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 events where you can expand your knowledge, make, and create.
How-to books
How-to resources from your digital library
Browse how-to ebooks, videos, and other resources available digitally with your Oak Park library card and PIN.
Ebooks
- Craft and hobby ebooks on Hoopla
- More ebooks by category on Media On Demand/Libby
Digital magazines
- HGTV Magazine, Popular Mechanics, Taste of Home, and more on Media On Demand/Libby
Online resources
- Auto Repair Source: Do-it-yourself repair and maintenance information on most major manufacturers of domestic and imported vehicles.
- Creativebug: An inspirational resource for DIY, crafters, and makers with more than 1,000 award-winning art and craft video classes taught by recognized design experts and artists.
- Hobbies & Crafts Source: Detailed how-to instructions and creative ideas for hobby enthusiasts of all kinds, with full-text articles from leading hobby and craft magazines.
- LinkedIn Learning: Online learning platform with video tutorials to learn business, software, technology, and creative skills to achieve personal and professional goals.
- Mango Languages: Reach conversational proficiency in more than 70 languages—including learning English in more than 20 different native languages—good for beginners and tourists.
- Pressbooks: Easy-to-use book writing software that creates a book in all the formats needed to publish, in print and digitally.
Videos
The Great Courses
The Great Courses instructional videos—with courses covering a wide range of topics, from Art to Zoology—are available on Kanopy (with unlimited checkouts) and Hoopla as a BingePass (offering unlimited streaming for seven days with a single borrow).
More lifelong learning on Hoopla
Check out a Hoopla BingePass to get unlimited streaming for seven days with a single borrow:
- Fret Zealot: Master an instrument at your own pace with 3,500 video lessons from the world’s top instructors catering to all skill levels.
- Gardening with Monty Don: Discover delightful gardening ideas with 300+ episodes of the UK’s acclaimed gardening series Gardeners’ World featuring the renowned British horticulture broadcaster and writer.
- New! Get Healthy U TV BingePass: Transform your home into the ultimate fitness studio with a diverse range of workouts—strength, cardio, kickboxing, barre, bodyweight, low impact, yoga, and more—led by expert trainers.
- New! In the Kitchen with Craftsy: Dive into a collection of 64 cooking and baking episodes led by renowned experts—covering everything from baking basics to advanced techniques—for everyone from novices to seasoned chefs.
How-to, hobby & crafting events
Follow the links below to register now.
For adults
Mobile Tech Workshop for Older Adults: Managing iCloud Storage
Friday, August 2, 11 am-12:45 pm, Main Library
This workshop will cover the basics of using iCloud for storing files like photos, videos, text messages, and emails. Bring along your mobile devices and laptops to learn how to backup, retrieve, and delete files on iCloud. Please note that this workshop is focused on iPhone, iPad, and Apple Account users; the content will not be relevant for Android users.
Chair Yoga
Tuesday, August 13, 20 & 27, 12:30-1 pm, virtual
Calm and center your mind while moving your body through intentional poses and sequences. Chair yoga can improve your flexibility, concentration, and strength, while boosting your mood, and reducing stress and joint strain. Now is a great time to start a practice or revisit one.
Scrabble Club
Tuesday, August 13, 1-3 pm, Main Library
Join us for a friendly game of Scrabble. All skills levels and ages are welcome.
Adult Improv
Tuesday, August 13, 7-8:30 pm, Maze Branch
Tuesday, August 27, 7-8:30 pm, virtual
Looking for a way to let your inner comedian run free? Want to improve your quick-thinking skills? Join us for a night of spontaneous comedy. All skill levels welcome. Warning: Hilarity will ensue.
Laser Cutting Workshop: Design a Coaster
Thursday, August 22, 11 am-12 pm, Main Library
Create a coaster using the library’s Glowforge laser cutter! The library will provide materials to make an engraved wooden coaster with a cork base. Attendees can either draw a design for a coaster by hand or create text and artwork for the coaster digitally. Patrons under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult (18+) caregiver for this event.
Video Editing Workshop: Adobe Premiere Elements
Wednesday, August 28, 6-7:30 pm, Main Library
Explore the basics of video editing with Adobe Premiere Elements. Learn skills like importing video, slicing clips, and exporting video for posting on social media platforms using provided stock footage. Attendees will walk away with an editable video project file and a 30-second clip that will be presented at the end of the program. Please bring a USB flash drive if you wish to use your own footage or save your work. Laptops with Adobe Premiere Elements will be provided for this program.
For teens
Teen Gaming at Maze
Wednesday, August 7, 3-5 pm, Maze Branch
Join us for a round of board games, video games, and card games! All teens ages 13-18 are welcome to attend, and feel free to bring a friend!
College Readiness: All About Scholarships
Friday, August 9, 3-4 pm, Main Library
This introduction to the process of applying for scholarships addresses the basics of a scholarship application, along with tips on how to submit a successful application. It is designed to flexibly integrate high school resources while informing students of reputable sources of information.
For kids
Supported Gardening
Monday, August 12, 10-11 am, Maze Branch
Gardening helps build strong bodies and minds! This season, we will be growing a Victory Garden with herbs and vegetables that we will harvest, turn some into snacks, and donate the rest to Beyond Hunger. Visual schedules and sensory supports will be provided. Every class, we will read a gardening book, tend the garden, and make a gluten and dairy-free recipe to try. Weather permitting. Designed for kids with disabilities age 3+ and their siblings.
Coding for Kids
Saturday, August 17, 10-11 am, Main Library
Want to explore the world of code? Join Codifica + Code for an opportunity to code your own website! Participate in a bilingual (English and Spanish) setting. Sign up now for fun brain breaks and learn about coding and its intersection with AI and more.
Chess Open Play for Kids
Monday, August 19, 4-5 pm, Main Library
Drop in and play chess with other kids looking for a game! This is not an instructional session, so players should be able to play independently.
Crafternoon
Tuesday, August 20, 2-4 pm, Main Library
If you like crafting in our Acorn Lab, you're going to love this! We provide a huge variety of art materials and you provide the creative spirit. All ages welcome, younger children require adult assistance.
