By Hal, Rainbow Services Librarian Interested in facilitating conversations about self-expression and gender identity? Check out these two Discovery Kits about pronouns designed to help kids explore self-expression through play. Playing with Pronouns kit Wellness & Life Skills: Playing with Pronouns kit includes two dolls, They, She, He, Easy as ABC, and a game called … Read more
By Hal, Rainbow Services Librarian If you’re looking for a relaxing craft that’s easy to learn, try cross-stitching! Once you know the basics, following a pattern is a lot like doing a paint-by-number. Even a beginner can create beautiful designs. Join us for an interactive crafting workshop, check out our virtual tutorial On April 28, … Read more
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
By Children’s Librarian Eileen Saam At the Oak Park Public Library, we are always looking for ways to foster learning experiences for the children who we serve. We have done lots of research into ways that we can emphasize STEAM learning in the resources that we offer our young patrons. In particular, we have developed … Read more
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! 2022 award-winning titles by women Winter’s Orbit by Everina Maxwell Why you should try it: One of the winners of the … Read more
By Shelley Harris, Children’s Librarian How young is too young to introduce kids to history? There’s no such thing as too young! There are so many delightful and age-appropriate ways to share information on fascinating people from all time periods. Below are some suggestions for videos, books, and activities to share with your early learners! … Read more
By Shelley Harris, Children’s Librarian Scary things are back in the news. Even when we try to insulate children from the news, we often underestimate how much they can overhear and how much they can pick up on tension in their caregivers. It’s very challenging for kids and adults when kids get worried and have … Read more
In honor of Black History Month, let’s learn more about Arturo Alfonso Schomburg, a Puerto Rican historian, writer, curator, and activist! Born in Santurce, Puerto Rico in 1874, Schomburg was the son of a Puerto Rican merchant of German descent and an Afro-Caribbean woman from the Danish West Indies. He spent the majority of his … Read more
By Children’s Librarian Eileen Saam Have you heard about TechGirlz? Each month, the Oak Park Public Library hosts TechGirlz workshops for girls in grades 5-8. What is TechGirlz? Nonprofit organization TechGirlz offers free, fun, interactive workshops with a focus on empowering middle school girls to explore the possibilities of technology and empower their future careers. TechGirlz’s … Read more
By Shelley Harris, Children’s Librarian Who else is watching the Winter Olympics? I love my regular dive back into curling, which always feels like such a fun, accessible and possible sport to play. I also love figure skating, which is less accessible, even when I try to do Ridgeland Common’s noon skates! But whatever the sport on … Read more
