This series offers a compassionate space to explore grief and find support as the holidays approach. Explore ways to acknowledge emotions, navigate difficult feelings, and find grounding tools for healing. Attend one session or the full series.

Are you a 9th grader—or the parent of one? Learn more about the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy (IMSA), a tuition-free residential high school for grades 10–12. Join us to learn about student life, academics, and the admissions process.

Join acclaimed Chicago historian and PBS host Geoffrey Baer for a fascinating conversation about the people, places, and stories that shaped Chicago. 

Ready, Set, Crawl!

It’s that time of year again! The OFPL Library Crawl is back, and we’re ready to get out and explore. Visit participating libraries, collect some goodies, and see how many libraries you can check off your list. Grab a friend, make a day of it, and get ready to crawl! Click the button below to learn more!

Vicious is the first book in a trilogy following Victor and Eli, college roommates turned academic rivals. Their shared interest in adrenaline and near-death experiences leads them to explore whether humans can gain extraordinary abilities. Their research takes a dangerous turn when an experiment goes wrong, irrevocably changing them both.

Schwab explores themes of humanity, rage, and ambition while creating complex characters whose actions have lasting consequences. A must-read for fans of dark academia, and one I find myself reaching for every fall!

by Jonathan Sims

I really enjoyed Jonathan Sims' Thirteen Storeys and think it is the perfect spooky read to slip into the start of fall. Set in Banyan Court, an apartment building divided between luxury flats and low-income housing, the story follows one resident from each floor all of which have a terrifying tale of their own. As their stories unfold and interconnect it becomes clear that something is very wrong with their building. It's creepy, atmospheric, and wonderfully unsettling. The sort of book that will make you think twice about the strange noises in your own building. If you're looking for something to read on a chilly fall evening with a blanket, a cup of tea, and a mode of protection for good measure, I'd recommend picking this one up! 

You can find this feature on our blog! Each month, Owlfred gets the scoop on one of our incredible library staff members with a fun Q & A session. This monthly feature is all about getting to know the people who make OFPL such a special place. 

Additional Highlights