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Painting of a man wearing a hat

Art Exhibit: "Behind the Mask": Portraits by Pete Gillespie

All Day 11/17 - 12/31
Maze Branch Library
Program Type:
Arts & Culture
Age Group:
Elementary School, Middle School, High School, Adults, Older Adults

"I interview strangers and attempt to capture in color and composition the emotion that I felt during the conversation. I work from photographs. Each painting is accompanied by a collection of quotes from our conversation.

Library Branch: Maze Branch Library
Age Group: Elementary School, Middle School, High School, Adults, Older Adults
Program Type: Arts & Culture
Event Details:

"I interview strangers and attempt to capture in color and composition the emotion that I felt during the conversation. I work from photographs. Each painting is accompanied by a collection of quotes from our conversation.

'Group Portrait With Bird' oil on canvas, 2014

Art Exhibit: "The Hovering Brush" by Jonathan Franklin

All Day 12/9 - 1/17
Gallery at Main Library
Program Type:
Arts & Culture, Kids & Families, Students Grades 6-8, Students Grades 9-12
Age Group:
Elementary School, Middle School, High School, Adults, Older Adults

The Hovering Brush by Jonathan Franklin will be on view December 9-January 17 at the Main Library Gallery.

Library Branch: Main Library
Room: Gallery
Age Group: Elementary School, Middle School, High School, Adults, Older Adults
Program Type: Arts & Culture, Kids & Families, Students Grades 6-8, Students Grades 9-12
Event Details:

The Hovering Brush by Jonathan Franklin will be on view December 9-January 17 at the Main Library Gallery.

Desk space with a laptop, phone, pen, and notebook

One-on-One Small Business Consulting

Friday, December 26, 2025 at 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Conference Room at Main Library
Program Type:
Careers & Businesses
Age Group:
Adults

Do you have questions about starting or growing a business? Sit down with Chettha Saetia, business owner, business advisor, and Director of The Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Chinese Mutual Aid Association (CMAA).

Library Branch: Main Library
Room: Conference Room
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Careers & Businesses
Event Details:

Do you have questions about starting or growing a business? Sit down with Chettha Saetia, business owner, business advisor, and Director of The Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Chinese Mutual Aid Association (CMAA).

Embroidery project with hands holding the hoop

Embroidery Class for Kids

Monday, December 29, 2025 at 3:00pm - 4:30pm
Storytime Room at Main Library
Program Type:
Arts & Culture, Kids & Families
Age Group:
Elementary School

Discover the art of embroidery in this hands on program for kids. We'll learn how to do a simple stitch using a hoop, needle and thread. Take home your own creative project! All materials are provided. No experience is needed. 

Join the waitlist
Registration Required
Capacity has been reached. Additional registrants will be placed on the waitlist.
Library Branch: Main Library
Room: Storytime Room
Age Group: Elementary School
Program Type: Arts & Culture, Kids & Families
Registration Required
Event Details:

Discover the art of embroidery in this hands on program for kids. We'll learn how to do a simple stitch using a hoop, needle and thread. Take home your own creative project! All materials are provided. No experience is needed. 

Snowy Storytime and Craft

Tuesday, December 30, 2025 at 11:00am - 12:00pm
Storytime Room at Main Library
Program Type:
Kids & Families, Storytimes
Age Group:
Preschool

Celebrate all things snow, as we read stories, share songs, and play with puppets. This storytime will be followed by a snow-themed craft. 

Register now
Registration Required
Registration will close on December 30, 2025 @ 11:00am.
Library Branch: Main Library
Room: Storytime Room
Age Group: Preschool
Program Type: Kids & Families, Storytimes
Registration Required
Event Details:

Celebrate all things snow, as we read stories, share songs, and play with puppets. This storytime will be followed by a snow-themed craft. 

Yoga mats stacked next to a chair

VIRTUAL: Chair Yoga

Tuesday, December 30, 2025 at 12:30pm - 1:00pm
Virtual Program at Virtual
Program Type:
Equity & Anti-Racism, Health & Wellness
Age Group:
Adults, Older Adults
Chair Yoga:

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 ...

Register now
Registration Required
Virtual Event
Registration will close on December 30, 2025 @ 12:30pm.
Library Branch: Virtual
Room: Virtual Program
Age Group: Adults, Older Adults
Program Type: Equity & Anti-Racism, Health & Wellness
Registration Required

Chair Yoga

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.

