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Idea Box: National Poetry Month

All Day 4/12 - 4/30
Main Library
Library Branch: Main Library
Room: Idea Box
Program Type: Arts & Culture, Authors & Books
Event Details:
National Poetry Month was debuted in 1996 by the Academy of American Poets. This commemorates poets' pivotal contributions to literature and the arts. The National Poetry Month display in the windows of the Main Library Idea Box highlights four Oak P...

A Call to Activism With Ernest Crim III

3:00pm - 4:00pm
Main Library
Join the waitlist
Registration
Library Branch: Main Library
Room: Small Meeting Room
Age Group: High School, Adults, Older Adults
Program Type: Authors & Books, Civic Learning, Equity & Anti-Racism
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: 0
Event Details:
Get tips, ideas and inspiration for engaging in community activism for yourself and others in A Call to Activism. Ernest Crim III is an Anti-Racist Educator and hate crime survivor who uses (Black) historical narratives to empower and educate fami...

Writing & Living Revolutions: Lessons About Organizing for Social Justice With Atef Said

6:00pm - 7:30pm
Main Library
Register now
Registration
Library Branch: Main Library
Room: Veterans Room
Age Group: Adults, Older Adults
Program Type: Arts & Culture, Authors & Books, Equity & Anti-Racism
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: 130
Event Details:
Dr. Atef Said will present some of the key ideas of his recently published book, Revolution Squared, Tahrir, Political Possibilities and Counter-Revolution in Egypt. The book tells the story about the significance of Tahrir Square in Egypt’s rev...

Author Talk: Progressive Disorder: Loss as Opportunity for Growth

1:00pm - 2:00pm
Main Library
Register now
Registration
Library Branch: Main Library
Room: Small Meeting Room
Age Group: Adults, Older Adults
Program Type: Authors & Books
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: 27
Event Details:
Hear author Tom Jones discuss alternate ways to frame losses, transforming the view of tragedies to recover from into introspective opportunities for self-examination and maturing instead. Tom Jones will also discuss his book Progressive Di...

Crime & Coffee: "The Art Thief: A True Story of Love, Crime & a Dangerous Obsession"

3:30pm - 5:00pm
Main Library
Register now
Registration
Library Branch: Main Library
Room: Scoville Room
Age Group: Adults, Older Adults
Program Type: Arts & Culture, Authors & Books
Registration 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:
For the month of April, we'll be discussing The Art Thief by Michael Finkel Pick up a copy of the book in the Main Library Lobby. Watch the documentary on YouTube » ...

VIRTUAL: Illinois Libraries Present: The Many Lives of Kal Penn

7:00pm - 8:00pm
Virtual
Virtual Event
Library Branch: Virtual
Room: Virtual Program
Age Group: Adults, Older Adults
Program Type: Arts & Culture, Authors & Books
Event Details:
We are thrilled to welcome Kal Penn to close out our third season. Penn is an actor, writer, producer, and former Associate Director of the White House Office of Public Engagement. He is known for starring roles in Designated Survivor, House, The Nam...

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.

Otherworldly Reads Book Discussion: "No Gods, No Monsters"

6:00pm - 7:00pm
Main Library
Register now
Registration
Library Branch: Main Library
Room: Small Meeting Room
Age Group: Adults, Older Adults
Program Type: Authors & Books
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: 30

Otherworldly Reads

In Otherworldly Reads, you can enjoy a bimonthly book discussion where we alternate between science fiction and fantasy literature. Learn more about library-led book discussions »

Event Details:
Cadwell Turnbull's No Gods, No Monsters is the first book in the Convergence Saga series. One October morning, Laina gets the news that her brother was shot and killed by Boston cops. But what looks like a case of police brutality soon reve...

VIRTUAL: Writers' Word Feast

3:00pm - 5:00pm
Virtual
Register now
Registration
Virtual Event
Library Branch: Virtual
Room: Virtual Program
Age Group: High School, Adults, Older Adults
Program Type: Arts & Culture, Authors & Books
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: Unlimited

Writers' Word Feast

Bring your words and words yet to be written to this writers' group for writers of all types and genre. Each writer will get a chance to read their story, poem, or novel chapter and receive feedback from the group. Then we will spend some time writing!

