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Purple glass ball

Crafternoon (Grades K-4)

Monday, December 22, 2025 at 3:30pm - 4:15pm
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.

Library closed for Christmas Eve

All Day
River Forest Public Library
Closing
Branches:
River Forest Public Library

Library closed for Christmas

All Day
River Forest Public Library
Closing
Branches:
River Forest Public Library
Blue bird

Baby Storytime

Monday, December 29, 2025 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. 

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. 

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. 

A sign reading Happy New Year 2026 in orange and blue with flowers.

Noon Year's Eve (Families)

Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at 11:00am - 12:00pm
Barbara Hall Meeting Room at River Forest Public Library
Program Type:
Culture & Entertainment
Age Group:
Families

Count down to the noon year with us at this fun annual program. Make a craft (while supplies last), make some noise, and have a dance party with library staff! 

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

Count down to the noon year with us at this fun annual program. Make a craft (while supplies last), make some noise, and have a dance party with library staff! 

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.

Early closing for New Year's Eve

Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at 5:00pm - 9:00pm
River Forest Public Library
Closing
Branches:
River Forest Public Library

Library closed for New Year's Day

All Day
River Forest Public Library
Closing
Branches:
River Forest Public Library

Teen Take & Makes (Grades 5-12)

Friday, January 2, 2026 at 9:00am - 9:30am
Fireside at River Forest Public Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
Age Group:
Tweens & Teens

Pick up a program in a bag kit to enjoy at home! Bags will be different each month 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
Program Description:

Pick up a program in a bag kit to enjoy at home! Bags will be different each month 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.

Coffee cup

Coffee Monday

Monday, January 5, 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, pastries, and conversation about local matters. 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, pastries, and conversation about local matters. It’s a great way to get to know your neighbors and learn about things going on in the community.

A green cartoon dragon reading a book.

Tuesday Tales (Ages 0-6)

Tuesday, January 6, 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 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. 

Middle School Makers (Grades 5-8)

Tuesday, January 6, 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.

Story Stretchers (grades K-4)

Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at 3:30pm - 4:00pm
Barbara Hall Meeting Room at River Forest Public Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, 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.

Upcoming
Registration Required
Location: River Forest Public Library
Room: Barbara Hall Meeting Room
Age Group: Kids
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, 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+.

Messy Program Alert

This program involves getting messy. Please wear appropriate clothing.

Evening Book Club

Wednesday, January 7, 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 club 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 month's book: TBD.

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

The evening book club 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 month's book: TBD.

Dog reading a book

Toddler Time (Ages 18 months-3)

Thursday, January 8, 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. 

Globe with flags on plate

Teen Tasters (Grades 5-8)

Thursday, January 8, 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. Registration required.

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. 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.

Girl looking through telescope

Family Storytime and Play (Ages 0-6)

Friday, January 9, 2026 at 10:00am - 11:00am
Barbara Hall Meeting Room at River Forest Public Library
Program Type:
Learn & Connect, Storytimes
Age Group:
Babies, Toddlers, & Preschoolers, Kids

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: Babies, Toddlers, & Preschoolers, Kids
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. 

Illustration of a woman stretching while sitting in a chair

Chair Yoga

Saturday, January 10, 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 of Rhonda's Rhythms returns to lead a chair yoga class. Registration required. Brought to you in partnership with the River Forest Township.

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 of Rhonda's Rhythms returns to lead a chair yoga class. Registration required. Brought to you in partnership with the River Forest Township.

Newspaper headline: "mental test ordered for doom prophet"

Local History: Oak Park's 1950s Doomsday Cult

Sunday, January 11, 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

Did you know that Oak Park was home to a UFO cult called "The Seekers" that awaited the end of the world on Christmas Eve, 1954?

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:

Did you know that Oak Park was home to a UFO cult called "The Seekers" that awaited the end of the world on Christmas Eve, 1954?

Blue bird

Baby Storytime

Monday, January 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

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. 

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. 

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, January 12, 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. Registration is required. Grades K-4.

Upcoming
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. 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.

A green cartoon dragon reading a book.

Tuesday Tales (Ages 0-6)

Tuesday, January 13, 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 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. 

RFPL Policy Committee Meeting

Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at 1:00pm - 2:00pm
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

Middle School Makers (Grades 5-8)

Tuesday, January 13, 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.

Jonathan Eig

[Illinois Libraries Present] Bringing History To Life with Jonathan Eig

Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Virtual Zoom
Program Type:
Authors & Books
Age Group:
Adults & Seniors

Jonathan Eig is the bestselling author of six books, including his most recent, Pulitzer Prize-winning King: A Life.

Virtual Event
Location: Virtual Zoom
Age Group: Adults & Seniors
Program Type: Authors & Books
Program Description:

Jonathan Eig is the bestselling author of six books, including his most recent, Pulitzer Prize-winning King: A Life.