As your public library, we love to share! Here’s a roundup of free entertainment resources for adults and teens that we’ve been collecting. Have something to share? Please do! Email communications@oppl.org. New! Arts Arts for Illinois: “This new online platform features talented artists—performers, singers, poets, painters, writers, and many more from across Illinois—who have made … Read more
Featured on the cover of the latest issue of The Storyline, the mosaic peace sign sculpture (pictured above) was created by teen library volunteers and local artist Tia Etu. It now stands outside Dole Center, 255 Augusta St., home to Dole Branch Library. Etu, a working artist with a studio on Harrison Street in the … Read more
Celebrated artist, author, former Oak Parker and School of the Art Institute alum Chris Ware has a new book out, Rusty Brown. Here’s what Slate and The New York Times Book Review had to say about it. And coincidentally, a Rusty Brown comic strip is one of the three Chris Ware pieces owned and displayed on the third floor of … Read more
In November, two traveling art exhibits that inspire empathy and connection are on display at the Main Library. When Home Won’t Let You Stay, in the Idea Box, shares stories and portraits of refugees. Community on a Shelf, in the Lobby Community Engagement Space, explores the human side of mental illness, community support, and libraries. … Read more
It started as a way to celebrate the black experience all year long, and not just during Black History Month. Now, almost 36 months later, the library’s More Than a Month series kicks off its fourth year with an expanded outlook and programs that promote conversation and year-round enrichment for all. ‘It’s both/and’ More Than … Read more
A People’s History of Chicago was at the center of our One Book, One Oak Park series in 2018. In 77 poems, author Kevin Coval traces the city’s history through often untold perspectives, including African-American, Latinx, LGBTQ, and working-class experiences. Find it in the catalog » Poems that bridge time and place One thread running … Read more
By Maliha Chishti Dr. Maliha Chishti is a researcher specializing in war and post-conflict peacebuilding and a Lecturer at the Harris School of Public Policy. On Wednesday, October 3, she joins us at the Main Library at 7 pm as part of the ongoing series Understanding the World of Islam, presented in partnership with the … Read more
Join your community in Celebrating Seniors Week, eight days dedicated to honoring, recognizing, and serving seniors in Oak Park, River Forest, and Forest Park, April 26-May 3. Seniors and their families are invited to join us at your library for a variety of events happening throughout the week. What Will You Do With Tomorrow? Thursday, … Read more
New York-based visual artist Kehinde Wiley was recently selected to paint President Barack Obama’s official presidential portrait, which was added to the presidential portraits wing of the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery in 2018. For an in-person look at the artist’s earlier work, visit the Main Library‘s third floor to see Wiley’s Easter Realness #2, a jewel in … Read more
Oak Park Public Library cardholders can now stream short and feature-length films through Facets Kids, a groundbreaking new service available through our library. Facets Kids offers both animated and live-action films from around the world, specially curated for children ages 2–16 by the experts who bring you the annual Chicago International Children’s Film Festival. The collection includes films by … Read more