What to know before you join

  • Chair yoga and meditation are accessible and open for all
  • Dress comfortably
  • Find a location where you can focus and dedicate 30 minutes to you
  • You are not required to keep your camera on
  • Prepare to take time to match your movement and motion and have a little fun
  • Have a chair that can be stationary

About the instructor
Instructor DuShaun Branch is focused on bringing yoga to as many BIPOC and plus-sized communities as possible. She believes people not only need rest and relaxation, but resistance. Yoga is a powerful way to tap into the balance of ease and positive effort. DuShaun teaches through the lens of equity and trauma-informed, hosting classes in “nontraditional” settings all over the city. She intends on taking down as many barriers as possible to bring yoga to those who are looking for calm and relaxed minds. DuShaun truly believes yoga is for all, and shares that throughout Chicago and beyond.

Disclaimer(s)

Virtual Program

After you register (below), you will receive an email with a specific Zoom link to join the event.

By registering, you agree to library policy and understand that no conduct is permitted that may reasonably be expected to create a disturbance or otherwise interfere with the safe use and enjoyment of the library and program by others. All times are listed in Central time.

Kwanzaa Celebration

Tuesday, December 30, 2025 at 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Veterans Room at Main Library
Program Type:
Arts & Culture, Equity & Anti-Racism, Multicultural
Age Group:
Preschool, Elementary School, Middle School, High School, Adults, Older Adults

Come and celebrate Kwanzaa at the Oak Park Public Library! Hosted by community leader Ade Onayemi, this free, family-friendly event brings together music, dance, culture, and community. 

Register now
Registration Required
Registration will close on December 30, 2025 @ 6:00pm.
Library Branch: Main Library
Room: Veterans Room
Age Group: Preschool, Elementary School, Middle School, High School, Adults, Older Adults
Program Type: Arts & Culture, Equity & Anti-Racism, Multicultural
Registration Required
Event Details:

Come and celebrate Kwanzaa at the Oak Park Public Library! Hosted by community leader Ade Onayemi, this free, family-friendly event brings together music, dance, culture, and community. 

Virtual: Adult Improv

Tuesday, December 30, 2025 at 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Virtual Program at Virtual
Program Type:
Arts & Culture
Age Group:
Adults, Older Adults
Adult Improv:

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: Hil...

Register now
Registration Required
Virtual Event
Registration will close on December 30, 2025 @ 7:00pm.
Library Branch: Virtual
Room: Virtual Program
Age Group: Adults, Older Adults
Program Type: Arts & Culture
Registration Required

Adult Improv

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.

Adult Improv is held both in person at the Maze Branch Library and virtually every month; see all upcoming Adult Improv events »

Disclaimer(s)

Virtual Program

After you register (below), you will receive an email with a specific Zoom link to join the event.

By registering, you agree to library policy and understand that no conduct is permitted that may reasonably be expected to create a disturbance or otherwise interfere with the safe use and enjoyment of the library and program by others. All times are listed in Central time.

Countdown to 2026 Memory Journals

Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at 11:00am - 12:15pm
Storytime Room at Main Library
Program Type:
Kids & Families
Age Group:
Preschool, Elementary School

Let's close the book on 2025 and get ready for a new year! We'll have paper for kids to create and decorate their own books where they can write or draw out their memories of 2025, plus make wishes and goals for 2026. 

 

Register now
Registration Required
Registration will close on December 31, 2025 @ 11:00am.
Library Branch: Main Library
Room: Storytime Room
Age Group: Preschool, Elementary School
Program Type: Kids & Families
Registration Required
Event Details:

Let's close the book on 2025 and get ready for a new year! We'll have paper for kids to create and decorate their own books where they can write or draw out their memories of 2025, plus make wishes and goals for 2026. 

 

Disclaimer(s)

Masks Encouraged

Masks for everyone age 2+ are encouraged while attending this program.

Make Your Own Bookmarks

Friday, January 2, 2026 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Storytime Room at Main Library
Program Type:
Kids & Families
Age Group:
Preschool, Elementary School

We'll supply paper, markers, string, and a laminator, you bring your creativity! Design your own bookmarks for yourself or to give as gifts, and we will laminate them so you can keep them forever!

