OAK PARK, MI - The City of Oak Park is happy to announce a series of generous donations made to the Oak Park Library that have allowed for a significant overhaul of the children's play area.

In loving memory of faithful library patron Lorraine Faber, the Faber family has donated items and funds to the Library to help revamp the children's section, including furniture, a play house, STEAM toys, hands-on activities, and additional funds for improving early literacy.

A former employee of the Oak Park School District, Ms. Faber visited the Oak Park Library often and had a love of reading and learning. In a desire to do something special in her honor that would also make a difference for something she cared deeply about, the Faber family decided with help from Oak Park Library Director Sarah Jones that improvements to the Library's children's section would be most beneficial. The updated section will soon be known as the Lorraine Faber Children's Play Area.

"The first area I looked at critically as the new Library Director was the youth area. I knew we needed to bring in new furniture and activities that would inspire dramatic play - an important part of childhood development," said Director Jones. "With this donation we can start to make a huge difference for our littlest patrons. It's a great way to honor Lorraine Faber, who was an avid user of our library."

To officially unveil the new children's section, an event honoring Lorraine Faber and her family's contributions to the Oak Park Library will be held on Sunday, January 6th, 2019 at 1:00pm. The event will be held at the Library. This family-friendly, child-centered event will feature free children's books (while supplies last), light kosher refreshments, crafts and activities, a magician, and story time with an Oak Park Public Safety Officer.

"We are so grateful to the Faber family for giving back to the community they love in such a meaningful way. Their generosity has made the new children's area possible," said Oak Park Mayor Marian McClellan.

The Oak Park Library, located at 14200 Oak Park Blvd, Oak Park, MI 48237, operates from 10:00am to 8:00pm Monday through Thursday, 10:00am to 6:00pm on Friday, and 1:00pm to 5:00pm on Sunday.