By Children’s Librarian Shelley Harris Well, 2021 has certainly begun right where 2020 left off: with a lot of tough topics. Even our youngest kids know when big or upsetting things happen in the news. They may not know the details, but they can see and feel the strong emotions of their grownups and that … Read more
By Children’s Librarian Shelley Harris Every year, our final Early Bird Reader tip we send via text (Want weekly early learning tips from the Oak Park Public Library? Sign up now for Early Bird Readers ») is to share stories about the year that’s ending. Sharing memories is a great way to practice narrating stories, … Read more
Our annual event has gone virtual! This year, library staff members recorded videos and wrote stories to share their holiday traditions and memories with you, plus fun books, crafts, games, videos, and more for families to explore. Plus, share your hopes and wishes for 2021 and look for them in a window art installation facing … Read more
By Children’s Librarian Shelley Harris Songs are powerful! When we plan our storytime classes, we organize them to build energy and then calm kids down before we send them back on their way. When we want to build energy, we do a lot of movement songs and silly songs, and then choose quieter songs to … Read more
By Children’s Librarian Shelley Harris I’m one of those odd ducks who loves winter and snow and is excited to get this season started. I know—my co-workers shake their head over me, too. But I also know this is going to be a long and hard winter for a lot of people, so Jenny and … Read more
By Children’s Librarian Shelley Harris This holiday season is not at all what any of us had planned on. For most of us, celebrations will look different and traditions might have to skip a year. These are sad and frustrating things! Young kids may not have the words to express what they’re feeling or how … Read more
By Children’s Librarian Shelley Harris Miss Jenny and I both love building fun sounds into our storytimes and our videos. Sounds, especially unexpected ones, get and keep everyone’s interest and attention. Will your preschooler understand you if you give them directions using inflections and gestures but only mooing? Yes, probably! And they might even focus … Read more
By Children’s Librarian Shelley Harris Mr. Andy, one of our past librarians, always used to tell caregivers that he could remember the words to “Sweet Caroline” much better than he could remember how to use and program his remote control. Does that feel familiar? Things set to song are easier to remember! If you have … Read more
By Children’s Librarian Shelley Harris “Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children, play is serious learning.” That’s a quote from Fred Rogers, and one that we at the library take very seriously. Every time we update our department play spaces, we consider various different kinds … Read more
We’re excited to present our Virtual Halloween Parade featuring your little ghosts and ghouls. Thanks to the 28 families who shared fun photos of kids in costume! Find more ways to celebrate Halloween and Dia de Muertos with your public library »
