Event List

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Ongoing Events
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This event is in the "Babies, Toddlers, & Preschoolers" group

Storytime in the Garden (Ages 0-6)

Friday, August 7, 2026 at 10:00am - 10:30am
Library Lawn at River Forest Public Library
Program Type:
Learn & Connect, Storytimes
Age Group:
Babies, Toddlers, & Preschoolers

Enjoy the outdoors and fresh air in this energetic storytime in the Library garden. For Ages 0-6 with a caregiver. In case of rain, program will be moved indoors.

Location: River Forest Public Library
Room: Library Lawn
Age Group: Babies, Toddlers, & Preschoolers
Program Type: Learn & Connect, Storytimes
Program Description:

Enjoy the outdoors and fresh air in this energetic storytime in the Library garden. For Ages 0-6 with a caregiver. In case of rain, program will be moved indoors.

Disclaimer(s)

Accompanying Adults for Early Childhood Programs

This program is designed for young children to attend with a caregiver. Please plan to be engaged with your child during this program. Children under age 5 must be in the immediate supervising vicinity of a caregiver at all times while at the library. 

This event is in the "Tweens & Teens" group

Teen Take & Makes (Grades 5-12)

Monday, August 10, 2026 at 9:00am - 9:30am
Fireside at River Forest Public Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, STEAM
Age Group:
Tweens & Teens

Pick up a program in a bag kit to enjoy at home! Bags will be different each week and include craft or activity supplies. Available on a first come, first served basis.

Location: River Forest Public Library
Room: Fireside
Age Group: Tweens & Teens
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, STEAM
Program Description:

Pick up a program in a bag kit to enjoy at home! Bags will be different each week and include craft or activity supplies. Available on a first come, first served basis.

Disclaimer(s)

​​​​​​​Material Pickup Required

This program requires materials to be picked up at our service desk prior to the program.

This event is in the "Kids" group

Messy Mondays (Grades K-4)

Monday, August 10, 2026 at 3:30pm - 4:00pm
Library Lawn at River Forest Public Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Learn & Connect, STEAM
Age Group:
Kids

Join us on the Library Lawn for some tactile art. Dress for mess! For grades K-4, registration required. In case of rain, event will be cancelled.

Upcoming
Registration Required
Location: River Forest Public Library
Room: Library Lawn
Age Group: Kids
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Learn & Connect, STEAM
Registration Required
Program Description:

Join us on the Library Lawn for some tactile art. Dress for mess! For grades K-4, registration required. In case of rain, event will be cancelled.

Disclaimer(s)

Accompanying Adults for Children's Programs

Children age 7 and younger must have a caregiver (age 12 or older) with them at all times while at the library, including during programs. Children may not be left unattended at the library unless they are age 8+.

Messy Program Alert

This program involves getting messy. Please wear appropriate clothing.

This event is in the "Babies, Toddlers, & Preschoolers" group

Tuesday Tales (Ages 0-6)

Tuesday, August 11, 2026 at 10:00am - 10:30am
Barbara Hall Meeting Room at River Forest Public Library
Program Type:
Learn & Connect, Storytimes
Age Group:
Babies, Toddlers, & Preschoolers

Join us for stories, songs, and lots of movement in this fun and engaging, interactive story time! For ages 0-6, with caregiver.

Location: River Forest Public Library
Room: Barbara Hall Meeting Room
Age Group: Babies, Toddlers, & Preschoolers
Program Type: Learn & Connect, Storytimes
Program Description:

Join us for stories, songs, and lots of movement in this fun and engaging, interactive story time! For ages 0-6, with caregiver.

Disclaimer(s)

Accompanying Adults for Early Childhood Programs

This program is designed for young children to attend with a caregiver. Please plan to be engaged with your child during this program. Children under age 5 must be in the immediate supervising vicinity of a caregiver at all times while at the library. 

