Art Exhibit: "Our Reality: Not Your Pathology" by Shane-Jahi Jackson

The controversial Moynihan Report of 1965 delivered a bleak and problematic assessment on the state of the African American family. It included some of the following brooding pronouncements: âThe white family has achieved a high degree of stability and is maintaining th......More

The controversial Moynihan Report of 1965 delivered a bleak and problematic assessment on the state of the African American family. It included some of the following brooding pronouncements: âThe white family has achieved a high degree of stability and is maintaining that stability. By contrast, the family structure of lower-class Negroes is highly unstable, and in many urban centers is approaching complete breakdown.â He went on to say, âThe breakdown of the negro family has led to a startling increase in welfare dependency" and that âalmost one-fourth of negro families are headed by females.â  This exhibition, Our Reality Not Your Pathology, now sixty years later, represents a rebuttal to the famous Moynihan Report, which sought to distill the Black family as deeply broken, deviant, weighed down by misery and deprivation. The ensemble of paintings by Shane-Jahi Jackson provides his personal assessment using his own family and the friends he deems family to illustrate the strength, resilience, and joy that exist within the Black family.Each of his paintings defiantly challenges Moynihanâs claim that âthe Negro community has been forced into a matriarchal structure which, because it is too out of line with the rest of the American society, seriously retards the progress.â Defying stereotypes, Shane-Jahi works celebrate the Black woman as the pillar and protector of the black family to include mothers, grandmothers, aunties, sisters, and daughters alongside Black men and sons. This exhibition lays bare the humanity and range of the Black experience and contends that âit takes a villageâ not only the traditional family unit to raise a child."Our Reality: Not Your Pathology" by Shane-Jahi Jackson will be on view from July 22-August 23 in the Main Library GalleryRelated EventsArt Exhibit Reception: Thursday, July 24, 6:30-8:00PM, Main Library GalleryFamily Art Workshop: Saturday, August 16 (TBD), Main Library Gallery About the artistShane-Jahi Jackson was born in Denver, Colorado, in 1987. He is a self-taught artist and has exhibited in the Midwest at various venues, and most recently at the University of Chicago, the Reva & David Logan Arts Center in 2023 with Voices through the Orb, and in 2024 and Generations: Opaque Mirrors of Beauty at the Saint Kate Arts Hotel in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. In 2025, he has two upcoming solo exhibitions at the Oak Park Public Library this summer and at Epiphany Center for the Arts in Chicago in the fall. He lives and works in Morris, Illinois, and is represented by D-Squared Art & Company.

834 Lake St., Oak Park, IL, 60301, US

Wednesday Movie Matinee: "Knives Out"

In Knives Out an all-star cast is led by Daniel Craig, playing Benoit Blanc, who is brought in to conduct his own investigation when crime novelist Harlan Thrombey is found dead in his own room on his 85th birthday. All of Thrombey's family have a reason to murder the f......More

In Knives Out an all-star cast is led by Daniel Craig, playing Benoit Blanc, who is brought in to conduct his own investigation when crime novelist Harlan Thrombey is found dead in his own room on his 85th birthday. All of Thrombey's family have a reason to murder the family's patriarch, and the investigation gets wild. Starring Chris Evans, Jamie Lee Curtis, and Michael Shannon.

834 Lake St., Oak Park, IL, 60301, US

Words on Wednesday: The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating

In Elizabeth Tova Bailey's The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating, while an illness keeps her bedridden, Bailey watches a wild snail that has taken up residence on her nightstand. As a result, she discovers the solace and sense of wonder that this mysterious creature brings a......More

In Elizabeth Tova Bailey's The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating, while an illness keeps her bedridden, Bailey watches a wild snail that has taken up residence on her nightstand. As a result, she discovers the solace and sense of wonder that this mysterious creature brings and comes to a greater understanding of her own place in the world.

