Announcements

Holiday Closures

The Library will close at 5 PM on Wednesday, November 27 and will be closed on Thursday, November 28 for Thanksgiving.

Event List

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Globe with flags on plate

Teen Tasters (Grades 5-8)

Thursday, December 5, 2024 at 3:15pm - 4:30pm
Barbara Hall Meeting Room at River Forest Public Library
Program Type:
Culture & Entertainment
Age Group:
Tweens & Teens
Program Description:

Try out a variety of unique foods from a different country each month in this fun taste test program. Advance registration required.

Waitlist
Required
Location: River Forest Public Library
Room: Barbara Hall Meeting Room
Age Group: Tweens & Teens
Program Type: Culture & Entertainment
Required
Seats Remaining: 0
Program Description:

Try out a variety of unique foods from a different country each month in this fun taste test program. Advance 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.

Colorful graphic of musical trio with a bass, piano and drums

James Callen Trio Concert

Sunday, December 8, 2024 at 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Fireside at River Forest Public Library
Program Type:
Culture & Entertainment, Sponsored by River Forest Township
Age Group:
Adults & Seniors
Program Description:

River Forest's own jazz pianist James Callen returns to the Library with his trio for an afternoon of live music on the second floor. His trio will play his arrangements of po...

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

River Forest's own jazz pianist James Callen returns to the Library with his trio for an afternoon of live music on the second floor. His trio will play his arrangements of pop and rock tunes from the ’60’s, ’70’s, and ’80’s, including songs

A variety of holiday cookies in a green box

Holiday Cookie Exchange

Sunday, December 15, 2024 at 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Barbara Hall Meeting Room at River Forest Public Library
Program Type:
Culture & Entertainment, Sponsored by River Forest Township
Age Group:
Adults & Seniors
Program Description:

The holiday season is the perfect time of year to bake cookies and share them with others. Bring a batch of homemade cookies, along with the recipe you used, for other amateur bake...

Open
Required
Location: River Forest Public Library
Room: Barbara Hall Meeting Room
Age Group: Adults & Seniors
Program Type: Culture & Entertainment, Sponsored by River Forest Township
Required
Seats Remaining: 19
Program Description:

The holiday season is the perfect time of year to bake cookies and share them with others. Bring a batch of homemade cookies, along with the recipe you used, for other amateur bakers to taste and take home.

Huskies in snow

Free Spirit Siberian Sled Team (Grades K-4)

Wednesday, December 18, 2024 at 3:30pm - 5:30pm
Off Site
Program Type:
Culture & Entertainment
Age Group:
Kids
Program Description:

Learn about huskies while experiencing a little about the sport of mushing in this awesome winter program! Event will be held indoors and out, so please dress accordingly. Attendee...

Open
Required
Offsite Event
Location: Off Site
Age Group: Kids
Program Type: Culture & Entertainment
Required
Seats Remaining: 10
Program Description:

Learn about huskies while experiencing a little about the sport of mushing in this awesome winter program! Event will be held indoors and out, so please dress accordingly.

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. 

A yeti sitting with three children.

Holiday Movie at the Library (Families)

Thursday, December 19, 2024 at 10:00am - 12:00pm
Barbara Hall Meeting Room at River Forest Public Library
Program Type:
Culture & Entertainment
Age Group:
Families
Program Description:

Get ready for winter break with a winter themed movie at the library! We'll be watching Abominable. Light snacks will be provided. For families.

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

Get ready for winter break with a winter themed movie at the library! We'll be watching Abominable. Light snacks will be provided. 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. 

Food Allergies

We cannot guarantee that food served at this program has not come into contact with tree nuts, soy, or other allergens.

Image of the Three Sisters from Little Women the Musical

Illinois Libraries Present: Little Women: The Musical (An At-Home Experience)

All Day
Virtual Zoom
Program Type:
Culture & Entertainment
Age Group:
Kids, Tweens & Teens, Adults & Seniors
Program Description:

From December 20 through December 22, watch a recorded live performance of Little Women: The Musical. Louisa May Alcott’s classic story of four sisters growing up in 19th...

Virtual Event
Location: Virtual Zoom
Age Group: Kids, Tweens & Teens, Adults & Seniors
Program Type: Culture & Entertainment
Program Description:

From December 20 through December 22, watch a recorded live performance of Little Women: The Musical. 

Film Lover Fridays

Friday, December 20, 2024 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
Program Description:

Join other movie lovers on the third Friday of every month to watch classic films. This season, we're celebrating the Marlon Brando centennial with four of Brando's early films. ...

