DVDs for Horse Fans

Secretariat is a wonderful family film that chronicles the true story of racing's most famous horse and his courageous owner, Penny. There are wonderful scenes of Secretariat, also known as Big Red, being groomed, ridden, and trained, but the big draw of the movie is the determination and vision of Penny, one of the first women to be so involved in the world of horse racing.

Also, check out two older films for horse lovers. Spirit is an animated movie about wild horses, native Americans, and the settling of the western United States. Another feature film that includes stirring, adventurous horse scenes and a great story is The Black Stallion. Remember that DVDs can be checked out for one week for $1 and River Forest card holders can check out two DVDs for free on Wednesdays.

Cool Magazines!

You may not have heard of Muse magazine or New Moon Girls magazine but they are worth checking out!

Muse magazine covers science, history, and the arts for curious kids ages 9 and up. This magazine captivates readers with insightful articles on topics from robots to mythology to rooftop beekeeping. Kids who can't help wondering whether video games really kill their brain cells, or what a gentleman ladybug is called, will find answers in Muse. Our current issue of Muse features an interesting article about social-networking and the effect that Facebook has had on how people are connected to one another. Each issue also has a funny comic strip and a creative contest that kids can enter. Be sure to check out this entertaining and informative magazine.




New Moon Girls is a safe, educational, and advertising-free magazine for girls ages 8 to 12. Each issue is designed to help girls reach their full potential through self-discovery, creativity, and community. New Moon Girls magazine covers a lot of really useful and relevant information. A reader will find articles about the following topics:
-body image
-puberty
-friendship
-advice columns
-short stories
-real life inspirational women and girls
-crafts, music, books
and much, much more!

Check out these magazines and many others @ your library!

A Fun Father's Day Read

Father’s Day is right around the corner! If you’re looking for a great read to share with dad on his special day, stop by the River Forest Public Library and check out My Dad, My Hero by Ethan Long. The dad in this story “cannot see through walls” or fly but he’s still a super dad because he spends lots of time with his son. Long illustrates the story in a comic book style that is sure to catch the eye of dads and kids alike. Happy reading and happy Father’s Day from the River Forest Public Library!

We had a blast!

The sign-up line for Summer Reading stretched out the door at our kickoff party last Friday. We had 325 children and 110 teens register that day. Even more have signed up this week--almost 200! River Forest residents will be reading like crazy this summer!
After signing up for Summer Reading, patrons lined up for snow cones in the park!

Our RFPL teen volunteers helped with face painting!

The bounce house, obstacle course, and lawn games provided lots of fun! More than 500 people attended our Summer Reading Kick-Off Party!You can still sign up through the month of June for Summer Reading--just stop by the Children's Room at the River Forest Library!

Summer Reading Kick-Off Party

Join us for the Summer Reading Kick-Off Party on Friday, June 3rd, from 2-5pm. Drop by to moon walk in the bounce house or do the obstacle course, have a snow cone, and, of course, sign up for summer reading!

This year's summer reading theme is "One World, Many Stories" so there will be a variety of global events June 3rd-July 29th!

Click here for a full list of summer reading events and info on the River Forest Library site!

Memorial Day Parade

Look for River Forest Public Library in the annual Memorial Day Parade on Monday, May 30th! We will be wearing our "I 'heart' RFPL" t-shirts. The parade begins at 11am at Constitution Park (7715 Greenfield Ave) and ends at Keystone Park (400 Keystone Ave). We hope to see you there!

A Classic Children's Recording

If you enjoy singing with your family--or if you want to start--check out Ella Jenkins: Call-And-Response Rhythmic Group Singing. Originally released in 1957, this is the first album by legendary children's music performer and folk musician Ella Jenkins. This CD features 10 simple songs-chants accompanied by Jenkins' light conga drumming. Instructions are given at the start of each song, so before you know it you'll be joining in with "Moon Don't Go" and "Tah-Boo!" Find it in the RFPL Children's Room (J CD JENKINS).

p.s. Folk-music lovers, check out this recent addition to the children's nonfiction collection: the beautifully-illustrated biography Odetta: The Queen of Folk by Stephen Alcorn.