Thomas Ford Memorial Library

Teens &amp; Tweens: Do your own at home experiment! Get hands on experience extracting DNA from a strawberry using common household products. Available in the Teen/Tween Room. While supplies last.

Local Event: Strawberry DNA Extraction Kit

Cook County

Western Springs

Illinois

Strawberry DNA Extraction Kit

Teens & Tweens: Do your own at home experiment! Get hands on experience extracting DNA from a strawberry using common household...

Adults, 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

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

Join Faye Levin-O’Leary as they discuss the history of musicals, from the early days of Vaudeville through modern hits.

Local Event: History of Musicals

History of Musicals

Join Faye Levin-O’Leary as they discuss the history of musicals, from the early days of Vaudeville through modern hits.

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. 

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...

Registration: June 1 - June 30
Competition: Wednesday, July 29, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m., at Thomas Ford Memorial Library
Grades 5-8&nbsp;
Join us for the seventh annual Library Battle of the Books between the La Grange, La Grange Park, Linda Sokol Francis Brookfield and Thomas Ford Memorial libraries. Register at your preferred library and we will place you in a team of 5. If you want to make sure you’re placed in a team with friends, include a team name in parentheses after your name. Register, read the books listed below before July 29, then compete against your peers!
Books:&nbsp;
The Trouble With Heroes by Kate Messner
How to Free a Jinn by Raidah Shah Idil
A World Without Summer by Nicholas Day
Blood City Rollers by Veronica Park Anderson

Local Event: Library Battle of the Books: Sign up

Library Battle of the Books: Sign up

Registration: June 1 - June 30
Competition: Wednesday, July 29, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m., at Thomas Ford Memorial Library
Grades...

Monday, June 1 – Friday, July 31
Ages Birth&nbsp;– Grade 4
Sign up in person at the Youth Services desk to pick up your registration packet. Plant A Seed, Read&nbsp;is rooted in the concept of farm to table. A farm grows food that nourishes our bodies; a library grows ideas that nourish our minds. Both food and stories connect us to our family, culture, economy, and ecology. The idea of this theme looks at the library as a community table where, instead of food, we feast on ideas. Register and participate in this fun reading challenge to win prizes.&nbsp;
Prize distribution will begin Monday, June 15 and end on Friday, July 31.
This program&nbsp;is made possible by our Summer Reading signature sponsor, the Thomas Ford Library Foundation.

Local Event: Youth Services Summer Library Challenge: Plant A Seed, Read

Youth Services Summer Library Challenge: Plant...

Monday, June 1 – Friday, July 31
Ages Birth – Grade 4
Sign up in person at the Youth Services desk to pick up your registration...

Youth Services Summer Library Challenge: Plant A Seed, Read

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

Mystery Craft Kits

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

Teens &amp; Tweens: Grow your own microgreens in a hydroponic planter made from a recycled 2-liter bottle. Available in the teen room. While supplies last.

Local Event: DIY Hydroponic Planter Kit

DIY Hydroponic Planter Kit

Teens & Tweens: Grow your own microgreens in a hydroponic planter made from a recycled 2-liter bottle. Available in the teen...

2nd-4th Grade: A whole garden can start with a single seed. Find out how as we share the story Mara Plants a Seed&nbsp;by Robert Furrow and Donna Jo Napoli. Then we’ll decorate pots and plant our own seed to grow at home.

Local Event: CRAFTernoon: Plant a Seed

CRAFTernoon: Plant a Seed

2nd-4th Grade: A whole garden can start with a single seed. Find out how as we share the story Mara Plants a Seed by Robert...

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.

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

 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...

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.

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...

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

American Legion

Encore Center for Performing Arts invites you to be part of a deeply meaningful community experience in Elmhurst.
Through a unique partnership with Freedom Sings USA, veterans will share their stories in a powerful and personal way. Working one-on-one with Grammy Award-winning and Grammy Award-nominated Nashville songwriters, their experiences are transformed into original songs, performed live for the community that same evening.

What You’ll Experience
<ul><li>An intimate and reverent evening, unlike a traditional performance</li><li>Real stories of service, shared through music</li><li>A meaningful way to honor veterans in our community</li><li>A powerful, emotional experience you won’t forget</li></ul>We hope you'll join us for this truly memorable event.

Local Event: An Intimate Evening with Freedom Sings

An Intimate Evening with Freedom Sings

Encore Center for Performing Arts invites you to be part of a deeply meaningful community experience in Elmhurst.
Through a...

RE/MAX Premier

Sat., May 30 from 10a-12p - Everyone is welcome!
Clear out the clutter at this free, fast, and secure community shredding event hosted by RE/MAX Premier. Attendees are welcome to bring up to three bags of documents per car, but please ensure all metal clips and bindings are removed beforehand.
Swing by, say hello to your neighbors, and sign up to win a $100 gift certificate while you wait!
RE/MAX Premier, 101 Burr Ridge Pkwy (BMO&nbsp;Building Parking Lot)

Local Event: Free Community Shredding Event

Free Community Shredding Event

Sat., May 30 from 10a-12p - Everyone is welcome!
Clear out the clutter at this free, fast, and secure community shredding event...

Nearby Communities

State Edition

National Edition

Posting Activity

Strawberry DNA Extraction Kit

MAY

26

9:30 AM

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

Social Worker at the Library

MAY

27

1:00 PM

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

History of Musicals

MAY

27

7:00 PM

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

Knitting Circle

MAY

28

1:00 PM

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

Western Springs Writers' Society

MAY

28

7:00 PM

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

Library Battle of the Books: Sign up

JUN

1

9:30 AM

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

Youth Services Summer Library Challenge: Plant A Seed, Read

JUN

1

9:30 AM

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

Mystery Craft Kits

JUN

1

9:30 AM

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

DIY Hydroponic Planter Kit

JUN

3

9:30 AM

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

CRAFTernoon: Plant a Seed

JUN

4

2:45 PM

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

Mah Jongg Meet-Up Play

JUN

9

2:00 PM

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

Investment Discussion Group

JUN

9

7:15 PM

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

Reader's Night In

JUN

10

7:30 PM

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

Seashell Science!

JUN

11

1:00 PM

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

Knitting Circle

JUN

11

1:00 PM

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

Inside the Obama Presidential Center