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Great Decisions book cover

Great Decisions

Wednesday, May 6, 2026 at 1:00pm - 2:30pm
Barbara Hall Meeting Room at River Forest Public Library
Program Type:
Learn & Connect
Age Group:
Adults & Seniors

Come talk about the most pressing international issues of our time in this eight-part discussion series from the Foreign Policy Association.

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

Come talk about the most pressing international issues of our time in this eight-part discussion series from the Foreign Policy Association.

Story Stretchers (Grades K-4)

Wednesday, May 6, 2026 at 3:30pm - 4:00pm
Barbara Hall Meeting Room at River Forest Public Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Culture & Entertainment, Learn & Connect, STEAM, Storytimes
Age Group:
Kids

Listen to a story and do creative extension activities like crafts, games, and storytelling. Registration is required. Grades K-4.

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

Listen to a story and do creative extension activities like crafts, games, and storytelling. Registration is required. Grades K-4.

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.

Evening Book Club

Wednesday, May 6, 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.

Dog reading a book

Toddler Time (Ages 18 months-3)

Thursday, May 7, 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, music, and movement. For children ages 18 months-3 with a 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, music, and movement. For children ages 18 months-3 with a 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. 

Photo of a river with trees in the background and kayaks with people in them.

Kayak with the Library! (Families)

Thursday, May 7, 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!

Open
Registration Required
Offsite Event
Location: Off Site
Age Group: Families
Program Type: Culture & Entertainment, Health & Wellness, Learn & Connect
Registration Required
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.

Teen Tasters (Grades 5-8)

Thursday, May 7, 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.

Open
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.

Hamnet poster

Watch the Oscar Nominees: Hamnet

Thursday, May 7, 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.

Girl looking through telescope

Family Storytime and Play (Ages 0-6)

Friday, May 8, 2026 at 10:00am - 11:00am
Barbara Hall Meeting Room at River Forest Public Library
Program Type:
Learn & Connect, Storytimes
Age Group:
Families, Babies, Toddlers, & Preschoolers

Join library staff for stories and songs, then stay and play and make new friends! This fun storytime and play is for kids ages 0 through 6 with caregiver.

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

Join library staff for stories and songs, then stay and play and make new friends! This fun storytime and play is for kids ages 0 through 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. 

Babs Comedy Club sign

Improv Workshop for Older Adults

Friday, May 8, 2026 at 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Barbara Hall Meeting Room at River Forest Public Library
Program Type:
Learn & Connect, Sponsored by River Forest Township
Age Group:
Adults & Seniors

Emily Ramirez, comedian and founder of BABS Comedy Club in Forest Park, joins us to teach a relaxed improv comedy workshop especially aimed at older adults. No improv experience necessary.

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

Emily Ramirez, comedian and founder of BABS Comedy Club in Forest Park, joins us to teach a relaxed improv comedy workshop especially aimed at older adults. No improv experience necessary.

America250 logo

Debating Independence: The American Revolution in 1776

Sunday, May 10, 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

This program is offered in recognition of the United States Semiquincentennial, or 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

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:

This program is offered in recognition of the United States Semiquincentennial, or 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

Blue bird

Baby Storytime

Monday, May 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

Come join us for books, songs, and motions in this lap-sit interactive story time! This storytime is designed for pre-walkers ages 0-1, but siblings are also welcome!

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

Come join us for books, songs, and motions in this lap-sit interactive story time! This storytime is designed for pre-walkers ages 0-1, but siblings are also welcome!

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. 

STEM Club (Grades K-4)

Monday, May 11, 2026 at 3:30pm - 4:00pm
Barbara Hall Meeting Room at River Forest Public Library
Program Type:
Learn & Connect, STEAM
Age Group:
Kids

Join us for our monthly STEM program for kids. This month, we’ll conduct a rainbow bubble snake experiment. Registration required.

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

Join us for our monthly STEM program for kids. This month, we’ll conduct a rainbow bubble snake experiment. Registration 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.

Green dragon reading a book.

Tuesday Tales (Ages 0-6)

Tuesday, May 12, 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. 

Middle School Makers (Grades 5-8)

Tuesday, May 12, 2026 at 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Barbara Hall Meeting Room at River Forest Public Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Sponsored by Oak Park River Forest Youth Services, STEAM
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, Sponsored by Oak Park River Forest Youth Services, STEAM
Program Description:

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

Mahjong tiles

Mahjong 101 (Beginner Level)

Tuesday, May 12, 2026 at 6:30pm - 8:30pm
Barbara Hall Meeting Room at River Forest Public Library
Program Type:
Culture & Entertainment, Learn & Connect
Age Group:
Adults & Seniors

Ready to learn the game that everyone is talking about? Join Dee Dee, instructor with The Mahjong Society, for a fun and social introduction to American Mahjong. 

