Filter Events by
View More
View More
View More
View More
View More
View More
VIRTUAL: Grief Journaling Workshop
Sunday, September 26, 2021
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Virtual & Offsite
Virtual Meeting Space
During these uncertain and heartbreaking times, we know many people are hurting and looking for ways to deal with all of the emotions that are bubbling up. With us not being able to go to our loved ones when they are sick and/or dying, or to take solace in gathering with other loved ones, many of us are dealing with things we may never have before in our lives. One thing that we at the Oak Park Public Library have found that helps is journaling. While this is not counseling or therapy, it is a way for us to express ourselves, and we invite everyone to journal with us.
In addition to dealing with the pandemic, other tragic events of life and death are still happening all around us.
Have you experienced the loss of a loved one (a partner, family member, mentor, friend, etc.)? Are you experiencing ambiguous loss* or anticipatory grief**? Even if you don’t consider yourself a writer, you are welcome to join us on this journey of journaling. Each session will begin with prompts and/or a guided meditation followed by time to journal. At the end of each session, we will set aside time to share, if you feel so moved. Feel free to come to any or all workshops.
*Ambiguous loss refers to loss without closure. The person is often left searching for answers, which often results in unresolved grief. Some examples are infertility, termination of pregnancy, disappearance of a family member, death of an ex-spouse, a family member being physically alive but in a state of cognitive decline due to Alzheimer's disease or dementia, etc.
**Anticipatory grief refers to a feeling of grief occurring before an impending loss.
Virtual: Chair Yoga
Tuesday, September 28, 2021
12:00 PM - 12:30 PM
Virtual & Offsite
**NEW TIME: Join us weekly at noon starting Tuesday, September 14
Calm and center your mind while moving your body through intentional poses and sequences during these bi-weekly chair yoga sessions. Now is a great time to start a practice or revisit one. Chair yoga can improve your flexibility, concentration, and strength, while boosting your mood, and reducing stress and joint strain.
What to know before you join
- Chair yoga and meditation are accessible and open for all
- Dress comfortably
- Find a location where you can focus and dedicate 30 minutes to you
- You are not required to keep your camera on
- Prepare to take time to match your movement and motion and have a little fun
- Have a chair that can be stationary
About the instructor
Instructor DuShaun Branch is focused on bringing yoga to as many BIPOC and plus-sized communities as possible. She believes people not only need rest and relaxation, but resistance. Yoga is a powerful way to tap into the balance of ease and positive effort. DuShaun teaches through the lens of equity and trauma-informed, hosting classes in “nontraditional” settings all over the city. She intends on taking down as many barriers as possible to bring yoga to those who are looking for calm and relaxed minds. DuShaun truly believes yoga is for all, and shares that throughout Chicago and beyond.
Disclaimer
By joining this class, you declare that you are physically fit and ready to participate in yoga classes and understand that yoga, as with any physical activity, may involve some risk of injury. If at any time you feel discomfort or strain, gently come out of the posture. You may rest at any time during the class. It is your responsibility to consult with your physician with respect to any past or present injury, illness, health problem, or any other condition or medication that may affect your participation.
The participant assumes all risks of injury and illness that may result from such participation. The participant agrees to waive and release the Oak Park Public Library, its officers, employees, trustees, and agents and shall hold such persons/entity harmless from any and all liability for any claim, suit, or other cause of action which might arise from injuries, illness, damages, or loss which may occur on account of participation in such activities.
VIRTUAL: Community Circle: Understanding Trauma of Sexual Violence
Wednesday, September 29, 2021
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Virtual & Offsite
This community circle is designed to unpack and understand the effects of trauma from sexual violence. Library staff members who are trained circle keepers will facilitate the community discussion using the model of circles, which honors our stories, community relationships, and ability to keep learning from each other. A trained clinical counselor and advocate, certified by the state of Illinois to provide crisis intervention and support, will be present at the circle for individual assistance.
View More
Sexual violence is an umbrella term that includes any type of unwanted sexual contact-either in person or online-including sexual assault, harassment, and abuse. Sexual violence is a societal problem that can have lasting effects on survivors and their families, friends, and communities.
About community circles
Circles are a structured process to build community where everyone feels connected and respected in their authentic selves. Led by library staff who are certified facilitators, we come together to explore a subject by asking a series of questions and providing all with an equal opportunity to share, listen to one another, and reflect on the importance to their own lives. Circles as we practice them are rooted in the traditional practices of Indigenous cultures in North America. This program is led by trained Circle Keepers and Librarians Rose Barnes and Beronica Puhr. Learn more about circles »
About partnership with Pillars Community Health Sexual Assault Services
A trained clinical counselor and advocate, certified by the state of Illinois to provide crisis intervention and support, will be present at the circle for individual assistance. On top of providing emotional support, they can answer any questions about the legal or medical process for survivors, offer referrals, and complete counseling intake for interested participants. Learn more about Pillars Community Health Sexual Assault Services »
VIRTUAL: Thrive Talk: Where to Go When You Feel All Is Lost: A Blueprint for Mental Health Care
Thursday, September 30, 2021
7:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Virtual & Offsite
Join Daisy Rios, LCPC
(Clinical Program Manager—Youth Services at Thrive), Heidi Hamernik, PhD
(former Thrive Board Member), and Alexandra Luger, PsyD (Thrive Board Member)
for a panel discussion on the ins and outs of seeking mental healthcare for
children, adolescents, and adults. Hear a range of topics, including
when to seek professional help, how to go about finding the right type of
treatment, and what to expect from the therapeutic process. Learn about issues involving access to care, including insurance, waitlists, and
telehealth. This discussion will demystify the therapeutic process and make
you a savvier consumer of mental health care.