Register now
Registration Required
Registration will close on December 29, 2025 @ 4:00pm.
Library Branch: Main Library
Room: Storytime Room
Age Group: Preschool, Elementary School
Program Type: Kids & Families
Registration Required
Event Details:

We'll supply paper, markers, string, and a laminator, you bring your creativity! Design your own bookmarks for yourself or to give as gifts, and we will laminate them so you can keep them forever!

Disclaimer(s)

Masks Encouraged

Masks for everyone age 2+ are encouraged while attending this program.

English Language Conversation

Saturday, January 3, 2026 at 10:00am - 11:00am
Small Meeting Room at Main Library
Program Type:
Equity & Anti-Racism
Age Group:
Adults, Older Adults

Join other English language learners to practice English and learn new vocabulary in an informal setting. Conversation Facilitators will lead the session with a variety of topics for conversation.

Register now
Registration Required
Registration will close on January 3, 2026 @ 10:00am.
Library Branch: Main Library
Room: Small Meeting Room
Age Group: Adults, Older Adults
Program Type: Equity & Anti-Racism
Registration Required
Event Details:

Join other English language learners to practice English and learn new vocabulary in an informal setting. Conversation Facilitators will lead the session with a variety of topics for conversation.

An image of a wall with a gigantic eye with text over it reading Unseen Eyes.

Art Exhibit: "Unseen Eyes: Exploring Surveillance and Facial Recognition Technology" by Katherine Bergholz

All Day 1/5 - 1/31
Maze Branch Library
Program Type:
Arts & Culture
Age Group:
High School, Adults, Older Adults

“Everything that is visible hides something that is invisible.”
—Rene Magritte

Library Branch: Maze Branch Library
Age Group: High School, Adults, Older Adults
Program Type: Arts & Culture
Event Details:

“Everything that is visible hides something that is invisible.”
—Rene Magritte

Musicians DB, a man wearing a hat, and Wendy, a woman in a pink blouse mug for the camera.

School's Out: Interactive Blues Music Concert with Wendy & DB!

Monday, January 5, 2026 at 10:30am - 11:30am
Veterans Room at Main Library
Program Type:
Arts & Culture, Kids & Families
Age Group:
Babies & Toddlers, Preschool, Elementary School

Wendy and DB create a joyful and engaging space for young audiences to discover the roots of American music.

Library Branch: Main Library
Room: Veterans Room
Age Group: Babies & Toddlers, Preschool, Elementary School
Program Type: Arts & Culture, Kids & Families
Event Details:

Wendy and DB create a joyful and engaging space for young audiences to discover the roots of American music.

School's Out: Mod Podge Lantern Craft

Monday, January 5, 2026 at 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Storytime Room at Main Library
Program Type:
Kids & Families
Age Group:
Elementary School

Create a beautiful lantern using recycled pieces of tissue paper, Mod Podge, and a glass mason jar. 

Mod Podge is not washable- so please wear appropriate clothing. 

Register now
Registration Required
Registration will close on January 5, 2026 @ 2:00pm.
Library Branch: Main Library
Room: Storytime Room
Age Group: Elementary School
Program Type: Kids & Families
Registration Required
Event Details:

Create a beautiful lantern using recycled pieces of tissue paper, Mod Podge, and a glass mason jar. 

Mod Podge is not washable- so please wear appropriate clothing. 

Puppets on a stage

Shake, Rattle & Read in the Storytime Room

Tuesday, January 6, 2026 at 10:00am - 10:30am
Storytime Room at Main Library
Program Type:
Kids & Families, Storytimes
Age Group:
Babies & Toddlers, Preschool

This storytime is designed for one-on-one interactions between caregivers and children up to age 5. Music and movement are paired in this big, joyful class. Get ready to sing and dance with your child!

 

Register now
Registration Required
Registration will close on January 6, 2026 @ 10:00am.
Library Branch: Main Library
Room: Storytime Room
Age Group: Babies & Toddlers, Preschool
Program Type: Kids & Families, Storytimes
Registration Required
Event Details:

This storytime is designed for one-on-one interactions between caregivers and children up to age 5. Music and movement are paired in this big, joyful class. Get ready to sing and dance with your child!

