Blog

Starting February 15, Lake Forest Library resumes Carry Out service and brief visits

Lake Forest Library is again open for brief visits by the public to browse the collections, check out items, copy and print documents, and more! Masks over your nose and mouth and social distancing are required while in the building. Please do not visit in groups. Hours the building is open start...

Collage of Books, Movies, and Podcasts relating to Black History Month

Black History Month: Books, Movies, and Podcasts

February is Black History Month, and to celebrate we put together a list of books and resources that chronicle Black history in the United States from the 1600s to the present day. These resources also share the lives and works of Black activists, writers, artists, scientists, and more. Th...

(Application period closed) 2021 Friends Scholarship Applications due March 15

Each spring, the Friends award $2,000 scholarships to up to three graduating high school seniors (residents of Lake Forest, Lake Bluff, or Knollwood) who demonstrate a passion for reading. The Friends of Lake Forest Library inaugurated this scholarship in 2003 to recognize students whose lives are e...

Resources to talk with kids about crises

How to Talk to Kids About Crises

The Lake Forest Children’s library curated a resource guide for parents and caregivers to help children stay healthy and feel supported, and to talk with others about the Covid-19 pandemic. Find fun comics to read, guidelines on talking to kids, and more below. Feel free to reach out t...

Lake Forest Library named a 3-Star Library by Library Journal

Lake Forest Library earned a 3-Star Library designation in the 13th edition of the Library Journal Index of Public Library Service. The LJ Index spotlights the best of the best across America by rating U.S. public libraries on selected per capita output measures such as circulation, library visits, resource use, and program attendance.

(Past event) Purchase Donated Books, Games, and Puzzles at the Pop-up Shop

Happy 2021! Start your new year off right and shop donated books, games, and puzzles from the Friends of Lake Forest Library. Visit the Lake Forest Station Pop-up Shop (in the building west of the East Station train tracks) this Thursday through Saturday, 11:00 am–5:00 pm. 🤗📖💚 ...

Lake Forest Community Cookie Cookbook 2020

Roll out your rolling pins and uncap the sprinkles ... the inaugural Lake Forest Community Cookie Cookbook is here! Thank you to everyone who submitted recipes. Preheat your oven and then print the pdf. Pick which format you'd like to print: SINGLE PAGES
(print single or ...

Service Update: Lobby Pick Up Only at Lake Forest Library Beginning November 23

(Service expired) Service Update: Foyer Pickup Only at Lake Forest Library beginning November 23

November 21, 2020– LAKE FOREST Ill – Due to the rapid rise in cases of COVID-19 in Lake County and surrounding areas, the Lake Forest Library building will be closed to the public for all services other than Foyer Pickup starting Monday, November 23.  The Library is taking this action with the gu...

(Service expired) Lake Forest Library shifts to Carry Out Only service to facilitate compliance with IDPH recommendation

To decrease the positivity rate and spread of COVID-19, the Illinois Department of Health is recommending that individuals limit their actions to essential activities for three weeks starting November 16. Essential activities include work outside the home, COVID-19 testing, visiting the pharmacy, an...

Tour the Art Collection at Lake Forest Library

Tour the Art Collection at the Lake Forest Library with Art Miller

Join Art Miller on a tour of the library's art collection including the Children's Library, the Rotunda, the Friends Reading Room, the Reference Annex, and the Business Collection. Considered one of the city's civic jewels, the library and its art collection reflect the historic character of Lake...

Community Cookie Cookbook: Share your favorite cookie recipe with us!

(Submissions closed) Contribute to the Lake Forest Community Cookie Cookbook!

Send us your favorite family cookie recipe! The Library will compile all the collected recipes into an online and print booklet for you to enjoy this holiday season and for years to come. You can also include a short story about why this recipe is special to your family if you’d like. Submit y...

Read the Winning Entry in the 2020 Lake Forest Reads: Ragdale Writing Contest

Congratulations to A.J. Bullough for winning the 2020 Lake Forest Reads: Ragdale Writing Contest! A.J. Bullough is a physician and writer who is preparing her first novel, "Mannequin Morgue." She currently lives in Lake Forest with her family and makes regular visits home to England, covid-permittin...

(Survey closed) Choose Your Favorite Library Card Designs

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(Contest closed) Teen Writing Contest: Spooky Stories

Write a spooky, scary, or just plain unsettling story fit for Halloween. Submissions open October 1–31, 2020 Prizes 2 winners will be selected from each age group. Winners will be announced the first week of November. 1st Prize: $50 to Lake Forest Book Store Runner-up: $25 to Lake For...

Lake Forest Library Lite

Welcome to Lake Forest Library Lite: many of the Library services and resources you love, with quick and speedy service for limited numbers of patrons throughout the day. Although the Library is not yet going back to "business as usual," you can still have an enjoyable visit. Simply follow the NEW P...