Park Forest, IL—(ENEWSPF)— Patrons of the Park Forest Public Library can learn about native plants, become knowledgeable about financial scams targeting seniors, and participate in kids’ craft activities in May. The month closes with a kick-off to the 2026 Summer Reading Program.
Crafts for Kids
There are two craft events for kids in May.
The first, on Monday, May 4, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and while supplies last, is a Mother’s Day Planter for Kids. The craft can be done at the library or picked up for completion at home.
On Tuesday, May 5, the library is featuring Cinco de Mayo pop-up crafts. The craft kits are available from 10 a.m.to 7 p.m., while supplies last.
More information about both events is available in the Kids’ Zone or by contacting Miss Nicki at (708) 748-3731.
Summer Reading Program Kick-Off
The 2026 Summer Reading Program Kick-Off is held on Saturday, May 30, from noon to 2 p.m. This year’s kick-off features a mobile mini-golf experience and free treats from the Dip N Double ice cream truck. This year’s program theme is “Level Up at Your Library.”
All ages are welcome to participate. Registration is necessary and opens on April 30.
Money Smart for Older Adults
Representatives from the Cook County Sheriff’s Department will be at the library on Thursday, May 21, at 11 a.m., to help patrons recognize con games and frauds that often target seniors. Participants receive resources to report instances of senior exploitation and reduce their financial risk.
Registration for this event is encouraged and opens on May 14.
Native Plants and Pollinators
On Saturday, May 16, from 1 to 2:30 p.m., attendees learn the benefits of planting native species sustainably to help pollinators thrive. Representatives from The Veehive and Greenery will be at the library, providing educational materials and seeds to help create a pollinator garden at home.
Registration is something organizers appreciate for this event.
Friends Book Discussion
The Friends Book Discussion Group meets monthly on designated Mondays to discuss the selected book. Due to Memorial Day, the group will meet on Tuesday, May 26, to discuss Fredrik Backman’s latest novel, “My Friends.” Backman is a well-known Swedish author most noted for his 2012 novel, “A Man Called Ove.” Selected books are available at the Patron Services Desk one month prior to the meeting.
Teen Movie Night
The 2019 film “Jumanji: The Next Level” will show on Tuesday, May 19, at 5 p.m. It has a PG-13 rating and stars Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart, and Awkwafina, among others. This is the fourth film in the Jumanji series. Registration is something the organizers appreciate. Children under 13 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Virtual Event
On Wednesday, May 20, at 7 p.m., join author R.F. Kuang for a virtual discussion of her work. Combining history and magic, she has written recent bestsellers including Yellowface, Babel, and The Poppy War Trilogy. Work is currently underway to develop her most recent novel, Katabasis, into an Amazon television series.
Registration is necessary for this event, which is part of the Illinois Libraries Present series. Participants receive instructions via email to access the Zoom session.
Please note that the flyer below lists the event date as May 19. The date now is May 20.
Family Tai Chi
The library is hosting “Family Tai Chi” on Saturday, May 16, from noon to 1 p.m. Tai chi has been found to help children develop focus and emotional regulation. Sharing the exercises as a family can help develop a calm connection and body awareness for a collective family “reset.”
Registration is now open and required. More information can be obtained from the Kids’ Zone at (708) 748-3731, extension 231.
Library Hours and Information
Additional details and registration links for all May events are on the library’s monthly water bill insert, shown below, and on the library’s website. Information on the remaining April events is here.
The library at 400 Lakewood Boulevard is open for all services from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and from 9 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. The library will be closed on Monday, May 25, in observance of Memorial Day.
