Idea Box

Located just inside the entrance of the Main Library, this 9×13 space is always changing. Designed both for and with community, the Idea Box space exists to empower voices and to provide historically, intentionally, and traditionally marginalized people groups a unique public space to create, inform, build, share, and be.

Dima Ali stands outside the Main Library Idea Box. Her display Ramadan Around the World can be seen through the windows.

Through March 31: Ramadan Around the World is a vibrant exhibition showcasing the rich tapestry of Muslim cultures from around the globe, curated in collaboration with community member and Being Different founder Dima Ali (pictured).

Previous displays & exhibits

  • February 2025: Celebrating Local Black Artists
  • January 2025: MLK Dream Hands
  • January 2025: National Braille Literacy Month
  • December 2024: Serenity in December: A Space for Reflection and Resolution
  • November 2024: Native American Heritage Month
  • October-November 2024:  Día de Muertos/Day of the Dead
  • September-October 2024: Hispanic Heritage Month
  • August 2024: Overdose Awareness
  • July 2024: Disability Pride Month
  • June 2024: LGBTQ+ Pride Month
  • June 2024: Juneteenth
  • May 2024: Jewish American Heritage Month
  • May 2024: A Celebration of Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) Heritage Month
  • April 2024: National Poetry Month
  • March 2024: Celebrating Ramadan
  • February 2024: Julian Legacy Museum
  • January 2024: Martin Luther King Jr.
  • December 2023: Holidays Around the World
  • November 2023: Celebrating Diwali
  • October-November 2023: Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead)
  • September-October 2023: Hispanic Heritage Month
  • August 2023: Opioid Awareness
  • July 2023: Disability Pride
  • June 2023: Celebrating 50 Years of Hip Hop
  • May 2023: Celebrating Asian Pacific Islander Desi American Month
  • April 2023: Celebrating Ramadan by Oak Parker Dima Ali
  • February-March 2022: “The Work”: Black History Museum
  • January 2022: Martin Luther King Jr. Lorraine Motel Memorial Window Exhibit, by the Oak Park Public Library
  • December 2022: Holidays Around the World, by the Oak Park Public Library
  • November 2022: Gender Is a Galaxy, Gender Is a Weapon, Transgender Day of Remembrance exhibit, presented by Aaron McManus
  • November 2022: Día de Muertos community ofrenda, by the Oak Park Public Library
  • October 2022: A display, by Beyond Hunger
  • September 2022: Trapfuturism, by Nailah Golden
  • August 2022: Overdose Awareness
  • August 2022: Oak Park Community Fridge Display
  • July 2022: Disability Pride Display, by the Oak Park Public Library
  • June 2022: Tia Etu Exhibit: Juneteenth—The Call, with works by Tia Etu
  • June 2022: Pride Month Display, by the Oak Park Public Library
  • May 2022: Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month Display, presented by Oak Park community members
  • April 2022: Ramadan Around the World Display, presented in collaboration with Dima Ali, community member and founder of Being Different
  • February-March 2022: Black History Special Exhibit: The Brian and ShaRhonda Dawson Collection
  • October 2021: Day of the Dead Art Display, designed by fellow librarian, talented artist, and Oak Park resident Raleigh Ocampo
  • September 2021: Multicultural Collection Artifacts on Display, by the Oak Park Public Library