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Martin Luther King Jr, April 1970 by Howard Simmons

Art Exhibit: "Stories My Camera Tells" by Howard Simmons

All Day 1/14 - 2/22
Gallery at Main Library
Program Type:
Arts & Culture, Civic Learning, Equity & Anti-Racism, Multicultural, Students Grades 6-8, Students Grades 9-12
Age Group:
Elementary School, Middle School, High School, Adults, Older Adults
Event Details:

Still photography tells its stories through captured moments in time. Stories told with power, with joy and sadness. Often, in ways that no other medium can. In its stillness, it y...

Library Branch: Main Library
Room: Gallery
Age Group: Elementary School, Middle School, High School, Adults, Older Adults
Program Type: Arts & Culture, Civic Learning, Equity & Anti-Racism, Multicultural, Students Grades 6-8, Students Grades 9-12
Event Details:

Still photography tells its stories through captured moments in time. Stories told with power, with joy and sadness. Often, in ways that no other medium can. In its stillness, it yet moves.

From left: Tia Etu, Antonia Ruppert, and Hasani Canon

Idea Box: Celebrating Local Black Artists

All Day 2/3 - 2/28
Idea Box at Main Library
Program Type:
Arts & Culture, Equity & Anti-Racism, Multicultural
Age Group:
Elementary School, Middle School, High School, Adults, Older Adults
Event Details:

Throughout history, Black artists have used their creativity to inspire, challenge, and transform our world. This Black History Month, the library is celebrating and showcasing the...

Library Branch: Main Library
Room: Idea Box
Age Group: Elementary School, Middle School, High School, Adults, Older Adults
Program Type: Arts & Culture, Equity & Anti-Racism, Multicultural
Event Details:

Throughout history, Black artists have used their creativity to inspire, challenge, and transform our world.

Tan

VIRTUAL: Illinois Libraries Present: Slowing Down With Amy Tan

Wednesday, February 19, 2025 at 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Virtual
Program Type:
Arts & Culture, Authors & Books
Age Group:
Adults, Older Adults
Event Details:

National Humanities Medal winner and bestselling author of The Joy Luck Club, Amy Tan joins us to share on her body of work and reflect on the wonder of slowing down and savoring t...

Library Branch: Virtual
Age Group: Adults, Older Adults
Program Type: Arts & Culture, Authors & Books
Event Details:

National Humanities Medal winner and bestselling author of The Joy Luck Club, Amy Tan joins us to share on her body of work and reflect on the wonder of slowing down and savoring the quiet moments.

Disclaimer(s)

Illinois Libraries Present Virtual Program

After you register (using the registration link above), 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.

This event is made possible by Illinois Libraries Present, a statewide collaboration among 200+ public libraries—including Oak Park Public Library—offering premier events for participating member libraries of all sizes and budgets. Funded in part by a grant awarded by the Illinois State Library, a Department of the Office for the Secretary of State, using funds provided by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services, under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA).

Illinois Libraries Present is committed to inclusion and accessibility. To request accommodations, please email illinoislibrariespresent@gmail.com.

Creative Studio logo

Conversations About AI: Deepfakes

Thursday, February 20, 2025 at 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Creative Studio at Main Library
Program Type:
Arts & Culture, Careers & Businesses, Civic Learning, Digital Learning, Equity & Anti-Racism, Multicultural, Sustainability
Age Group:
Adults, Older Adults
Event Details:

Join Creative Technology Specialist Kay and Health & Wellness Specialist Claire for a discussion of the social and ethical issues surrounding deepfakes, including the Digital V...

Register now
Required
Library Branch: Main Library
Room: Creative Studio
Age Group: Adults, Older Adults
Program Type: Arts & Culture, Careers & Businesses, Civic Learning, Digital Learning, Equity & Anti-Racism, Multicultural, Sustainability
Required
Seats Remaining: 1
Event Details:

Join Creative Technology Specialist Kay and Health & Wellness Specialist Claire for a discussion of the social and ethical issues surrounding deepfakes, including the Digital Voice and Likeness Protection Act and other new Illinois legislation

Disclaimer(s)

Masks Encouraged

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

Black Movie History

Black Movie History in Chicago: Cinematic Milestones & Sacred Grounds

Thursday, February 20, 2025 at 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Small Meeting Room at Main Library
Program Type:
Arts & Culture
Age Group:
Adults, Older Adults
Event Details:

Explore Black film history in Chicago through select movies and sites that connect them.The first half of this program considers Something Good—Negro Kiss, a silent film that depic...