This event is in the "Adults & Seniors" group

Mahjong 102 (Intermediate Level)

Tuesday, August 11, 2026 at 6:30pm - 8:30pm
Community Room at River Forest Public Library
Program Type:
Culture & Entertainment, Learn & Connect
Age Group:
Adults & Seniors

You've learned the tiles, the rules, and how the game works — now let's put it all together. Mahjong 102 is the next step for players who know the fundamentals of American Mahjong and are ready to build confidence at the table.

Upcoming
Registration Required
Location: River Forest Public Library
Room: Community Room
Age Group: Adults & Seniors
Program Type: Culture & Entertainment, Learn & Connect
Registration Required
Program Description:

You've learned the tiles, the rules, and how the game works — now let's put it all together. Mahjong 102 is the next step for players who know the fundamentals of American Mahjong and are ready to build confidence at the table.

This event is in the "Babies, Toddlers, & Preschoolers" group

Stories in the Forest at Trailside (Ages 0-6)

Thursday, August 13, 2026 at 10:00am - 10:30am
Off Site
Program Type:
Learn & Connect, Storytimes
Age Group:
Babies, Toddlers, & Preschoolers

Join the River Forest Public Library and Trailside Museum staff at the Trailside Museum of Natural History for a free “Stories in the Forest” program! Meet at the outdoor Nature Play Area Gazebo by the Museum.

Offsite Event
Location: Off Site
Age Group: Babies, Toddlers, & Preschoolers
Program Type: Learn & Connect, Storytimes
Program Description:

Join the River Forest Public Library and Trailside Museum staff at the Trailside Museum of Natural History for a free “Stories in the Forest” program! Meet at the outdoor Nature Play Area Gazebo by the Museum.

Disclaimer(s)

Accompanying Adults for Early Childhood Programs

This program is designed for young children to attend with a caregiver. Please plan to be engaged with your child during this program. Children under age 5 must be in the immediate supervising vicinity of a caregiver at all times while at the library. 

This event is in the "Babies, Toddlers, & Preschoolers" group

Storytime in the Garden (Ages 0-6)

Friday, August 14, 2026 at 10:00am - 10:30am
Library Lawn at River Forest Public Library
Program Type:
Learn & Connect, Storytimes
Age Group:
Babies, Toddlers, & Preschoolers

Enjoy the outdoors and fresh air in this energetic storytime in the Library garden. For Ages 0-6 with a caregiver. In case of rain, program will be moved indoors.

Location: River Forest Public Library
Room: Library Lawn
Age Group: Babies, Toddlers, & Preschoolers
Program Type: Learn & Connect, Storytimes
Program Description:

Enjoy the outdoors and fresh air in this energetic storytime in the Library garden. For Ages 0-6 with a caregiver. In case of rain, program will be moved indoors.

Disclaimer(s)

Accompanying Adults for Early Childhood Programs

This program is designed for young children to attend with a caregiver. Please plan to be engaged with your child during this program. Children under age 5 must be in the immediate supervising vicinity of a caregiver at all times while at the library. 

This event is in the "Adults & Seniors" group

What is A.I. Anyway?

Saturday, August 15, 2026 at 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Barbara Hall Meeting Room at River Forest Public Library
Program Type:
Learn & Connect, Sponsored by River Forest Township
Age Group:
Adults & Seniors

What actually is artificial intelligence (A.I.), and why did it suddenly take over the news headlines?

Location: River Forest Public Library
Room: Barbara Hall Meeting Room
Age Group: Adults & Seniors
Program Type: Learn & Connect, Sponsored by River Forest Township
Program Description:

What actually is artificial intelligence (A.I.), and why did it suddenly take over the news headlines?

This event is in the "Tweens & Teens" group

Welcome Back (Grades 5-8)

Wednesday, August 19, 2026 at 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Barbara Hall Meeting Room at River Forest Public Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Learn & Connect, Sponsored by Oak Park River Forest Youth Services
Age Group:
Tweens & Teens

Enjoy a "welcome back" snack and find out about the terrific library materials and fun programs the Library offers just for Middle School students. Sponsored by Oak Park River Forest Youth Services.

