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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.

Scrabble Club

Tuesday, December 9, 2025 at 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Small Meeting Room at Main Library
Program Type:
Arts & Culture
Age Group:
Adults, Older Adults

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

Register now
Registration Required
Registration will close on December 9, 2025 @ 1:00pm.
Library Branch: Main Library
Room: Small Meeting Room
Age Group: Adults, Older Adults
Program Type: Arts & Culture
Registration Required
Event Details:

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

Creative Studio logo

Sublimation Workshop: Custom Mugs

Tuesday, December 9, 2025 at 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Creative Studio at Main Library
Program Type:
Arts & Culture, Digital Learning
Age Group:
High School, Adults, Older Adults

Sublimation is a process that uses heat and pressure to transfer dye onto polyester-based materials.  In this workshop, come learn how to design a full-color image to print and then sublimate onto a blank ceramic mug.  We will use

Full
Registration Required
Registration is closed because the event is full.
Library Branch: Main Library
Room: Creative Studio
Age Group: High School, Adults, Older Adults
Program Type: Arts & Culture, Digital Learning
Registration Required
Event Details:

Sublimation is a process that uses heat and pressure to transfer dye onto polyester-based materials.  In this workshop, come learn how to design a full-color image to print and then sublimate onto a blank ceramic mug.  We will use

Disclaimer(s)

Masks Encouraged

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

Adult Improv

Tuesday, December 9, 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
Registration Required
Registration will close on December 9, 2025 @ 7:00pm.
Library Branch: Maze Branch Library
Room: Maze Branch Meeting Room
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 »

poster from Sugarcane movie depicting person digging in front of a church

Documentary Screening: "Sugarcane"

Wednesday, December 10, 2025 at 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Small Meeting Room at Main Library
Program Type:
Arts & Culture, Equity & Anti-Racism
Age Group:
Adults, Older Adults

Come for a free screening of the Oscar-nominated documentary Sugarcane.

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

Come for a free screening of the Oscar-nominated documentary Sugarcane.

Creative Studio logo

Media Preservation Discussion: VHS, Photos & More

Friday, December 12, 2025 at 11:00am - 12:00pm
Creative Studio at Main Library
Program Type:
Arts & Culture, Digital Learning
Age Group:
High School, Adults, Older Adults

Are you interested in converting VHS tapes to a digital format? Or digitizing other analog media, like photo negatives or slides?

Register now
Registration Required
Registration will close on December 12, 2025 @ 11:00am.
Library Branch: Main Library
Room: Creative Studio
Age Group: High School, Adults, Older Adults
Program Type: Arts & Culture, Digital Learning
Registration Required
Event Details:

Are you interested in converting VHS tapes to a digital format? Or digitizing other analog media, like photo negatives or slides?

Disclaimer(s)

Masks Encouraged

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

'Group Portrait With Bird' oil on canvas, 2014

Art Exhibit Reception & Artist Talk: "The Hovering Brush" by Jonathan Franklin

Saturday, December 13, 2025 at 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Gallery at Main Library
Program Type:
Arts & Culture, Students Grades 6-8, Students Grades 9-12
Age Group:
Middle School, High School, Adults, Older Adults

Artist Talk and Reception 
Artist Jonathan Franklin will lead a gallery talk through his exhibit, The Hovering Brush. Light refreshments will be provided.

Register now
Registration Required
Registration will close on December 13, 2025 @ 2:00pm.
Library Branch: Main Library
Room: Gallery
Age Group: Middle School, High School, Adults, Older Adults
Program Type: Arts & Culture, Students Grades 6-8, Students Grades 9-12
Registration Required
Event Details:

Artist Talk and Reception 
Artist Jonathan Franklin will lead a gallery talk through his exhibit, The Hovering Brush. Light refreshments will be provided.

Drag Bingo With Bubbie

Sunday, December 14, 2025 at 1:00pm - 2:30pm
Veterans Room at Main Library
Program Type:
Arts & Culture, Equity & Anti-Racism, Kids & Families
Age Group:
Preschool, Elementary School, Middle School, High School, Adults, Older Adults

Merriam Levkowitz, America's favorite Drag Bubbie, brings all of the glamour and humor that a game of bingo really needs as your amazing host for Bingo Brunch!

Register now
Registration Required
Registration will close on December 14, 2025 @ 1:00pm.
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, Kids & Families
Registration Required
Event Details:

Merriam Levkowitz, America's favorite Drag Bubbie, brings all of the glamour and humor that a game of bingo really needs as your amazing host for Bingo Brunch!

