Get connected to resources, information, and community groups focused on sustainability with help from your public library. Meet Christine, research green information from trusted sources, and participate in library-led environmental and sustainability programs.
What’s new
Find the latest sustainability and environmental events and resources curated by your Oak Park librarians.
Get expert answers, local connections
Christine is our Environmental Programming Specialist. She helps you find the sustainability and environmental resources you need. She also collaborates closely with librarians curating the environmental collection, develops related programming, and cultivates community partnerships based on sustainability and the environment.
Online sustainability & environmental resources
Your Oak Park library card gives you access to subscription-based resources that Google can’t offer.
- GreenFile: Articles from scholarly and general interest titles focused on the environment, with the ability to limit to full-text or peer-reviewed.
- National Geographic Kids: Go on amazing adventures in science, nature, culture, archaeology, and space. NatGeo Kids offers a complete run of the magazine from 2009 to the present, as well as books, videos, and images. High-quality informational texts are available for primary, upper elementary, and middle school students.
The library’s sustainability initiatives
The library sustains, shares, and respects community resources, including the natural environment. Environmental work includes:
- Public programs supported by a dedicated staff member
- Board of Library Trustees‘ participation in IGOV and PlanIt Green
- Support of the Year of the Butterfly in 2021
- The Main Library Green Roof and its two honeybee colonies, as well as more green features integrated throughout library spaces
- LED lighting upgrades at the Main Library (underway) and at Maze Branch (conversion to 100% LED is complete)
- Participation in the Village of Oak Park’s Energy and Water Benchmarking Program
- Support for Climate Ready Oak Park, including by sharing information and hosting the plan’s one-year anniversary community conversation
