The year 2025 was one of remarkable growth, connection, and innovation at the Orland Park Public Library. From the joyful chaos of nearly 800 children flooding our Life-Sized Candyland event to the quiet dignity of a patron finding solace in our welcoming space after a personal loss, this building has once again proven itself far more than a repository of books. It is a community-gathering place, a place where information meets inspiration, and where every interaction, whether digital or in-person, matters deeply. This annual report celebrates the milestones, the moments, and the dedicated people who made 2025 a year to remember.
About Your Library
The Orland Park Public Library serves the 58,703 residents of the Village of Orland Park, along with countless reciprocal borrowers and residents from surrounding areas. The library moved into its award-winning 93,000 square foot building in September 2004 and underwent a renovation in 2020, ensuring our facility continues to meet the evolving needs of our community. Patrons of all ages have access to a well-rounded collection of both print and non-print materials, educational and recreational programs, computers and instructional classes, excellent reference service, outreach programs for seniors and home delivery patrons, and storytimes for children.
Our Mission and Vision
Mission Statement
Dedicated to stimulating imaginations, educating, entertaining, and welcoming everyone.
Vision Statement
Discover Your Inspiration: ENGAGE, ENRICH, ENCOURAGE
2025 Statistics
Total Population Served: 58,703 Total Library Cards: 24,132 Total Annual Visits: 242,736 Total Circulation: 505,438 circulations Total Reference Questions Answered: 71,378 questions Total Program Attendance: 37,164 Total Study Room Usage: 16,697 reservations Total Wi-Fi Sessions: 47,488 sessions Total Public Computer Uses: 18,616 sessions Total Meeting Room Usage: 294 reservations Total Staff: 95 Total Hours of Staff Training: 1,875
Stories That Inspire
This year, we were honored to witness countless moments of connection, creativity, and discovery. Here are just a few of the patrons who made 2025 special:
Meet Mary Storm
Mary Storm won the beautiful crochet blanket, created with love and skill, by our own Orland Park community.
"There are so many things I love about the OP Library Crochet Classes," said Mary Storm. "Number one reason is Rachel who is an amazing teacher. The classes are so enjoyable meeting new people and learning a craft that can be shared with others. I have 7 grandchildren, and since I started taking the classes, my grandchildren love getting home-made amigurumis."
Meet Christina Kreml
“As a teacher, I truly value the programs and services our Orland Park library offers to the community. But as both an autism mom and a special education teacher, I especially appreciate the library’s commitment to adapting the environment to meet the sensory needs of children like my daughter. The Sensory Space is a calm, welcoming environment designed to support regulation, comfort, and inclusion. My daughter and I have used this space at recent visits to the Orland Park Library, and each time it has made our visit more successful and enjoyable. It provides a safe place for individuals who may feel overwhelmed by noise, crowds, or stimulation to reset without judgment, allowing them to more fully participate in everything the library has to offer.”
Lost Ring Found!
Neslihan Karakan Can used our Library of Things metal detector to locate her lost wedding ring and returned it the same day. Her story reminds us that library resources can make a real difference in people's lives, sometimes in deeply personal and unexpected ways.
"A few months into our marriage, my husband—who had recently lost some weight—joked about what I would do if he ever lost his wedding ring. Neither of us imagined that joke would turn into reality. One afternoon, after a counseling session in the grassy area near our office, he called me and said, “You won’t believe what just happened.” While playing ball with a kid client, his ring slipped off and disappeared. We searched for hours—daylight fading into darkness—but the area was large, uneven, and full of thorny plants. No luck. That night, I told him we needed a metal detector. He laughed and said I was being silly. Still, I searched online—and to my surprise, discovered that the Orland Park Public Library lends metal detectors, along with many other unexpected tools. He looked at me in disbelief. The next morning, I called the library. One detector was available. I picked it up, shared our story with the staff, and everyone eagerly awaited the outcome. A few hours later—bingo. I found the ring, in the complete opposite direction of where my husband thought it would be. The ring’s value was never about money—it was about what it symbolized for us as newlyweds. Thanks to a little out-of-the-box thinking and an incredibly resourceful library, the story had a happy ending. My husband still cannot believe it happened—and says it made him admire me all over again. Moral of the story: before giving up, check your local library. You never know what might help you save the day."
Circulation: What Our Community Read and Watched
In 2025, the library circulated 505,438 physical and digital materials. Our collection reflects the diverse interests of our community.
