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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.

Library closed; log in at oppl.org

All Day
Main Library, Maze Branch Library, Dole Branch Library, Virtual, Offsite

Scheduled library closing See all closings » Review regular library hours by location » Unexpected, emergency closings are posted on this website at oppl.org. ...

Closing
Branches:
Main Library, Maze Branch Library, Dole Branch Library, Virtual, Offsite
Description:

Scheduled library closing

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.

Art Exhibit Reception: Celebrating Local Black Artists

Monday, February 3, 2025 at 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Lobby Community Space at Main Library
Program Type:
Arts & Culture, Civic Learning, Equity & Anti-Racism, Multicultural, Students Grades 6-8, Students Grades 9-12
Age Group:
High School, Adults, Older Adults
Event Details:

Meet the artists behind our February Idea Box exhibit (Celebrating Local Black Artists) and enjoy light refreshments.Throughout history, Black artists have used their creativity to...

Library Branch: Main Library
Room: Lobby Community Space
Age Group: 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:

Meet the artists behind our February Idea Box exhibit (Celebrating Local Black Artists) and enjoy light refreshm

Jamez McBride

VIRTUAL: Illinois Libraries Present: An Evening With James McBride

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

Illinois Libraries Present James McBride, an award-winning author, musician, and screenwriter. His landmark memoir, The Color of Water, was published in 1996 and is considered an A...

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

Illinois Libraries Present James McBride, an award-winning author, musician, and screenwriter.

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.

Vibes for 2025: Mood Boards

Wednesday, February 5, 2025 at 5:30pm - 6:00pm
Middle School Space at Main Library
Program Type:
Arts & Culture, Students Grades 6-8
Age Group:
Middle School
Event Details:

Create your own collage mood board to set your goals and vibes for 2025!

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

Create your own collage mood board to set your goals and vibes for 2025!

What's Your Craft

What's Your Craft

Friday, February 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
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
Puzzle

Puzzle Swap

Saturday, February 8, 2025 at 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Lobby Community Space at Main Library
Program Type:
Arts & Culture, Health & Wellness
Age Group:
Elementary School, Middle School, High School, Adults, Older Adults
Event Details:

Do you have puzzles that you have already worked on? Need a new one? Consider swapping your puzzle at the library. New or gently used puzzles must be at least 50 pieces and a maxim...

Register now
Required
Library Branch: Main Library
Room: Lobby Community Space
Age Group: Elementary School, Middle School, High School, Adults, Older Adults
Program Type: Arts & Culture, Health & Wellness
Required
Seats Remaining: 193
Event Details:

Do you have puzzles that you have already worked on? Need a new one? Consider swapping your puzzle at the library. New or gently used puzzles must be at least 50 pieces and a maximum of 2000 pieces in the original box. 

Martin Luther King Jr, April 1970 by Howard Simmons

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

Saturday, February 8, 2025 at 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Gallery at Main Library
Program Type:
Arts & Culture, Civic Learning, Equity & Anti-Racism, Multicultural, Students Grades 6-8, Students Grades 9-12
Age Group:
Middle School, High School, Adults, Older Adults
Event Details:

Meet the artist and enjoy light refreshments.Still photography tells its stories through captured moments in time. Stories told with power, with joy and sadness. Often, in ways tha...

Library Branch: Main Library
Room: Gallery
Age Group: 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:

Meet the artist and enjoy light refreshments.

Espanol written about open book, surrounded by Spanish phrases

Spanish Conversation Hour / Conversación en español

Saturday, February 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: 13

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.

David

Folk Music Series Performance: David Roth

Sunday, February 9, 2025 at 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Veterans Room at Main Library
Program Type:
Arts & Culture
Age Group:
Adults, Older Adults
Folk Music Series:

This event is presented in part by the generous support of the Friends of the Oak Park Public Library. As a separate 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the Friends have been ra...

Event Details:

Join us for a lively musical performance by David Roth.About David RothDavid Roth strikes many chords, hearts, and minds with his unique songs, offbeat observations, moving st...

Register now
Required
Library Branch: Main Library
Room: Veterans Room
Age Group: Adults, Older Adults
Program Type: Arts & Culture
Required
Seats Remaining: 38

Folk Music Series

This event is presented in part by the generous support of the Friends of the Oak Park Public Library. As a separate 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the Friends have been raising funds and building valuable bridges between the library and community since 1948. Learn more about the Friends of the Oak Park Public Library »

Event Details:

Join us for a lively musical performance by David Roth.

