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VIRTUAL: Illinois Libraries Presents: Cristina Henríquez: Voice, Culture, and Human Connection

7:00pm–8:00pm
Authors & Books
Virtual
Virtual Event
Library Branch: Virtual
Room: Virtual Program
Age Group: Adults, Older Adults
Program Type: Authors & Books
Event Details:

Join critically acclaimed, bestselling author Cristina Henríquez for a compelling conversation about her work.

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. Please note: Registration closes at 5 pm on the day of the event. Registrations received after this time will be sent a recording of the event via email.

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@ila.org.

Crime & Coffee: "Bad Blood"

3:30pm–5:00pm
Arts & Culture, Authors & Books
Main Library
Register now
Registration Required
Registration will close on April 18, 2026 @ 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 »

Bad Blood by John Carreyou

Chapter Chasers! Final Book Discussion and Celebration

4:00pm–5:00pm
Authors & Books, Students Grades 6-8, Students Grades 9-12
Main Library
Register now
Registration Required
Registration will close on May 7, 2026 @ 4:00pm.
Library Branch: Main Library
Room: Middle School Space
Age Group: Middle School, High School
Program Type: Authors & Books, Students Grades 6-8, Students Grades 9-12
Registration Required
Event Details:

Chapter Chasers is a book club for teens (grades 6-12) to build a love for reading and have meaningful book discussions.

Tea & Terror Book Discussion: "Silver Nitrate"

3:30pm–4:30pm
Authors & Books
Main Library
Register now
Registration Required
Registration will close on May 9, 2026 @ 3:30pm.
Library Branch: Main Library
Room: Scoville Room
Age Group: Adults, Older Adults
Program Type: Authors & Books
Registration Required
Event Details:

Tea & Terror

Join library staff for an afternoon of hot tea and terror in this exciting, horror-themed, bi-monthly book discussion. Horror is much more than ghost stories or bloody murders—it can be scary but also funny, sad, powerful, or moving. There's a whole universe of terror out there, waiting to be discovered by adventurous readers. Expect a variety of horror styles and subgenres—from the ghastly and gory to the spooky and sublime, from the horrors of the natural world to the supernatural terrors beyond!

 

Otherworldly Reads Book Discussion: "The Empress of Salt and Fortune & When the Tiger Came Down the Mountain"

6:00pm–7:00pm
Authors & Books
Main Library
Register now
Registration Required
Registration will close on May 14, 2026 @ 6:00pm.
Library Branch: Main Library
Room: Conference Room
Age Group: Adults, Older Adults
Program Type: Authors & Books
Registration Required
Event Details:

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 »

In the novella The Empress of Salt and Fortune by Nghi Vo a young royal from the far north is sent south for a politic

VIRTUAL: Illinois Libraries Presents: Babel-On with RF Kuang

7:00pm–8:00pm
Authors & Books
Virtual
Virtual Event
Library Branch: Virtual
Room: Virtual Program
Age Group: Adults, Older Adults
Program Type: Authors & Books
Event Details:

R.F. Kuang’s genre-bending fiction broaches ordinarily serious topics from a satirical and fantastical perspective.

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. Please note: Registration closes at 5 pm on the day of the event. Registrations received after this time will be sent a recording of the event via email.

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@ila.org.

Earth Lounge: An Environmental Book Discussion: "The Next Great Migration"

6:00pm–7:00pm
Authors & Books, Equity & Anti-Racism, Sustainability
Main Library
Register now
Registration Required
Registration will close on May 20, 2026 @ 6:00pm.
Library Branch: Main Library
Room: Small Meeting Room
Age Group: High School, Adults, Older Adults
Program Type: Authors & Books, Equity & Anti-Racism, Sustainability
Registration Required
Event Details:

Earth Lounge: An Environmental Book Discussion

Explore nature and environmentalism from a variety of perspectives across fiction and nonfiction literature on the third Wednesday of every month. Learn more about library-led book discussions.

In The Next Great Migration, Sonia Shah, a prize-winning journal

Crime & Coffee: "The Carpool Detectives: A True Story of Four Moms, Two Bodies, and One Mysterious Cold Case"

3:30pm–5:00pm
Arts & Culture, Authors & Books
Main Library
Register now
Registration Required
Registration will close on June 13, 2026 @ 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 »

The carpool detectives a true story of four moms, two

Earth Lounge: An Environmental Book Discussion: "Troubled Waters"

6:00pm–7:00pm
Authors & Books, Equity & Anti-Racism, Sustainability
Main Library
Register now
Registration Required
Registration will close on June 17, 2026 @ 6:00pm.
Library Branch: Main Library
Room: Small Meeting Room
Age Group: High School, Adults, Older Adults
Program Type: Authors & Books, Equity & Anti-Racism, Sustainability
Registration Required
Event Details:

Earth Lounge: An Environmental Book Discussion

Explore nature and environmentalism from a variety of perspectives across fiction and nonfiction literature on the third Wednesday of every month. Learn more about library-led book discussions.

In Troubled Waters by Mary Annaïse Heglar

Otherworldly Reads Book Discussion: "Old Man's War"

6:00pm–7:00pm
Authors & Books
Main Library
Register now
Registration Required
Registration will close on July 9, 2026 @ 6:00pm.
Library Branch: Main Library
Room: Conference Room
Age Group: Adults, Older Adults
Program Type: Authors & Books
Registration Required
Event Details:

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 »

Join us as we read and discuss the science fiction novel "Old Man's War" by John Scalzi.

