Titles for, by & about older adults

A collage of covers of books featured on this page

By Collection Management Librarian Kathy Fiction & nonfiction titles From nonfiction about aging better to fiction or documentaries starring older folks, here are a few titles celebrating seniors. Plus, check out more resources for older adults from your public library » Ageism Unmasked: Exploring Age Bias & How to End It by Tracey Gendron Why … Read more

Titles honoring Malcolm X

Malcolm X titles in a collage

By Collection Management Librarian Kathy Learn more about the life of Malcolm X with these nonfiction and fiction materials—as we celebrate what would have been his 97th birthday on May 19. Materials about Malcolm X The Autobiography of Malcolm X by Malcolm X Why you should try it: Consistently making lists of the best and/or … Read more

‘The School for Good Mothers’: Waiting for it? Loved it? Try these titles!

The School For Good Mothers book cover on wooden plank background with growing vine

By Collection Management Librarian Kathy I love how much our community uses the library. Sometimes that means waiting for the hottest titles. 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. The School for Good Mothers read-alikes Future Home … Read more

Mothers and Others for Peace

Flower petals arranged in the shape of a peace sign

Celebrated the second Sunday each May (this year on May 8), Mother’s Day was first proposed by abolitionist and poet Julia Ward Howe. In her 1872 “Mother’s Day Proclamation,” Howe suggested that people observe Mother’s Day as a day dedicated to peace and supported the importance of coming together during challenging times. In honor of these … Read more

National Library Week 2022: Books to connect you with your community, your people & you

Book covers with overlapping circles in the background

By Collection Management Librarian Dontaná The theme for National Library Week 2022 is “Connect with your library!” And there are so many ways you can connect with your public library… But if this pandemic has taught us nothing else, it has shown us that we need each other. So this week’s book suggestions focus on … Read more

Books & resources for Transgender Day of Visibility

Transgender Day of Visibility

March 31 is Transgender Day of Visibility (TDoV). Founded in 2009 by Rachel Crandall, Transgender Day of Visibility celebrates the resilience and accomplishments of transgender and nonbinary people. The title suggestions below are an invitation to learn about trans identities and experience the lives of trans people and their families. Plus, you’ll find books about … Read more

Updated with results for 2022: Let’s pick the best, together!

Trophy icon with book cover of Three Girls From Bronzeville by Dawn Turneri n the middle of a bracket with a collage of book covers in the background

And the Book Madness winner is… We started with 16 of Oak Park’s favorite titles competing for this year’s top prize. And after the last battle in the championship round, we are down to just one final champion: Three Girls From Bronzeville by Dawn Turner! Thanks to everyone who voted online these last two weeks!

Coming soon: Nonfiction titles to place on hold now

Coming soon... Nonfiction with book covers on a paint roller background

By Collection Management Librarian Kathy Ready to discover a new favorite read? These nonfiction titles are coming out within the next few weeks. Be one of the first to place a hold! Nonfiction titles to put on hold now Woman: The American History of an Idea by Lillian Faderman Why you should try it: Faderman … Read more