Location: River Forest Public Library
Room: Barbara Hall Meeting Room
Age Group: Tweens & Teens
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Learn & Connect, Sponsored by Oak Park River Forest Youth Services
Program Description:

Enjoy a "welcome back" snack and find out about the terrific library materials and fun programs the Library offers just for Middle School students. Sponsored by Oak Park River Forest Youth Services.

Disclaimer(s)

Food Allergies

We cannot guarantee that food served at this program has not come into contact with tree nuts, soy, or other allergens.

This event is in the "Families" group

Kayak with the Library! (Families)

Thursday, August 20, 2026 at 11:00am - 12:00pm
Off Site
Program Type:
Culture & Entertainment, Health & Wellness, Learn & Connect
Age Group:
Families

We're partnering with the Forest Preserves of Cook County! Kayak on Thatcher Glen Pond at the Trailside Museum with members of the Children's staff! Children 5 and up and their adult can join us on the pond in a tandem kayak!

Offsite Event
Location: Off Site
Age Group: Families
Program Type: Culture & Entertainment, Health & Wellness, Learn & Connect
Program Description:

We're partnering with the Forest Preserves of Cook County! Kayak on Thatcher Glen Pond at the Trailside Museum with members of the Children's staff! Children 5 and up and their adult can join us on the pond in a tandem kayak!

Disclaimer(s)

Accompanying Adults for Children's Programs

Children age 7 and younger must have a caregiver (age 12 or older) with them at all times while at the library, including during programs. Children may not be left unattended at the library unless they are age 8+.

Messy Program Alert

This program involves getting messy. Please wear appropriate clothing.

​​​​​​​Material Pickup Required

This program requires materials to be picked up at our service desk prior to the program.

This event is in the "Adults & Seniors" group

Film Lover Fridays

Friday, August 21, 2026 at 1:00pm - 3:30pm
Barbara Hall Meeting Room at River Forest Public Library
Program Type:
Culture & Entertainment, Learn & Connect, Sponsored by River Forest Township
Age Group:
Adults & Seniors

Join other movie lovers on the third Friday of each month to watch classic films. This season, we're highlighting the famous screen partnership of Katharine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy.

Location: River Forest Public Library
Room: Barbara Hall Meeting Room
Age Group: Adults & Seniors
Program Type: Culture & Entertainment, Learn & Connect, Sponsored by River Forest Township
Program Description:

Join other movie lovers on the third Friday of each month to watch classic films. This season, we're highlighting the famous screen partnership of Katharine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy.

This event is in the "Adults & Seniors" group

Meditation Soundbath

Saturday, August 22, 2026 at 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Barbara Hall Meeting Room at River Forest Public Library
Program Type:
Health & Wellness, Sponsored by River Forest Township
Age Group:
Adults & Seniors

Rhonda Fentry leads a form of meditation using ambient overlapping sounds and vibrations from Crystal and Tibetan singing bowls, tapping into your inner deep subconscious and awakening new energy. 

Upcoming
Registration Required
Location: River Forest Public Library
Room: Barbara Hall Meeting Room
Age Group: Adults & Seniors
Program Type: Health & Wellness, Sponsored by River Forest Township
Registration Required
Program Description:

Rhonda Fentry leads a form of meditation using ambient overlapping sounds and vibrations from Crystal and Tibetan singing bowls, tapping into your inner deep subconscious and awakening new energy. 

This event is in the "Tweens & Teens" group

Middle School Makers (Grades 5-8)

Tuesday, August 25, 2026 at 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Barbara Hall Meeting Room at River Forest Public Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Learn & Connect, Sponsored by Oak Park River Forest Youth Services
Age Group:
Tweens & Teens

Middle Schoolers are invited to join us every Tuesday to create something new. Sponsored by OPRF Youth Services.