Registration is open
View More
Teen Environmental Club
Sunday, October 17, 2021
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Virtual & Offsite
Want to make a difference in your community? Join the Teen Environmental Club for their monthly Adopt-a-Block cleanup! Meet at the Main Library entrance at 1 pm, and we'll walk together to the nearby designated adopted block. Litter clean-up supplies will be provided.
All teens are welcome to join! This program is led by the Leading Edge Teen Advisory Board (LETAB) where teens gain leadership skills and work together to build community. Learn more about LETAB »
VIRTUAL: Grief Journaling Workshop
Sunday, October 31, 2021
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Virtual & Offsite
Virtual Meeting Space
During these uncertain and heartbreaking times, we know many people are hurting and looking for ways to deal with all of the emotions that are bubbling up. With us not being able to go to our loved ones when they are sick and/or dying, or to take solace in gathering with other loved ones, many of us are dealing with things we may never have before in our lives. One thing that we at the Oak Park Public Library have found that helps is journaling. While this is not counseling or therapy, it is a way for us to express ourselves, and we invite everyone to journal with us.
In addition to dealing with the pandemic, other tragic events of life and death are still happening all around us.
Have you experienced the loss of a loved one (a partner, family member, mentor, friend, etc.)? Are you experiencing ambiguous loss* or anticipatory grief**? Even if you don’t consider yourself a writer, you are welcome to join us on this journey of journaling. Each session will begin with prompts and/or a guided meditation followed by time to journal. At the end of each session, we will set aside time to share, if you feel so moved. Feel free to come to any or all workshops.
*Ambiguous loss refers to loss without closure. The person is often left searching for answers, which often results in unresolved grief. Some examples are infertility, termination of pregnancy, disappearance of a family member, death of an ex-spouse, a family member being physically alive but in a state of cognitive decline due to Alzheimer's disease or dementia, etc.
**Anticipatory grief refers to a feeling of grief occurring before an impending loss.
Registration is open
View More
Teen Environmental Club
Sunday, November 21, 2021
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Virtual & Offsite
Want to make a difference in your community? Join the Teen Environmental Club for their monthly Adopt-a-Block cleanup! Meet at the Main Library entrance at 1 pm, and we'll walk together to the nearby designated adopted block. Litter clean-up supplies will be provided.
All teens are welcome to join! This program is led by the Leading Edge Teen Advisory Board (LETAB) where teens gain leadership skills and work together to build community. Learn more about LETAB »
VIRTUAL: Grief Journaling Workshop
Sunday, November 28, 2021
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Virtual & Offsite
Virtual Meeting Space
During these uncertain and heartbreaking times, we know many people are hurting and looking for ways to deal with all of the emotions that are bubbling up. With us not being able to go to our loved ones when they are sick and/or dying, or to take solace in gathering with other loved ones, many of us are dealing with things we may never have before in our lives. One thing that we at the Oak Park Public Library have found that helps is journaling. While this is not counseling or therapy, it is a way for us to express ourselves, and we invite everyone to journal with us.
In addition to dealing with the pandemic, other tragic events of life and death are still happening all around us.
Have you experienced the loss of a loved one (a partner, family member, mentor, friend, etc.)? Are you experiencing ambiguous loss* or anticipatory grief**? Even if you don’t consider yourself a writer, you are welcome to join us on this journey of journaling. Each session will begin with prompts and/or a guided meditation followed by time to journal. At the end of each session, we will set aside time to share, if you feel so moved. Feel free to come to any or all workshops.
*Ambiguous loss refers to loss without closure. The person is often left searching for answers, which often results in unresolved grief. Some examples are infertility, termination of pregnancy, disappearance of a family member, death of an ex-spouse, a family member being physically alive but in a state of cognitive decline due to Alzheimer's disease or dementia, etc.
**Anticipatory grief refers to a feeling of grief occurring before an impending loss.
VIRTUAL: Grief Journaling Workshop
Sunday, December 26, 2021
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Virtual & Offsite
Virtual Meeting Space
During these uncertain and heartbreaking times, we know many people are hurting and looking for ways to deal with all of the emotions that are bubbling up. With us not being able to go to our loved ones when they are sick and/or dying, or to take solace in gathering with other loved ones, many of us are dealing with things we may never have before in our lives. One thing that we at the Oak Park Public Library have found that helps is journaling. While this is not counseling or therapy, it is a way for us to express ourselves, and we invite everyone to journal with us.
In addition to dealing with the pandemic, other tragic events of life and death are still happening all around us.
Have you experienced the loss of a loved one (a partner, family member, mentor, friend, etc.)? Are you experiencing ambiguous loss* or anticipatory grief**? Even if you don’t consider yourself a writer, you are welcome to join us on this journey of journaling. Each session will begin with prompts and/or a guided meditation followed by time to journal. At the end of each session, we will set aside time to share, if you feel so moved. Feel free to come to any or all workshops.
*Ambiguous loss refers to loss without closure. The person is often left searching for answers, which often results in unresolved grief. Some examples are infertility, termination of pregnancy, disappearance of a family member, death of an ex-spouse, a family member being physically alive but in a state of cognitive decline due to Alzheimer's disease or dementia, etc.
**Anticipatory grief refers to a feeling of grief occurring before an impending loss.
