Thomas Ford Memorial Library

Children: Come to the Youth Services Department to pick up a bag with a craft inside! Crafts are left over from previous programs and are available while supplies last. Which craft will you take home?

Local Event: Mystery Craft Kits

Cook County

Western Springs

Illinois

Mystery Craft Kits

Children: Come to the Youth Services Department to pick up a bag with a craft inside! Crafts are left over from previous...

Join Lindsey Daehnke, Founder and Lead Instructor at Strictly Self Defense, as she teaches simple self-defense techniques and personal safety strategies for seniors. Lindsey will discuss effective strikes and escapes, how to create a personal safety plan, and common safety myths. Attendees must sign an electronic waiver to participate.
NOTE: You must register with a valid email address in order to receive the electronic waiver. If you do not receive your registration email, please check your SPAM folder or reach out to the library at <a href="mailto:info@fordlibrary.org">info@fordlibrary.org</a> to have the link resent.
Lindsey Daehnke is the Founder of Strictly Self Defense and offers Trauma Informed Self Defense Workshops throughout Chicagoland. &nbsp;She has been training in the martial arts for more than 26 years. She is a Third Degree Blackbelt in Tang Soo Do and a First Degree Blackbelt in Hapkido. Additionally, Lindsey is trained as a Medical Advocate for Survivors of Sexual Assault. To learn more about Strictly Self Defense, please visit <a href="https://linktr.ee/strictlyselfdefense" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://linktr.ee/strictlyselfdefense</a>.&nbsp;

Local Event: Self Defense for Seniors

Self Defense for Seniors

Join Lindsey Daehnke, Founder and Lead Instructor at Strictly Self Defense, as she teaches simple self-defense techniques and...

Join Lindsey Daehnke, Founder and Lead Instructor at Strictly Self Defense, as she teaches simple self-defense techniques and personal safety strategies for seniors. Lindsey will discuss effective strikes and escapes, how to create a personal safety plan, and common safety myths. Attendees must sign an electronic waiver to participate.
NOTE: You must register with a valid email address in order to receive the electronic waiver. If you do not receive your registration email, please check your SPAM folder or reach out to the library at <a href="mailto:info@fordlibrary.org">info@fordlibrary.org</a> to have the link resent.
Lindsey Daehnke is the Founder of Strictly Self Defense and offers Trauma Informed Self Defense Workshops throughout Chicagoland. &nbsp;She has been training in the martial arts for more than 26 years. She is a Third Degree Blackbelt in Tang Soo Do and a First Degree Blackbelt in Hapkido. Additionally, Lindsey is trained as a Medical Advocate for Survivors of Sexual Assault.
To learn more about Strictly Self Defense, please visit <a href="https://linktr.ee/strictlyselfdefense" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://linktr.ee/strictlyselfdefense</a>.&nbsp;

Unearth your love for science in this fun and interactive S.T.E.M. show for the whole family. With help from audience volunteers, we’ll conduct exciting experiments about the changing states of matter, pressure, and more–while raising a shovel to scientists who work with dirt! If you didn’t already love science, you’ll really “dig it” after seeing Science Heroes in action! This program&nbsp;is made possible by our Summer Reading signature sponsor, the Thomas Ford Library Foundation.

Local Event: Science Heroes: Digging It

Science Heroes: Digging It

Unearth your love for science in this fun and interactive S.T.E.M. show for the whole family. With help from audience...

Virtual Program via 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;
Celebrate summer with a laid-back, flavor-packed shrimp boil featuring bold spices, tender shrimp, and classic accompaniments. We’ll also talk about variations, make-ahead tips, and how to turn this meal into an easy tradition.

Local Event: Classroom Kitchen: Southern Shrimp Boil

Classroom Kitchen: Southern Shrimp Boil

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

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. 

Vahid, a former political prisoner, encounters a man he suspects to be Eghbal, a notoriously brutal guard who tortured him. Vahid wants to take justice into his own hands—but does he have the right man?

Local Event: Film Discussion: It Was Just an Accident (2025)

Film Discussion: It Was Just an Accident (2025)

Vahid, a former political prisoner, encounters a man he suspects to be Eghbal, a notoriously brutal guard who tortured him....