Register now
Required
Library Branch: Main Library
Room: Small Meeting Room
Age Group: Adults, Older Adults
Program Type: Arts & Culture
Required
Seats Remaining: 12
Event Details:

Explore Black film history in Chicago through select movies and sites that connect them.

What's Your Craft 2025

What's Your Craft

Friday, February 21, 2025 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Middle School Space at Main Library
Program Type:
Arts & Culture, Students Grades 6-8, Students Grades 9-12
Age Group:
Middle School, High School
Event Details:

What's Your Craft is a DIY program designed to inspire self-motivation and personal growth through art for high school students. Each week, participants will explore a different cr...

Register now
Required
Library Branch: Main Library
Room: Middle School Space
Age Group: Middle School, High School
Program Type: Arts & Culture, Students Grades 6-8, Students Grades 9-12
Required
Seats Remaining: Unlimited
Event Details:

What's Your Craft is a DIY program designed to inspire self-motivation and personal growth through art for high school students.

15th Oscarthon (Day 1)

Saturday, February 22, 2025 at 9:00am - 5:00pm
Veterans Room at Main Library
Program Type:
Arts & Culture
Age Group:
Adults, Older Adults
Event Details:

No need to wait on the red carpet—come to our 15th Annual Oscarthon movie marathon! All day at the Main Library, we'll have popcorn, raffle prizes, and Oscar-nominated films from t...

Register now
Required
Library Branch: Main Library
Room: Veterans Room
Age Group: Adults, Older Adults
Program Type: Arts & Culture
Required
Seats Remaining: 88
Event Details:

No need to wait on the red carpet—come to our 15th Annual Oscarthon movie marathon! All day at the Main Library, we'll have popcorn, raffle prizes, and Oscar-nominated films from the past year. This year's movie lineup:

Crime & coffee icon featuring a travel coffee cup with the shadow of a hand holding a knife behind

Crime & Coffee: "Prescription for Pain"

Saturday, February 22, 2025 at 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Scoville Room at Main Library
Program Type:
Arts & Culture, Authors & Books
Age Group:
Adults, Older Adults
Crime & Coffee:

Talk history and crime with fellow true crime lovers over a hot cup of coffee. Each month, participants will be presented with a true-crime case to discuss as a group. Expect ...

Event Details:

Read an A&E blog post on Pill Mill KillerRead an article on Cincinnati MagazineWatch this podcast on YouTubePrescription for Pain by Philip Eli This haunting and propulsiv...

Register now
Required
Library Branch: Main Library
Room: Scoville Room
Age Group: Adults, Older Adults
Program Type: Arts & Culture, Authors & Books
Required
Seats Remaining: Unlimited

Crime & Coffee

Talk history and crime with fellow true crime lovers over a hot cup of coffee. Each month, participants will be presented with a true-crime case to discuss as a group. Expect multiple points of access to each case, from books, ebooks, and audiobooks to true crime podcasts, documentaries, and more. Then join library staff for coffee and snacks as we discuss the details. Whether you like to read, listen, or watch—or all of the above!—there's an option for everyone. Learn more about library-led book discussions »

Event Details:
Tattooed Lady at the side show-Riverview Park; 1967. Color Photograph

Art Exhibit: "Photograph Recollections" by Tom Palazzolo

All Day 2/25 - 3/29
Gallery at Main Library
Program Type:
Arts & Culture, Equity & Anti-Racism
Age Group:
High School, Adults, Older Adults
Event Details:

Tom Palazzolo is a Chicago-based documentary photographer and filmmaker whose work spans over 50 years. His photographs aim to capture chance encounters from everyday life. Palazzo...

