading and listening with headphones while riding a fish

By Shelley Harris, Children’s Librarian School supplies are everywhere you look and first days of school and preschool are looming on your calendar, but it’s still solidly summer here at your library. Oceans of Possibilities runs through August 31, so there are still a few more weeks of summer reading! Many families start the summer strong, logging … Read more

Summer fun on the go! Activities for grade schoolers

Kid using tablet in backseat of car

By Eileen Saam, Children’s Librarian There are so many fun things to do during the summer, and at the library, we have some great resources to take with you that will make it even more fun! And don’t forget to log your reading and activities for summer reading » Going on a road trip? Check … Read more

5 ways for kids to make the most of the library (and their library card) this summer!

A collage of photos featured on this page

By Children’s Librarian Genevieve Grove School’s out, but learning is in at the Oak Park Public Library this summer! Sure, we have books, but also so many other options to engage your brains and bodies. Check out these fun ways to use your library today.  Need a library card? Apply at any library branch or … Read more

‘As long-distance grandparents who want to stay in touch, this was a big gift’

Person reading from and showing picture book with a bee

For the past four years, Oak Park library patron Lindsay Olson has hosted a weekly Zoom storytime with her granddaughters on the West Coast. “We were so grateful we had our storytime sessions in place when the pandemic hit,” Olson says. “Not seeing our family for two years was made easier by our Sunday storytimes.” … Read more

Kids summer reading: What to read, listen to, watch & do!

Summer Reading June 1-August 31: Oceans of Possibilities with two children reading and listening with headphones while riding a fish

By Children’s Librarian Eileen Saam Summer is here, and so is this year’s summer reading program: Oceans of Possibilities! The program runs all summer long, June 1-August 30. Here at the Oak Park Library, we are so excited about all the possibilities that the summer reading program provides for kids and families. Everyone is encouraged … Read more

Thanks for a colorful summer of learning & joy!

Thanks to all who participated in a joyful summer of creative learning with your public library! This summer’s reading program, Reading Colors Your World, was about so much more than reading, says Elementary School Services Librarian Genevieve Grove. “It was about experiential learning, getting kids physically moving and out exploring in nature, and having fun … Read more

Year of the Butterfly: Your photos, drawings & more

Monarch caterpillar with leaves, and two boys with butterfly cage

Kids and families have been drawing, observing, crafting, and reading about plants and pollinators in this year’s summer reading program, with special activities that tie into the Year of the Butterfly. Some have even been growing native plants and raising butterflies, and sharing their moments with us. Summer reading runs through August 31, and you … Read more

Why anti-racism is key to sustainability

Kids and adults do butterfly craft projects

By Beronica Puhr Note: A version of this post first appeared in Wednesday Journal and OakPark.com on August 3, 2021. Read the piece on OakPark.com » 2021 is the Year of the Butterfly in Oak Park Butterflies symbolize hope and renewal, and their existence is vital to the health of our planet. We all need hope and … Read more