One year into her position as the library’s Environmental Programming Specialist, Christine Poreba is looking forward to Earth Month programming at the library in April—although, as she puts it, her attention is on the Earth and sustainability year-round. In January, Christine received a Village of Oak Park Green Award in recognition for her work, including launching new … Read more
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
By Kristen Romanowski, Staff Writer & Editor Hila Ratzabi became a poet at age 7. As a New York City kid growing up in Queens, she was composing poems about pigeons, steeping herself in Shel Silverstein, and falling in love with the music of language, the joy of playing with words. “From that young age, … Read more
By Kristen Romanowski, Staff Writer & Editor Want to see some colorful birds during these dreary January days? Just look up. Above the bookshelves at Maze Branch, that is, where artwork by outsider artist Casey Jones went up earlier this month. Using recycled materials like packing boxes and paper, plus paint and glitter “and whatever … Read more
The Village of Oak Park is asking all residents to get involved and share thoughts on its equity-centered, community-driven Oak Park Climate Plan. Learn more about climate science & share your thoughts Check out the Oak Park Climate Plan website to: Residents can provide feedback through May 31 via the interactive website or by emailing … Read more
‘Family-friendly and community-building’ On Saturday, August 21, we partnered with Bike Walk Oak Park for a bicycle tour of native gardens throughout Oak Park. The collaborative event was part of the Year of the Butterfly, a community initiative to bring awareness about how to support a healthy habitat for butterflies and other pollinators. “I loved … Read more
Two local students who care deeply about the environment and the climate crisis are spreading the word at the Main Library. Benjamin, age 12, created a poster all about monarchs, including why their population is in decline and how people can help. See it on the eastern windows in the Children’s Services Area on the … Read more
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