834 Lake St., Oak Park, IL, 60301, US

Open Circle Men's Group

group for men to discuss issues in their lives

834 Lake St., Oak Park, IL, 60301, US

Shake, Rattle & Read at Euclid Square Park

Weâre partnering with the Park District of Oak Park to bring the library to your neighborhood! Share books, songs, and play with fun storytimes in our parks. Best for families with kids 0-5. Weather permitting; any necessary cancellations will be posted by 9:30 AM on th......More

Weâre partnering with the Park District of Oak Park to bring the library to your neighborhood! Share books, songs, and play with fun storytimes in our parks. Best for families with kids 0-5. Weather permitting; any necessary cancellations will be posted by 9:30 AM on the day of the storytime.   See all upcoming storytimes ÂťPark schedule:Tuesdays at 10am: Lindberg Park, 1150 N. MarionWednesdays at 10am: Scoville Park, 800 Lake StThursdays at 10am: Euclid Square Park, 705 Fillmore St

705 Fillmore, Oak Park, IL, 60304, US

Book Bike: Storytime at Euclid Square Park

The Book Bike visits Euclid Square Park for Shake, Rattle & Read Storytime, weather permitting! Best for families with kids 0-5.Enjoy an engaging storytime and then stick around to build relationships with other caregivers and families, check out library materials, and......More

The Book Bike visits Euclid Square Park for Shake, Rattle & Read Storytime, weather permitting! Best for families with kids 0-5.Enjoy an engaging storytime and then stick around to build relationships with other caregivers and families, check out library materials, and sign up for our Summer Reading Program and/or a library card on the spot. Kids, families and caregivers are encouraged to stop by and see what the Book Bike is all about!

705 Fillmore Street, Oak Park, IL, 60304, US

Book Bike: Thursday Night Out

The Book Bike visits Downtown Oak Park for Thursday Night Out, weather permitting. Downtown Oak Park restaurants offer a variety of drinks, appetizers, entrees and desserts on the Thursday Night Out menu and allow diners to eat inside or carry out. Tables are also set ......More

The Book Bike visits Downtown Oak Park for Thursday Night Out, weather permitting. Downtown Oak Park restaurants offer a variety of drinks, appetizers, entrees and desserts on the Thursday Night Out menu and allow diners to eat inside or carry out. Tables are also set up outside for patrons to enjoy dining al fresco and live music is featured every week!Check out materials, learn about library services and events, or sign up for a library card on the spot. Everyone is encouraged to stop by and see what the Book Bike is all about!

Lake Street & Marion Street, Oak Park, IL, 60301, US

Building Code Advisory Commission

845 Gunderson Ave., Oak Park, IL, 60304, US

OP Writers Group

834 Lake St., Oak Park, IL, 60301, US

Shake, Rattle & Read at Dole

An energetic program designed for children up to age 5, with caregivers. Get ready to sing, dance, and listen to great stories!

255 Augusta St., Oak Park, IL, 60302, US

Dino Days Storytime & Craft

Do you love all things dinosaurs?! If so, join us for a dino-riffic storytime- where we explore, read, and celebrate our favorite dinos!

834 Lake St., Oak Park, IL, 60301, US

Copy of Copy of Copy of OAK PARK LINE DANCE

834 Lake St., Oak Park, IL, 60301, US

St Mary Alumnae Association Semi-annual Meeting

834 Lake St., Oak Park, IL, 60301, US

One-on-One Small Business Consulting

Do you have questions about starting or growing a business? Sit down with Chettha Saetia, business owner, business advisor, and Director of The Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Chinese Mutual Aid Association (CMAA). For more information, please click......More

Do you have questions about starting or growing a business? Sit down with Chettha Saetia, business owner, business advisor, and Director of The Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Chinese Mutual Aid Association (CMAA). For more information, please click here: https://www.chinesemutualaid.org/illinois-sbdcSchedule a half-hour appointment between 1 and 4 pm through the SBDC's scheduling software Services include:One-on-one no-cost business advice and management assistanceAssistance with the development of business plansHelp with accessing market information and the development of marketing plansAssistance with accessing business financing programsAssistance with financial analysis and planningAccess to business education and training opportunities

834 Lake St., Oak Park, IL, 60301, US

English Language Conversation

Join other English language learners to practice English and learn new vocabulary in an informal setting. Conversation Facilitators will lead the session with a variety of topics for conversation. Free and open to all English language learners.

