Thomas Ford Memorial Library

Need some reading inspiration or want to share some reading inspiration? Socialize with other readers and share favorite titles or recent reads. Light refreshments will be provided.&nbsp;

Local Event:  Reader's Night In

Cook County

Western Springs

Illinois

 Reader's Night In

Need some reading inspiration or want to share some reading inspiration? Socialize with other readers and share favorite titles...

2nd-4th Grade: Hear author Suzanne Sherman read from her new book, Shell Seeker: The Life, Work and Adventures of a Blind Biologist. Then conduct your own investigation just like a real mollusk scientist as you observe real seashells and analyze data. You will even learn to write your name in braille!

Local Event: Seashell Science!

Seashell Science!

2nd-4th Grade: Hear author Suzanne Sherman read from her new book, Shell Seeker: The Life, Work and Adventures of a Blind...

No charge, no registration: all knitters and crafters are welcome for conversation and inspiration.&nbsp;

Local Event: Knitting Circle

Knitting Circle

No charge, no registration: all knitters and crafters are welcome for conversation and inspiration. 

Virtual Programming

Registration link: <a href="https://tinyurl.com/2wvzy3xc" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://tinyurl.com/2wvzy3xc</a>
Join us for a special virtual presentation exploring the Barack Obama Presidential Library and Obama Presidential Center.
Our presenters, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kenvi_Phillips" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Kenvi Phillips</a>, inaugural director of the Barack Obama Presidential Library, and <a href="https://www.obama.org/about/leadership/tina-tchen/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Tina Tchen</a>, Executive Vice President of Programs for the Obama Foundation, will discuss the first digital Presidential Library and the <a href="https://www.obama.org/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Obama Presidential Center</a> as a vibrant community hub, economic anchor, and beacon of democracy. This program offers a unique opportunity to learn how presidential history is preserved, accessed, and shared, and how these records deepen our understanding of recent history and democratic values. The Barack Obama Presidential Center is a museum, library, and educational campus dedicated to President Barack Obama's legacy. Located in Jackson Park on Chicago’s South Side, the Center will feature community gathering spaces, a Chicago Public Library branch, and the Obama&nbsp;Foundation's headquarters.&nbsp;The Center&nbsp;opens&nbsp;in June 2026. The National Archives and Records Administration operates the Barack Obama Presidential Library, the Agency's first fully digital Presidential Library, a partner of the Obama Presidential Center. We’re excited to share this program alongside 37 neighboring libraries.

Local Event: Inside the Obama Presidential Center

Inside the Obama Presidential Center

Registration link: https://tinyurl.com/2wvzy3xc
Join us for a special virtual presentation exploring the Barack Obama...

Twens-Adults: The Western Springs Writers' Society welcomes all writers from the community to discuss and hone their craft with other local writers. Whether this is your career or hobby, writers of all levels and genres are invited. Questions in advance? Please contact Jim Swinehart at jrswinehart10@gmail.com.

Local Event: Western Springs Writers' Society

Western Springs Writers' Society

Twens-Adults: The Western Springs Writers' Society welcomes all writers from the community to discuss and hone their craft with...

Teens &amp; Tweens: Come test your knowledge against your friends in this trivia game based on the TV show! Snacks will be provided. Registration required.

Local Event: Nintendo Switch: Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?

Nintendo Switch: Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?

Teens & Tweens: Come test your knowledge against your friends in this trivia game based on the TV show! Snacks will be...

Bemis Woods South Grove #7

In honor of Pride Month, join the Forest Preserves of Cook County for a guided walk to learn the diverse relationships and anatomy of wildlife in the Forest Preserves. Limited reserved spots for library patrons are available.&nbsp;
This 1.6 mile hike is designed for adults, any youth that attend must be accompanied by a parent or guardian 18 years of age or older. The hike will meet in <a href="https://map.fpdcc.com/#/?poi=250-Bemis+Woods-South" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Bemis Woods-South</a> in the back parking lot near Grove 7.&nbsp;When you arrive at the meeting spot, let the FPCC staff know you are a member of the Thomas Ford Memorial Library.&nbsp;
Map of meeting location: <a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/gS3k4YRjv49njPd86" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://maps.app.goo.gl/gS3k4YRjv49njPd86</a>

Local Event: Wildlife Pride Walk

Wildlife Pride Walk

In honor of Pride Month, join the Forest Preserves of Cook County for a guided walk to learn the diverse relationships and...

Learn how to start and maintain an herb garden in this program run by Sharon Yiesla Horticulture Services . Many herbs that can be grown in Northern Illinois will be featured, with information on how to grow and when to harvest them. Geared towards individuals new to herb gardening. This presentation covers gardening with herbs, not cooking.