Most Popular Materials of 2025
Adult Fiction Strangers in Time by David Baldacci Adult Nonfiction The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins Teen Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins Juvenile Dog Man: Big Jim Begins by Dav Pilkey Picture Book The Pigeon Needs a Bath by Mo Willems eBook Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry Audiobook The Women by Kristin Hannah Movie Wicked
OPPLcon X Fan Fest
Celebrating 10 years of Fandom and Fun
On November 8, OPPL hosted our tenth OPPLcon. We had an amazing turnout with approximately 530 in attendance. We had about a dozen artists that were placed throughout the lobby, the portal, and the south end of the Children's Library. Nonprofit cosplayers from Windy City Ghostbusters and League of Enchantment came out in record numbers and provided wonderful photo-ops for our patrons and staff. In-house the committee put on a Black Light Glow-in-the-Dark Dance Party with special appearances by a T-Rex and Pikachu, various carnval-style games, an eye spy room, a Minion scavenger hunt, and a Minion craft. We ended the event with Scott Green, Magician. We were very pleased and believe this was our most successful OPPLcon since pre-Covid. We can't wait to see what next year's is like.
Winter Wonderfest Fun
Over 900 patrons joined us on Saturday, December 7 for our 4th Winter Wonderfest, our annual open house and kickoff to the Winter Reading season. This year's celebration included old favorites like our goat petting zoo, hot cider and cocoa station, crafts for kids, and festive piano music. New this season was an ice sculpture demo, carved live on-site!
Youth Services Statistics
Storytime Events Held: 255 Storytime Attendance: 7,236 School Visits: In 2025, the Youth Services department expanded its footprint across the community, strengthening partnerships with local schools and early childhood centers. Collectively, the team reached over 12,500 students, educators, and families through in-house visits, off-site outreach, special programs, and material loans. This year was marked by deep collaboration with District 135, the establishment of new cultural literacy programs, and a consistent presence at all educational levels from Pre-K through high school.
Teen Services: Engagement and Leadership
Teens demonstrated extraordinary commitment to the library and community in 2025:
- 415 unique teens contributed service hours
- 1,440 participants earned 2,579 service hours total
- New Teen Internship program launched, with teens providing feedback on programs, stocking the Little Free Pantry, and creating monthly displays
Library Programs
Stand-out Programs for AdultS
Leslie Goddard as Lucille Ball: 94 attendees Beyond the Blonde Concert: 140 attendees (pavilion) Craft Swap 240 attendees
Plant-Based Diets, History of Motown Records, Cooking with Herbs: Each drew 60–70 engaged patrons
Stand-out Programs for Youth
Puppy Pals: 475 attendees Santa Duck is Quacking to Town: 78 across two sessions Funny Juggling Stories with Chris Fascione: 169 attendees Krusty Krab Employee of the Month: 42 participants Video Game Club: Consistently drew 30–44 attendees
Patron Services: The Welcoming Face of the Library
Our Patron Services team processed 4,773 carts of materials in 2025, peaking at 470 carts in July. They registered 3,552 new patrons, with September (National Library Card Sign-up Month) leading the way at 357 new cardholders. Notary services, launched in March, notarized 194 documents by year's end, with September alone seeing 131 documents. This service fills a critical community need, saving patrons time and providing professional support.
Moments That Matter
The Patron Services desk is often where life happens, not just transactions. In July, Ghada Rafati documented an interaction that captures our mission: "Today, I had a truly touching interaction with a library patron. She came to me needing help renewing a book, as she had run out of renewals. After I assisted her, she looked at me and said, 'Thank you, Ghada, I'm happy that you are here.' She then asked, 'Can I give you a hug?' and of course, I said, 'Sure.' With tears in her eyes, she explained, 'My husband was sick and he passed away... I feel lonely at home.' My heart went out to her, and I told her, 'You know, we are here for you. Whenever you feel lonely, come to the library. The library isn't just a place to borrow books; it's a place for people to come and enjoy it here.' She then asked for another hug, which I felt truly honored to give. What happened today reminded me that our role at the library extends far beyond lending materials; it's about providing a safe, welcoming space and human connection for our community." These moments happen daily. In December, a child leaving the library turned to their parent and said, "Mama, I want to live here with all the awesome books!"
Behind the Scenes: The Work That Makes It Possible
Technology and Digital Access
Patrons logged 47,488 Wi-Fi sessions and 18,616 public computer sessions in 2025, demonstrating the library's essential role in providing digital access. Chicago Tribune online subscription usage increased in December, as patrons embraced both the e-edition and the Tribune's website. This digital growth reflects shifting preferences while maintaining our commitment to providing quality journalism.
Staff Development
Our 95 staff members completed 1,875 hours of training in 2025, pursuing professional development on topics including:
- Neurodiversity-affirming practices
- Generative AI in libraries
- Disaster preparedness
- Defending intellectual freedom
- Inclusive cataloging
- Harassment prevention
Spaces That Serve
Our facility supports diverse community needs:
- Study rooms: 16,697 reservations
- Meeting rooms: 294 reservations
- Sensory Space: 210 uses in July alone (94% increase over 2024)
- Library Backyard: 1,065 visits in July
- During finals week, when teen demand for study space exceeded capacity, staff from every department volunteered to monitor overflow areas, demonstrating the spirit that makes Orland Park Public Library special.
Credits:
Copyright Orland Park Public Library 2025/2026