Following recent CDC and IDPH guidance, face coverings are required to enter the building. Library staff are happy to assist you over the phone: 708-366-5205.
River Forest Public Library River Forest Public Library

Library Closed Until Further Notice

In accordance with Governor Pritzker’s executive order to extend the stay-at-home order through May 31st, the library and our exterior book drop returns will remain closed through May. The earliest we would be open at this time is Monday, June 1st.

Please know that we are working to develop a reopening plan that will allow us to provide physical library materials to the community, while ensuring the safety and well-being of our patrons and staff.  In a typical month, we circulate 10,000+ physical items to thousands of our neighbors; what we do and how we do it will impact community health. In the meantime, we continue to add new materials to our digital collections every week and additional online program offerings.

Please keep your library materials at home until the library reopens. There will be no fines assessed and you will not get overdue notices as SWAN will extend all due dates until June 3rd.

At this time, we do not have a projected date for when our interlibrary loan delivery will be resumed and therefore we can only place holds on physical items in the River Forest Public Library’s collections.
Please visit our digital library collections to see if the item you are looking for is available virtually.   If you’d like to make a materials purchase suggestion, please complete this form.  We may be able to purchase additional titles for our collection.

We appreciate your patience and understanding during this uncertain time.

Please keep your library materials at home until the library reopens. There will be no fines assessed and you will not get overdue notices as SWAN will extend all due dates until June 3rd. 

For additional updates, please visit riverforestlibrary.org. 

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As the public health situation changes daily, we commit to keeping you informed of any changes to our programs or hours.

 We encourage everyone to:

  • Stay home at any sign of sickness, such as cough, fever, shortness of breath, or other flu-like symptoms.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
  • Avoid touching your face, especially your eyes, nose, and mouth.
  • Cough and sneeze in the crook of your elbow, or a tissue, then throw that tissue in the trash and wash your hands for at least 20 seconds.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
  • Avoid contact with people who are sick.