834 Lake St., Oak Park, IL, 60301, US

Shake, Rattle & Read

This storytime is designed for one-on-one interactions between caregivers and children up to age 5. Music and movement are paired in this big, joyful class. Get ready to sing and dance with your child!

834 Lake St., Oak Park, IL, 60301, US

Kids Chess Class

Chicago Chess Academy is here for weekly chess fun with kids ages 6-12! Learn and play in a fun, safe and supportive environment. No experience needed.Sign up for each week you plan to attend. Classes will build skills, but you don't need to be here every time to benefi......More

Chicago Chess Academy is here for weekly chess fun with kids ages 6-12! Learn and play in a fun, safe and supportive environment. No experience needed.Sign up for each week you plan to attend. Classes will build skills, but you don't need to be here every time to benefit. Space is limited, please register each attendee.Thanks to Youth and Family Services, Oak Park and River Forest Townships for their support of this event.

834 Lake St., Oak Park, IL, 60301, US

Young & Restless

#babytoddler

834 Lake St., Oak Park, IL, 60301, US

chicago-sf book discussion

discuss Hugo award finalist novel Someone You Can Build a Nest In by John Wiswell

834 Lake St., Oak Park, IL, 60301, US

Riyan's Birthday Party

834 Lake St., Oak Park, IL, 60301, US

Shake, Rattle & Read at Maze

An energetic program designed for children up to age 5, with caregivers. Get ready to sing, dance, and listen to great stories!

845 Gunderson Ave., Oak Park, IL, 60304, US

Oak Park Meditation Group

OAK PARK MEDITATION GROUPThe Oak Park Meditation Group is open to all who want to learn and practice meditation together. Meditation practice provides a warm, genuine basis for realizing the full potential of our inherent wisdom and compassion. Through the practice, we ......More

OAK PARK MEDITATION GROUPThe Oak Park Meditation Group is open to all who want to learn and practice meditation together. Meditation practice provides a warm, genuine basis for realizing the full potential of our inherent wisdom and compassion. Through the practice, we learn to touch in with this compassionate wisdom, allowing us to live our lives with a mind that is more present and fully engaged. Waking up to our own inherent goodness has a natural impact on our family members, friends, co-workers, and our world at large.In-Person Sessions include:â¨â Stretch drawn from traditions such as Qigong and Yoga for synchronizing body & mind â¨â Meditation instruction and sitting meditation â¨â Walking meditationâ¨â Sitting meditation â¨â Reading and discussion

845 Gunderson Ave., Oak Park, IL, 60304, US

Shake, Rattle & Read at Lindberg Park

Weâre partnering with the Park District of Oak Park to bring the library to your neighborhood! Share books, songs, and play with fun storytimes in our parks. Best for families with kids 0-5. Weather permitting; any necessary cancellations will be posted by 9:30 AM on th......More

Weâre partnering with the Park District of Oak Park to bring the library to your neighborhood! Share books, songs, and play with fun storytimes in our parks. Best for families with kids 0-5. Weather permitting; any necessary cancellations will be posted by 9:30 AM on the day of the storytime.   See all upcoming storytimes ÂťPark schedule:Tuesdays at 10am: Lindberg Park, 1150 N. MarionWednesdays at 10am: Scoville Park, 800 Lake StThursdays at 10am: Euclid Square Park, 705 Fillmore St

1150 N. Marion, Oak Park, IL, 60302, US

Book Bike: Storytime at Lindberg Park

The Book Bike visits Lindberg Park for Shake, Rattle & Read Storytime, weather permitting! Best for families with kids 0-5.Enjoy an engaging storytime and then stick around to build relationships with other caregivers and families, check out library materials, and sign......More

The Book Bike visits Lindberg Park for Shake, Rattle & Read Storytime, weather permitting! Best for families with kids 0-5.Enjoy an engaging storytime and then stick around to build relationships with other caregivers and families, check out library materials, and sign up for our Summer Reading Program and/or a library card on the spot. Kids, families and caregivers are encouraged to stop by and see what the Book Bike is all about!