 

Disclaimer(s)

Masks Encouraged

Masks for everyone age 2+ are encouraged while attending this program.

Puppets on a stage

Baby Lapsit

Tuesday, January 6, 2026 at 11:00am - 11:30am
Storytime Room at Main Library
Program Type:
Kids & Families, Storytimes
Age Group:
Babies & Toddlers
Baby Lapsit:

This storytime is designed for one-on-one interactions between caregivers and babies who are not yet walking. Babies learn to associate books with fun and shared moments with their...

 

#babytoddler

Register now
Registration Required
Registration will close on January 6, 2026 @ 11:00am.
Library Branch: Main Library
Room: Storytime Room
Age Group: Babies & Toddlers
Program Type: Kids & Families, Storytimes
Registration Required
Event Details:

Baby Lapsit

This storytime is designed for one-on-one interactions between caregivers and babies who are not yet walking. Babies learn to associate books with fun and shared moments with their favorite adults. Short books are paired with songs and rhymes that are modeled to introduce pre-literacy skills. #babytoddler See all upcoming storytimes »

 

#babytoddler

Disclaimer(s)

Masks Encouraged

Masks for everyone age 2+ are encouraged while attending this program.

Yoga mats stacked next to a chair

VIRTUAL: Chair Yoga

Tuesday, January 6, 2026 at 12:30pm - 1:00pm
Virtual Program at Virtual
Program Type:
Community Partner, Equity & Anti-Racism, Health & Wellness
Age Group:
Adults, Older Adults
Chair Yoga:

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 ...

Upcoming
Registration Required
Virtual Event
Registration will open on December 30, 2025 @ 9:00am.
Library Branch: Virtual
Room: Virtual Program
Age Group: Adults, Older Adults
Program Type: Community Partner, Equity & Anti-Racism, Health & Wellness
Registration Required

Chair Yoga

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.

What to know before you join

  • Chair yoga and meditation are accessible and open for all
  • Dress comfortably
  • Find a location where you can focus and dedicate 30 minutes to you
  • You are not required to keep your camera on
  • Prepare to take time to match your movement and motion and have a little fun
  • Have a chair that can be stationary

About the instructor
Instructor DuShaun Branch is focused on bringing yoga to as many BIPOC and plus-sized communities as possible. She believes people not only need rest and relaxation, but resistance. Yoga is a powerful way to tap into the balance of ease and positive effort. DuShaun teaches through the lens of equity and trauma-informed, hosting classes in “nontraditional” settings all over the city. She intends on taking down as many barriers as possible to bring yoga to those who are looking for calm and relaxed minds. DuShaun truly believes yoga is for all, and shares that throughout Chicago and beyond.

Disclaimer(s)

Virtual Program

After you register (below), you will receive an email with a specific Zoom link to join the event.

By registering, you agree to library policy and understand that no conduct is permitted that may reasonably be expected to create a disturbance or otherwise interfere with the safe use and enjoyment of the library and program by others. All times are listed in Central time.

Physical Activity

By joining this class, you declare that you are physically fit and ready to participate and understand any physical activity may involve some risk of injury. You may rest at any time during the class. It is your responsibility to consult with your physician with respect to any past or present injury, illness, health problem, or any other condition or medication that may affect your participation.

The participant assumes all risks of injury and illness that may result from such participation. The participant agrees to waive and release the Oak Park Public Library, its officers, employees, trustees, and agents and shall hold such persons/entity harmless from any and all liability for any claim, suit, or other cause of action which might arise from injuries, illness, damages, or loss which may occur on account of participation in such activities.

Puppets on a stage

Supported Storytime & Family Play

Tuesday, January 6, 2026 at 4:00pm - 4:45pm
Storytime Room at Main Library
Program Type:
Equity & Anti-Racism, Kids & Families, Storytimes
Age Group:
Preschool, Elementary School

Designed for children with disabilities and support needs ages 3+ with caregiver support. Classes are structured with visual schedules and include fun picture books and songs, with fine and gross motor movement activities.

Register now
Registration Required
Registration will close on January 6, 2026 @ 4:00pm.
Library Branch: Main Library
Room: Storytime Room
Age Group: Preschool, Elementary School
Program Type: Equity & Anti-Racism, Kids & Families, Storytimes
Registration Required
Event Details:

Designed for children with disabilities and support needs ages 3+ with caregiver support. Classes are structured with visual schedules and include fun picture books and songs, with fine and gross motor movement activities.

