HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-03-05Oak Brook
Public
Library
VOL. 1 ISSUE 1
MARCH - MAY 2026SPRING NEWSLETTER
THE LIBRARY IS CLOSED:
SUNDAY, APRIL 5
SUNDAY, MAY 24
MONDAY, MAY 25
WEDNESDAYS
1:00 PM
Drop-In Tech Help
Basic one-on-one help with computers and
devices with a trained librarian.
English Language
Conversation Group
Practice your speaking and listening skills with
Librarians Hubbell, Nancy, and others.
TUESDAYS
6:00 PM
FRIDAYS
10:00 AM
Current Events
Join us for group discussions of the latest news.
TUESDAYS
7:00 PM
Tuesday Night Knitting Club
Learn to knit or just enjoy the company of other
knitters as you work on existing projects. Resident
knitting experts lead the group and all members help
each other learn new stitches and techniques.
RECURRING PROGRAMS
A WORD FROM HEADLIBRARIAN JACOB POST
Each April the Oak Brook Public Library is excited to join libraries all
across the country in celebrating National Library Week. This year the
national theme is “Find Your Joy” and takes place from April 19 to April
25. The event aims to highlight the many ways libraries transform their
communities through the services and expertise they offer. So visit the
Library’s website or stop on by to find out what we can do to bring you
some joy this Spring.
PAINTNG CLASS WITH MAYSA HADDADMonday, March 9 at 6 pm
Follow along with Maysa Haddad as she walks you through how to paint yourown creation!
INVITING NATURE TO YOUR YARD
WITH THE CONSERVATION FOUNDATIONWednesday, March 11 at 6 pm
The Conservation at Home program is all about creating more eco-friendlyyards! Listen to Jim Kleinwachter of The Conservation Foundation as he showsyou how the “typical” yard can easily be improved to help reduce water run-off, increase wildlife habitats, and improve your soil. Participants will receive abutterfly attraction and identification pamphlet, and native plant guide.
MEDITATION AS A HEALING PRACTICE
WITH UMESH BHATIA, MSWednesday, March 18 at 6 pm
Join Umesh Bhatia, long time meditator and meditation instructor for over 25
years, for this informative program. There will even be a chance to try
meditation practice.
Saturday, March 14 at 10 am
While supplies last. Bring in plants, cuttings, propagations, seeds, or other
planting supplies such as pots. Join us for a fun, friendly, and free opportunity
to expand your plant collection, share your knowledge, and connect with other
plant lovers!
PLANT AND SEED SWAP
WHAT KEEPS YOU UP AT NIGHT?MEDICARE LUNCH AND LEARN WITH PATRICK DULLECK
Thursday, March 19 at 12 pm
Patrick Dulleck will walk you through the new and sometimes scary world of
Medicare. Light refreshments provided.
ADULT PROGRAMS:MARCH
REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED FOR PROGRAMS. REGISTER BY CALLING 630-368-7700 OR BYUSING THE QR CODE.
DEATH CAFE FOR ADULTS WITH LIBRARIAN ERIN
Saturday, March 21 at 2 pm
Join Librarian Erin and Alejandro Salinas of the Chicago Death Doula
Collective as we gather to safely and positively explore death via conversation
and community. A Death Cafe is a group directed discussion of death with noagenda, objectives or themes. It is a discussion group rather than a grief
support or counselling session.
ADULT CRAFT NIGHT WITH TERRI MURPHY:
WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH COLLAGE Wednesday, March 25 at 6:30 pm
Create a collage portrait pasting colored and textured papers right on top of a
photocopy! Let's commemorate the movers and shakers in the fields of
science, medicine, social equality, art, music, literature, sports, and politics.
Celebrate creativity and courage as we honor women who changed the world .
BEACON BOOK CLUB WITH LIBRARIAN MELISSA:
ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO'S NEST BY KEN KESEYThursday, March 26 at 11 am
Copies of the book are available at the Circulation Desk
Tyrannical Nurse Ratched rules her ward in an Oregon State mental hospitalwith a strict and unbending routine, unopposed by her patients, who remaincowed by mind-numbing medication and the threat of electric shock therapy.But her regime is disrupted by the arrival of McMurphy – the swaggering, fun-loving trickster with a devilish grin who resolves to oppose her rules on behalfof his fellow inmates.
