Oak Lawn Local History
Explore the Local History Collection
Search the Local History collection online and view more than 21,000 unique items including photos, documents, objects, yearbooks, telephone books and much more!
Oak Lawn Newspaper Index
Check out the library’s local newspaper index containing more than 86,000 references from 1988-present.
Oak Lawn Obituary Index
Check out the library’s local obituary index containing references to more than 244,000 obits and death notices from 1985-present.
Microfilm
View digitized microfilm from the Oak Lawn Independent and the Village View newspapers! Issues range from 1933-2014 and are hosted by the Internet Archive.
Oak Lawn History Books
Discover the history of Oak Lawn through the Images of America series by Arcadia Publishing! Both titles are available for checkout at the library or copies can be purchased online.
Chicago History Books
Browse the library’s online catalog to find dozens of books exploring the history of Chicago and its suburbs!
Oak Lawn History Spotlight: The Oak Lawn Public Library
The First Oak Lawn Public Library
Opened in 1936 during the Great Depression, the first library was partially funded by a Works Progress Administration grant.
The Second Oak Lawn Public Library
Needing more space, in 1946 the library moved into a nearby historic home that was built by the Chamberlain Family during the 1840s.
The Third Oak Lawn Public Library
By the 1950s Oak Lawn’s population was rapidly expanding and the library had again outgrown its space. In 1955 a new building was constructed.
The Current Oak Lawn Public Library
With major expansions completed in 1976 and 2004, the library continues to meet the needs of a changing and diverse community.
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