Library Branch: Main Library
Room: Gallery
Age Group: High School, Adults, Older Adults
Program Type: Arts & Culture, Equity & Anti-Racism
Event Details:

Tom Palazzolo is a Chicago-based documentary photographer and filmmaker whose work spans over 50 years. His photographs aim to capture chance encounters from everyday life.

A Creative Adventure

Tuesday, February 25, 2025 at 4:00pm - 5:45pm
Veterans Room at Main Library
Program Type:
Arts & Culture, Students Grades 6-8, Students Grades 9-12
Age Group:
Middle School, High School
Event Details:

Unleash your creativity in this one-of-a-kind multimedia experience! Participants will collaborate to write an original song, capture stunning photos for the cover art, and produce...

Register now
Required
Library Branch: Main Library
Room: Veterans Room
Age Group: Middle School, High School
Program Type: Arts & Culture, Students Grades 6-8, Students Grades 9-12
Required
Seats Remaining: 150
Event Details:

Unleash your creativity in this one-of-a-kind multimedia experience! Participants will collaborate to write an original song, capture stunning photos for the cover art, and produce a promotional video.

Virtual: Adult Improv

Tuesday, February 25, 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
Required
Virtual Event
Library Branch: Virtual
Room: Virtual Program
Age Group: Adults, Older Adults
Program Type: Arts & Culture
Required
Seats Remaining: Unlimited

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.

Francais written above an open book, surrounded by French phrases

VIRTUAL: French Conversation Hour

Wednesday, February 26, 2025 at 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Virtual Program at Virtual
Program Type:
Arts & Culture, Multicultural
Age Group:
Adults, Older Adults
French Conversation Hour:

Join us for a casual hour of open conversation with other French speakers. Whether you speak enough to hold a basic conversation or you can rattle off long stories, all are welcome...

Register now
Required
Virtual Event
Library Branch: Virtual
Room: Virtual Program
Age Group: Adults, Older Adults
Program Type: Arts & Culture, Multicultural
Required
Seats Remaining: 20

French Conversation Hour

Join us for a casual hour of open conversation with other French speakers. Whether you speak enough to hold a basic conversation or you can rattle off long stories, all are welcome. No class, no formal lesson—just practice for current French speakers.

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.

Creative Studio logo

Podcasting Basics

Thursday, February 27, 2025 at 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Creative Studio at Main Library
Program Type:
Arts & Culture, Careers & Businesses, Digital Learning
Age Group:
Adults, Older Adults
Event Details:

Learn the basics of podcasting, from the reasons and benefits of starting a podcast, what to know when starting out, basic audio equipment needed and the most relevant platforms to...

Registration closed
Required
Library Branch: Main Library
Room: Creative Studio
Age Group: Adults, Older Adults
Program Type: Arts & Culture, Careers & Businesses, Digital Learning
Required
Seats Remaining: 0
Event Details:

Learn the basics of podcasting, from the reasons and benefits of starting a podcast, what to know when starting out, basic audio equipment needed and the most relevant platforms to share your content with the world.

Farming While Black Film Image

Film Screening & Discussion: "Farming While Black"

Thursday, February 27, 2025 at 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Veterans Room at Main Library
Program Type:
Arts & Culture, Equity & Anti-Racism, Sustainability
Age Group:
Adults, Older Adults
Event Details:

Join us for an exclusive screening and discussion of Farming While Black, a feature-length documentary film that examines the historical plight of Black farmers in the United State...

Register now
Required
Library Branch: Main Library
Room: Veterans Room
Age Group: Adults, Older Adults
Program Type: Arts & Culture, Equity & Anti-Racism, Sustainability
Required
Seats Remaining: 82
Event Details:

Join us for an exclusive screening and discussion of Farming While Black, a feature-length documentary film that examines the historical plight

Idea Box: Ramadan Around the World

All Day 3/1 - 3/30
Idea Box at Main Library
Program Type:
Arts & Culture, Community Partner, Equity & Anti-Racism, Kids & Families, Multicultural
Age Group:
Babies & Toddlers, Preschool, Elementary School, Middle School, High School, Adults, Older Adults
Event Details:

Ramadan Mubarak!Celebrate the spirit of Ramadan with a vibrant exhibition showcasing the rich tapestry of Muslim cultures from around the globe. This beautiful collection, curated ...

