Does the public library have a future? Our neighbor, Chicago Public Library, is facing huge cuts in services and staff from the planned 2012 budget from Mayor Emanuel. People have been predicting the death of print and public library services for years. We want to hear your views on libraries and services, and we’re looking for new ways to do it.

Oak Park Public Library cardholders are eligible to be a part of a very special conversation with our library’s leadership. Starting now (while supplies last) attend any of the following programs from the Chicago Humanities Festival and then discuss the implications for Oak Park.

Tomorrow’s History
Saturday, November 5, meet at 1 pm at Main Library
Explore how digital technologies have shifted original research from remote sources to online archives, and computerized tools have created immersive presentations for the classroom.
register now

A Jane Addams for the Digital Age
Sunday, November 6, meet at 2 pm at Main Library
Explore whether social justice is more achievable in the information age.
register now

Serious Play: Meaningful Video Games
Saturday, November 12, meet at 10 am at Main Library
Explore how gaming has evolved into a richly varied aesthetic universe and a viable platform to address social, political, and personal issues.
register now

The Book: Past, Present, and Future
Saturday, November 12, meet at 11:30 am at Main Library
Explore the future of the book in the age of e-publishing.
register now

You’ll also have the chance to join us for a community conversation about your vision for the future of the library. Join us:

A Community Conversation
Thursday, November 17, 7:00 pm Main Library
Discuss your vision and views on the future of libraries. Lee Rainie, Director of the Pew Research Center’s Internet & American Life Project, will lead the conversation from Washington, DC. Free and open to the public.

If you’d like to learn more about what the library is doing to plan for our future, keep watching the SPARK page on the library’s website for more information and ways to contribute.