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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.

Afternoon Book Club

Wednesday, January 14, 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 club 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 club 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.

troop 47228 Meeting

Wednesday, January 14, 2026 at 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Barbara Hall Meeting Room at River Forest Public Library
Event Description:

Earn detective badge

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

Earn detective badge

Dog reading a book

Toddler Time (Ages 18 months-3)

Thursday, January 15, 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. 

Two penguins on an iceberg in the ocean with text reading Brookfield Zoo.

Brookfield Zoo Storytime at the Library! (Families)

Friday, January 16, 2026 at 10:00am - 11:00am
Barbara Hall Meeting Room at River Forest Public Library
Program Type:
Learn & Connect, STEAM, Storytimes
Age Group:
Families

Prepare to journey to winter in the Midwest with Miss Jenn and staff from the Brookfield Zoo! This very special storytime explores how Chicagoland's flora and fauna adapt and thrive during the winter season.

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

Prepare to journey to winter in the Midwest with Miss Jenn and staff from the Brookfield Zoo! This very special storytime explores how Chicagoland's flora and fauna adapt and thrive during the winter season.

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. 

Green and black vintage film poster for The Thing From Another World

Film Lover Fridays

Friday, January 16, 2026 at 1:00pm - 3:30pm
Barbara Hall Meeting Room at River Forest Public Library
Program Type:
Culture & Entertainment, 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 showing science fiction movies from the 1950s.

This month's film is The Thing from Another World (1951).

Location: River Forest Public Library
Room: Barbara Hall Meeting Room
Age Group: Adults & Seniors
Program Type: Culture & Entertainment, 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 showing science fiction movies from the 1950s.

This month's film is The Thing from Another World (1951).

Vitalant logo

Community Blood Drive

Saturday, January 17, 2026 at 10:00am - 3:00pm
Barbara Hall Meeting Room at River Forest Public Library
Program Type:
Health & Wellness
Age Group:
Adults & Seniors

The Library is partnering with Vitalant Blood Donation to host a community blood drive. If you are able, please consider donating blood.

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

The Library is partnering with Vitalant Blood Donation to host a community blood drive. If you are able, please consider donating blood.

Orchestra logo with graphic sun and music note symbol

Winter Concert: Sunflower Chamber Orchestra

Sunday, January 18, 2026 at 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Fireside at River Forest Public Library
Program Type:
Culture & Entertainment, Sponsored by River Forest Township
Age Group:
Everyone, Families, Adults & Seniors

Brighten up the winter with a concert by the Sunflower Chamber Orchestra, a youth orchestra based in River Forest featuring musicians from 3rd grade through 12th grade.

Location: River Forest Public Library
Room: Fireside
Age Group: Everyone, Families, Adults & Seniors
Program Type: Culture & Entertainment, Sponsored by River Forest Township
Program Description:

Brighten up the winter with a concert by the Sunflower Chamber Orchestra, a youth orchestra based in River Forest featuring musicians from 3rd grade through 12th grade.

A picture of the 3 girls against a pink background reading K-Pop Demon Hunters.

Family Movie at the Library: K-Pop Demon Hunters (Families)

Monday, January 19, 2026 at 10:00am - 12:00pm
Barbara Hall Meeting Room at River Forest Public Library
Program Type:
Culture & Entertainment
Age Group:
Families

Come watch a movie at the Library! Light snacks will be provided. For families. This month: K-Pop Demon Hunters.

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

Come watch a movie at the Library! Light snacks will be provided. For families. This month: K-Pop Demon Hunters.

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.

A green cartoon dragon reading a book.

Tuesday Tales (Ages 0-6)

Tuesday, January 20, 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 20, 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.

RFPL Board of Trustees Meeting

Tuesday, January 20, 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

Story Stretchers (grades K-4)

Wednesday, January 21, 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.

Dog reading a book

Toddler Time (Ages 18 months-3)

Thursday, January 22, 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. 

Donuts & Discussion (Grades 5-8)

Thursday, January 22, 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

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

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