1150 N Marion Street, Oak Park, IL, 60302, US

Baby Lapsit

#babytoddler

834 Lake St., Oak Park, IL, 60301, US

VIRTUAL: Chair Yoga

US

Supported Storytime & Family Play

Designed for children with disabilities and support needs ages 3+ with caregiver support. Classes are structured with visual schedules and include fun picture books and songs, with fine and gross motor movement activities. Sensory supports like lap weights and fidget to......More

Designed for children with disabilities and support needs ages 3+ with caregiver support. Classes are structured with visual schedules and include fun picture books and songs, with fine and gross motor movement activities. Sensory supports like lap weights and fidget toys are available to help children be successful. Siblings welcome.Stay after class to play and chat with other parents and families!Classes are coordinated by Shelley, a neurodivergent childrenâs librarian with a disabled brother and a bachelors in Speech and Hearing Science. Email Shelley with questions: [email protected]#SupportedProgramming

834 Lake St., Oak Park, IL, 60301, US

Oak Park Public Library Regular Board Meeting

Meeting agenda and materials will be linked from this pageâand via oppl.org/boardâ48 hours before the meeting date.

834 Lake St., Oak Park, IL, 60301, US

Virtual: Adult Improv

US

Shake, Rattle & Read at Scoville Park

Weâre partnering with the Park District of Oak Park to bring the library to your neighborhood! Share books, songs, and play with fun storytimes in our parks. Best for families with kids 0-5. In case of inclement weather, storytime will be held inside the Veterans Room.Â......More

Weâre partnering with the Park District of Oak Park to bring the library to your neighborhood! Share books, songs, and play with fun storytimes in our parks. Best for families with kids 0-5. In case of inclement weather, storytime will be held inside the Veterans Room. See all upcoming storytimes ÂťPark schedule:Tuesdays at 10am: Lindberg Park, 1150 N. MarionWednesdays at 10am: Scoville Park, 800 Lake StThursdays at 10am: Euclid Square Park, 705 Fillmore St

800 Lake St., Oak Park, IL, 60301, US

Wednesday Movie Matinee: "The Breakfast Club"

This 1985 classic tells the story of five high school students from different walks of life as they endure a Saturday detension under a strict vice principal. Writen, directed, and produced by John Hughes, the has local conntections - the Main North High School in Des P......More

This 1985 classic tells the story of five high school students from different walks of life as they endure a Saturday detension under a strict vice principal. Writen, directed, and produced by John Hughes, the has local conntections - the Main North High School in Des Plaines, Illinois serviced as the film's primary location.

834 Lake St., Oak Park, IL, 60301, US

Sound Bath Meditation

834 Lake St., Oak Park, IL, 60301, US

Tablet Time

Try out a new app, play a favorite game, share with a friend or by play yourself. Kids will play on Children's Services iPad in the storytime room. For Kids in grades PK-5.

834 Lake St., Oak Park, IL, 60301, US

French Conversation Hour

845 Gunderson Ave., Oak Park, IL, 60304, US

Executive Committee Meeting of Oak Park Cycle Club

Meeting of executive committee of Oak Park Cycle Club

255 Augusta St., Oak Park, IL, 60302, US

Tech Help Drop-In

834 Lake St., Oak Park, IL, 60301, US

Shake, Rattle & Read at Euclid Square Park

Weâre partnering with the Park District of Oak Park to bring the library to your neighborhood! Share books, songs, and play with fun storytimes in our parks. Best for families with kids 0-5. Weather permitting; any necessary cancellations will be posted by 9:30 AM on th......More