Location: River Forest Public Library
Room: Barbara Hall Meeting Room
Age Group: Tweens & Teens
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Learn & Connect, Sponsored by Oak Park River Forest Youth Services
Program Description:

Middle Schoolers are invited to join us every Tuesday to create something new. Sponsored by OPRF Youth Services.

This event is in the "Kids" group

Read to a Dog, Read with Me (Grades K-4)

Tuesday, August 25, 2026 at 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Community Room at River Forest Public Library
Program Type:
Learn & Connect
Age Group:
Kids

Join library staff and PAWSitive and read to a dog! This exercise allows emerging readers to get comfortable practicing with the best listener around, a dog!

Upcoming
Registration Required
Location: River Forest Public Library
Room: Community Room
Age Group: Kids
Program Type: Learn & Connect
Registration Required
Program Description:

Join library staff and PAWSitive and read to a dog! This exercise allows emerging readers to get comfortable practicing with the best listener around, a dog!

Disclaimer(s)

Accompanying Adults for Children's Programs

Children age 7 and younger must have a caregiver (age 12 or older) with them at all times while at the library, including during programs. Children may not be left unattended at the library unless they are age 8+.

This event is in the "Adults & Seniors" group

Summer Concert Series: Kaben Kafo

Thursday, August 27, 2026 at 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Library Lawn at River Forest Public Library
Program Type:
Culture & Entertainment
Age Group:
Adults & Seniors

Get your lawn chairs ready for the return of our annual outdoor concert series!

Location: River Forest Public Library
Room: Library Lawn
Age Group: Adults & Seniors
Program Type: Culture & Entertainment
Program Description:

Get your lawn chairs ready for the return of our annual outdoor concert series!

This event is in the "Everyone" group

Puzzle Swap

All Day
Barbara Hall Meeting Room at River Forest Public Library
Program Type:
Culture & Entertainment
Age Group:
Everyone

Do you have used jigsaw puzzles at home that you'd like to exchange for new-to-you puzzles? Stop by the Library anytime today to do some puzzle swapping. Drop off your puzzle on a table in the meeting room and take another home!

Location: River Forest Public Library
Room: Barbara Hall Meeting Room
Age Group: Everyone
Program Type: Culture & Entertainment
Program Description:

Do you have used jigsaw puzzles at home that you'd like to exchange for new-to-you puzzles? Stop by the Library anytime today to do some puzzle swapping. Drop off your puzzle on a table in the meeting room and take another home!

This event is in the "Kids" group

End of Summer Pickling Program (Grades K-4)

Saturday, August 29, 2026 at 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Community Room at River Forest Public Library
Program Type:
Health & Wellness, Learn & Connect, STEAM
Age Group:
Kids

Get ready for fall with this hands on quick pickling program! Pickle some veggies and enjoy them later! For grades K-4. Registration is required.

Upcoming
Registration Required
Location: River Forest Public Library
Room: Community Room
Age Group: Kids
Program Type: Health & Wellness, Learn & Connect, STEAM
Registration Required
Program Description:

Get ready for fall with this hands on quick pickling program! Pickle some veggies and enjoy them later! For grades K-4. Registration is required.

Disclaimer(s)

Accompanying Adults for Children's Programs

Children age 7 and younger must have a caregiver (age 12 or older) with them at all times while at the library, including during programs. Children may not be left unattended at the library unless they are age 8+.

Food Allergies

We cannot guarantee that food served at this program has not come into contact with tree nuts, soy, or other allergens.

Messy Program Alert

This program involves getting messy. Please wear appropriate clothing.

This event is in the "Tweens & Teens" group

Middle School Makers (Grades 5-8)

Tuesday, September 1, 2026 at 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Barbara Hall Meeting Room at River Forest Public Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Learn & Connect, Sponsored by Oak Park River Forest Youth Services
Age Group:
Tweens & Teens

Middle Schoolers are invited to join us every Tuesday to create something new. Sponsored by OPRF Youth Services.