UNDERSTANDING SOCIAL SECURITY
Tuesday, March 31 at 7 pm
Jim Flannigan of Bentron Financial Services will be here to walk you through
Social Security.
Evergreen Concert:
Irish Tunes for a
Sunday Afternoon
feat. Irish Jimmy:
Jimmy Moore
Jimmy Keane
Jimmy Sullivan
feat. Irish Jimmy:
Jimmy Moore
Jimmy Keane
Jimmy Sullivan
In honor of Tom Doyle
No registration required
SUNDAY, APRIL 26 AT 3 PM
FREE!
URDU LITERATURE AND CULTURE SHARING Wednesday, April 1 at 7 pm
Join Dr. Ghazala Siddiqui in celebrating the Urdu language. We invite all
patrons to share an Urdu poem, a favored excerpt from a text, or something
you have written.
RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE
Monday, April 6 at 10:30 am
Save a life by donating blood with the American Red Cross.
LINCOLN AS STORY-TELLER
Thursday, April 9 at 7 pm
Mr. Lincoln shares some of his favorite stories and jokes, and explains why heused these so often. You'll still get a good dose of both the nation's historyand Mr. Lincoln's personal story.
PAINTING NIGHT WITH MAYSA HADDAD
Monday, April 13 at 6 pm
Follow along with Maysa Haddad as she walks you through how to paint your own creation!
ADULT CRAFT NIGHT WITH LIBRARIAN
THERESA: PAPER FLOWER BOUQUET
Wednesday, April 22 at 7 pm
Librarian Theresa will walk you through how to make your very own paper bouquet.
BEACON BOOK CLUB WITH LIBRARIAN MELISSA:
A MARRIAGE AT SEA BY SOPHIE ELMHIRST
Thursday, April 23 at 11 am
Copies of the book are available at the Circulation Desk
This is the stranger-than-fiction story of a young couple who became shipwrecked at sea, and
their fight to survive together for months in a tiny rubber raft.
PUZZLE SWAP WITH LIBRARIAN ERIN
Saturday, April 18 at 11 am
Come join OBPL's first puzzle club! This inaugural meeting will have snacks, a 1,000 piece
puzzle to complete as a group, and discussions over the type of puzzles you enjoy most!
This club is for any puzzle enthusiasts big or small to trade or loan out their personal
puzzles to other members. Bring your favorite puzzle to trade or loan to another
community member, or simply check out one of OBPL's many puzzles to enjoy.
SENIOR SEMINAR WITH DOCTOR OF PHYSICAL
THERAPY DAVID HORTON: PELVIC FLOOR PAIN
Wednesday, April 22 at 10:30 am
Meet with Doctor of Physical Therapy David Horton to learn about pelvic floor pain and how
to ease discomfort.
ADULT PROGRAMS: APRIL
URDU LITERATURE AND CULTURE SHARING Wednesday, May 6 at 7 pm
Join Dr. Ghazala Siddiqui in celebrating the Urdu language. We invite all patrons
to share an Urdu poem, a favored excerpt from a text, or something you have
written.
MEDICARE COVERS WITH PATRICK DULLECK
Thursday, May 14 at 6:15 pm
Sit down with Patrick Dulleck from First Choice Insurance Agency to learn about
Medicare Parts A, B, C, and D and their impact on healthcare coverage,
navigating Medicaid and Medicare for those eligible for both programs,
veterans’ benefits, and avoiding common pitfalls such as enrollment penalties
and missed deadlines.
DOCUMENT SHREDDINGSaturday, May 16 at 10 am
Doug Nelson of Re/Max is providing document shredding services in the Library's
North parking lot.
ADULT CRAFT NIGHT
WITH LIBRARIAN BRIGITTE
Wednesday, May 27 at 7 pm
Brigitte will walk you through how to make your own flower pens and matching pot!