Full
Registration Required
Location: River Forest Public Library
Room: Barbara Hall Meeting Room
Age Group: Adults & Seniors
Program Type: Culture & Entertainment, Learn & Connect
Registration Required
Program Description:

Ready to learn the game that everyone is talking about? Join Dee Dee, instructor with The Mahjong Society, for a fun and social introduction to American Mahjong. 

Afternoon Book Club

Wednesday, May 13, 2026 at 1:30pm - 2:30pm
Barbara Hall Meeting Room at River Forest Public Library
Program Type:
Authors & Books
Age Group:
Adults & Seniors

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

Story Stretchers (Grades K-4)

Wednesday, May 13, 2026 at 3:30pm - 4:00pm
Barbara Hall Meeting Room at River Forest Public Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Culture & Entertainment, Learn & Connect, STEAM, Storytimes
Age Group:
Kids

Listen to a story and do creative extension activities like crafts, games, and storytelling. Registration is required. Grades K-4.

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

Listen to a story and do creative extension activities like crafts, games, and storytelling. Registration is required. Grades K-4.

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.

Photo of kids playing on small, white, playground equipment outdoors.

Soft Play (Ages 0-6)

Thursday, May 14, 2026 at 10:00am - 10:45am
Library Lawn at River Forest Public Library
Program Type:
Culture & Entertainment, Learn & Connect
Age Group:
Babies, Toddlers, & Preschoolers

Experience sensory and physical play with The Soft Play Life. Children ages 0-6 under the supervision of their caregivers can enjoy a ball pit, double tunnel, seesaw, slide, and more!

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

Experience sensory and physical play with The Soft Play Life. Children ages 0-6 under the supervision of their caregivers can enjoy a ball pit, double tunnel, seesaw, slide, and more!

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. 

Picture of art supplies and natural items such as a pine cone, leaves, and flowers.

Nature Art Studio (Grades K-4)

Thursday, May 14, 2026 at 3:30pm - 4:15pm
Community Room at River Forest Public Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Learn & Connect, STEAM
Age Group:
Kids

Come learn about the natural world with fun demonstrations. Then we'll create a piece of art to take home! Registration is required. For grades K-4.

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

Come learn about the natural world with fun demonstrations. Then we'll create a piece of art to take home! Registration is required. For grades K-4.

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.

Donuts & Discussion (Grades 5-8)

Thursday, May 14, 2026 at 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Barbara Hall Meeting Room at River Forest Public Library
Program Type:
Culture & Entertainment, Food & Cooking, Learn & Connect
Age Group:
Tweens & Teens

Every other month, Middle Schoolers are invited to enjoy donuts while discussing relevant social topics. Registration required.

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

Every other month, Middle Schoolers are invited to enjoy donuts while discussing relevant social topics. Registration required.

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.

Craft and Chat

Thursday, May 14, 2026 at 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Barbara Hall Meeting Room at River Forest Public Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Learn & Connect, Sponsored by River Forest Township
Age Group:
Adults & Seniors

Crafting isn't just for kids! This month's craft for adults: a paper-quilling workshop led by a guest instructor.

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

Crafting isn't just for kids! This month's craft for adults: a paper-quilling workshop led by a guest instructor.

Staff Training Day

All Day
River Forest Public Library
Closing
Branches:
River Forest Public Library
Blue, red, and yellow building bricks

LEGO Club (Grades K-4)

Sunday, May 17, 2026 at 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Community Room at River Forest Public Library
Program Type:
Culture & Entertainment, Learn & Connect, STEAM
Age Group:
Kids

Come join us for LEGO Club! Get creative and use your imagination to create some cool designs! This is a drop-in program. For grades K-4.

Location: River Forest Public Library
Room: Community Room
Age Group: Kids
Program Type: Culture & Entertainment, Learn & Connect, STEAM
Program Description:

Come join us for LEGO Club! Get creative and use your imagination to create some cool designs! This is a drop-in program. For grades K-4.

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+.

Crafternoon (Grades K-4)

Monday, May 18, 2026 at 3:30pm - 4:00pm
Barbara Hall Meeting Room at River Forest Public Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Learn & Connect
Age Group:
Kids

Join us for our monthly crafting program for kids! Registration is required. For grades K-4.

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

Join us for our monthly crafting program for kids! Registration is required. For grades K-4.

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.