Weâre partnering with the Park District of Oak Park to bring the library to your neighborhood! Share books, songs, and play with fun storytimes in our parks. Best for families with kids 0-5. Weather permitting; any necessary cancellations will be posted by 9:30 AM on the day of the storytime.   See all upcoming storytimes ÂťPark schedule:Tuesdays at 10am: Lindberg Park, 1150 N. MarionWednesdays at 10am: Scoville Park, 800 Lake StThursdays at 10am: Euclid Square Park, 705 Fillmore St

705 Fillmore, Oak Park, IL, 60304, US

Oak Park End-of-Life Options Coalition Monthly Meeting

Monthly meeting Oak Park End-of-Life Options Coalition

834 Lake St., Oak Park, IL, 60301, US

Book Bike: Thursday Night Out

The Book Bike visits Downtown Oak Park for Thursday Night Out, weather permitting. Downtown Oak Park restaurants offer a variety of drinks, appetizers, entrees and desserts on the Thursday Night Out menu and allow diners to eat inside or carry out. Tables are also set ......More

The Book Bike visits Downtown Oak Park for Thursday Night Out, weather permitting. Downtown Oak Park restaurants offer a variety of drinks, appetizers, entrees and desserts on the Thursday Night Out menu and allow diners to eat inside or carry out. Tables are also set up outside for patrons to enjoy dining al fresco and live music is featured every week!Check out materials, learn about library services and events, or sign up for a library card on the spot. Everyone is encouraged to stop by and see what the Book Bike is all about!

Lake Street & Marion Street, Oak Park, IL, 60301, US

Monthly Supported Stories & Play

Let's play! Join us for stories with a librarian and play stations with a local therapist, while you meet new friends and families. Designed for children with disabilities and support needs ages 3+ with caregiver support. June 26: Perennial SLP July 24: Dynamic LynksÂ......More

Let's play! Join us for stories with a librarian and play stations with a local therapist, while you meet new friends and families. Designed for children with disabilities and support needs ages 3+ with caregiver support. June 26: Perennial SLP July 24: Dynamic Lynks August 28: Kids UnlimitedSeptember 25: CAYR ConnectionsClasses are structured with visual schedules and include fun picture books and songs, with fine and gross motor movement activities. Sensory supports like lap weights and fidget toys are available to help children be successful. Siblings welcome.Classes are coordinated by Shelley, a neurodivergent childrenâs librarian with a disabled brother and a bachelors in Speech and Hearing Science. Email Shelley with questions: [email protected]#SupportedProgramming

834 Lake St., Oak Park, IL, 60301, US

Shake, Rattle & Read at Dole

An energetic program designed for children up to age 5, with caregivers. Get ready to sing, dance, and listen to great stories!

255 Augusta St., Oak Park, IL, 60302, US

OAK PARK LINE DANCE

834 Lake St., Oak Park, IL, 60301, US

English Language Conversation

Join other English language learners to practice English and learn new vocabulary in an informal setting. Conversation Facilitators will lead the session with a variety of topics for conversation. Free and open to all English language learners.

834 Lake St., Oak Park, IL, 60301, US

Shake, Rattle & Read

This storytime is designed for one-on-one interactions between caregivers and children up to age 5. Music and movement are paired in this big, joyful class. Get ready to sing and dance with your child!

834 Lake St., Oak Park, IL, 60301, US

Kids Chess Class

Chicago Chess Academy is here for weekly chess fun with kids ages 6-12! Learn and play in a fun, safe and supportive environment. No experience needed.Sign up for each week you plan to attend. Classes will build skills, but you don't need to be here every time to benefi......More

Chicago Chess Academy is here for weekly chess fun with kids ages 6-12! Learn and play in a fun, safe and supportive environment. No experience needed.Sign up for each week you plan to attend. Classes will build skills, but you don't need to be here every time to benefit. Space is limited, please register each attendee.Thanks to Youth and Family Services, Oak Park and River Forest Townships for their support of this event.

834 Lake St., Oak Park, IL, 60301, US

Young & Restless

#babytoddler

834 Lake St., Oak Park, IL, 60301, US

Windy City Stitch In

Stitch In

834 Lake St., Oak Park, IL, 60301, US