Tweens-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

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

Children, Families: Starr Chief Eagle will provide an interactive and educational dive into Lakota Culture that will explore the language, art, and knowledge of Lakota people. During her presentation she will perform the rare tradition of Hoop Dancing in which she uses up to 22 hoops to create several designs, shapes, and creatures to tell a story. Starr Chief Eagle will call on volunteers from the audience to participate in the dancing. This program&nbsp;is made possible by our Summer Reading signature sponsor, the Thomas Ford Library Foundation

Local Event: Cultural Presentation with Hoop Dance Performance

Cultural Presentation with Hoop Dance Performance

Children, Families: Starr Chief Eagle will provide an interactive and educational dive into Lakota Culture that will explore...

Come join our Mah Jongg group for a relaxed setting to play, knowledge of the game or prior experience required. Players will be sorted by self-ranked skill level and questions are welcome. Sets of tiles and cards will be provided, along with some assistance in game play.&nbsp;

Local Event: Mah Jongg Meet-Up Play

Mah Jongg Meet-Up Play

Come join our Mah Jongg group for a relaxed setting to play, knowledge of the game or prior experience required. Players will...

Local amateur investors meet to discuss trends in investing. For more information, contact George Rotter at <a href="mailto:gfrotter@yahoo.com">gfrotter@yahoo.com</a>.

Local Event: Investment Discussion Group

Investment Discussion Group

Local amateur investors meet to discuss trends in investing. For more information, contact George Rotter at gfrotter@yahoo.com.

Families: Meet author Suzanne Sherman as she reads her new book, Shell Seeker: The Life, Work and Adventures of a Blind Biologist, which tells the inspiring story of a remarkable scientist. The reading will be followed by observations using real seashells and a fun science craft. Books will be available for purchase and signing after the reading.

Local Event: Author Storytime

Author Storytime

Families: Meet author Suzanne Sherman as she reads her new book, Shell Seeker: The Life, Work and Adventures of a Blind...

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

Teens &amp; Tweens:&nbsp;Make your own 3-D cactus decoration from Perler beads that truly never needs to be watered! Available in the teen room. While supplies last.&nbsp;

Local Event: Perler Bead Cactus Kit

Perler Bead Cactus Kit

Teens & Tweens: Make your own 3-D cactus decoration from Perler beads that truly never needs to be watered! Available in the...

Preschool-1st Grade:&nbsp;Come listen to a reading of Jen Arena’s book Lady Liberty’s Holiday. Afterwards, we will make a patriotic craft to take home.

Local Event: Read & Create: Lady Liberty's Holiday

Read & Create: Lady Liberty's Holiday

Preschool-1st Grade: Come listen to a reading of Jen Arena’s book Lady Liberty’s Holiday. Afterwards, we will make a patriotic...

Families of LEGO enthusiasts are invited to join us for an evening of teamwork and imagination. Together, build a creation we will display in the Youth Services Department for one month.

Local Event: LEGO Family Night

LEGO Family Night

Families of LEGO enthusiasts are invited to join us for an evening of teamwork and imagination. Together, build a creation we...

Library book clubs are open to anyone who enjoys good books! Extra copies of the books are made available at the Library one month before the discussion.&nbsp;Beast in View by Margaret Millar

Local Event: Monday Murder Club: Beast in View

Monday Murder Club: Beast in View

Library book clubs are open to anyone who enjoys good books! Extra copies of the books are made available at the Library one...

You don't have to drive all the way to California to enjoy Route 66 during its 100th anniversary year! Join Illinois traveler John Kokoris to explore the cool towns, great food, interesting history, and quirky roadside attractions that line the Mother Road from here to The Lou.

Local Event: Route 66: From Chicago to St. Louis

Route 66: From Chicago to St. Louis

You don't have to drive all the way to California to enjoy Route 66 during its 100th anniversary year! Join Illinois traveler...

Christine Ricker

David Giuliani

Chicago Metropolitan Area

Public Relations Representative, Thomas Ford Memorial Library

La Grange

DuPage County

Hinsdale-Clarendon Hills

Oak Brook

Burr Ridge

Darien

Lisa Marie Farver

Downers Grove

Forest Park

Elmhurst

Oak Park-River Forest

Woodridge

St. Spyridon Greek Festival! OPA!!

