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2025 Adult Book Box

All Day 12/1 - 12/31
Adult Services Department at Thomas Ford Memorial Library
Program Type:
Clubs & Groups
Age Group:
Adult
Event Details:

or some good, personalized recommendations? Join our 2025 Adult Book Boxes service. Register here for a spot, and you'll receive an email for a form to tell us a little bit about w...

Required
Library Branch: Thomas Ford Memorial Library
Room: Adult Services Department
Age Group: Adult
Program Type: Clubs & Groups
Required
Seats Remaining: 11
Event Details:

or some good, personalized recommendations? Join our 2025 Adult Book Boxes service. Register here for a spot, and you'll receive an email for a form to tell us a little bit about what you like to read.

Teen/Tween Book Box Sign-up

All Day 12/1 - 12/31
Virtual Programming #2 at Thomas Ford Memorial Library
Program Type:
Clubs & Groups
Age Group:
Teen & Tween
Event Details:

Avid reader? Looking for some good, personalized recommendations? Join our Teen and Tween Book Box service. Fill out the form on the website to tell us a little bit about what you ...

Library Branch: Thomas Ford Memorial Library
Room: Virtual Programming #2
Age Group: Teen & Tween
Program Type: Clubs & Groups
Event Details:

Avid reader? Looking for some good, personalized recommendations? Join our Teen and Tween Book Box service. Fill out the form on the website to tell us a little bit about what you like to read.

studying at the library

Exam Cram

12/16/2024 @ 3:00pm to 12/19/2024 @ 8:45pm
Reading Room at Thomas Ford Memorial Library
Program Type:
Clubs & Groups
Age Group:
Teen & Tween
Event Details:

Stop by the reading room for all your studying needs: snacks, pencils, and quiet space reserved for teens and tweens only.

Library Branch: Thomas Ford Memorial Library
Room: Reading Room
Age Group: Teen & Tween
Program Type: Clubs & Groups
Event Details:

Stop by the reading room for all your studying needs: snacks, pencils, and quiet space reserved for teens and tweens only.

Rob Newhouse and Laura Doherty

Let It Snow Show!

Monday, December 16, 2024 at 4:30pm - 5:15pm
Program Room at Thomas Ford Memorial Library
Program Type:
Music, Performers
Age Group:
Children, Families
Event Details:

One registration per family, please include the total number of people attending.Whatever the weather, join us for an inclusive sing-along perfect for kids of all ages. Follow alon...

Required
Library Branch: Thomas Ford Memorial Library
Room: Program Room
Age Group: Children, Families
Program Type: Music, Performers
Required
Seats Remaining: 0
Event Details:

One registration per family, please include the total number of people attending.

Hat Ornaments Craft

Monday, December 16, 2024 at 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Program Room at Thomas Ford Memorial Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Hands On
Age Group:
Adult
Event Details:

Use yarn, fishing line, and pom-poms to create mini winter hats perfect for your tree or home decoration! Great as ornaments or general winter décor. All supplies provided. 

Required
Library Branch: Thomas Ford Memorial Library
Room: Program Room
Age Group: Adult
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Hands On
Required
Seats Remaining: 8
Event Details:

Use yarn, fishing line, and pom-poms to create mini winter hats perfect for your tree or home decoration! Great as ornaments or general winter décor. All supplies provided. 

Spice of the Month: Cocoa Powder

All Day
Adult Services Department at Thomas Ford Memorial Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Hands On
Age Group:
Adult
Event Details:

Interested in trying new recipes or experimenting with different spices? Stop by each month to pick up a Spice of the Month kit! Each kit will come with the necessary spice, a reci...

Library Branch: Thomas Ford Memorial Library
Room: Adult Services Department
Age Group: Adult
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Hands On
Event Details:

Interested in trying new recipes or experimenting with different spices? Stop by each month to pick up a Spice of the Month kit!

How to Catch a Gingerbread Man book cover

Read & Create: How to Catch a Gingerbread Man

Thursday, December 19, 2024 at 4:30pm - 5:15pm
Program Room at Thomas Ford Memorial Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Hands On, Storytimes
Age Group:
Children
Event Details:

Come and listen to Adam Wallace’s How to Catch a Gingerbread Man and then make a craft. Please Note: Parents/caregivers of children 8 years and under are required to stay in t...

Required
Library Branch: Thomas Ford Memorial Library
Room: Program Room
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Hands On, Storytimes
Required
Seats Remaining: 0
Event Details:

Come and listen to Adam Wallace’s How to Catch a Gingerbread Man and then make a craft. 

teens at library

Teen Board

Thursday, December 19, 2024 at 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Teen/Tween Room at Thomas Ford Memorial Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Clubs & Groups, Hands On, Library Boards
Age Group:
Teen & Tween
Event Details:

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 ...

