Thomas Ford Memorial Library

10/21/2026

Which witch reminded us of the true power of friendship? 🧙‍♀️

That’s a trick question, because it’s all of them!

For families still searching for a fun Halloween read, look no further than Ashley Belote’s Witch & Wombat—the book that inspired these whimsical crafts from October’s Read & Create program at Thomas Ford 📚

10/18/2026

If you’re looking for family-friendly plans for Halloweekend this year, consider yourself booked 👻📚

On Thursday, October 29, Thomas Ford is hosting a special spooky storytime followed by a costume parade, where we’ll scour for tricks and trinkets throughout the Library.

🎃 Carve out time on your calendar to join us from 1-1:45 p.m., then sign up here:

https://www.fordlibrary.org/event/YS-halloween-storytime-parade-October-2026

10/15/2026

How much do you really know about the Windy City? 🏙️

Tag along on Tuesday, October 20 for a special program with Geoffrey Baer, beloved Chicago historian and host of numerous PBS programs, as he explores the amazing architecture, history, and hidden stories of our region.

Hosted by Illinois Libraries Present, this virtual event will give every lifelong learner a renewed appreciation for preserving and sharing the past.

Register here: https://www.fordlibrary.org/event/preserving-history-geoffrey-baer-42563

10/09/2026

📣 A friendly PSA for Library patrons 📣

Starting October 12, the Libby app will require you to log in with both your Thomas Ford library card number and your PIN.

Don't know your PIN? Visit the Library’s website for more info and tips for resetting your PIN here: https://www.fordlibrary.org/library-news/changes-libby-login-process

You can also call us during Library hours at (708) 246-0520 to receive assistance from a staff member.

10/05/2026

Beautiful. Reliable. Invaluable. 🍂

We see trees every day, but our Fall Tree Walk will give you a new appreciation for the majestic, vibrant trees all around Western Springs!

Join us at the Library on Monday, October 12 to learn about the amazing environmental and health benefits of trees, followed by a guided walk through the neighborhood with Chicago Region Trees Initiative (weather permitting).

🌳 A limited number of saplings will be given away on a first come, first served basis, as well!

Register here: https://www.fordlibrary.org/event/tree-walk-40621

09/29/2026

Looking for a spooky start to the fall season? 🎃

Join us at the Library this Thursday, October 1 at 7 p.m. for Morbid History, a presentation full of bizarre burials, cemetery secrets, and true tales you never learned in history class!

From grave robbing in medieval Venice to iron coffins discovered in Chicago's Lincoln Park, this special Library program provides some informative yet lighthearted insight on particular peculiar moments of the past.

👻 Register here: https://www.fordlibrary.org/event/morbid-history-40649

09/28/2026

Western Springs residents and families: Here’s your reminder to stop by the Village’s Open House event tomorrow, 9/29 from 5-7 p.m. at the Recreation Center!

Your participation can help shape the future of Western Springs, which includes your favorite Library and all of our amazing community members. 💚

SPRING INTO OUR FUTURE: Comprehensive Plan Open House

Tuesday, September 29
5 - 7 pm
Recreation Center (1500 Walker Street)

Drop by at any time from 5 - 7 pm to participate in a host of interactive, future-focused activities, from role-playing developer, to sketching, to interactive voting. Participants can enter to win a gift card to a local business!

Light refreshments and an activity for kids will be available, so bring the whole family to let our planning team know how you envision the Western Springs of tomorrow.

We hope to see you at the Recreation Center on September 29.

Learn more at: https://wsprings.com/m/newsflash/home/detail/3022

09/22/2026

Thomas Ford’s community survey closes September 30!

✏️ Share your vision to inform our strategic plan, which will shape the next chapter of our Library’s story.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/7K9MLXD

We deeply appreciate your insight to help ensure the Library remains an invaluable resource for our community in Western Springs. 💚

09/12/2026

Fall means Sunday hours are back at Thomas Ford!

We look forward to seeing you at the Library between 1-5 p.m. on Sundays until next summer 💚

09/09/2026

Our community has always been the most important part of Thomas Ford’s history.

Whether you attend programs, borrow books, or simply enjoy visiting our historic building from time to time, you belong here. 💚

As we look to the future, your voice will help us identify our priorities in the Library’s strategic plan.

Take this short 5-minute survey by September 31, then share the link so we can hear from as many community members as possible.

⭐ https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/7K9MLXD