Honoring Asian American, Native Hawaiian & Pacific Islander heritage

Collage of book covers

Your public library is here to connect you with books, online resources, and learning experiences that honor Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander history and culture all year long. On this page, you can: The month of May is officially proclaimed as Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month by the White House but … Read more

Supporting the freedom to read

All across the United States, there is an unprecedented campaign to censor books in school and public libraries. In March, the American Library Association (ALA) reported that 2022 saw the highest number of attempted book bans in 20 years, nearly double the number in 2021. “Overwhelmingly, we’re seeing these challenges come from organized censorship groups … Read more

Highlighting the role libraries play in our lives

National Library Week April 23-29, 2023: There's More to the Story text with a collage of book covers below

Sponsored by the American Library Association (ALA), National Library Week is a weeklong celebration—held this year April 23-29—to highlight the essential role libraries play in strengthening the lives of individuals and their communities as a whole. It’s also about Supporting the Freedom to Read » So what better way to celebrate than by checking out … Read more

It’s National Poetry Month

April is National Poetry Month text with a colorful background and book cover collages

April is National Poetry Month! And whether you love poetry or are looking to try something new, we hope you’ll find a new favorite poem (or two!) in these lists of new titles for all ages, curated by your Oak Park librarians. Poetry books for all ages Looking for more? Check out digital poetry titles … Read more

Poet Hila Ratzabi is exploring the big questions & speaking for Earth

Hila Ratzabi and book cover of "There Are Still Woods"

By Kristen Romanowski, Staff Writer & Editor Hila Ratzabi became a poet at age 7. As a New York City kid growing up in Queens, she was composing poems about pigeons, steeping herself in Shel Silverstein, and falling in love with the music of language, the joy of playing with words. “From that young age, … Read more

2023 award-winning titles

A collage of award-winning titles on a purple and gold background

By Collection Management Librarian Kathy We love book award season! Here are some recent winners for all ages—that also all happen to be written by women. A great way to celebrate Women’s History Month! Award-winning titles written by women Tomb of Sand by Geetanjali Shree Why you should try it: For folks who want a well-written, leisurely-paced, … Read more

ICYMI: Recently released fiction & nonfiction

Book cover collage on a colorfully painted background

By Collection Management Librarians Dontaná and Kathy Check out these recently released fiction and nonfiction titles that might have flown under your radar. They are perfect for celebrating Black History Month. Fiction Africa Risen: A New Era of Speculative Fiction edited by Sheree R. Thomas, Oghenechovwe Donald Ekpeki & Zelda Knight Why you should try … Read more

Resources to reflect on, to share & to take action

Main Library Third Floor book stacks

As your public library, we are here for you and have compiled a list of library, local, and regional resources focusing on: Mental health and trauma assistance Gun violence Voting and legislation Misinformation Books and library resources Mental health & trauma assistance  For all ages Managing distress in the aftermath of a shooting from the … Read more

Celebrate Black Love Day

Book cover collage with purple hearts on a black background

By Collection Management Librarian Dontaná Nestled in the middle of February’s observance of Black History Month, and the day before Valentine’s Day, Black Love Day is a celebration of love specific to Black people. Founded in 1993 by Ayo Handy-Kendi, Black Love Day rests upon “5 Loving Acts”: Love for The Creator, Love for Self, … Read more