Library Branch: Thomas Ford Memorial Library
Room: Teen/Tween Room
Age Group: Teen & Tween
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Clubs & Groups, Hands On, Library Boards
Event Details:

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!

Image from Little Women the Musical, with women linking arms together. An at home experience, Friday, December 20 to Sunday, December 22.

Little Women: The Musical (2022)

12/20/2024 @ 2:00pm to 12/22/2024 @ 11:45pm
Virtual Programming at Thomas Ford Memorial Library
Program Type:
Illinois Libraries Present, Movies, Music
Age Group:
All Ages
Event Details:

Register for this virtual screening at https://bit.ly/ILP_LittleWomenRegistration will be limited to 3000 total, please register as soon as possible to ensure you can view the reco...

Library Branch: Thomas Ford Memorial Library
Room: Virtual Programming
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Illinois Libraries Present, Movies, Music
Event Details:

Register for this virtual screening at https://bit.ly/ILP_LittleWomen

switch

Nintendo Switch Open Play

Friday, December 20, 2024 at 3:45pm - 4:45pm
Program Room at Thomas Ford Memorial Library
Program Type:
Hands On, STEAM, Technology
Age Group:
Teen & Tween
Event Details:

Join us for multi-player fun! Participants will choose which games to play. Snacks will be provided.

Library Branch: Thomas Ford Memorial Library
Room: Program Room
Age Group: Teen & Tween
Program Type: Hands On, STEAM, Technology
Event Details:

Join us for multi-player fun! Participants will choose which games to play. Snacks will be provided.

Closed: Holiday

All Day
Thomas Ford Memorial Library

Christmas Eve

Closing
Branches:
Thomas Ford Memorial Library
Description:

Christmas Eve

Closed: Holiday

All Day
Thomas Ford Memorial Library

Christmas Day

Closing
Branches:
Thomas Ford Memorial Library
Description:

Christmas Day

Western Springs Writers' Society

Thursday, December 26, 2024 at 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Board Room at Thomas Ford Memorial Library
Program Type:
Clubs & Groups
Age Group:
Teen & Tween, Adult
Event Details:

Have a writing itch? 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 car...

Cancelled
Library Branch: Thomas Ford Memorial Library
Room: Board Room
Age Group: Teen & Tween, Adult
Program Type: Clubs & Groups
Event Details:

Have a writing itch? 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.

The Night Before New Year's Book Cover

NOON Year's Eve Celebration

Monday, December 30, 2024 at 11:30am - 12:15pm
Program Room at Thomas Ford Memorial Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Hands On, Storytimes
Age Group:
Children, Families
Event Details:

5… 4… 3… 2… 1… Happy NOON Years!  Come and celebrate New Years Eve with TFML for a NOON Years Eve party.  We will read the book, The Night before New Years, by Natasha Wi...

Required
Library Branch: Thomas Ford Memorial Library
Room: Program Room
Age Group: Children, Families
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Hands On, Storytimes
Required
Seats Remaining: 1
Event Details:

5… 4… 3… 2… 1… Happy NOON Years!  Come and celebrate New Years Eve with TFML for a NOON Years Eve party.  We will read the book, The Night before New Years, by Natasha Wing, followed by a craft and countdown celebration.

Closed: Holiday

All Day
Thomas Ford Memorial Library

New Year's Eve

Closing
Branches:
Thomas Ford Memorial Library
Description:

New Year's Eve

Closed: Holiday

All Day
Thomas Ford Memorial Library

New Year's Day

Closing
Branches:
Thomas Ford Memorial Library
Description:

New Year's Day

Colorful photo of yarn

Knitting Circle

Thursday, January 2, 2025 at 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Board Room at Thomas Ford Memorial Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Clubs & Groups
Age Group:
Adult
Knitting Circle:

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

Library Branch: Thomas Ford Memorial Library
Room: Board Room
Age Group: Adult
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Clubs & Groups

Knitting Circle

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

origami penguin bookmark

Origami Penguin Bookmark Kit

All Day
Teen/Tween Room at Thomas Ford Memorial Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Hands On
Age Group:
Teen & Tween
Event Details:

Fold your way to crafting the most adorable penguin bookmark ever!  Available in the Teen/Tween Room. While supplies last.

Library Branch: Thomas Ford Memorial Library
Room: Teen/Tween Room
Age Group: Teen & Tween
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Hands On
Event Details:

Fold your way to crafting the most adorable penguin bookmark ever!  Available in the Teen/Tween Room. While supplies last.