Creative Studio logo

Sublimation Workshop: Ornaments

Tuesday, December 16, 2025 at 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Creative Studio at Main Library
Program Type:
Arts & Culture, Digital Learning
Age Group:
High School, Adults, Older Adults

Sublimation is a process that uses heat and pressure to transfer dye onto polyester-based materials.  In this workshop, come learn how to design a full-color image to print and then sublimate onto a wooden ornament blank.  We will use Ca

Full
Registration Required
Registration is closed because the event is full.
Library Branch: Main Library
Room: Creative Studio
Age Group: High School, Adults, Older Adults
Program Type: Arts & Culture, Digital Learning
Registration Required
Event Details:

Sublimation is a process that uses heat and pressure to transfer dye onto polyester-based materials.  In this workshop, come learn how to design a full-color image to print and then sublimate onto a wooden ornament blank.  We will use Ca

Disclaimer(s)

Masks Encouraged

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

Barbara Ballinger Lecture: Sandra Jackson-Opoku & Tracy Clark

Saturday, December 20, 2025 at 11:00am - 12:30pm
Veterans Room at Main Library
Program Type:
Arts & Culture, Authors & Books
Age Group:
Adults, Older Adults
Barbara Ballinger Lecture:

Each year, we gather to celebrate and recognize former head librarian Barbara Ballinger and her 32 years of dedicated service to the library and to Oak Park. Listen to Barbara's st...

Celebrate this year's Barbara Ballinger Lecture with Sandra Jackson-Opoku and Tracy Clark, who join us for a thrilling conversation about their new releases,

Register now
Registration Required
Registration will close on December 20, 2025 @ 11:00am.
Library Branch: Main Library
Room: Veterans Room
Age Group: Adults, Older Adults
Program Type: Arts & Culture, Authors & Books
Registration Required
Event Details:

Barbara Ballinger Lecture

Each year, we gather to celebrate and recognize former head librarian Barbara Ballinger and her 32 years of dedicated service to the library and to Oak Park. Listen to Barbara's story told in her own words.

Celebrate this year's Barbara Ballinger Lecture with Sandra Jackson-Opoku and Tracy Clark, who join us for a thrilling conversation about their new releases,

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

Crime & Coffee: "The Serial Killer Whisperer"

Saturday, December 20, 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 ...

Register now
Registration Required
Registration will close on December 21, 2025 @ 3:30pm.
Library Branch: Main Library
Room: Scoville Room
Age Group: Adults, Older Adults
Program Type: Arts & Culture, Authors & Books
Registration Required
Event Details:

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 »

Library closed; log in at oppl.org

All Day 12/24 - 12/25
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 at oppl.org. Anytime, from a...

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

Scheduled library closing

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. 

Register now
Registration Required
Registration will close on December 29, 2025 @ 3:00pm.
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. 

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.

Library closes at 5 pm; log in at oppl.org

Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at 5:00pm - 11:45pm
Main Library, Maze Branch Library, Dole Branch Library, Virtual, Offsite

Scheduled library closing; all library buildings close at 5 pm See all closings » Review regular library hours by location » Unexpected, emergency closings are ...

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

Scheduled library closing; all library buildings close at 5 pm

Library closed; log in at oppl.org

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

Scheduled library closingSee all scheduled closings and review regular library hours by location.Unexpected, emergency closings are posted at oppl.org.Anytime, from anywhere, log i...

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

Scheduled library closing

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.

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
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
Registration Required
Event Details:

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

Creative Studio logo

Laser Cutter Workshop: Acrylic LED Lamps

Friday, January 9, 2026 at 11:00am - 12:30pm
Creative Studio at Main Library
Program Type:
Arts & Culture, Digital Learning
Age Group:
High School, Adults, Older Adults

Learn how to use the Glowforge laser cutter to create an Acrylic LED lamp that can light up and change colors at the press of a button!

Register now
Registration Required
Registration will close on January 9, 2026 @ 11:00am.
Library Branch: Main Library
Room: Creative Studio
Age Group: High School, Adults, Older Adults
Program Type: Arts & Culture, Digital Learning
Registration Required
Event Details:

Learn how to use the Glowforge laser cutter to create an Acrylic LED lamp that can light up and change colors at the press of a button!

Two magicians posing with an oversized playing card and a ukulele

Cosmic Romantics

Sunday, January 11, 2026 at 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Veterans Room at Main Library
Program Type:
Arts & Culture
Age Group:
Adults, Older Adults

Join us for an afternoon of comedy and magic with the Cosmic Romantics.  Eric and Elizabeth are a vaudeville-inspired duo who have performed at the Comedy Store, Second City, and The Magic Castle.

Register now
Registration Required
Registration will close on January 11, 2026 @ 1:00pm.
Library Branch: Main Library
Room: Veterans Room
Age Group: Adults, Older Adults
Program Type: Arts & Culture
Registration Required
Event Details:

Join us for an afternoon of comedy and magic with the Cosmic Romantics.  Eric and Elizabeth are a vaudeville-inspired duo who have performed at the Comedy Store, Second City, and The Magic Castle.

Scrabble Club

Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Small Meeting Room at Main Library
Program Type:
Arts & Culture
Age Group:
Adults, Older Adults

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

Register now
Registration Required
Registration will close on January 13, 2026 @ 1:00pm.
Library Branch: Main Library
Room: Small Meeting Room
Age Group: Adults, Older Adults
Program Type: Arts & Culture
Registration Required
Event Details:

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

Books stacked diagonally

Latine Author Book Cafe: TBA

Tuesday, January 13, 2026 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...

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

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.