Oak Lawn Library’s "Touch a Truck" Brings Big Fun for Families

On Saturday, September 28, from 10 a.m. to noon, families from Oak Lawn and the surrounding community gathered for a fun, hands-on experience at the Oak Lawn Library’s "Touch a Truck" event. Organized by the talented Jen T., this event was a big hit with children of all ages, who were thrilled to explore and interact with a wide variety of vehicles, get up close to their community heroes, and enjoy a morning of excitement and learning.

At the heart of the event, kids had the unique opportunity to climb inside massive trucks, pretend to be drivers, and even assist with tow truck operations. From firetrucks to cement mixers, each vehicle offered a glimpse into the essential services that keep Oak Lawn running. The day featured a special guest appearance by K9 Thor and his handler, Officer Carroll, who wowed the crowd with a demonstration showcasing the impressive skills of Oak Lawn’s finest four-legged officer.

Thanks to the collaboration of several local organizations and businesses, "Touch a Truck" featured an impressive lineup of vehicles, including:

Oak Lawn Fire Department: A towering firetruck that had the kids pretending to be brave firefighters.
Oak Lawn Police Department: Their SUV and K9 unit, with kids trying on police gear and meeting K9 Thor.
Oak Lawn Park District: A powerful tractor for kids to explore.
Ozinga: A cement mixer truck, always a favorite with its spinning drum.
First Student: A bright yellow school bus, ready for little future students to take a seat.
Republic Services: A garbage truck, showcasing the behind-the-scenes work that keeps the community clean.
U.S. Army: An SUV vehicle, giving attendees a chance to check out military equipment.
JDog Junk Removal: A truck used for hauling away unwanted items, helping to keep homes and neighborhoods tidy.
Oak Lawn Public Works: Trucks from all divisions, including street maintenance, water, and sewer services.
Rokaitis Towing: A tow truck that allowed kids to assist in pretend recovery operations.

In addition to the trucks, there were a variety of vendor booths offering activities and giveaways, including the Oak Lawn Children’s Museum, Oak Lawn Community Trust Bank, and Oak Lawn Library staff, who engaged with families and shared information about library services and upcoming events.

The event offered a perfect blend of education, community engagement, and pure fun. Parents and children alike left with smiles, lasting memories, and a newfound appreciation for the everyday heroes who serve Oak Lawn. Jen T. and the Oak Lawn Library can proudly count this event as another success in their mission to bring the community together.

Thank you to everyone who participated in making "Touch a Truck" such a great day!