Chilling reads, thrilling tales & lots of Halloween fun

Smiling jack-o-lantern in a dark forest

Feel that chill in the air? Halloween season is here! And your Oak Park librarians are back with spine-chilling reads, creepy tales, and lots more Halloween fun: Browse: Spine-chilling tales & scary stories More from your digital library, sorted by audience & app HORROR FOR ADULTS HORROR FOR TEENS HALLOWEEN FOR KIDS Attend: Upcoming events … Read more

Banned Books Week 2023

Banned Books Week 2023: October 1-7, ala.org/bbooks text with the ALA American Library Assocation logo and a graphic featuring an open books resembling a fire with the words Let Freedom Read in the center

Every year during Banned Books Week (October 1-7 this year), the American Library Association (ALA) celebrates the freedom to read by recognizing books that have been challenged, censored, and banned in libraries and schools. Check out some of the most challenged books (below)—and why they were challenged—from the last year (compiled from data from the ALA’s Office … Read more

Get cozy for autumn

Collage of book covers on a fall forest watercolor background

By Collection Management Librarian Dontaná When the weather starts to turn and the air gets crisp, we pull out our sweaters, socks, and blankets. We start to build a soft nest, perfect for watching the fall rain and the winter snow. We get cozy and settle in with some comfort food and a cup of something … Read more

Hispanic Heritage books, events, videos & more

Collage of books

Your public library is here to connect you with books, events, learning experiences, and online resources that celebrate Hispanic heritage and culture this month and all year long. On this page, you can: This commemorative month (held September 15-October 15) was officially designated as Hispanic Heritage Month by the U.S. Congress in 1968. Learn more at … Read more

The 2023 Booker Prize Longlist

The 2023 Booker Prize book covers

By Collection Management Librarian Kathy The UK’s most prestigious literary award, The Booker Prize is awarded annually to the best novel of the year written in English and published in the UK or Ireland. Check out the longlist titles below—featuring all of the titles currently or soon to be available in the U.S.—and look for the shortlist … Read more

‘Fourth Wing’: Waiting for it? Loved it? Try these titles!

Fourth Wing book cover on a background of dragon scales

By Collection Management Librarian Dontaná I love how much our community uses the library. Sometimes that means waiting for the hottest titles, especially when they get TikTok famous. Don’t fret! I can help you find a similar reading experience to THAT book you are waiting for or that you finally read and loved. Fourth Wing readalikes … Read more

Celebrity book club round-up, August 2023

Read with the stars text on a blue background with sparkling stars and a book collage above

By Collection Management Librarian Dontaná Since Oprah’s first book club pick in 1996, we have been reading as the celebrities do, falling in love with, or hating, characters with our fellow book club readers. Book clubs offer an opportunity to be in community with others, even if we’re not together in person.  Other celebrities who … Read more

Learn for the fun of it: How-to, hobby & craft books, magazines & more

A collage of images: paper flowers, curls of wood, tie-dyed fabric, furniture upholstery

Develop a new skill, dive deep into a hobby you love, or expand your knowledge on a topic you’ve always wanted to explore with these how-to books and resources our librarians love, plus upcoming programs for you to make and create. How-to books How-to resources from your digital library Browse how-to ebooks, videos, and other … Read more

We suggest: Our favorite Book Club Kits

Book Club Kit books and tote bags on shelves

By Collection Management Librarian Kathy Did you know the library has a curated section of Book Club Kits? These are pre-assembled bags with 10 copies of the same popular title, discussion questions curated by Oak Park librarians, and lists of similar titles for book groups. Each bag can be placed on hold by an individual … Read more