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.

Author Talk: 'The Takeout 25 Effect: Mobilizing Community for Positive Change'

7:00pm - 8:30pm
Main Library
Register now
Registration
Library Branch: Main Library
Room: Veterans Room
Program Type: Authors & Books
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: 135
Event Details:
The Takeout 25 Effect is an inspiring account of a community-driven initiative with lasting impact. Formed in Chicago’s western suburbs during the global pandemic, Takeout 25 aimed to save local restaurants while maintaining public health. It demonst...

Latine Author Book Cafe: "Family Lore"

6:00pm - 7:00pm
Main Library
Register now
Registration
Library Branch: Main Library
Room: Small Meeting Room
Age Group: Adults, Older Adults
Program Type: Arts & Culture, Authors & Books, Equity & Anti-Racism
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: 28

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:
NATIONAL BESTSELLER A GOOD MORNING AMERICA BOOK CLUB PICK! Winner of the NAACP Image Award, Outstanding Literary Work, Fiction Shortlisted for The Center for Fiction First Novel Prize From National Book Award-winning author Eliz...

Words on Wednesday: "Legends & Lattes"

1:00pm - 2:00pm
Main Library
Library Branch: Main Library
Room: Small Meeting Room
Age Group: Adults, Older Adults
Program Type: Authors & Books

Words on Wednesday

Expect stimulating conversation about fiction and nonfiction titles selected by Adult Services Librarians. Learn more about library-led book discussions »

Event Details:
The much-beloved BookTok sensation from Travis Baldree, Legends & Lattes is a novel of high fantasy and low stakes. Come take a load off at Viv's cafe, the first and only coffee shop in Thune. Grand opening! Worn out after decades of packing s...

VIRTUAL: Author Talk: Self-Care for Black Men With Jor-El Caraballo

6:30pm - 7:45pm
Virtual
Register now
Registration
Virtual Event
Library Branch: Virtual
Room: Virtual Program
Age Group: Adults, Older Adults
Program Type: Authors & Books, Equity & Anti-Racism, Health & Wellness
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: Unlimited
Event Details:
Oak Park Public Library presents Jor-El Caraballo in conversation on his book, Self-Care for Black Men: 100 Ways to Heal and Liberate. A self-care guidebook full of activities for Black men everywhere pursuing joy, creating connections, con...

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.

Library closed; log in at oppl.org

All Day
All Branches
Closing
Branches:
Main Library, Maze Branch Library, Dole Branch Library, Virtual, Offsite
Description:
Scheduled library closing See all closings » Review regular library hours by location » Unexpected, emergency closings are posted on this website and at the Emergency Closing Center. Information also is shared with local media and...

Earth Lounge: An Environmental Book Discussion: "The Overstory"

6:00pm - 7:00pm
Main Library
Register now
Registration
Library Branch: Main Library
Room: Small Meeting Room
Age Group: Adults, Older Adults
Program Type: Authors & Books, Sustainability
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: 26
Event Details:
Explore the curiosities and complexities of nature, environmentalism, and sustainability through fiction and nonfiction literature in the Earth Lounge Environmental Book Discussion Group, held on Wednesdays in the later half of the month every o...

Author Visit: "Ringmaster:" A Conversation With Abraham Josephine Riesman

7:00pm - 8:00pm
Main Library
Register now
Registration
Library Branch: Main Library
Room: Veterans Room
Age Group: Adults, Older Adults
Program Type: Authors & Books
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: 78
Event Details:
Join us for a lively evening with Oak Park native and New York Times bestselling author, Abraham Josephine Riseman and moderated by Michael Allen Rose. They’ll discuss Riseman's book, Ringmaster: Vince McMahon and the Unmaking of America, a...

VIRTUAL: Illinois Libraries Present: The Hidden Gifts of Visual Thinkers With Dr. Temple Grandin

7:00pm - 8:00pm
Virtual
Virtual Event
Library Branch: Virtual
Room: Virtual Program
Age Group: High School, Adults, Older Adults
Program Type: Arts & Culture, Authors & Books
Event Details:
Join us on Zoom for a special event with Dr. Grandin, one of the world’s most accomplished and well-known adults with autism. Dr. Grandin has been at the forefront of research and activism for autism and neurodiversity for decades. Register now in...