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 every month to watch classic films. This season, we're celebrating the Marlon Brando centennial with four of Brando's early films.

Movie Living poster with man in hat and Big Ben in background

Global Film Forum

Sunday, December 29, 2024 at 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Barbara Hall Meeting Room at River Forest Public Library
Program Type:
Culture & Entertainment, Learn & Connect
Age Group:
Adults & Seniors
Program Description:

Enjoy cinema from around the world, in the company of fellow global film fans.This month's film is Living, a British film starring Bill Nighy that earned him a Best Actor nominatio...

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

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

2025 in sparklers

Noon Year's Eve

Tuesday, December 31, 2024 at 11:30am - 12:30pm
Barbara Hall Meeting Room at River Forest Public Library
Program Type:
Culture & Entertainment
Age Group:
Families
Program Description:

Count down to the noon year with us at this fun annual program. Make a craft, 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, 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.

Teen Tasters (Grades 5-8)

Thursday, January 9, 2025 at 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Barbara Hall Meeting Room at River Forest Public Library
Program Type:
Culture & Entertainment, Learn & Connect
Age Group:
Tweens & Teens
Program Description:

Try out a variety of unique foods from a different country each month in this fun taste test program. Registration required.

Required
Location: River Forest Public Library
Room: Barbara Hall Meeting Room
Age Group: Tweens & Teens
Program Type: Culture & Entertainment, Learn & Connect
Required
Seats Remaining: 16
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.

Snowman in a mason jar with glitter.

Snow Globe Craft (Families)

Saturday, January 11, 2025 at 10:30am - 11:30am
Community Room at River Forest Public Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Culture & Entertainment, Learn & Connect
Age Group:
Families
Program Description:

Get in the winter spirit with this fun snow globe making craft! For families. While supplies last.

Location: River Forest Public Library
Room: Community Room
Age Group: Families
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Culture & Entertainment, Learn & Connect
Program Description:

Get in the winter spirit with this fun snow globe making craft! For families. While supplies last.

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.

Neal Alger

Classical Guitar Concert with Neal Alger

Sunday, January 12, 2025 at 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Barbara Hall Meeting Room at River Forest Public Library
Program Type:
Culture & Entertainment, Sponsored by River Forest Township
Age Group:
Adults & Seniors
Program Description:

Lauded by the Chicago Tribune as "one of the most sensitive and creative guitarists in a city filled with them," and fueled by a mission to give exposure to underplayed composers, ...

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:

Lauded by the Chicago Tribune as "one of the most sensitive and creative guitarists in a city filled with them," and fueled by a mission to give exposure to underplayed composers, Neal Alger presents a guitar performance of classical and

Film poster

Film Lover Fridays

Friday, January 17, 2025 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
Program Description:

Join other movie lovers on the third Friday of each month to watch classic films. This season, we're celebrating the Paul Newman centennial with four of his early films.This month,...

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 celebrating the Paul Newman centennial with four of his early films.

Large cartoon red panda and little girl.

Family Movie at the Library (Families)

Monday, January 20, 2025 at 10:00am - 12:00pm
Barbara Hall Meeting Room at River Forest Public Library
Program Type:
Culture & Entertainment
Age Group:
Families
Program Description:

Come watch a movie at the Library! Light snacks will be provided. For families. This month: Turning Red.

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: Turning Red.

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.

Film poster

Global Film Forum

Sunday, January 26, 2025 at 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Barbara Hall Meeting Room at River Forest Public Library
Program Type:
Culture & Entertainment
Age Group:
Adults & Seniors
Program Description:

Enjoy cinema from around the world, in the company of fellow global film fans.This month's film is The Crime is Mine (2023) from France. Set in the 1930s, the film follows a young ...

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.

Donuts & Discussion (Grades 5-8)

Thursday, January 30, 2025 at 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Barbara Hall Meeting Room at River Forest Public Library
Program Type:
Culture & Entertainment, Learn & Connect
Age Group:
Tweens & Teens
Program Description:

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

Required
Location: River Forest Public Library
Room: Barbara Hall Meeting Room
Age Group: Tweens & Teens
Program Type: Culture & Entertainment, Learn & Connect
Required
Seats Remaining: 12
Program Description:

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

Chris Fascione holding books in front of a bookshelf.

Juggling Funny Stories with Chris Fascione (Grades prek-4)

Thursday, February 6, 2025 at 10:00am - 10:45am
Barbara Hall Meeting Room at River Forest Public Library
Program Type:
Culture & Entertainment, Storytimes
Age Group:
Kids
Program Description:

Join us for this special storytime: Juggling Funny Stories!, with nationally-known family entertainer Chris Fascione You’ll be laughing out loud as Chris brings children’s stories ...

