Services Offered by the Lake Forest Library

The Library has been a trusted source for information and materials to the Lake Forest community since 1898. You can visit the Library in person, by phone, or online to:

Attend Events

Story times and book discussion groups
Author presentations
Hands-on technology classes
Lectures on topics of local interest
Collaborative programs with community organizations and local businesses

Work with Expert Librarians

Find answers to your questions
Receive reading recommendations and request “grab and go care packages” of books, movies, and videos games customized especially for you
Work on creative tech projects in the Media Lab using technology and equipment with one-on-one help from Media Lab staff
Get entrepreneurial help from the Business Librarian
Find local services for support with Tough Topics such as financial issues, mental health, and food insecurity

Use Collections and Resources

More than 50 information databases such Consumer Reports, genealogy data from Ancestry, newspaper archives, and investing data from Morningstar
More than 120,000 print and digital books, audiobooks, DVDs, newspapers and magazines, video games, foreign films, and music CDs
Discount museum passes
Explorations Kits empowering youth to develop their science, technology, and math skills
Takeout Tech including GoPro and DSLR cameras, Roku sticks, Nintendo Switch consoles, and digitizing equipment
To learn about all of the services provided to the community, contact the Library by calling 847.234.0636 or emailing reference@lakeforestlibrary.org

The Lake Forest Library plays a positive role in the stability, growth, and health of our community.

There are more public libraries in the country than there are Starbucks. “Public libraries in the United States play an essential role in providing safe, accessible, and 100% free educational resource centers for every member in communities across the country. At a library, it doesn’t matter how much money you make, because every resource there is free of charge, including books, internet access, and educational and professional training programs. Individuals and families, no matter their socioeconomic status, can count on their libraries to provide them with the resources they need to succeed and the answers to important questions they can’t otherwise find. According to the ALA, librarians in public and academic libraries across the country answer nearly 6.6 million questions every week. Librarians help their patrons not only find their next reading selection, but they also answer questions about computer and internet training, job applications and resume writing, and filling out government forms, including tax and health insurance paperwork, all of it for free.”
Libraries play a key role in financially strengthening the local community. They provide a work space for telecommuters, supply free internet access for people looking for employment opportunities, and offer job and interview training for those in need. According to the ALA, 73% of public libraries assist their patrons with job applications and interviewing skills, and 48% provide access and assistance to entrepreneurs looking to start a business of their own.
Libraries promote good health and encourage vitality. According to a study by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, 59% of libraries help patrons find health insurance resources, 18% bring in healthcare providers to offer free limited screening services, and 23% provide free fitness classes. Together with local governments, healthcare providers, and medical professionals, libraries keep communities healthier and increase their vitality in a way that makes a serious impact.

Connect with your librarian to learn more about these services.

Lake Forest Library Foundation