Oak Park Public Library Gears Up for One Book, One Oak Park

Submitted by the Oak Park Public Library.

One Book, One Oak Park is returning for a second summer as the Oak Park Public Library’s community reading program for adults and teens. The program is aimed at bringing the village together and exploring a theme that Oak Parkers have told us matters most to them and to our community’s future.

This year’s title, which was selected through online and in-person voting at all library locations, will hit especially close to home for our community members. “What We’ve Lost Is Nothing,” by Rachel Louise Snyder, is set in Oak Park and explores the value of diversity and integration. In this debut novel published last year, a series of home invasions shakes residents into examining hidden prejudices, the power of tolerance, and the evolving relationship between American cities and their suburbs.

“I want to encourage the community to read the book because it provides an opportunity for us all to connect,” said Reference Librarian Alexandra Skinner. “Not only with an interesting book, but with each other. It gives us the opportunity to say, ‘I read that book too. What did you think?’ to our neighbors, to the person next to us on the El. And since the book takes place in our own town, it’s a chance to ask what the novel gets right about Oak Park, what we think of our hometown, and how we want it to be.”

The library will host several book group discussions in June and July, and also will provide discussion kits for groups who’d like to meet on their own. New this year is a “BYO Baby” discussion for caregivers with young children. Toys and books will be provided for babies’ and toddlers’ entertainment while grown-ups discuss the book.

More than 50 copies of “What We’ve Lost Is Nothing” are available now be put on hold through the SWAN library consortium, and the library is ordering more copies. To learn more, visit oppl.org/summer-reading.

Library-led book discussions:

Thursday, June 25, 7 pm, Maze Branch

Friday, July 10, 1 pm, Dole Branch

Wednesday, July 15, 1 pm, Main Library

Monday, July 20, 10:30 am, Main Library: For caregivers with young children. Toys and books will be provided for babies’ and toddlers’ entertainment while grown-ups discuss the book.

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