About David Roth

Photo of a heart-shaped box made of plywood that was cut and engraved using a laser cutter.

Laser Cutter Workshop: Heart-Shaped Box

Tuesday, February 11, 2025 at 11:00am - 12:30pm
Creative Studio at Main Library
Program Type:
Arts & Culture, Digital Learning
Age Group:
High School, Adults, Older Adults
Event Details:

Create a heart-shaped box using the library’s Glowforge laser cutter! You will be guided through each step needed to get your design ready for our laser cutter, and then hands...

Join the waitlist
Required
Library Branch: Main Library
Room: Creative Studio
Age Group: High School, Adults, Older Adults
Program Type: Arts & Culture, Digital Learning
Required
Seats Remaining: 0
Event Details:

Create a heart-shaped box using the library’s Glowforge laser cutter! You will be guided through each step needed to get your design ready for our laser cutter, and then hands-on time to assemble your box. The library will provide

Scrabble Club

Tuesday, February 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: 23
Event Details:

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

A Creative Adventure

Tuesday, February 11, 2025 at 4:00pm - 6:00pm
Audio Booth 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: Audio Booth
Age Group: Middle School, High School
Program Type: Arts & Culture, Students Grades 6-8, Students Grades 9-12
Required
Seats Remaining: 2
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.

Until August Book Cover

Latine Author Book Cafe: "Until August"

Tuesday, February 11, 2025 at 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Small Meeting Room at Main Library
Program Type:
Arts & Culture, Authors & Books, Equity & Anti-Racism, Multicultural
Age Group:
Adults, Older Adults
Latine Author Book Cafe:

Join us on the second Tuesday of each month as we discuss works written by Latine authors.* Spanish language copies will be made available when possible. Learn more about libr...

Event Details:

February Book Club Pick: Until August by Gabriel García MárquezSummary: The extraordinary rediscovered novel from the Nobel Prize-winning author of Love in the Time of Cholera and ...

Register now
Required
Library Branch: Main Library
Room: Small Meeting Room
Age Group: Adults, Older Adults
Program Type: Arts & Culture, Authors & Books, Equity & Anti-Racism, Multicultural
Required
Seats Remaining: 17

Latine Author Book Cafe

Join us on the second Tuesday of each month as we discuss works written by Latine authors.* Spanish language copies will be made available when possible. Learn more about library-led book discussions »

*After discussion with community members and staff, the library changed its usage from “Latinx” to “Latine.” Latine is a term created by LGBTQIA+ Spanish speakers. This term uses the letter "e" to illustrate gender inclusivity within existing Spanish pronunciation rules. It is a more inclusive term that acknowledges the gender and language diversity of the community.

Event Details:

February Book Club Pick: Until August by Gabrie

Adult Improv

Tuesday, February 11, 2025 at 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Maze Branch Meeting Room at Maze Branch Library
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
Library Branch: Maze Branch Library
Room: Maze Branch Meeting Room
Age Group: Adults, Older Adults
Program Type: Arts & Culture
Required
Seats Remaining: 63

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 »

Howard Simmons profile photo

Artist Talk: Howard Simmons in Conversation with Lee Bey

Sunday, February 16, 2025 at 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Veterans Room at Main Library
Program Type:
Arts & Culture, Authors & Books, Civic Learning, Community Partner, Equity & Anti-Racism, Friends Board, Health & Wellness, Library Board, Multicultural
Age Group:
Middle School, High School, Adults, Older Adults
Event Details:

Join us for a conversation between photographer Howard Simmons and author and architecture critic Lee Bey. From a trove of thousands of images photographed between the 1970s t...

Register now
Required
Library Branch: Main Library
Room: Veterans Room
Age Group: Middle School, High School, Adults, Older Adults
Program Type: Arts & Culture, Authors & Books, Civic Learning, Community Partner, Equity & Anti-Racism, Friends Board, Health & Wellness, Library Board, Multicultural
Required
Seats Remaining: 105
Event Details:

Join us for a conversation between photographer Howard Simmons and author and architecture critic Lee Bey. 

Library closed; log in at oppl.org

All Day
Main Library, Maze Branch Library, Dole Branch Library, Virtual, Offsite

Scheduled library closing See all closings » Review regular library hours by location » Unexpected, emergency closings are posted on this website and at the Eme...

Closing
Branches:
Main Library, Maze Branch Library, Dole Branch Library, Virtual, Offsite
Description:

Scheduled library closing

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: 5
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: 18
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
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: 139
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.

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: