Community Partnerships & Involvement

OLPL partners with many Oak Lawn social service and health organizations to provide resources and services to our patrons. These important partnerships enrich our community by extending our outreach and services beyond books and materials.

(R) – Please register for each program online at cal.olpl.org.

Around the Library

As information professionals, we help people find accurate, relevant and timely information for their specific needs—including health. While we are not health experts, we maintain awareness of issues affecting health locally and work with community partners on discussions, activities and programs that address these challenges. We collaborate with Oak Lawn Chamber members, local business and health advocates to share conversation, strategies, policy and resources to build an informed community.

New Collection: Chromebooks and Memory Kits

AgeOptions awarded the library a grant to purchase materials and host programs related to technology training and reducing social isolation for adults ages 60 and over. We purchased two new types of materials for this purpose:

  • Memory Kits
  • There are five kits, each with different materials to support those experiencing dementia and their caregivers. Each kit includes games, DVDs, CDs, books and resources.
  • The five themes are The Great Outdoors, In the Garden, Activity Night, Food for Thought and The Golden Oldies.
  • Chromebook Kits
  • Five kits include a Chromebook and mouse.
  • Five include a Chromebook, mouse and Wi-Fi hotspot

All kits are available for checkout and to be placed on hold by Oak Lawn Library cardholders ages 60 and over. The items may be checked out for three weeks and are not renewable. Please come check one out today!

FALL 2023 HEALTH PROGRAMS

(R) – Please register for each program online at cal.olpl.org.

Alzheimer’s & Dementia Support Group

Mondays, Sept. 11, Oct. 9 & Nov. 13 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. in the Café
The Alzheimer’s & Dementia Support Group provides an opportunity for family members, friends, caregivers, and others to meet regularly where they can share feelings, thoughts, and experiences. No registration required – please drop in. Facilitator: Mary Murphy, RN, BSN, CDP (Certified Dementia Practitioner) of Hibernian Home Care.

Who’s Got Game? (R)

Tuesdays, Sept. 12 & 19, Oct. 10 & 17, Nov. 14 & 21 from 10-11 a.m. in the Café
Get ready for fun, games, and crafts at this senior social hour, funded in part by the AgeOptions Library CARES ARPA grant, and JenCare.

Yoga for Adults Ages 60 and Over (R)

Wednesdays, Sept. 20, Oct. 18 & Nov. 15 at 1 p.m. in the Café
Please join Nancy McGourty, Registered Yoga Teacher, for a fun and engaging beginner’s yoga class. Please bring your own mat, if possible. Limited to 10 participants. This program is funded by the AgeOptions Library CARES ARPA grant.

Programs with Advocate Health (R)

These hybrid programs will also stream online at the OLPL YouTube page.

Intractable Headache Management
Monday, Sept. 25 at 6:30 p.m. in the Café
with Neurologist Arthur Itkin, MD.

Not Your Grandmother’s Hysterectomy
Monday, Nov. 6 at 6:30 p.m. in the Café
Join Dr. Valerie Swiatkowski MD, FACOG, Department Chair of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Advocate Christ Medical Center, to learn about the VNOTES hysterectomy procedure which leaves no visible incisions, and causes less pain with a faster recovery time.

Wits Workout (R)

Tuesdays, Sept. 26, Oct. 31 & Nov. 28 from 10-11 a.m. in in the Café
Did you know that social connectedness and intellectual engagement are two factors that contribute to your brain’s health? Join us at Wits Workout where you’ll engage in interactive puzzles and games, and learn what you can do in your daily life to keep your brain healthy! The program, developed by the University of Illinois Extension, is funded in part by the AgeOptions Library CARES ARPA grant. Light refreshments will be provided.

Housing and Home Care Options for Older Adults (R)

Wednesdays, Sept. 27 at 2 p.m. in the Café
Determining whether to age in place or seek new housing can be overwhelming. Speaker Mark Levy specializes in helping older adults and their families make personalized decisions for care and safety as we age. Join Mark for an interactive presentation about housing, care options, and financial considerations when planning for yourself or a loved one.

Domestic Violence Presentation with Pillars Community Health

Thursday, Sept. 28 at 6:30 p.m. in the Café
This presentation from Jacqueline Ramirez and Mary Espinosa of Pillars Community Health will include a personal story from a domestic violence survivor and offer information, statistics, and education about red flag behaviors and actions. No registration is required for this event.

