River Forest Public Library River Forest Public Library

Summer Reading kicks off with fun-filled event

We had a fantastic kickoff party on June 10 that was made possible by the River Forest Public Library Foundation. Our hardworking staff registered over 200 people for our summer reading program, bringing our total registration to well over 500 participants. Registered readers enjoyed a delicious ice cream sundae bar served up by The Brown Cow Ice Cream Parlor and jammed to the fun tunes performed by incredibly talented School of Rock Oak Park musicians. After a 2-year hiatus, it was wonderful to see the community come together to enjoy this event. 

 We have Summer Reading Programs for All Ages, that run through August 6 

What better way to enjoy warm summer days than by relaxing with a good book? We have summer reading programs for all ages, with incentives and prizes to add to the fun.  

The Library’s Summer Reading Program encourages patrons to read throughout the summer. For school age kids, research shows that reading over the summer helps prevent the “summer slide” and makes kids ready to learn when they go back to school in the fall. For adults, it’s a fun and relaxing activity that also keeps the mind engaged. So don’t delay! Register on Beanstack today and join the fun. How do I register? 

Here are some details on our programs for different age groups: 

Children (Birth-Grades 4) 

Babies through children entering 4th grade who sign up and read will earn new books to take home and other great prizes. 

Prizes:  

  • Registration: free ice cream at kickoff, folder w/ prize coupons, calendar, book list, coloring sheet, and more.  
  • Level 1 (5 days): Mini fossil kit or prize basket pick 
  • Level 2 (10 days): Book + sticker 
  • Level 3 (15 days): Lou Malnati’s Pizza coupon + butterfly craft  
  • Level 4 (20 days): Book + sticker 
  • Level 5 (25 days): Stuffed animal  
  • Level 6 (30 days): Book + sticker + seed bookmark. 

Tweens (entering Grades 5-12) 

Track the amount of time you read throughout the summer and get rewarded. Every 4 hours read earns you a virtual badge and a raffle ticket for the prize of your choice. You can earn extra raffle tickets by writing a book review in Beanstack. 

This year’s raffle prizes are: 

  • THiNK OUTSiDE Subscription 
  • JBL Bluetooth Speaker 
  • Custom Converse Gift Card 
  • Kindle Fire 
  • Universal Yums Subscription 
  • Pipsticks Subscription 

Adults (18 and older) 

Register and log books on beanstack, or log books in person at the Library. After logging your first book, you will receive an RFPL tote bag, while supplies last! Every book logged will earn a raffle entry for the prize of your choice. Raffle will be drawn on 8/8.  

This year’s prizes are: 

  • The Daly Bagel $50 gift card 
  • Air Fryer & Cookbook 
  • Oak Park Festival Theater Tickets 
  • Handcrafted Scented Candle Set from Einnim