St. Spyridon Greek Festival! OPA!
12307 S Ridgeland Ave, Palos Heights, IL, 60463Festival times
·&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; July 11,&nbsp; Saturday: 1pm-10pm
·&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; July 12,&nbsp; Sunday: 12pm-10pm
Authentic Greek Cuisine, and Homemade Greek Pastries!
Souvlaki, Greek Chicken, Gyros, Spanakopita, Tyropita, Greek Fries and more.
Pastries: Baklava, Diples, Kourambiedes, Melomakarona, Koulouria, Kataifi and much more.
Best of all "Loukoumades" is a dough fried in oil and dipped in a honey/sugar syrup sprinkled with cinnamon.
<a href="https://www.Saint-Spyridn.net" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"></a>
Greek Music &amp; Dancing by DJ Nikita!
Greek Dance Troupe Performances each night at 7:30P.M.
Admission: Adults $2.00 Children under 12 Free·&nbsp;
Free Parking and Shuttle from;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Shuttle Sat/Sun 3PM-11PM.
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Marist SportsPlex: 12221 S Ridgeland Ave, Palos Heights, IL 60463
·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; St Mary Orthodox church: 6330 W 127th St, Palos Heights, IL 60463
Description of items on our website: <a href="https://www.Saint-Spyridn.net" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Saint-Spyridn.net</a>

Local Event: 12307 S Ridgeland Ave, Palos Heights, IL, 60463

Beverly-MtGreenwood

12307 S Ridgeland Ave, Palos Heights, IL, 60463

St. Spyridon Greek Festival! OPA!
12307 S Ridgeland Ave, Palos Heights, IL, 60463Festival times
·        July 11,  Saturday:...

Morgan MFG

Join us on&nbsp;Sun, Jul 19th (11am-5pm) to shop small, local &amp; sustainable with 100+ talented artisans at our flagship Chicago Artisan Market in Fulton Market&nbsp;at historic Morgan MFG&nbsp;(401 N. Morgan St., Chicago). Get tix in advance &amp; save: <a href="https://chicagoartisanmarket.com/tickets" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">ChicagoArtisanMarket.com/tickets</a>
 (Tip: Bring friends &amp; family with our 4 for $20 ticket option - in advance online.)
Locally owned &amp; operated, this curated INDOOR Sunday market celebrates the ingenuity of independently owned, small businesses who channel their passions into creating one-of-a-kind designs, home goods, art and food.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Get tickets at <a href="https://chicagoartisanmarket.com/tickets" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://ChicagoArtisanMarket.com/tickets-fulton-market</a>
EVENT DETAILS:
* Date: Sunday, July 19, 2026
* Hours: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
* Venue: Morgan MFG – 401 N. Morgan St., Chicago, IL 60642
* Cost: $8 General Admission ($10 at door) | 4 for $20 for groups (online in advance) | Deluxe CAM Tote + Gen Adm $10
Kids &lt;12 are free | Dog-friendly (leashed, well-behaved only)
TICKETS: <a href="https://chicagoartisanmarket.com/tickets-fulton-market" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://chicagoartisanmarket.com/tickets</a>
MARKET HIGHLIGHTS:
* 100+ Chicago/Midwest artisans per market in food, fashion, home goods, &amp; art.
* We offer Bistro Seating, Plated Food &amp; a Fully Stocked Bar selling cocktails, wine &amp; beer -- so you can relax &amp; re-connect with friends, family &amp; co-workers.
* Food:&nbsp; Shop gourmet food items including pastries and confections, chocolate &amp; candy, sauces &amp; spices, healthy snacks, cocktail mixers, beverages, &amp; more.
* Fashion: Meet &amp; shop top clothing, jewelry, handbag, accessories designers
* Home Goods: Discover items showcasing smart design in home decor, bath &amp; body, natural skincare &amp; more.
* Decorative Art: Meet independent artists producing functional, decorative &amp; wearable art.
“Keep your friends close, and your supply chain closer." – Chicago Artisan Market
Gather &amp; re-connect with friends &amp; family , while shopping small, local, safe &amp; sustainable. <a href="https://chicagoartisanmarket.com/tickets" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Get tickets now</a>.
Can't make it to Fulton Market in July? The Chicago Artisan Market will also be back at Morgan MFG for Fall &amp;&nbsp;Holiday '26 Markets (Sun, Oct 18 |&nbsp;&nbsp;Sun, Nov 15&nbsp; | Sun, Dec 13th), and in Ravenswood over Thanksgiving weekend for "Small Shop Saturday" &amp;&nbsp;Sun, Nov 28-29. We're also in <a href="https://napervilleartisanmarket.com/rsvp" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Naperville</a> &amp;&nbsp;<a href="https://oakbrookartisanmarket.com/rsvp" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Oak Brook</a> OUTDOORS on Sep 19-20 &amp; Oct 3-4.&nbsp;<a href="https://chicagoartisanmarket.com/calendar" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">View our 2026 Market Calendar.</a>
About Us: We are a Chicago company based in Oak Brook, IL that has been showcasing independent artisans &amp; small businesses for 20+ years. We operate two City markets in the vibrant <a href="https://chicagoartisanmarket.com/tickets-fulton-market" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Fulton Market</a> and <a href="https://chicagoartisanmarket.com/tickets-ravenswood" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Ravenswood</a> neighborhoods. We also operate the <a href="https://oakbrookartisanmarket.com/rsvp" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Oak Brook Artisan Market</a>&nbsp;at Oakbrook Center in Oak Brook, IL, the <a href="https://napervilleartisanmarket.com/RSVP" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Naperville Artisan Market</a> at CityGate Centre in Naperville, IL, and the <a href="https://northshoreartisanmarket.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">North Shore Artisan Market</a> in downtown Winnetka, IL and downtown Northbrook, IL.
Are you a talented Midwest artisan looking to vend in the greater Chicago area? Learn more at <a href="https://chicagoartisanmarket.com/vendors" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://ChicagoArtisanMarket.c...</a> or apply now at <a href="https://chicagoartisanmarket.com/apply" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://ChicagoArtisanMarket.c...</a>. (Vendors - we don't charge junk fees just to fill out application online.)