BEACON BOOK CLUB WITH LIBRARIAN
MELISSA: THE BRIAR CLUB BY KATE QUINNThursday, May 28 at 11 am
Copies of the book are available at Circulation Desk
Everyone keeps to themselves at Briarwood House, an all-female boardinghouse in
Washington D.C. But when the lovely, mysterious widow Grace March moves in, she
draws her oddball collection of neighbors into unlikely friendship. When a shocking
act of violence tears apart the house, the Briar Club women must decide once and
for all: Who is the true enemy in their midst?
REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED FOR PROGRAMS. REGISTER BY CALLING 630-368-7700 OR BY USING THE QRCODE.
SPRING RENEWAL MEDITATION WITH UMESH BHATIA, MSWednesday, May 13 at 6 pm
As the earth shifts from winter's quiet stillness, we too can awaken and bring
fresh energy into our lives. Start the Spring season with a reflection of new
possibilities, growth and renewal as Umesh Bhatia, long time meditator and
meditation instructor, shares a simple yet powerful meditation technique
leading to the deepest levels of peace and joy. This workshop included a
practice of this powerful tool of meditation. Join Umesh for this powerful
workshop.
ADULT PROGRAMS: MAY
AUDREY MUSCHLER MEMORIAL SPEAKER SERIES:THE CULTURAL CONTEST FOR THE WESTERN GREAT LAKES: THE TRANSFORMATION OF NATIVE LAND INTO REAL ESTATE(1673–1838)
Sunday, April 19 at 2 pm Oak Brook Village Hall, Samuel Dean Board Room
Explore how Indigenous nations, European empires, and the emerging United States
shaped—and reshaped—the land and communities of Northern Illinois. The lecture will be
presented by distinguished historians Dr. Ann Durkin Keating and Sue Devick. “This
program connects global forces and national policy directly to the land beneath our feet,”
said a representative of the Oak Brook Historical Society. “It reflects our mission to explore
history in ways that are rigorous, inclusive, and meaningful to our community.”
Located in the historic Butler School, now known as the Oak
Brook Heritage Center, the Oak Brook Historical Society is
dedicated to the discovery, preservation, and display of historical
materials related to the history and heritage of Oak Brook, Illinois.
Through exhibits, educational programs, and community events,
the Society strives to foster a deeper understanding and
appreciation of Oak Brook’s past
OAK BROOK
HISTORICAL SOCIETY
For more information, visit
www.oakbrookhistory.org or contact OBHS at:
(630) 368-7750
OAK BROOK ARCHITECTURE ACROSS TIME
April 30 – June 2026Oak Brook Heritage Center
Enjoy the photography of William North as he explores the
fleeting nature of the built environment and the enduring values
behind it. Through a series of carefully observed photographs,
North documents the last five remaining buildings of Old Oak
Brook. What began as a historical survey quickly evolved into a
meditation on impermanence. “Very little of Old Oak Brook
remains,” North notes. “No matter how permanent something
appears, the work of human hands does not last forever.” Oak
Brook Architecture Across Time offers a quiet but powerful
reflection on history, memory, and what we choose to carry
forward. The exhibit is free to visitors. Photograph will be
available for purchase.
Saturday, March 14 at 1 pm
All agesSponsored by Friends of OBPL
Children under 8 must be accompanied by a caregiver who attends the
program. You’ll be laughing out loud as nationally known family entertainer
Chris Fascione brings children’s stories to life. With his unique combination
of acting, storytelling, comedy and juggling, Chris brings out the kid in
everyone.
CHRIS FASCIONE: JUGGLING FUNNY STORIES
March 15 - April 12All ages
Design a bookmark based on the Youth Department’s spring theme
“Treasure in Every Book!” Return your completed design to the Youth Desk
by April 12. Winners will receive a prize!
BOOKMARK DESIGN CONTEST
Thursday, March 26 at 4:45 pm
All ages
Children under 8 must be accompanied by a caregiver who attends the
program. Join Miss Dominique for a Pokemon trading night where you will
have the space and time to trade cards, do battles, and share memorabilia
and favorite facts. There will be coloring sheets, music, and bulk cards
from Crown Zenith, Paldea Evolved, and Scarlet and Violet Base set.
