Watch now: ‘Life of a Book’

Life of a Book

How do you think a book gets to the shelf in a library? Where does it go after that? We’ve got a video to answer these and other questions, thanks to our Collections Services Team members who do the work! A tell-all tale In this tell-all tale of mystery and wonder, Supervising Librarian Maya Conde-Kalmijn and colleagues will … Read more

March 27, 2025: Library Board hires Elsworth Carman as new executive director

Elsworth Carman

After an extensive national search, the Oak Park Public Library Board of Trustees voted Thursday evening to hire Elsworth Carman as the library’s next executive director.  “Elsworth’s compassionate, value-driven, and unifying leadership is a great fit for the Oak Park Public Library at this locally and nationally significant time,” said Madhurima Chakraborty, Search Committee Chair … Read more

Meet Christine, our new Environmental Programming Specialist

Christine Poreba with a background of trees

Christine Poreba is the library’s new Environmental Programming Specialist. In this position, she helps connect people to resources, information, programs, and community groups focused on sustainability. A poet and former teacher, Poreba has been working for the library since last May. As she shifts into this new role, she’s taking on an area of strategic … Read more

Meet Nora, Latine Language & Culture Librarian

Headshot of Nora Sanchez with text Nora Sanchez, Latinx Language & Culture Librarian

Please note: As of March 24, 2023, the library has changed its usage from “Latinx” to “Latine.” Nora is now the Latine Language & Culture Librarian. “As an organization, we are continuously learning and evolving to meet the needs expressed to us by our community,” says Manager of Community Engagement Sarah Yale. “Increasingly, we are hearing from … Read more

Librarian Shelley Harris recognized for dedication to young people

Shelley Harris holds an AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) board in the Maze Branch Community Sensory Garden

The Illinois Library Association (ILA) Youth Services Forum has awarded Children’s Librarian Shelley Harris with the 2021 Golden Ticket Award for her “outstanding local contribution” to young people through programs that “promote a love of literature and instill positive feelings about libraries.” Shelley’s “creativity, incredible work ethic, and commitment to serving young patrons and their … Read more