Friends Book Fair

9:00am–5:30pm
Arts & Culture, Authors & Books, Friends Board, Sustainability
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
Event Details:

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 »

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:

Friends Book Fair

9:00am–4:30pm
Arts & Culture, Authors & Books, Friends Board, Sustainability
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
Event Details:

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 »

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:

Friends Book Fair

2:00pm–4:00pm
Arts & Culture, Authors & Books, Friends Board, Sustainability
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
Event Details:

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 »

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:

Earth Lounge: An Environmental Book Discussion: Open Hour

6:00pm–7:00pm
Authors & Books, Equity & Anti-Racism, Sustainability
Main Library
Register now
Registration Required
Registration will close on July 15, 2026 @ 6:00pm.
Library Branch: Main Library
Room: Small Meeting Room
Age Group: High School, Adults, Older Adults
Program Type: Authors & Books, Equity & Anti-Racism, Sustainability
Registration Required
Event Details:

Earth Lounge: An Environmental Book Discussion

Explore nature and environmentalism from a variety of perspectives across fiction and nonfiction literature on the third Wednesday of every month. Learn more about library-led book discussions.

For this month's meeting you are invited to share an article, book, podcast, video, website or film related to environmental issues that you'd like to discuss.  

Tea & Terror Book Discussion: "Grey Dog"

3:30pm–4:30pm
Authors & Books
Main Library
Register now
Registration Required
Registration will close on July 18, 2026 @ 3:30pm.
Library Branch: Main Library
Room: Scoville Room
Age Group: Adults, Older Adults
Program Type: Authors & Books
Registration Required
Event Details:

Tea & Terror

Join library staff for an afternoon of hot tea and terror in this exciting, horror-themed, bi-monthly book discussion. Horror is much more than ghost stories or bloody murders—it can be scary but also funny, sad, powerful, or moving. There's a whole universe of terror out there, waiting to be discovered by adventurous readers. Expect a variety of horror styles and subgenres—from the ghastly and gory to the spooky and sublime, from the horrors of the natural world to the supernatural terrors beyond!

 

Crime & Coffee: "The stranger in the woods the extraordinary story of the last true hermit"

3:30pm–5:00pm
Arts & Culture, Authors & Books
Main Library
Register now
Registration Required
Registration will close on August 15, 2026 @ 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 »

The stranger in the woods the extraordinary story of

Earth Lounge: An Environmental Book Discussion: "Hummingbird Salamander"

6:00pm–7:00pm
Authors & Books, Equity & Anti-Racism, Sustainability
Main Library
Register now
Registration Required
Registration will close on August 19, 2026 @ 6:00pm.
Library Branch: Main Library
Room: Small Meeting Room
Age Group: High School, Adults, Older Adults
Program Type: Authors & Books, Equity & Anti-Racism, Sustainability
Registration Required
Event Details:

Earth Lounge: An Environmental Book Discussion

Explore nature and environmentalism from a variety of perspectives across fiction and nonfiction literature on the third Wednesday of every month. Learn more about library-led book discussions.

In Jeff VanderMeer's novel Hummingbird Salamander

Otherworldly Reads Book Discussion: "A Natural History of Dragons"

6:00pm–7:00pm
Authors & Books
Main Library
Register now
Registration Required
Registration will close on September 10, 2026 @ 6:00pm.
Library Branch: Main Library
Room: Conference Room
Age Group: Adults, Older Adults
Program Type: Authors & Books
Registration Required
Event Details:

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 »

A Natural History of Dragons by Marie Brennan takes us on a Victorian-like adventure through the scholarly study of dragons.

Earth Lounge: An Environmental Book Discussion: "The Nature of Nature"

6:00pm–7:00pm
Authors & Books, Equity & Anti-Racism, Sustainability
Main Library
Register now
Registration Required
Registration will close on September 16, 2026 @ 6:00pm.
Library Branch: Main Library
Room: Small Meeting Room
Age Group: High School, Adults, Older Adults
Program Type: Authors & Books, Equity & Anti-Racism, Sustainability
Registration Required
Event Details:

Earth Lounge: An Environmental Book Discussion

Explore nature and environmentalism from a variety of perspectives across fiction and nonfiction literature on the third Wednesday of every month. Learn more about library-led book discussions.

In The Nature of Nature, world-renowned ma

Tea & Terror Book Discussion: "Horror Movie"

3:30pm–4:30pm
Authors & Books
Main Library
Register now
Registration Required
Registration will close on September 19, 2026 @ 3:30pm.
Library Branch: Main Library
Room: Scoville Room
Age Group: Adults, Older Adults
Program Type: Authors & Books
Registration Required
Event Details:

Tea & Terror

Join library staff for an afternoon of hot tea and terror in this exciting, horror-themed, bi-monthly book discussion. Horror is much more than ghost stories or bloody murders—it can be scary but also funny, sad, powerful, or moving. There's a whole universe of terror out there, waiting to be discovered by adventurous readers. Expect a variety of horror styles and subgenres—from the ghastly and gory to the spooky and sublime, from the horrors of the natural world to the supernatural terrors beyond!