Donations are welcome, and a waiver needs to be signed before children
are allowed to trade.
POKEMON TRADING NIGHT WITH MISS DOM
Thursday, April 2 at 2 pmAll ages
Play bingo! Win prizes! Children under 8 must be accompanied by a
caregiver who attends the program.
SPRING BREAK BINGO WITH MISS BRIGITTE
YOUTH PROGRAMS: SPECIALS
Saturday, March 7 at 2 pm
Ages 7 and up
Sponsored by Friends of OBPL
Join Teaching Artist and Storyteller Victoria Reeves for this hands-on
workshop! Learn how to make your own shadow puppets and stage using
recycled materials. Afterwards we will create stories using our puppets.
Please bring your own flashlight or similar light source. Children under 10
must be accompained by a caregiver who attends the program.
DIY SHADOW PUPPETS
WITH VICTORIA REEVES
REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED FOR PROGRAMS. REGISTER BY CALLING 630-368-7700 OR BY USING THE QR CODE.
Tuesday, May 5 at 10:30 am
Ages 2-5 with caregiver
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with OBPL and The Language Labs with
this bilingual storytime! You'll hear exciting stories, songs, and
complete a craft.
CINCO DE MAYO STORYTIME
WITH THE LANGUAGE LABS
Monday, May 4 at 4:45 pm
Ages 8 - 12
Join Maysa Haddad for an evening full of color, creativity, and fun! No
experience needed, just bring your smile!
KIDS PAINTING CLASS
WITH MAYSA HADDAD
Wednesday, April 8
10 - 10:45 am | Ages 19 months - 4 years11 - 11:45 am | Ages 0 - 18 months
Join the Brookfield Academy for Mini Musicians for a fun and
engaging morning of songs and rhymes celebrating all things
spring! With shaker eggs, jingle bells, dancing scarves, and
more, our classes are designed to captivate your little one and
inspire creativity that extends far beyond the classroom. But
don't let all the fun fool you! Our "secret" goal is education, and
each song and rhyme has been specifically written or selected
to laser target both musical and non-musical skills.
BROOKFIELD ACADEMY OF MINI MUSICIANS
YOUTH PROGRAMS: SPECIALSREGISTRATION IS REQUIRED FOR PROGRAMS. REGISTER BY CALLING 630-368-7700 OR BY USING THE QR CODE.
LEGO FREE BUILD WITH MISS DOMINIQUE
Thursdays at 4:45 pmMarch 5 and 19
April 9 and 23May 7
All ages
Let's build! Let your imagination run wild with Miss Dominique as you and
your friends create anything you can think of out of LEGO. Finished projects
will be displayed in the display case in the youth section of the Library until
the following session. Legos are provided.
Please register each child who is attending. Children under 10 must have a
caregiver present.
REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED FOR ALLPROGRAMS
Tuesdays at 10:30 am
March 10 and 24
April 7 and 21
May 12
Ages 2-3 with caregiver
This is the perfect program to introduce little ones to the Library.
We will read books, sing songs, dance, and complete a craft!
Please register each child who is attending. A caregiver must stay
with each child for the entire program.
TODDLING 2s AND 3s STORYTIME
WITH MISS THERESA
YOUTH PROGRAMS:MONTHLY AND BIMONTHLY
CRAFTERNOONS WITH MISS BRIGITTE
Thursdays at 4:45 pmMarch 12
April 16May 14
Ages 8 and up
Craft with Miss Brigitte! Each session we will create something based on a
specific theme, artist, or child request! Dress for mess!
Please register each child who is attending.
DESIGN YOUR OWNRAINBOW FISH
Friday, March 13
FUNKY SNAIL
Friday, April 10
PUFF-PUFF-PUFFERFISH
Friday, May 8
PICKUP CRAFTS
The Month of April
All ages
Find the hidden characters around the youth area to spell out a special message! Once
you do, bring your completed sheet to the youth desk to receive a prize! Need help?
Librarians will give you a hint!
