Middle schoolers to ‘lead with love’ in John Lewis series this fall

Brooks Middle School teachers Nichelle Stigger and Katy Alejos

By Nichelle Stigger, Brooks Middle School Note: A version of this post first appeared in Wednesday Journal and OakPark.com on October 5, 2021. Read the piece on OakPark.com » I have one rule in my sixth grade Language & Literature classroom at Brooks Middle School: lead with love. When working with a partner, when walking in the hallways, … Read more

Discuss “March” by John Lewis in new fall series

This fall, join us for a three-part virtual series in which we’ll read and discuss the March graphic novel trilogy by John Lewis. We’ll use a circle format to discuss the work of the late civil rights icon and U.S. Congressman (D-Ga.) John Lewis, and reflect together on the impact of civil rights movements today. This honest, anti-racist … Read more

‘Something has to be done about the climate crisis’

Two local students who care deeply about the environment and the climate crisis are spreading the word at the Main Library. Benjamin, age 12, created a poster all about monarchs, including why their population is in decline and how people can help. See it on the eastern windows in the Children’s Services Area on the … Read more

We suggest: 2021 fall reads for teens

Fall reads book covers

by Alexander Gutierrez, Teen Services Librarian With summer coming to an end and classes back in session, it’s a great time to fall into a fresh new read!  These titles aren’t pumpkin spice-flavored or apple cider-infused, but they are a pretty sweet pick-me-up for the upcoming chilly weather that will hopefully chase away this tedious … Read more

Exploring tarot: A new monthly meet-up & virtual tutorial

Tarot cards

By Hal, Rainbow Services Librarian Tarot is a journey. The cards of the major arcana in the Rider-Waite deck—the most commonly seen deck in the English-speaking world, but there are others!—depict the story of the youthful fool setting off on an adventure where they will encounter new people, face great challenges, and discover more about … Read more

Teens’ ice cream social brings ‘a ray of sunshine’

Our first Leading Edge Teen Advisory Board Ice Cream Social event in June was a huge success! Community members young and old came to meet the board members, get ice cream treats, take pictures, and play chess with our Teen Services Librarian, Alex Gutierrez. “This event truly brought a ray of sunshine to the Oak … Read more

Best of 2021 (so far): Teen books

Best of 2021 (so far) Teen Books

Introducing Oak Park’s Best of 2021 (so far)! We just couldn’t wait until the end of the year to share the titles our library staff loved so far in 2021, so you’ll find our favorite books for teens on this page. Or browse more using the links below. Adult fiction & nonfiction | Teen books … Read more

Meet Matthew, Leading Edge logo designer

Last summer, we held a logo design contest to help spread the word about the Leading Edge Teen Advisory Board (LETAB), one of the library’s Teen Services initiatives. A volunteer group for students ages 13-17, LETAB’s mission is to offer guidance and a teen-centered perspective to the Oak Park community and the Teen Services team. … Read more