Disclaimer(s)

Masks Encouraged

Masks for everyone age 2+ are encouraged while attending this program.

Puppets on a stage

Shake Rattle and Read in the Veterans Room

Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at 10:00am - 10:30am
Veterans Room at Main Library
Program Type:
Kids & Families, Storytimes
Age Group:
Babies & Toddlers, Preschool

Music and movement are paired in this big, joyful storytime designed for one-on-one interactions between caregivers and children up to age 5. Get ready to sing and dance with your child! 

Register now
Registration Required
Registration will close on January 7, 2026 @ 10:00am.
Library Branch: Main Library
Room: Veterans Room
Age Group: Babies & Toddlers, Preschool
Program Type: Kids & Families, Storytimes
Registration Required
Event Details:

Music and movement are paired in this big, joyful storytime designed for one-on-one interactions between caregivers and children up to age 5. Get ready to sing and dance with your child! 

Disclaimer(s)

Masks Encouraged

Masks for everyone age 2+ are encouraged while attending this program.

Stay & Play

Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at 10:30am - 11:30am
Veterans Room at Main Library
Program Type:
Kids & Families
Age Group:
Babies & Toddlers, Preschool

Storytime's over, but the fun continues in the Veterans Room! Play, chat, dance - there's room for all, whether or not you made it to storytime today. Caregivers required, best for children 0-5.

Library Branch: Main Library
Room: Veterans Room
Age Group: Babies & Toddlers, Preschool
Program Type: Kids & Families
Event Details:

Storytime's over, but the fun continues in the Veterans Room! Play, chat, dance - there's room for all, whether or not you made it to storytime today. Caregivers required, best for children 0-5.

Disclaimer(s)

Masks Encouraged

Masks for everyone age 2+ are encouraged while attending this program.

Leading Edge Teen Advisory Board

Leading Edge Teen Advisory Board Meeting

Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at 4:00pm - 5:30pm
Small Meeting Room at Main Library
Program Type:
Careers & Businesses, Students Grades 6-8, Students Grades 9-12
Age Group:
Middle School, High School

Leading Edge Teen Advisory Board (LETAB) is more than a club it’s a movement.

Register now
Registration Required
Registration will close on January 7, 2026 @ 4:00pm.
Library Branch: Main Library
Room: Small Meeting Room
Age Group: Middle School, High School
Program Type: Careers & Businesses, Students Grades 6-8, Students Grades 9-12
Registration Required
Event Details:

Leading Edge Teen Advisory Board (LETAB) is more than a club it’s a movement.

Puppets on a stage

Shake, Rattle & Read in the Storytime Room

Thursday, January 8, 2026 at 10:00am - 10:30am
Storytime Room at Main Library
Program Type:
Kids & Families, Storytimes
Age Group:
Babies & Toddlers, Preschool

This storytime is designed for one-on-one interactions between caregivers and children up to age 5. Music and movement are paired in this big, joyful class. Get ready to sing and dance with your child!

 

Register now
Registration Required
Registration will close on January 8, 2026 @ 10:00am.
Library Branch: Main Library
Room: Storytime Room
Age Group: Babies & Toddlers, Preschool
Program Type: Kids & Families, Storytimes
Registration Required
Event Details:

This storytime is designed for one-on-one interactions between caregivers and children up to age 5. Music and movement are paired in this big, joyful class. Get ready to sing and dance with your child!

 

Disclaimer(s)

Masks Encouraged

Masks for everyone age 2+ are encouraged while attending this program.

Creative Studio logo

Makery Tour and Meetup

Thursday, January 8, 2026 at 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Creative Studio at Main Library
Program Type:
Arts & Culture, Digital Learning
Age Group:
Adults, Older Adults

Come learn about all the things you can make in the Creative Studio Makery!

Register now
Registration Required
Registration will close on January 8, 2026 @ 12:00pm.
Library Branch: Main Library
Room: Creative Studio
Age Group: Adults, Older Adults
Program Type: Arts & Culture, Digital Learning
Registration Required
Event Details:

Come learn about all the things you can make in the Creative Studio Makery!