Local Event: Chicago Artisan Market in Fulton Market - Sun, Jul 19th (Summer edition)

Chicago

Chicago Artisan Market in Fulton Market - Sun,...

Join us on Sun, Jul 19th (11am-5pm) to shop small, local & sustainable with 100+ talented artisans at our flagship Chicago...

Chicago Artisan Market in Fulton Market - Sun, Jul 19th (Summer edition)

St. John's Lutheran Church & School

St. John's Lutheran Church and School Vacation Bible School!It's Free!&nbsp; For Ages 3 through 6th Grade!Stories, Songs, Crafts, Games, Snacks, and more!To Register, click the QR Code on the attached flyer.

Local Event: St. John's Vacation Bible Shool!

St. John's Vacation Bible Shool!

St. John's Lutheran Church and School Vacation Bible School!It's Free!  For Ages 3 through 6th Grade!Stories, Songs, Crafts,...

Nearby Communities

State Edition

National Edition

Posting Activity

Mystery Craft Kits

JUL

6

9:30 AM

Thomas Ford Memorial Library, 800 Chestnut St, Western Springs, IL

Self Defense for Seniors

JUL

7

10:00 AM

Thomas Ford Memorial Library, 800 Chestnut St, Western Springs, IL

Self Defense for Seniors

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7

10:00 AM

Thomas Ford Memorial Library, 800 Chestnut St, Western Springs, IL

Science Heroes: Digging It

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2:00 PM

Thomas Ford Memorial Library, 800 Chestnut St, Western Springs, IL

Classroom Kitchen: Southern Shrimp Boil

JUL

8

6:30 PM

Western Springs, IL

Knitting Circle

JUL

9

1:00 PM

Thomas Ford Memorial Library, 800 Chestnut St, Western Springs, IL

Film Discussion: It Was Just an Accident (2025)

JUL

9

6:00 PM

Thomas Ford Memorial Library, 800 Chestnut St, Western Springs, IL

Western Springs Writers' Society

JUL

9

7:00 PM

Thomas Ford Memorial Library, 800 Chestnut St, Western Springs, IL

Cultural Presentation with Hoop Dance Performance

JUL

10

1:00 PM

Thomas Ford Memorial Library, 800 Chestnut St, Western Springs, IL

Mah Jongg Meet-Up Play

JUL

13

7:00 PM

Thomas Ford Memorial Library, 800 Chestnut St, Western Springs, IL

Investment Discussion Group

JUL

14

7:15 PM

Thomas Ford Memorial Library, 800 Chestnut St, Western Springs, IL

Author Storytime

JUL

15

6:00 PM

Thomas Ford Memorial Library, 800 Chestnut St, Western Springs, IL

Teen Board

JUL

16

7:00 PM

Thomas Ford Memorial Library, 800 Chestnut St, Western Springs, IL

Perler Bead Cactus Kit

JUL

20

9:30 AM

Thomas Ford Memorial Library, 800 Chestnut St, Western Springs, IL

Read & Create: Lady Liberty's Holiday

JUL

21

4:00 PM

Thomas Ford Memorial Library, 800 Chestnut St, Western Springs, IL

Knitting Circle