Oak Park Public Library Main Branch
708-383-8200
Dating back more than 100 years, a storied history precedes the 2003 debut of the renovated, 104,000-square-foot library located at 834 Lake Street. What began as James W. Scoville's public-lending library in 1902, has turned into a full-service public institution that's gone through several expansions and renovations.
Today, Oak Park's library system serves approximately 53,000 people through three branches. The collection includes books for all literary tastes and an extensive multimedia collection. At the main branch, guests can peruse the creative works of local artists, partake in book club discussions or schedule a viewing of the library's special Ernest Hemingway collection. Check the website for a more updated schedule of its wonderful public programs and activities.
- Fax: 708-697-6900
- Hours: Mon - Thu, 9am - 9pm; Fri, 9am - 6pm; Sat, 9am - 5pm; Sun, 1pm - 6pm
- Handicap Accessible: Yes
- What makes this community special?: An enormous, modern facility with a devoted and friendly staff and a hefty collection of books, periodicals, research materials and multimedia.
- Parking: Free lot, Paid lot
- Size of collection: 315,000
- Specialties: Ernest Hemingway special collection; Frank Lloyd Wright special collection; Oak Park-born novelist Carol Shields collection; author Edgar Rice Burroughs collection; and a transgender resource collection
- Services: Audiobooks, Movies, Music CDs, Research databases, Resources for job seekers
- Internet use policy: 45 minute-time limit on library computers
- Programs/classes: Beginner- and advanced-Web and computer lessons; job-searching; social media
- Book donation information: Book donations are accepted at every library branch.
- Wi-Fi: Free
- Private events: No
