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Girl looking through telescope

Family Storytime and Play (Ages 0-6)

Friday, January 23, 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. 

Petite Maman film poster

Global Film Forum

Sunday, January 25, 2026 at 2:00pm - 4:30pm
Barbara Hall Meeting Room at River Forest Public Library
Program Type:
Culture & Entertainment
Age Group:
Adults & Seniors

Enjoy cinema from around the world, in the company of fellow global film fans.

This month's film: Petite Maman (France).

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

Enjoy cinema from around the world, in the company of fellow global film fans.

This month's film: Petite Maman (France).

Blue bird

Baby Storytime

Monday, January 26, 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. 

Crafternoon (Grades K-4)

Monday, January 26, 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.

Upcoming
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+.

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.

Middle School Makers (Grades 5-8)

Tuesday, January 27, 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.

Photo of black and tan dog with grass in the background.

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

Tuesday, January 27, 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!

Photo of a child's hands holding cards with letters and pictures of food.

Pop-in Play & Learn (Grades PreK-2)

Wednesday, January 28, 2026 at 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Community Room at River Forest Public Library
Program Type:
Learn & Connect
Age Group:
Babies, Toddlers, & Preschoolers, Kids

Pop in for hands-on stations involving letter and number recognition, sensory play, games, and fine motor skill practice! For grades PreK-2 and their grown-ups.

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

Pop in for hands-on stations involving letter and number recognition, sensory play, games, and fine motor skill practice! For grades PreK-2 and their grown-ups.

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. 

Half Day Craft 'n' Snack (Grades 5-8)

Thursday, January 29, 2026 at 11:30am - 1:00pm
Barbara Hall Meeting Room at River Forest Public Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Learn & Connect
Age Group:
Tweens & Teens

Join us after this half day of school for a craft and some treats!

Location: River Forest Public Library
Room: Barbara Hall Meeting Room
Age Group: Tweens & Teens
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Learn & Connect
Program Description:

Join us after this half day of school for a craft and some treats!

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.

A group of children standing in front of a T-Rex figure.

Dinosaur Discoveries with T-Rexplorer (Grades K-4)

Thursday, January 29, 2026 at 11:45am - 1:00pm
Fireside at River Forest Public Library
Program Type:
Learn & Connect, STEAM
Age Group:
Kids

Join T-Rexplorers for a fun, interactive, engaging program with authentic dinosaur fossils, and learn about dinosaurs. Arrive 15 minutes before the start and meet Green Bean, a baby "Triceratops"! Registration is required. For grades K-4.

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

Join T-Rexplorers for a fun, interactive, engaging program with authentic dinosaur fossils, and learn about dinosaurs. Arrive 15 minutes before the start and meet Green Bean, a baby "Triceratops"! 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+.

A photo of a silent reading party, with a room full of people reading.

Silent Reading Party

Thursday, January 29, 2026 at 6:30pm - 8:30pm
Off Site
Program Type:
Authors & Books, Sponsored by River Forest Township
Age Group:
Adults & Seniors

By popular demand, the Library is offering another silent reading party, aka "happy hour for introverts!" It's like a book club, but without the assigned reading or forced discussion. This event will take place at a special offsite event space.

Upcoming
Registration Required
Offsite Event
Location: Off Site
Age Group: Adults & Seniors
Program Type: Authors & Books, Sponsored by River Forest Township
Registration Required
Program Description:

By popular demand, the Library is offering another silent reading party, aka "happy hour for introverts!" It's like a book club, but without the assigned reading or forced discussion. This event will take place at a special offsite event space.

Mini Makers (Ages 0-6)

Friday, January 30, 2026 at 10:00am - 11:00am
Children's Room at River Forest Public Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Learn & Connect
Age Group:
Babies, Toddlers, & Preschoolers

Pop in the children's room on the last Friday of the month and make a fun craft! For ages 0-6 with a caregiver.

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

Pop in the children's room on the last Friday of the month and make a fun craft! For ages 0-6 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. 

Messy Program Alert

This program involves getting messy. Please wear appropriate clothing.

Community Storytime at Wonder Works Children's Museum

Friday, January 30, 2026 at 11:00am - 11:30am
Off Site
Program Type:
Learn & Connect, Storytimes
Age Group:
Families, Babies, Toddlers, & Preschoolers, Kids

Join your favorite librarians from the RFPL Children's Room at Wonder Works Children's Museum for a special storytime! Non-members, stop by the Children's desk for a free admission ticket, while supplies last. For families.

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

Join your favorite librarians from the RFPL Children's Room at Wonder Works Children's Museum for a special storytime! Non-members, stop by the Children's desk for a free admission ticket, while supplies last. For families.

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. 

Black toy racetrack with red toy car.

Let's Make: Your Own Washi Tape Car Track! (Families)

Saturday, January 31, 2026 at 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Barbara Hall Meeting Room at River Forest Public Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Learn & Connect, Storytimes
Age Group:
Families

Join us for a story and bring your own toy car! We will create our own car track with carboard and washi tape to use and take home. For families.

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

Join us for a story and bring your own toy car! We will create our own car track with carboard and washi tape to use and take home. For families.

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. 

Messy Program Alert

This program involves getting messy. Please wear appropriate clothing.

Teen Take & Makes (Grades 5-12)

Sunday, February 1, 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.

A photo of Lorrisa Julianus with the title of the program: "Love Stories From History"

Love Stories from History

Sunday, February 1, 2026 at 2:00pm - 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

Writer, performer, and award-winning romantic comedy filmmaker Lorrisa Julianus shares true love stories from history to delight and entertain, whether you consider Cupid a bestie or a frenemy.

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:

Writer, performer, and award-winning romantic comedy filmmaker Lorrisa Julianus shares true love stories from history to delight and entertain, whether you consider Cupid a bestie or a frenemy.

Coffee cup

Coffee Monday

Monday, February 2, 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, February 3, 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, February 3, 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.

Great Decisions book cover

Great Decisions

Wednesday, February 4, 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, February 4, 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, February 4, 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, February 5, 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, February 5, 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.

Staff Training Day

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