Press Center

Seniors can discover the latest research findings on brain health on May 22 and hear about adventure travel on May 24 from an Oak Park couple who spent a month in Turkey. Then on May 25 end the week by playing computer games encouraging dancing, singing, playing with animals, and journeying down roaring rapids (without getting wet). All three events begin at 2 pm at Oak Park Public Library, 834 Lake Street, and are free and open to all ages. Refreshments will be served. “Celebrating Seniors Week” will be celebrated in Oak Park, River Forest, and Forest Park May 18 through May 25.

The sun is out, the spring colors are vibrant, and your kids are cuter than ever! Now if only you were better at capturing their smiles in your photos. Professional portrait photographer Lisa Green will provide expert advice at “Mom & Pop-parazzi” on Sunday, May 20 at 2 pm at Oak Park Public Library’s Dole Branch at 255 Augusta Street. With decades of experience getting the very best shots, Lisa Green has plenty of tips to share.

UPDATE: the exhibit will now run through Saturday, May 26.

Claudia Schmidt is a powerful vocalist and adventurous artist who combines lively folk, jazz, and blues with rich poetry and playful humor. Hailing from Michigan, she knew at a young age that she was destined to be a singer. Hear Claudia Schmidt perform from her newest CD, Bend in the River: Collected Songs and other albums on Thursday, May 10 at 7 pm at Oak Park Public Library, 834 Lake Street. Free and open to the public. Doors open at 6:30 pm. First-come, first-seated. Meet Claudia Schmidt and purchase her CDs following the concert.

LED light bulbs are now installed in forty lighting units in Oak Park Public Library’s parking garage at 834 Lake Street. The new LED lights are visibly brighter while using less than half the energy of the replaced bulbs. “The new lights also have a motion-detecting feature and switch to half-power when not activated,” states Facilities Manager Rory ONeill. “Since code requires the garage level to be lit after-hours, motion detection means even more savings.” This change is part of Oak Park Public Library’s ongoing efforts to minimize our impact on the natural environment.

Looking for a unique summer volunteer experience? Oak Park Public Library is once again offering a volunteer program for teens that will build your skills, engage your talents, and allow you to give back to the community. Teens entering 7th through 12th grades can apply to join teams like Art Attack and Booktalkers. Seven collaborative teams will be working on a variety of projects, from mural making, graphic designing, and book reviewing, to yarn bombing and recreating historical photographs of the community. Drop-in volunteer opportunities are also available.

Acclaimed graphic memoirist Guy Delisle is making his first-ever North American tour with his strongest work yet – a thoughtful and moving travelogue about life in the Holy City. Delisle will unveil Jerusalem: Chronicles from the Holy City on Wednesday, May 2 at 7 pm at the Oak Park Public Library, 834 Lake Street. This free event is co-sponsored by The Book Table and Oak Park Public Library.