This passive program is intended to encourage children in creative thinking and
problem solving by themselves. We encourage all parents and caregivers to let their
kids try to complete the hunt independently. Children can only receive one prize per
month.
SCAVENGER HUNT
Stop by the youth desk to grab the latest pickup craft while supplies last.
Do you:
Need community service hours for your school, church, or scout group?
Want to help your community?
Feel passionate about the Library?
Need job experience?
Become a teen volunteer!
The Library offers volunteer opportunities to students entering 8 through 12 grades. Volunteer
duties include assisting library staff with patron hold requests, sorting and shelving materials, and
helping librarians with in-person children’s programming like story times and other special
projects.
th th
Applications are available online and in the library. Each applicant must complete an application
and a short alphabetization quiz to participate. Volunteers receive a confirmation letter of their
hours at the end of the session for any extracurricular service hour obligations.
Speak to a helpful librarian about volunteering today!
TEEN VOLUNTEERING
GRADES 8 AND UP
See website for details, meeting dates, and application form.
Do you have a passion for your community? Do you have ideas on ways to make the Library
better for teens? Join the Teen Advisory Board! You can host your own teen-centered programs,
help design displays, host storytimes, work the fall book sale, and more!
TEEN ADVISORY BOARD
Thursday, May 21 5-8 pm
Bring your study guides and your friends to prepare for finals.
High school students only. Light snacks provided.
TEEN STUDY NIGHT
Download the
SWAN Libraries
+ App
Check your account
Access your mobile library
card
Browse the SWAN catalog
Place holds on materials
You can also access the catalog
by going to obd.swanlibraries.net
Enter your card number and pin (the
last four digits of your phone number).
What is SWAN?
SWAN is an Illinois-based system of over 100
libraries that gives library patrons easy
access to over 8 million materials.
Access digital books, audiobooks, and magazines.
Libby will often have different materials than
Boundless.
Libby
Access thousands of the most popular
newspapers and magazines.
Pressreader
Access on-demand video streaming of films and
shows.
Kanopy
Download the following apps on your device
and log in using your card number and pin.
For more information, visit the library
website.
Downloadable Apps
Digital Services
Open Access
Career One Stop
Driving Tests
Family Search
PubMed
Student Databases
Explora Primary Schools
Explora Secondary Schools
Points of View Reference Center
Business Databases
A to Z Databases
Illinois Public Records: Chicago Area
Value Line
General Databases
Auto Repair Resource
Consumer Health Complete
Consumer Reports
Mango Languages
Science Reference Center
Checkouts and Returns
SWAN Services
Visit any participating library and use
your Oak Brook card to check out
materials.
Checked out materials can be returned
at any participating library, not just the
library they belong to.
Holds
Holds can be placed on materials from
any library in SWAN.
Select any participating library from
which you would like to pick up your
holds.
Databases
Listed below are just a few of our
popular databases!
Visit the library website or scan the QR
code to learn more.
The Economist
USA Today
The Boston GlobeRolling StoneForeign Affairs
New York Magazine
The GuardianThe Hollywood ReporterThe New Yorker
Top Gear
Pressreader
ONLINE NEWSPAPERSAND MAGAZINES
Did you know the Library has access to numerous online newspapers
and magazines? You can access the following titles and many more
using our Pressreader and Libby apps on your phone or tablet:
Libby
India Today
Bon AppetitCooks Illustrated Kiplinger’s Personal Finance
Runner’s World
GQHighlights for ChildrenMother Jones
Now with games!
NEW YORK TIMES
OBPL is excited to offer our patrons complimentary
and unlimited access to everything The New York
Times has to offer! Everyone can access NYTimes.com
while onsite and connected to the library Wi-Fi. Oak
Brook library cardholders can access all of The Times
— including News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter,
The Athletic and all apps — from anywhere by following
the instructions found on the Library’s website! Stay up
to date on the news, explore games and puzzle
archives, discover thousands of easy recipes, listen to
over 40 podcasts and past episodes, follow your
favorite sports teams, and so much more!
Explore More Illinois usersmust be 18 years or older.Attractions may require aphoto ID in addition to thereservation.