Mah Jongg Open Play

Monday, January 6, 2025 at 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Reading Room at Thomas Ford Memorial Library
Program Type:
Clubs & Groups, Hands On
Age Group:
Adult
Event Details:

Whether you are just learning to play Mah Jongg or are ready to try your hand at playing with others, come join our beginners group. Players will be sorted by self-ranked skill lev...

Required
Library Branch: Thomas Ford Memorial Library
Room: Reading Room
Age Group: Adult
Program Type: Clubs & Groups, Hands On
Required
Seats Remaining: 5
Event Details:

Whether you are just learning to play Mah Jongg or are ready to try your hand at playing with others, come join our beginners group. Players will be sorted by self-ranked skill level and questions are welcome!

candy machines built from Legos

Lego Engineering

Wednesday, January 8, 2025 at 3:45pm - 4:45pm
Program Room at Thomas Ford Memorial Library
Program Type:
Hands On, STEAM, Technology
Age Group:
Teen & Tween
Event Details:

Come construct some Lego structures with us! From bridges and catapults to rubber band powered cars and candy dispensers, we have a project for everyone. Or, feel free to come up w...

Required
Library Branch: Thomas Ford Memorial Library
Room: Program Room
Age Group: Teen & Tween
Program Type: Hands On, STEAM, Technology
Required
Seats Remaining: 5
Event Details:

Come construct some Lego structures with us! From bridges and catapults to rubber band powered cars and candy dispensers, we have a project for everyone. Or, feel free to come up with a design of your own!

Nature Storytime with the Morton Arboretum

Thursday, January 9, 2025 at 10:00am - 10:30am
Program Room at Thomas Ford Memorial Library
Program Type:
Performers, STEAM, Storytimes
Age Group:
Children, Families
Event Details:

A guest presenter from The Morton Arboretum will join us to share fun nature stories that help us notice how weather, trees, and animals change with the season!Please register for ...

Required
Library Branch: Thomas Ford Memorial Library
Room: Program Room
Age Group: Children, Families
Program Type: Performers, STEAM, Storytimes
Required
Seats Remaining: 11
Event Details:

A guest presenter from The Morton Arboretum will join us to share fun nature stories that help us notice how weather, trees, and animals change with the season!

Please register for each month individually.

Disclaimer(s)

Storytime Accompanying Adults

This storytime works best if there is one child to one adult. Participation of caregivers with their child is important in order to help them learn while they are having fun.

Film Discussion: Zone of Interest (2023)

Thursday, January 9, 2025 at 6:00pm - 8:30pm
Program Room at Thomas Ford Memorial Library
Program Type:
Movies
Age Group:
Adult
Event Details:

Auschwitz commandant Rudolf Höss and his wife Hedwig strive to build a dream life for their family in a house and garden beside the camp.

Required
Library Branch: Thomas Ford Memorial Library
Room: Program Room
Age Group: Adult
Program Type: Movies
Required
Seats Remaining: 26
Event Details:

Auschwitz commandant Rudolf Höss and his wife Hedwig strive to build a dream life for their family in a house and garden beside the camp.

Image of Steve Dolinsky, a white man with dark hair and a grey shirt, seated at a table with a beer in front of him. Chicago Pizza: Past, Present, and Future with Steve Dolinsky. Thursday, January 9, 7pm.

Chicago Pizza - Past, Present & Future with Steve Dolinsky

Thursday, January 9, 2025 at 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Virtual Programming at Thomas Ford Memorial Library
Program Type:
Illinois Libraries Present, Presentations
Age Group:
Adult
Event Details:

Register for this virtual program at https://bit.ly/ILP_SteveDolinskyIllinois Libraries Present Steve Dolinsky, well known Food Guy reporter at NBC 5 (Chicago) and James Beard Awar...

Library Branch: Thomas Ford Memorial Library
Room: Virtual Programming
Age Group: Adult
Program Type: Illinois Libraries Present, Presentations
Event Details:

Register for this virtual program at https://bit.ly/ILP_SteveDolinsky

The Last Cuentista book cover

Tween Book Club

Thursday, January 9, 2025 at 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Reading Room at Thomas Ford Memorial Library
Program Type:
Book Discussion, Clubs & Groups
Age Group:
Teen & Tween
Event Details:

Join us for the second meeting of the Tween Book Club! We will discuss The Last Cuentista by Donna Barba Higuera. Extra copies are available one month before the discussion.&n...

Required
Library Branch: Thomas Ford Memorial Library
Room: Reading Room
Age Group: Teen & Tween
Program Type: Book Discussion, Clubs & Groups
Required
Seats Remaining: 8
Event Details:

Join us for the second meeting of the Tween Book Club! We will discuss The Last Cuentista by Donna Barba Higuera. Extra copies are available one month before the discussion.