Celebrity book club round-up, August 2023

Read with the stars text on a blue background with sparkling stars and a book collage above

By Collection Management Librarian Dontaná Since Oprah’s first book club pick in 1996, we have been reading as the celebrities do, falling in love with, or hating, characters with our fellow book club readers. Book clubs offer an opportunity to be in community with others, even if we’re not together in person.  Other celebrities who … Read more

Learn for the fun of it: How-to, hobby & craft books, magazines & more

A collage of images: paper flowers, curls of wood, tie-dyed fabric, furniture upholstery

Develop a new skill, dive deep into a hobby you love, or expand your knowledge on a topic you’ve always wanted to explore with these how-to books and resources our librarians love, plus upcoming programs for you to make and create. How-to books How-to resources from your digital library Browse how-to ebooks, videos, and other … Read more

Disability Pride: ‘I really want to go big’

People pose during Disability Pride Month programs. At right, a girl holds a sign reading "Disability is not a bad word!"

When Children’s Librarian Shelley Harris was gearing up for Disability Pride Month celebrations at the library earlier this year, she kept thinking to herself: “I really want to go big. I want to go so big.” Harris spoke recently with WBEZ Chicago’s Reset about the library’s third year celebrating Disability Pride Month, which marks the … Read more

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