Explore More Illinois is a free service provided by your
library that provides instant online access to free and
discounted tickets to museums, science centers, sporting
events, zoos, park districts, theatres, and other fun and local
cultural venues.
Log in with your library card credentials and browse for
passes by date or attractions. If you do not know your PIN or
password, or if you have problems logging into Explore More
Illinois, please contact your home library. Make your
reservation and print or download your pass shortly before
your visit. You can have three active reservations per library
card. Please cancel your reservation(s) if unable to attend,
otherwise the reservation will count as being used.
Remember that once you print or download your pass you
cannot cancel your reservation.
How do I get a pass?
What is Explore More Illinois?
Lobby Exhibits
Two glass display cases, in memory of Robert F. Brizzolara, are
located in the lobby for displaying special collections. Both
have optional fluorescent lighting and one shelf. They each
measure 46 inches wide by 18 inches deep by 24 inches high.
Wall Exhibits
Artwork may be hung on the walls behind the Reference Desk.
This consists of: 5 panels, each about 85 inches high by 60 inches wide.
Library Exhibits
The Library encourages its patrons and others to offer to the Oak Brook
community displays or exhibits of artwork, special collections or other items.
There are two different venues available in the library: two lobby exhibit cases
and the wall in the Reference area. Light levels are high throughout the Library so
this should be considered when offering items for exhibit. Although great care
will be taken with exhibits, the Library is unable to assume insurance costs for
the materials on exhibit. All exhibits must be approved and scheduled with the
Administration Office. Call (630) 368-7708 to discuss your exhibit. All exhibitors
must complete our Application Form found on our website.
EXHIBIT SPACE
Please see our website for the Exhibits and Special Acquisitions Policy.
Help
Wanted!
The Friends of the Oak Brook Public Library is
looking for a few new board members! The Board
works closely with the Library’s staff to provide
interesting programs and resources.
The Board meets quarterly, usually on Tuesday
afternoons.
We need individuals who are:
Familiar with QuickBooks
Interested in finding talent for future concerts
Interested in writing for our semi-annual
newsletter
Interested in learning how our annual book sale
functions
Each of these responsibilities are a three-year
volunteer position. If you are interested or have any
questions, please contact Head Librarian Jacob
Post.
FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY
Membership Categories:
Individual.....................$25
Family...........................$40
Patron.........................$100
Other $_______________
Check #___________________________________________________
Check Date________________________________________________
Name(s)___________________________________________________
Address __________________________________________________
Email_____________________________________________________
Cut out this portion of the program and return with
check made payable to
Friends of Oak Brook Public Library.
SUPPORT YOUR LIBRARY BY JOINING THE
FRIENDS OF THE OAK BROOK PUBLIC LIBRARY
Annual Membership
Please make your check payable to
Friends of the Oak Brook Public Library
The Friends is an all-volunteer 501(c)(3) nonprofit
organization recognized by the IRS. All donations are
tax-deductible in accordance with IRS regulations.
Brook Forest Field Trip
Animal Quest Children’s Show
PHOTO GALLERYSNAPSHOTS OF OBPL’S YEAR SO FAR!
Adult Craft Night with Librarian Theresa: Painted Rock Cactus
Adult Craft Night with Librarian Theresa
Empowerment Dolls with Victoria Reeves
Winter Reading Grand Prize Winners
Kid’s Craft Night with Terri Murphy
Facebook:
@oakbrookpubliclibrary
YouTube:
oakbrooklibrary
Instagram:
@oakbrookpubliclibrary
600 OAK BROOK ROAD
OAK BROOK, IL 60523
630-368-7700
OAK BROOKPUBLIC LIBRARY
LIBRARY HOURS
MONDAY - THURSDAY 9:30 AM - 9:00 PM
FRIDAY AND SATURDAY 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
SUNDAY 1:00 - 5:00 PM
Photographs and/or videos may be taken at our programs for possible use in library
promotions, including the Library Beacon newsletter, social media, and the OBPL
website. Please notify staff if you do not wish to be photographed.
FollowOBPL