Do you have thyme to garden?

A collage of gardening books with a garden in the background

By Collection Management Librarian Dontaná The threat of frost and snow is almost over, and it’s time to start your seeds. Gardens come in all shapes and sizes. Whether you have a flower garden or a vegetable garden—or a big space or a small one—this list is sure to help with all your gardening needs. … Read more

Transgender Day of Visibility: Books, virtual tutorials & more resources

Transgender Day of Visibility text with a blue, pink, and white striped flag in the background

By Rainbow Services Librarian Hal (adult and teen titles curated by Collection Management Librarian Dontaná) Held each year on March 31, Transgender Day of Visibility (TDoV) celebrates the lives and accomplishments of transgender and nonbinary people. Trans advocate Rachel Crandall founded TDoV in 2010 because stories in the media about transgender and nonbinary people so … Read more

Tech Tips: What is a URL?

Laptop sitting on kitchen table

By Amelia, Digital Learning Specialist Have you ever wondered what the letters “URL” mean or seen the phrase “follow this link for more information”? Maybe you’ve seen a URL or a website link in advertisements or on event flyers, product information, or even the news. In this Tech Tip, we’ll cover what URLs are and … Read more

Make practicing early literacy skills a habit: Videos & activities for early learners

An illustration of children and adults standing in a line with letters of the alphabet in the background

By Shelley Harris, Children’s Librarian How are you doing? We’re a quarter of the way through the year. It’s a little warmer, a little sunnier. Sometimes things feel a little more manageable as the days get longer and brighter! Every week, I send a literacy tip or activity to everyone signed up for Early Bird … 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

Winter horror films that’ll chill you to the bone

A collage of movie posters with a background featuring a dark winter scene with snow on the ground and trees looming

by Collection Management Librarian Andrea Who says horror is just for Halloween? Winter can be equally terrifying—with long dark nights and uncontrollable storms that can be truly isolating, both figuratively and literally. So grab your favorite blanket, turn off the lights, and lean into the horror of winter with these titles! Bone-chilling films About Andrea … Read more

New art on display at the library in March

Oak Park Elementary School District 97 student artwork hanging on Main Library Lobby Community Space wall

March is Youth Art Month All March in the Main Library Lobby Community Space: We’re delighted to welcome back a Youth Art Month display (pictured above and below). Student artists in grades K-5, from all eight Oak Park Elementary School District 97 schools, contributed their art to this display. Come in for a close viewing … Read more

2022: A year in review

Pictures of the 2022 Anti-Racism Impact Report and 2022 Strategic Priorities Impact Report

In March 2021, the Board of Library Trustees voted to approve the Oak Park Public Library’s first stand-alone Anti-Racism Strategic Plan. This multi-year plan was created to address internalized, interpersonal, institutional, and structural racism in both internal and external practices at the library. To stay accountable to the work outlined in that stand-alone plan—as well … Read more

Share sounds: Videos & books for early learners

Illustration of children listening to a story with sound waves in the background

By Shelley Harris, Children’s Librarian The grasshopper chirpeth, the lamb bleateth, the owl hooteth. Animal sounds are found in so many books and songs for children, including the first-known picture book written for children, published in 1659!   What makes animal sounds so important that they’ve been taught to young children for centuries? Not only are … Read more