Check out the 2020 National Book Awards winners and our read-alike titles, suggested by Oak Park’s fantastically well-read librarians! The National Book Awards were established in 1950 to celebrate the best writing in America. Learn more about how the awards work from the National Book Foundation » Fiction winner Interior Chinatown by Charles Yu & read-alikes … Read more
By Collection Management Librarian Dontaná McPherson-Joseph November 20 is Transgender Day of Remembrance, a day to honor the lives and legacies of trans people, the pioneers and the everyday neighbors, who have passed away, most often through violence. A notable and sudden passing this year was Monica Roberts, a Black trans woman who was better known … Read more
While we may be spending more time apart this year, sharing stories can connect people and families across distances, whether you’re separated by long distances or if you’re social distancing. During Family Stories Month this November, connect with your family—biological, adopted, by choice—by sharing stories, both learning about your family’s story and reading stories about … Read more
Every year on November 11, we honor America’s military veterans for their service. Below are some recent, thoughtful reads to help you observe. Plus, mark your calendar to watch Oak Park’s annual Veterans Day ceremony virtually on Zoom Wednesday, November 11 at 11 am: On your computer: Visit zoom.us, enter meeting ID 839-1069-9966 with passcode … Read more
By Collection Management Librarian Kathy Sexton Are you up for the challenge of writing 50,000 words of a novel during the month of November? Join thousands of writers around the globe for NaNoWriMo and let these books bolster and guide you. Find novel writing events and resources from your library to help you get started … Read more
Gremlins, ghosts, and goblins, oh my! The spookiest day of the year is almost here! With a full moon on the horizon, this year’s Halloween is sure to be extra eerie. Keeping your Halloween festivities close to home this year? Cozy up with these titles suggested by your Oak Park librarians…but maybe keep the lights … Read more
By Collection Management Librarian Dontaná McPherson-Joseph Travel with us to the oft-overlooked region of Appalachia. Nestled in the peaks, valleys, nooks, and crannies of the Appalachian Mountains, separating the East Coast from the Midwest, this beautiful region is home to rare accents, deep religion, and hidden secrets. Appalachian fiction Betty by Tiffany McDaniel Why you should … Read more
By Collection Management Librarian Kathy Sexton Looking for a good nonfiction read? Whether it’s current events, history, science, memoir, or poetry, here are a few recently published books that are sure to scratch your nonfiction itch. Nonfiction titles you might have missed 14 Miles by D.W. Gibson Why you should try it: Tired of hearing … Read more
In 2017, the Village of Oak Park Board of Trustees approved a proclamation declaring the second Monday in October Indigenous Peoples’ Day. This day recognizes that Native peoples were the first inhabitants of North America and celebrates their history, traditions, and stories. We acknowledge that Oak Park is situated on the ancestral land of the … Read more
By Collection Management Librarian Kathy Sexton We acknowledge that Oak Park is situated on the ancestral land of the Bodewamiadkiwen (Potawatomi), Myaamia (Miami), Oceti Sakowin, Kiikaapoi (Kickapoo), and Peoria. We honor them and thank them for their stewardship of this land. In 2017, the Village of Oak Park Board of Trustees approved a proclamation declaring … Read more
