By Older Adult Services Librarian Ian Gosse
Time is about to move twice its usual speed. Physics will tell you this is impossible, but physics doesn’t take the holiday season into account—when there never seems to be enough time to do everything. Luckily, whether it’s planning for holiday visitors or figuring out some of the best gifts, the library has tools to help you make it through the upcoming time warp.
1. Creativebug to the rescue for handmade crafts
Your Oak Park library card gives you access to the artistic world of Creativebug.
- This online resource offers thousands of videos and resources for all varieties of arts and crafts.
- They have hundreds of videos available for crafts to do with kids, which are perfect for keeping visiting grandchildren entertained and maybe even making some nice holiday decorations together.
- Or, if you’re thinking about getting the yarn out to make a gift but need some inspiration, check out the great videos for some new ideas.
To access Creativebug, log in using the library’s Creativebug portal. If you need a hand, read this Tech Tip post on how to get started.
2. Check out holiday cookbooks & cooking events
I love cooking and baking, particularly around the holidays. The warmth from the oven and the smell of spices always help me get into the holiday spirit. While I have my much-loved recipes for pies and cookies, I also like to try out new things from time to time.
If you, like me, want to try some new recipes this year, the library has you covered.
- We have a great set of cookbooks available for checkout. You can browse them on the shelves or look them up in the library catalog.
- Your library card also gives you access to a collection of digital cookbooks that you can check out through Libby and Hoopla. Just prop up a tablet above the counter and read the recipe as you go.
In addition to these physical and digital resources, the library has three virtual cooking programs coming up.
- Classroom Kitchen: Holiday Brunch, Wednesday, November 20, 6:30 pm, virtual
- Illinois Libraries Present: Holiday Tips & Tricks With Chef Art Smith, Wednesday, November 20, 7 pm, virtual
- Classroom Kitchen: Holiday Cookies: Baking & Decorating With Royal Icing, Wednesday, December 11, 6:30 pm, virtual
3. Choosing gifts with Consumer Reports
Whether you are getting a gift for a family member or friend or just treating yourself, it is always a good idea to stay informed about the products available and which are the best to buy.
With your Oak Park library card, you have access to the Consumer Reports database, where you can find unbiased ratings and performance reviews for thousands of common products.
To access Consumer Reports, log in using the library’s Consumer Reports portal. For a full description of what Consumer Reports does and how to log in, check out this Tech Tips post on how to get started.
4. Make something new with the Creative Studio
The Creative Studio, located on the third floor of the Main Library, is a great place to stop in if you’re looking for other ideas for gifts, decorations, or a way to get a poster for an event you’re hosting that’s coming up quickly.
If you already have an idea of something you would like to print, you can submit up to two 3D prints and one poster print per month through our website.
If you would like to come in to work on your own self-paced projects, the studio is open five days a week.
If you are already versed in the machinery and can use it yourself, you can use the Cricut to cut out vinyl or cardstock or the new sublimation printer and heat press to put full-color photos on mugs and t-shirts. We even have a laser cutter to cut, score, and engrave plywood, hardwoods, and acrylics.
If you’re unfamiliar with the machinery in the Creative Studio but would like to learn more, check out one of the upcoming classes and workshops, or schedule a one-on-one learning session with library staff.
5. Attend a library-led holiday or craft event
Aside from these great resources, the library also has other crafting and entertainment events coming up in the next month, including:
- Craft Corner: Paper Bag Snowflakes, Wednesday, December 4, 6 pm, Maze Branch
- Musical Performance by Noteworthy, Wednesday, December 4, 7:30 pm, Main Library
- Healing Through the Holidays, Saturday, December 7, 11 am-2 pm, Main Library
- Illinois Libraries Presents: Little Women: The Musical, December 20-22, virtual
- Kwanzaa Celebration, Monday, December 30, 6 pm, Main Library
You’ll hear from us again in the New Year, so if I don’t see you in person—wherever you are and whatever you celebrate—I wish you all happy holidays.
About Ian
Ian is an Adult Services Librarian specializing in older adult services. You will often see him outside the library delivering items through Home Delivery, riding the Book Bike, or tabling at an outreach event. Ian listens to a lot of audiobooks—mostly fantasy—and plays tabletop and video games.
