Visit River Forest Public Library and discover quality collections, comfortable spaces, engaging events, and friendly, professional staff members committed to providing the highest level of service. Browse thousands of books, movies, video games, magazines, and more. Book a study space to focus on your work or relax and read by the cozy fireplaces. Use the public computers, printers, or fax machine or enjoy free Wi-Fi throughout the building and in the garden. Check out our virtual walk through. We look forward to seeing you soon.
River Forest residents have access to premium digital resources including eBooks, streaming and downloadable movies and music, digital magazines, online databases, and more, 24/7. Explore our Online Resources.
Holiday Closures
The Library is closed in observance of the following holidays:
- New Year’s Day (the Library closes at 5 PM on New Year’s Eve)
- Easter Sunday
- Memorial Day (Sunday and Monday)
- Independence Day
- Labor Day (Sunday and Monday)
- Thanksgiving Day (the Library closes at 5 PM the Wednesday before Thanksgiving)
- Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
Parking & Book Drops
Library patrons may park on Lathrop Avenue in front of the Library, where 6 spaces are available for 30 minutes and 1 handicapped space is available with no time limit. 3-hour parking is also available along the east side of Jackson Avenue. Patrons may park on Chicago Avenue or other area streets unless posted signage indicates otherwise.
The Library has limited use of the Roosevelt School parking lot south of the Library building. Library patrons have access to 9 designated visitor spaces during the day and additional spaces when school is not in session.
There are two outside book drops available for convenient return of Library materials: a drive-up book drop at Roosevelt School and a walk-up book drop in the Library’s garden.