Required
Location: River Forest Public Library
Room: Barbara Hall Meeting Room
Age Group: Kids
Program Type: Culture & Entertainment, Storytimes
Required
Seats Remaining: 30
Program Description:

Join us for this special storytime: Juggling Funny Stories!, with nationally-known family entertainer Chris Fascione You’ll be laughing out loud as Chris brings children’s stories to life with his high-spirited and innovative performances full of

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. 

Teen Tasters (Grades 5-8)

Thursday, February 6, 2025 at 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Barbara Hall Meeting Room at River Forest Public Library
Program Type:
Culture & Entertainment, Learn & Connect
Age Group:
Tweens & Teens
Program Description:

Try out a variety of unique foods from a different country each month in this fun taste test program. Registration required.

Required
Location: River Forest Public Library
Room: Barbara Hall Meeting Room
Age Group: Tweens & Teens
Program Type: Culture & Entertainment, Learn & Connect
Required
Seats Remaining: 16
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.

Cartoon image of man leaning on a reindeer and two women on the other side.

Family Movie at the Library (Families)

Friday, February 14, 2025 at 10:00am - 12:00pm
Barbara Hall Meeting Room at River Forest Public Library
Program Type:
Culture & Entertainment
Age Group:
Families
Program Description:

Come watch a movie at the Library! Light snacks will be provided. For families. This month: Frozen.

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: Frozen.

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.

IL Humanities logo

1619: The Journey of a People

Sunday, February 16, 2025 at 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Barbara Hall Meeting Room at River Forest Public Library
Program Type:
Culture & Entertainment, Learn & Connect, Sponsored by River Forest Township
Age Group:
Adults & Seniors
Program Description:

Celebrate Black History Month with this dynamic theatrical experience featuring playwright, professor, and performer Ted Williams III.On August 20, 1619, twenty enslaved Africans a...

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:

Celebrate Black History Month with this dynamic theatrical experience featuring playwright, professor, and performer Ted Williams III.

Film poster

Film Lover Fridays

Friday, February 21, 2025 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
Program Description:

Join other movie lovers on the third Friday of each month to watch classic films. This season, we're celebrating the Paul Newman centennial with four of his early films.This month,...

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 celebrating the Paul Newman centennial with four of his early films.

A seal, cat, and dog stuffed animals on a bench.

Stuffed Animal Sleepover at the Library! (Grades PreK-4)

Friday, February 21, 2025 at 3:00pm - 4:30pm
Children's Room at River Forest Public Library
Program Type:
Culture & Entertainment
Age Group:
Babies, Toddlers, & Preschoolers, Kids
Program Description:

Drop off your favorite stuffed animal for a fun slumber party with S'more, Gelato, and Cheesecake, then look online for pictures of all of their fun activities! Drop off your stuff...

Required
Location: River Forest Public Library
Room: Children's Room
Age Group: Babies, Toddlers, & Preschoolers, Kids
Program Type: Culture & Entertainment
Required
Seats Remaining: 15
Program Description:

Drop off your favorite stuffed animal for a fun slumber party with S'more, Gelato, and Cheesecake, then look online for pictures of all of their fun activities!

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.

​​​​​​​Material Pickup Required

This program requires materials to be picked up at our service desk prior to the program.

Film poster

Global Film Forum

Sunday, February 23, 2025 at 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Barbara Hall Meeting Room at River Forest Public Library
Program Type:
Culture & Entertainment
Age Group:
Adults & Seniors
Program Description:

Enjoy cinema from around the world, in the company of fellow global film fans.This month's film is Emma (2020) from the United Kingdom. The latest adaptation of Jane Austen's class...

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.

Reviews for Ramen (Grades 5-8)

Thursday, February 27, 2025 at 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Barbara Hall Meeting Room at River Forest Public Library
Program Type:
Culture & Entertainment
Age Group:
Tweens & Teens
Program Description:

Middle Schoolers are invited to share at least three facts about a favorite book in exchange for a cup of ramen with all the toppings!

Required
Location: River Forest Public Library
Room: Barbara Hall Meeting Room
Age Group: Tweens & Teens
Program Type: Culture & Entertainment
Required
Seats Remaining: 12
Program Description:

Middle Schoolers are invited to share at least three facts about a favorite book in exchange for a cup of ramen with all the toppings!

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.