Library Branch: Main Library
Room: Idea Box
Age Group: Babies & Toddlers, Preschool, Elementary School, Middle School, High School, Adults, Older Adults
Program Type: Arts & Culture, Community Partner, Equity & Anti-Racism, Kids & Families, Multicultural
Event Details:

Ramadan Mubarak!

15th Oscarthon (Day 2)

Saturday, March 1, 2025 at 9:00am - 5:00pm
Veterans Room at Main Library
Program Type:
Arts & Culture
Age Group:
Adults
Event Details:

No need to wait on the red carpet—come to our 15th Annual Oscarthon movie marathon! All day at the Main Library, we'll have popcorn, raffle prizes, and Oscar-nominated films from t...

Register now
Required
Library Branch: Main Library
Room: Veterans Room
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Arts & Culture
Required
Seats Remaining: 124
Event Details:

No need to wait on the red carpet—come to our 15th Annual Oscarthon movie marathon! All day at the Main Library, we'll have popcorn, raffle prizes, and Oscar-nominated films from the past year.

Adam Headshot

VIRTUAL: Illinois Libraries Present: Exploring Space With Coralie Adam

Tuesday, March 4, 2025 at 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Virtual Program at Virtual
Program Type:
Arts & Culture
Age Group:
Adults, Older Adults
Event Details:

Get an inside look at the space industry with Illinois’ own Coralie Adam. Renae Kerrigan, curator of science and director of the Dome Planetarium at Peoria Riverfront Museum, will ...

Virtual Event
Library Branch: Virtual
Room: Virtual Program
Age Group: Adults, Older Adults
Program Type: Arts & Culture
Event Details:

Get an inside look at the space industry with Illinois’ own Coralie Adam. Renae Kerrigan, curator of science and director of the Dome Planetarium at Peoria Riverfront Museum, will join the conversation.

Disclaimer(s)

Illinois Libraries Present Virtual Program

After you register (using the registration link above), 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.

This event is made possible by Illinois Libraries Present, a statewide collaboration among 200+ public libraries—including Oak Park Public Library—offering premier events for participating member libraries of all sizes and budgets. Funded in part by a grant awarded by the Illinois State Library, a Department of the Office for the Secretary of State, using funds provided by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services, under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA).

Illinois Libraries Present is committed to inclusion and accessibility. To request accommodations, please email illinoislibrariespresent@gmail.com.

Wednesday Movie Matinee: "Ford vs. Ferrari"

Wednesday, March 5, 2025 at 1:00pm - 3:30pm
Veterans Room at Main Library
Program Type:
Arts & Culture
Age Group:
Adults, Older Adults
Wednesday Movie Matinee:

Join us each Wednesday for an afternoon film screening at the Main Library!

Event Details:

Ford vs. Ferrari is the remarkable true story of the visionary American car designer Carroll Shelby and the fearless British-born driver Ken Miles, who together battled corporate i...

Register now
Required
Library Branch: Main Library
Room: Veterans Room
Age Group: Adults, Older Adults
Program Type: Arts & Culture
Required
Seats Remaining: 150

Wednesday Movie Matinee

Join us each Wednesday for an afternoon film screening at the Main Library!

Event Details:

Ford vs.

"Girl and Her Dogs", 8x10 color print c.1975

Art Exhibit Reception: "Photograph Recollections" by Tom Palazzolo

Wednesday, March 5, 2025 at 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Gallery at Main Library
Program Type:
Arts & Culture, Equity & Anti-Racism
Age Group:
High School, Adults, Older Adults
Event Details:

Hear from the artist in a gallery talk and enjoy light refreshments.Tom Palazzolo is a Chicago-based documentary photographer and filmmaker whose work spans over 50 years. His phot...

