Community libraries are often small spaces, but in Oakwood, it’s a places where people of all ages, backgrounds, and walks of life come together to learn, connect, and grow.
The Oakwood Public Library, located at 110 E Finley Ave, offers more than just a diverse collection of over 17,500 physical items available for checkout; it provides access to technology, educational programs, events, and quiet spaces for reflection or study.
“We offer three apps for patrons to download books, movies, magazines, and more. The apps have over a million options!” Librarian Tammi Helka said.
But the library’s value goes far beyond the page.
The Oakwood Public Library staff consistently provides opportunities for community members to gather. While programs vary from year to year, currently, adults can play BINGO once a month, Euchre weekly on Wed. at 2 p.m., and a book club every month. Storytime is scheduled every Friday at 10 a.m.
“We offer baking kits for anyone wanting to learn how to decorate cupcakes or cookies, and they don’t want to spend the money on a kit. We have the kit here for checkout that offers several icing tips for them to use. We also offer life-size Connect Four to check out for anyone who wants to have the game for a birthday party or just a family game night.”
The library’s impact also reaches beyond its walls. In partnership with Project Success, it supports before- and after-school programming that includes tutoring and enrichment activities for Oakwood students. And for those looking to combine literacy with the great outdoors, a “book walk” along the Kickapoo Rail Trail allows families to read a children’s story together, one page at a time.
Whether it’s a child discovering the joy of reading, a student researching a school project, or a job seeker using resources to find new opportunities, the library meets people where they are and helps them move forward.
In an ever-changing world, the library remains a constant—fostering curiosity, supporting lifelong learning, and strengthening the bonds that hold a community together.
