Event List

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Ongoing Events
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This event is in the "Adults & Seniors" group

Film Lover Fridays

Friday, June 19, 2026 at 1:00pm - 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

Join other movie lovers on the third Friday of each month to watch classic films. This season, we're highlighting the famous screen partnership of Katharine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy.

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:

Join other movie lovers on the third Friday of each month to watch classic films. This season, we're highlighting the famous screen partnership of Katharine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy.

This event is in the "Adults & Seniors" group

Voices of 1776: Diverse Faces Behind America’s Founding

Saturday, June 20, 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.

This event is in the "Tweens & Teens" group

Teen Take & Makes (Grades 5-12)

Monday, June 22, 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, June 22, 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 "Babies, Toddlers, & Preschoolers" group

Tuesday Tales (Ages 0-6)

Tuesday, June 23, 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. 

This event is in the "Kids" group

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

Tuesday, June 23, 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+.

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

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

Thursday, June 25, 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 "Adults & Seniors" group

Summer Concert Series: Chez Butter

Thursday, June 25, 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 getting funky with Chez Butter, a five-piece band playing a mix of Motown, soul, R&B, and funk music.

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 getting funky with Chez Butter, a five-piece band playing a mix of Motown, soul, R&B, and funk music.

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

Storytime in the Garden (Ages 0-6)

Friday, June 26, 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, June 29, 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

Family Fun Bags

Wednesday, July 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

Evening Book Club

Wednesday, July 1, 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, July 2, 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 "Adults & Seniors" group

Watch the Oscar Nominees: Blue Moon

Thursday, July 2, 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.

Closed for Independence Day

All Day
River Forest Public Library
Closing
Branches:
River Forest Public Library
This event is in the "Tweens & Teens" group

Teen Take & Makes (Grades 5-12)

Monday, July 6, 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, July 6, 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 "Babies, Toddlers, & Preschoolers" group

Tuesday Tales (Ages 0-6)

Tuesday, July 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, 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. 

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

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

Thursday, July 9, 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, July 9, 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

Craft and Chat

Thursday, July 9, 2026 at 7:00pm - 8:00pm
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: TBD. The Library will provide all materials, so you only need to bring your creativity. 

Upcoming
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: TBD. The Library will provide all materials, so you only need to bring your creativity. 

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

Storytime in the Garden (Ages 0-6)

Friday, July 10, 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 13, 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 13, 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.