Library Branch: Main Library
Room: Gallery
Age Group: High School, Adults, Older Adults
Program Type: Arts & Culture, Equity & Anti-Racism
Event Details:

Hear from the artist in a gallery talk and enjoy light refreshments.

What's Your Craft

Friday, March 7, 2025 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Middle School Space at Main Library
Program Type:
Arts & Culture, Students Grades 6-8, Students Grades 9-12
Age Group:
Middle School, High School
Event Details:

What's Your Craft is a DIY program designed to inspire self-motivation and personal growth through art for high school students. Each week, participants will explore a different cr...

Register now
Required
Library Branch: Main Library
Room: Middle School Space
Age Group: Middle School, High School
Program Type: Arts & Culture, Students Grades 6-8, Students Grades 9-12
Required
Seats Remaining: Unlimited
Event Details:

What's Your Craft is a DIY program designed to inspire self-motivation and personal growth through art for high school students.

Espanol written about open book, surrounded by Spanish phrases

Spanish Conversation Hour / Conversación en español

Saturday, March 8, 2025 at 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Small Meeting Room at Main Library
Program Type:
Arts & Culture, Civic Learning, Equity & Anti-Racism, Multicultural
Age Group:
Adults, Older Adults
Spanish Conversation Hour:

Join us for a casual hour of open conversation with other Spanish speakers. Whether you speak enough to hold a basic conversation or can rattle off long stories, all levels are wel...

Register now
Required
Library Branch: Main Library
Room: Small Meeting Room
Age Group: Adults, Older Adults
Program Type: Arts & Culture, Civic Learning, Equity & Anti-Racism, Multicultural
Required
Seats Remaining: 16

Spanish Conversation Hour

Join us for a casual hour of open conversation with other Spanish speakers. Whether you speak enough to hold a basic conversation or can rattle off long stories, all levels are welcome. No class, no formal lesson—just practice for current Spanish speakers.

Ramadan Read Aloud & Craft Hour

Sunday, March 9, 2025 at 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Lobby Community Space at Main Library
Program Type:
Arts & Culture, Equity & Anti-Racism, Kids & Families, Multicultural, Storytimes
Age Group:
Preschool, Elementary School
Event Details:

Join us as we celebrate Ramadan with picture books and a craft! Ramadan is a month-long observance in which Muslims all over the world spend a month fasting and coming together as ...

Library Branch: Main Library
Room: Lobby Community Space
Age Group: Preschool, Elementary School
Program Type: Arts & Culture, Equity & Anti-Racism, Kids & Families, Multicultural, Storytimes
Event Details:

Join us as we celebrate Ramadan with picture books and a craft! Ramadan is a month-long observance in which Muslims all over the world spend a month fasting and coming together as a community.

Scrabble Club

Tuesday, March 11, 2025 at 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Small Meeting Room at Main Library
Program Type:
Arts & Culture
Age Group:
Adults, Older Adults
Event Details:

Join us for a friendly game of Scrabble. All skills levels and ages are welcome.

Register now
Required
Library Branch: Main Library
Room: Small Meeting Room
Age Group: Adults, Older Adults
Program Type: Arts & Culture
Required
Seats Remaining: 24
Event Details:

Join us for a friendly game of Scrabble. All skills levels and ages are welcome.

A Creative Adventure

Tuesday, March 11, 2025 at 4:00pm - 6:00pm
Veterans Room at Main Library
Program Type:
Arts & Culture, Students Grades 6-8, Students Grades 9-12
Age Group:
Middle School, High School
Event Details:

Unleash your creativity in this one-of-a-kind multimedia experience! Participants will collaborate to write an original song, capture stunning photos for the cover art, and produce...

Register now
Required
Library Branch: Main Library
Room: Veterans Room
Age Group: Middle School, High School
Program Type: Arts & Culture, Students Grades 6-8, Students Grades 9-12
Required
Seats Remaining: 150
Event Details:

Unleash your creativity in this one-of-a-kind multimedia experience! Participants will collaborate to write an original song, capture stunning photos for the cover art, and produce a promotional video.