Event List

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

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

Thursday, July 23, 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 "Tweens & Teens" group

Painted Plant Pots (Grades 5-12)

Thursday, July 23, 2026 at 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Barbara Hall Meeting Room at River Forest Public Library
Program Type:
STEAM
Age Group:
Tweens & Teens

Celebrate our Summer Reading theme "Plant a Seed, Read!" by painting a plant pot! Plants to go in pots will be provided. Registration required.

Upcoming
Registration Required
Location: River Forest Public Library
Room: Barbara Hall Meeting Room
Age Group: Tweens & Teens
Program Type: STEAM
Registration Required
Program Description:

Celebrate our Summer Reading theme "Plant a Seed, Read!" by painting a plant pot! Plants to go in pots will be provided. Registration required.

Disclaimer(s)

Messy Program Alert

This program involves getting messy. Please wear appropriate clothing.

This event is in the "Adults & Seniors" group

Summer Concert Series: Terry White & The Loaded Dice Play Bob Dylan

Thursday, July 23, 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! This month, we're paying tribute to the only songwriter ever to win the Nobel Prize in Literature: Bob Dylan.

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 month, we're paying tribute to the only songwriter ever to win the Nobel Prize in Literature: Bob Dylan.

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

Storytime in the Garden (Ages 0-6)

Friday, July 24, 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, July 27, 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, July 27, 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 "Families" group

Bird of a Feather Concert (Families)

Tuesday, July 28, 2026 at 10:00am - 10:45am
Library Lawn at River Forest Public Library
Program Type:
Culture & Entertainment, Learn & Connect
Age Group:
Families

Join Birds of a Feather, a superduo consisting of two kids music luminaries - Brooklyn's, longtime children's music pioneer, Suzi Shelton and Filipina-American Little Miss Ann of Chicago, for a concert on the Library Lawn.

Location: River Forest Public Library
Room: Library Lawn
Age Group: Families
Program Type: Culture & Entertainment, Learn & Connect
Program Description:

Join Birds of a Feather, a superduo consisting of two kids music luminaries - Brooklyn's, longtime children's music pioneer, Suzi Shelton and Filipina-American Little Miss Ann of Chicago, for a concert on the Library Lawn.

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+.

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 "Kids" group

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

Tuesday, July 28, 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+.

RFPL Foundation Meeting

Tuesday, July 28, 2026 at 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Barbara Hall Meeting Room at River Forest Public Library
Event Description:

RFPL Foundation meeting 

This is not a library sponsored event.
Library Branch: River Forest Public Library
Room: Barbara Hall Meeting Room
Event Description

RFPL Foundation meeting 

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

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

Thursday, July 30, 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 "Families" group

Kayak with the Library! (Families)

Thursday, July 30, 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 "Everyone" group
This event is in the "Adults & Seniors" group

Jigsaw Puzzle Race

Thursday, July 30, 2026 at 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Barbara Hall Meeting Room at River Forest Public Library
Program Type:
Culture & Entertainment, Sponsored by River Forest Township
Age Group:
Everyone, Adults & Seniors

Test your puzzle speed in a timed competition! Teams of 2-4 people will each be given the same 500-piece jigsaw puzzle. The team that completes the puzzle first, or gets closest within 2 hours, will be the winners. Pizza will be served.

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

Test your puzzle speed in a timed competition! Teams of 2-4 people will each be given the same 500-piece jigsaw puzzle. The team that completes the puzzle first, or gets closest within 2 hours, will be the winners. Pizza will be served.

This event is in the "Kids" group

Family Fun Bags

Saturday, August 1, 2026 at 9:00am - 10:00am
Children's Room at River Forest Public Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Culture & Entertainment, STEAM
Age Group:
Kids

Pick up a bag of fun activities to do together at home. Bags are available while supplies last.

Location: River Forest Public Library
Room: Children's Room
Age Group: Kids
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Culture & Entertainment, STEAM
Program Description:

Pick up a bag of fun activities to do together at home. Bags are available while supplies last.

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 "Adults & Seniors" group

Local Author Event with James Elsener

Saturday, August 1, 2026 at 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Barbara Hall Meeting Room at River Forest Public Library
Program Type:
Authors & Books, Learn & Connect, Sponsored by River Forest Township
Age Group:
Adults & Seniors

Join us for an afternoon with River Forest's own James Elsener, co-author of the new book Sirens in the Loop: A History of the City News Bureau of Chicago.

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

Join us for an afternoon with River Forest's own James Elsener, co-author of the new book Sirens in the Loop: A History of the City News Bureau of Chicago.

