Unplug at your library: Activities for grade schoolers

Kids creating in the Acorn Lab

By Eileen Saam, Children’s Librarian Kids, take a break from screens this summer with some unplugged activities at the library! Borrow a robot discovery kit We have several 100% screen-free robot discovery kits for different age groups. These fun robot kits help kids develop coding skills and promote problem-solving and critical thinking skills. Check out … 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

Disability Pride Month: Activities for early learners & caregivers

Disability Pride Flag

By Shelly Harris, Children’s Librarian July is Disability Pride Month! It’s been celebrated since 1990, when President HW Bush signed the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) on July 26, though many non-disabled people have not heard of it. Disability Pride Month means different things to different people: honoring early activists, recognizing that their disability is … Read more

Get the most from adult summer reading

Graphics of a movie projector, book, conversation bubbles, and headphones and a beachy background

By Rose Barnes, Health & Senior Services Librarian It’s July, and summer is in full swing! If you’re like me you might relish the longer days and warm summer nights. You also might find that you’re out and about more this summer after the past few years when it was imperative to limit social interaction … Read more

Throwback summer blockbusters

Movie posters with starburst background

By Collection Management Librarian Andrea Some of the best things about summer are the beaches, outdoor events, and, of course, cooling off in a movie theater. Why not recreate that movie theater experience at home with these throwback summer blockbusters? Past summer movie hits Alien (1979) Why you should watch it: With fantastic visual effects, … Read more

Disability Pride books, a display & supported events

Collage of book covers

Your public library is here to connect you with books, learning experiences, events, and online resources that celebrate people with disabilities and disability as an identity in July and all year long. On this page, you can: What is Disability Pride Month? Disability Pride celebrates people with disabilities and disability as an identity, honoring the … Read more

Tech Tips: How to use keyboard shortcuts (beyond cut, copy & paste)

Close up of computer keyboard keys

By Digital Learning Specialist Amelia You might be familiar with the keyboard shortcuts to copy, cut, and paste (and if you’re not, check step-by-step instructions on how to use these shortcuts in Microsoft Word and on your smartphone). But did you know that there are more keyboard shortcuts you can use to navigate your computer … Read more