AARP Smart Driver Course (R)

Wednesday, Oct. 4 & Thursday, Oct. 5 from 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
in Meeting Room B

The AARP Smart Driver Course is the nation’s first and largest refresher course designed specifically for older drivers. The course will provide a review of driving skills and techniques, as well as strategies and tips to help you adjust to normal age-related changes that may affect your driving ability. All participants will receive AARP’s newly revised 2022 edition of the Smart Driver Guidebook. The course will be held for 2 days (Wednesday, Oct. 4 and Thursday, Oct. 5) for 4 hours each day (9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.). Attendance at both days is required to receive a certificate of completion. The fee for the course is $20 for AARP members and $25 for non-members. Fees must be paid via cash or check payable to AARP at the start of the course on Wednesday, Oct. 4. Please bring your driver’s license and AARP card with you (if applicable). Registration is required. Limited to 20 registrants. Please register at cal.olpl.org.

COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS

OLPL is a community partner with all district schools, social services organizations, hospitals and senior centers. We stay connected through monthly meetings and help spread the word throughout the community about valuable community resources. The mission of the Oak Lawn Community Partnership is to work together to build a healthier, safer and stronger community through a cooperative alliance between all the vibrant leadership within Oak Lawn, and to stimulate all Oak Lawn citizens to take an active and responsible role in accomplishing our goals. The Oak Lawn Community Partnership meets on the fourth Tuesday of the month at 7:30 a.m. in the 2nd floor auditorium of the Village of Oak Lawn Municipal Center. For information email: olcp@oaklawn-il.gov. To access more member information, or view current flyers and programs click here.


Members

PATHLIGHTS
http://www.pathlights.org/
Since 1975, Pathlights (formerly PLOWS Council on Aging) has been helping guide adults 60 years of age and over, adults with disabilities, their caregivers, families, and friends along their best path to aging – providing resources, advocacy, programs and services needed to live with independence and dignity in the community. Serving the communities that comprise Palos, Lemont, Orland, and Worth Townships, Pathlights helps more than 16,000 people each year.

BEDS Plus
https://beds-plus.org/
BEDS Plus helps vulnerable individuals stabilize their lives through housing and supportive services. Primary services include Prevention and Stabilization, Emergency Services, Supportive Housing and Wraparound Services.

Oak Lawn Senior Center
https://www.oaklawn-il.gov/departments/senior-center
The Oak Lawn Senior Center provides specialized programming and events for seniors in Oak Lawn. The center also provides a Senior/Handicapped Bus Service for local transportation to the center or to daily activities.

Pillars Community Health
https://pillarscommunityhealth.org/
Pillars Community Health is a nonprofit provider of health, educational and social services.

Oak Lawn Park District
www.olparks.com
Oak Lawn Park District’s mission is to promote a strong sense of community by providing leisure opportunities and the preservation of natural resources that enhances the quality of life and wellness for everyone. We offer year-round recreation and leisure services for all ages and abilities to enjoy – whether it is at our Centennial Aquatics Center, Central Pool, Community Pavilion, Ice Arena, Oak View Center, Racquet, Fitness & Gymnastics Center, Stony Creek Golf Course, Restaurant & Banquets or one of our 22 parks. Visit www.olparks.com or call 708-857-2225 for more information.

Almost Home
http://www.almosthomechicago.org/
Almost Home is committed to helping single parents, victims of domestic violence, families and individuals experiencing true and significant financial hardship and the homeless. Programs include Community Blessings Boxes, Pending Meal Programs, Shelter Haircuts and the Traveling Store, Overdose Prevention Drug Outreach and Training, Lunches with Love, and Loaves and Fishes. Their service area encompasses Alsip, Bridgeview, Burbank, Chicago Ridge, Evergreen Park, Hometown, Oak Lawn and Worth.

COURAGE
https://www.courageprogram.org/couragehome/index.html
COURAGE provides resources to assist women through pregnancies and single-parenting. The ultimate goal of COURAGE is to launch health families through education, mentoring and counseling.

Greater Chicago Food Depository
https://www.chicagosfoodbank.org/
The Greater Chicago Food Depository distributes food throughout Chicagoland through partner agencies and programs. Popular programs include children’s and school programs, older adult programs, job training and benefits outreach.