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.

VIRTUAL: Writers' Word Feast

3:00pm - 5:00pm
Virtual
Register now
Registration
Virtual Event
Library Branch: Virtual
Room: Virtual Program
Age Group: High School, Adults, Older Adults
Program Type: Arts & Culture, Authors & Books
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: Unlimited

Writers' Word Feast

Bring your words and words yet to be written to this writers' group for writers of all types and genre. Each writer will get a chance to read their story, poem, or novel chapter and receive feedback from the group. Then we will spend some time writing!

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.

Author Visit: Gloria Monaghan & "Cormorant on the Strand"

2:30pm - 3:30pm
Main Library
Register now
Registration
Library Branch: Main Library
Room: Small Meeting Room
Age Group: Adults, Older Adults
Program Type: Authors & Books
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: 29
Event Details:
Join us to hear from author Gloria Monaghan as she discusses her title Cormorant on the Strand. About the author Gloria Monaghan is a Professor at Wentworth University. She has published six collections of poetry. Her poems have appeared in Alexa...

Love on the Page Book Discussion: "Fangirl Down"

4:00pm - 5:00pm
Main Library
Register now
Registration
Library Branch: Main Library
Room: Small Meeting Room
Age Group: Adults, Older Adults
Program Type: Authors & Books
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: 25

Love on the Page Book Discussion

Join us as we meet every other month to discuss romance books and subgenres—like romantic fantasy, historical romance, contemporary romance, and more. Learn more about library-led book discussions »

Event Details:
This month we will be discussing Fangirl Down by Tessa Bailey A super sexy sports rom-com about a bad boy professional athlete who falls for his biggest fan... Wells Whitaker was once golf's hottest rising star, but lately, all he has to s...

Library closed; log in at oppl.org

All Day
All Branches
Closing
Branches:
Main Library, Maze Branch Library, Dole Branch Library, Virtual, Offsite
Description:
Scheduled library closing See all closings » Review regular library hours by location » Unexpected, emergency closings are posted on this website and at the Emergency Closing Center. Information also is shared with local media and...

Crime & Coffee: The Icepick Surgeon: Murder, Fraud, Sabotage, Piracy, and other Dastardly Deeds Perpetrated in the Name of Science by Sam Kean

3:30pm - 5:00pm
Main Library
Register now
Registration
Library Branch: Main Library
Room: Scoville Room
Age Group: Adults, Older Adults
Program Type: Arts & Culture, Authors & Books
Registration 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 »

Words on Wednesday: "Enchantment"

1:00pm - 2:00pm
Main Library
Library Branch: Main Library
Room: Small Meeting Room
Age Group: Adults, Older Adults
Program Type: Authors & Books
Event Details:
From the New York Times bestselling author of Wintering comes Enchantment: Awakening Wonder in an Anxious Age. Many of us feel trapped in a grind of constant change: rolling news cycles, the chatter of social media, our families split along partisan ...

Library closed; log in at oppl.org

All Day
All Branches
Closing
Branches:
Main Library, Maze Branch Library, Dole Branch Library, Virtual, Offsite
Description:
Scheduled library closing See all closings » Review regular library hours by location » Unexpected, emergency closings are posted on this website and at the Emergency Closing Center. Information also is shared with local media and...

Annual Book Fair

9:00am - 5:30pm
Main Library
Library Branch: Main Library
Age Group: Babies & Toddlers, Preschool, Elementary School, Middle School, High School, Adults, Older Adults
Program Type: Arts & Culture, Authors & Books, Friends Board, Sustainability

Friends of the Oak Park Public Library

As a separate 501c3 nonprofit organization, the Friends of the Oak Park Public Library have raised funds and built valuable bridges between the library and community since 1948. Learn more, join the Friends at oppl.org/friends »

Event Details:
The Friends of the Oak Park Public Library Book Fair returns to the Main Library. Underground garage parking (with the first two hours free) and elevator access are available. Hours are: Friday, 9 am-5:30 pm, open to all Saturd...