This event is in the "Tweens & Teens" group

Teen Take & Makes (Grades 5-12)

Monday, August 3, 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 "Babies, Toddlers, & Preschoolers" group

Mini Messy Mondays (Ages 2-6)

Monday, August 3, 2026 at 10:00am - 10:30am
Library Lawn at River Forest Public Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Learn & Connect, STEAM
Age Group:
Babies, Toddlers, & Preschoolers

Join us in the library garden for some tactile art, while supplies last. Dress for mess! For ages 2-6 with a caregiver. In the event of rain, program will be cancelled.

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

Join us in the library garden for some tactile art, while supplies last. Dress for mess! For ages 2-6 with a caregiver. In the event of rain, program 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+.

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. 

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 "Adults & Seniors" group

Coffee Monday

Monday, August 3, 2026 at 10:00am - 11:00am
Barbara Hall Meeting Room at River Forest Public Library
Program Type:
Learn & Connect, Sponsored by River Forest Township
Age Group:
Adults & Seniors

Come to the library on the first Monday morning of every month for coffee, breakfast snacks, and conversation. It’s a great way to get to know your neighbors and learn about things going on in the community.

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:

Come to the library on the first Monday morning of every month for coffee, breakfast snacks, and conversation. It’s a great way to get to know your neighbors and learn about things going on in the community.

This event is in the "Families" group

Special ZAP! Storytime at the Zoo! with Miss Jenn at Brookfield Zoo!

Tuesday, August 4, 2026 at 10:30am - 11:15am
Off Site
Program Type:
Learn & Connect, Storytimes
Age Group:
Families

Join Miss Jenn and staff from the Brookfield Zoo for a very special story time all about animal movement! The ZAP! Storytime at the Zoo! will take place at the Hamill Family Nature Plaza.

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

Join Miss Jenn and staff from the Brookfield Zoo for a very special story time all about animal movement! The ZAP! Storytime at the Zoo! will take place at the Hamill Family Nature Plaza.

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+.

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 Tie Dye (Grades 5-12)

Tuesday, August 4, 2026 at 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Library Lawn at River Forest Public Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
Age Group:
Tweens & Teens

Bring a light colored item of clothing to tie dye on the lawn with Library staff! In the event of rain, this program will be cancelled.

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

Bring a light colored item of clothing to tie dye on the lawn with Library staff! In the event of rain, this program will be cancelled.

Disclaimer(s)

Messy Program Alert

This program involves getting messy. Please wear appropriate clothing.

This event is in the "Kids" group

Decorate Your Own Mini-Planter (Grades K-4)

Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at 3:30pm - 4:00pm
Barbara Hall Meeting Room at River Forest Public Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Learn & Connect, STEAM
Age Group:
Kids

Decorate your own mini-planter, then plant your own succulent to keep! For grades K-4. Registration is required.

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

Decorate your own mini-planter, then plant your own succulent to keep! 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+.

Messy Program Alert

This program involves getting messy. Please wear appropriate clothing.

This event is in the "Adults & Seniors" group

Evening Book Club

Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Barbara Hall Meeting Room at River Forest Public Library
Program Type:
Authors & Books
Age Group:
Adults & Seniors

The evening book discussion group meets on the first Wednesday of each month. Books are available at the circulation desk one month before each meeting. These book discussions are open to all adults.

Location: River Forest Public Library
Room: Barbara Hall Meeting Room
Age Group: Adults & Seniors
Program Type: Authors & Books
Program Description:

The evening book discussion group meets on the first Wednesday of each month. Books are available at the circulation desk one month before each meeting. These book discussions are open to all adults.

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

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

Thursday, August 6, 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 "Tweens & Teens" group

Teen Tasters (Grades 5-8)

Thursday, August 6, 2026 at 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Barbara Hall Meeting Room at River Forest Public Library
Program Type:
Culture & Entertainment, Food & Cooking
Age Group:
Tweens & Teens

Try out a variety of unique foods from a different country each month in this fun taste test program.

Upcoming
Registration Required
Location: River Forest Public Library
Room: Barbara Hall Meeting Room
Age Group: Tweens & Teens
Program Type: Culture & Entertainment, Food & Cooking
Registration Required
Program Description:

Try out a variety of unique foods from a different country each month in this fun taste test program.

This event is in the "Adults & Seniors" group

Watch the Oscar Nominees: It Was Just An Accident

Thursday, August 6, 2026 at 6:30pm - 8:30pm
Barbara Hall Meeting Room at River Forest Public Library
Program Type:
Culture & Entertainment
Age Group:
Adults & Seniors

Need to catch up with this year's crop of Academy Award nominees? This summer, the Library will screen a nominated film on the first Thursday evening of the month from May through August.

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

Need to catch up with this year's crop of Academy Award nominees? This summer, the Library will screen a nominated film on the first Thursday evening of the month from May through August.