Local Event: Herb Gardening

Herb Gardening

Learn how to start and maintain an herb garden in this program run by Sharon Yiesla Horticulture Services . Many herbs that can...

Teens &amp; Tweens: Make your own farm to table snack using fresh tomatoes and corn. &nbsp;All ingredients will be provided so you can customize your salsas with your preferred level of heat. &nbsp;

Local Event: Pico de Gallo and Corn Salsa

Pico de Gallo and Corn Salsa

Teens & Tweens: Make your own farm to table snack using fresh tomatoes and corn.  All ingredients will be provided so you can...

Western Springs French Market

Children, Families: Join the Library for storytime on the Tower Lawn. In the event of rain or inclement weather, storytime will be cancelled.

Local Event: French Market Storytimes (off-site, drop-in)

French Market Storytimes (off-site, drop-in)

Children, Families: Join the Library for storytime on the Tower Lawn. In the event of rain or inclement weather, storytime will...

Virtual Program/Kristyn Slick/Thomas Ford Memorial Library

This is a virtual class led by Kristyn Slick. A recording will be emailed to all registrants after the program. Even if you are unable to attend the live event, please register if you would like to receive the recording.&nbsp;
Bring the classic steakhouse experience into your own kitchen with perfectly cooked steak paired with three elevated sauces. This class focuses on technique, timing, and confidence so you can recreate a restaurant-worthy meal at home.

Local Event: Classroom Kitchen: Steakhouse at Home

Classroom Kitchen: Steakhouse at Home

This is a virtual class led by Kristyn Slick. A recording will be emailed to all registrants after the program. Even if you are...

Celebrate the 250th anniversary of America with founding father Benjamin Franklin, played by actor Terry Lynch. Franklin was the sole individual who played a part in drafting the five founding documents, and his diplomatic skills and ability to think innovatively were crucial in shaping the daring endeavor of establishing a new nation.

Local Event: Benjamin Franklin: Designing a Nation

Benjamin Franklin: Designing a Nation

Celebrate the 250th anniversary of America with founding father Benjamin Franklin, played by actor Terry Lynch. Franklin was...

Teens and Tweens: Teen Board can be a great way to earn volunteer hours! If you have ideas for how the library can better serve teens and tweens, come join us! The Teen Board implements programming suggestions, recommends books, and gives input for ways to entice other teens to visit the library. We do a fun craft or activity every meeting!

Local Event: Teen Board

Teen Board

Teens and Tweens: Teen Board can be a great way to earn volunteer hours! If you have ideas for how the library can better serve...

Burr Ridge Community Church

Come hunt for unique treasures at our indoor rummage sale featuring home goods, small appliances, clothing &amp; accessories, decorative items, household items and much more. Don't miss the outdoor furniture sales starting early and be sure to enjoy our concession.

Local Event: Huge Rummage Sale!

DuPage County

Burr Ridge

Huge Rummage Sale!

Come hunt for unique treasures at our indoor rummage sale featuring home goods, small appliances, clothing & accessories,...

Create a decorative flag using recycled wine corks in this painting program. All supplies will be provided.&nbsp;

Local Event: Cork Flag Craft

Cork Flag Craft

Create a decorative flag using recycled wine corks in this painting program. All supplies will be provided. 

Teens and Tweens: Learn how to use electroluminescent wire to create a beautiful light up rainbow! Available in the Teen/Tween Room. While supplies last.

Local Event: Rainbow Neon Sign Kit

Rainbow Neon Sign Kit

Teens and Tweens: Learn how to use electroluminescent wire to create a beautiful light up rainbow! Available in the Teen/Tween...

Preschool-1st Grade: Come listen to a reading of Lucy Ruth Cummins’s book Our Pool. Afterwards, we will make a pool-themed craft to take home.

Local Event: Read & Create: Our Pool

Read & Create: Our Pool

Preschool-1st Grade: Come listen to a reading of Lucy Ruth Cummins’s book Our Pool. Afterwards, we will make a pool-themed...

Adult, All Ages: The Library is partnering with the Village of Western Springs to provide residents with the opportunity to meet with a social worker to access resources supporting:
<ul><li>Mental health issues</li><li>Support for older adults</li><li>Youth-related challenges</li><li>Other social and emotional difficulties</li></ul>
This is a monthly drop-in program that aims to positively impact individuals and families within our community and is completely confidential.

Local Event: Social Worker at the Library

Social Worker at the Library

Adult, All Ages: The Library is partnering with the Village of Western Springs to provide residents with the opportunity to...

Children: Bring your ideas and imagination to the Library to create a LEGO model! The Library will provide LEGO bricks for this program.

Local Event: Ford LEGO Creators

Ford LEGO Creators

Children: Bring your ideas and imagination to the Library to create a LEGO model! The Library will provide LEGO bricks for this...

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