Location: River Forest Public Library
Room: Barbara Hall Meeting Room
Age Group: Tweens & Teens
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Learn & Connect, Sponsored by Oak Park River Forest Youth Services
Program Description:

Middle Schoolers are invited to join us every Tuesday to create something new. Sponsored by OPRF Youth Services.

Closed for Labor Day

All Day
River Forest Public Library
Closing
Branches:
River Forest Public Library
This event is in the "Tweens & Teens" group

Middle School Makers (Grades 5-8)

Tuesday, September 8, 2026 at 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Barbara Hall Meeting Room at River Forest Public Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Learn & Connect, Sponsored by Oak Park River Forest Youth Services
Age Group:
Tweens & Teens

Middle Schoolers are invited to join us every Tuesday to create something new. Sponsored by OPRF Youth Services.

Location: River Forest Public Library
Room: Barbara Hall Meeting Room
Age Group: Tweens & Teens
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Learn & Connect, Sponsored by Oak Park River Forest Youth Services
Program Description:

Middle Schoolers are invited to join us every Tuesday to create something new. Sponsored by OPRF Youth Services.

This event is in the "Tweens & Teens" group

Middle School Makers (Grades 5-8)

Tuesday, September 15, 2026 at 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Barbara Hall Meeting Room at River Forest Public Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Learn & Connect, Sponsored by Oak Park River Forest Youth Services
Age Group:
Tweens & Teens

Middle Schoolers are invited to join us every Tuesday to create something new. Sponsored by OPRF Youth Services.

Location: River Forest Public Library
Room: Barbara Hall Meeting Room
Age Group: Tweens & Teens
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Learn & Connect, Sponsored by Oak Park River Forest Youth Services
Program Description:

Middle Schoolers are invited to join us every Tuesday to create something new. Sponsored by OPRF Youth Services.

This event is in the "Everyone" group

RFPL Board of Trustees Meeting

Tuesday, September 15, 2026 at 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Barbara Hall Meeting Room at River Forest Public Library
Program Type:
Library Board
Age Group:
Everyone
Location: River Forest Public Library
Room: Barbara Hall Meeting Room
Age Group: Everyone
Program Type: Library Board
This event is in the "Tweens & Teens" group

Middle School Makers (Grades 5-8)

Tuesday, September 22, 2026 at 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Barbara Hall Meeting Room at River Forest Public Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Learn & Connect, Sponsored by Oak Park River Forest Youth Services
Age Group:
Tweens & Teens

Middle Schoolers are invited to join us every Tuesday to create something new. Sponsored by OPRF Youth Services.

Location: River Forest Public Library
Room: Barbara Hall Meeting Room
Age Group: Tweens & Teens
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Learn & Connect, Sponsored by Oak Park River Forest Youth Services
Program Description:

Middle Schoolers are invited to join us every Tuesday to create something new. Sponsored by OPRF Youth Services.

This event is in the "Kids" group

Read to a Dog, Read with Me (Grades K-4)

Tuesday, September 22, 2026 at 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Community Room at River Forest Public Library
Program Type:
Learn & Connect
Age Group:
Kids

Join library staff and PAWSitive and read to a dog! This exercise allows emerging readers to get comfortable practicing with the best listener around, a dog!

Upcoming
Registration Required
Location: River Forest Public Library
Room: Community Room
Age Group: Kids
Program Type: Learn & Connect
Registration Required
Program Description:

Join library staff and PAWSitive and read to a dog! This exercise allows emerging readers to get comfortable practicing with the best listener around, a dog!

Disclaimer(s)

Accompanying Adults for Children's Programs

Children age 7 and younger must have a caregiver (age 12 or older) with them at all times while at the library, including during programs. Children may not be left unattended at the library unless they are age 8+.