Forrest Public Library

Forrest Public Library HISTORY -

The Forrest Public Library District was first founded in 1939 as a Works Progress Administration (WPA) project.

It opened in the basement of the old high school building, with Mrs. Alta Sorenson as the first librarian. In 1947, the library was moved into the old town hall building, and in 1951, thanks to a gift of $10,000 from Miss Zetta Jennings, the library was moved again into the township hall building. The library was officially established as a library district in March of 1987 and in the fall of 1996

, the library was moved into its current building thanks to the generous donation of the building from the Apostolic Christian Church of Forrest. The new building officially opened at its current location in June 3, 1997 and it stands there to this day, sharing the building with the Food Pantry. OUR COMMUNITY -

The Forrest Public Library District serves the village of Forrest in addition to Fayette and Pleasant Ridge (around 2,200 people served).

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Services -

Books (Print, Audio and Electronic)- 2 week checkout period

Magazines (Over 40 active subscriptions- 3 days for latest issues, 2 weeks for back issues

DVDs- 3 day checkout ($.50 per checkout or $1.00 for 3 items)

Newspapers- The Blade and The Daily Leader

Public Computer Terminals

Wi-FI/Wireless Internet Access

Tax Forms

Genealogy

STEAM kits available for check out

Reference, research, reader advisory- We’ll help you find what you’re looking for! Community Room -

We have a sizable (over 60’x40′, not including the kitchen) community room available for rental at the library. Perfect for meetings, parties, reunions and all kinds of gatherings. For up to 50 people: $35

For 50-100 people: $65

For over 100 people: $125

For commercial rentals: $135

Take me out to the ballgame!! It’s a hotdog and baseball kind of day today! 🌭⚾️Our trivia is a seek and find game, come ...
06/01/2026

Take me out to the ballgame!! It’s a hotdog and baseball kind of day today! 🌭⚾️

Our trivia is a seek and find game, come check it out!!

Born Free to Read!! 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸Summer Reading 2026 Registration has begun!🇺🇸We have a table set up to pick up supplies and ...
05/27/2026

Born Free to Read!! 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

🇺🇸Summer Reading 2026 Registration has begun!🇺🇸

We have a table set up to pick up supplies and register for individual programs. There are 5 story hour programs geared toward 5 and under. Older siblings are always welcome too! We have a new general program scheduled for each week for any age.

Kids who are read to can pick up their reading log and read 10 books each week. Independent readers read 100 minutes a week. Be sure to turn in your reading log each week in exchange for a prize and a grand prize raffle ticket!!

Adults and teens can read books off our bingo cards. Teens are welcome to a weekly prize and grand prize ticket. Adults can enter for our adult raffle.

It’s a nice morning to visit the Upper Elementary for their Discovery Day. I was able to use a knot tying program from a...
05/22/2026

It’s a nice morning to visit the Upper Elementary for their Discovery Day. I was able to use a knot tying program from a few years ago that fit well into their survival theme. The kids started with a book then learned to tie several knots. Many kids have enjoyed the activity and are determined to succeed!

Thanks for asking the library to participate! It’s always fun!

5th grade is doing a Founding Fathers project today and coloring. They are all working so well together and staying focu...
05/21/2026

5th grade is doing a Founding Fathers project today and coloring. They are all working so well together and staying focused! It’s been fun having them each month this year!!

Forrest Public Library now has access to Libby! Libby is an app that patrons can use to download digital books, audio bo...
05/21/2026

Forrest Public Library now has access to Libby! Libby is an app that patrons can use to download digital books, audio books, and read-alongs.

Log on to your RSA Cat or download the Libby app on your device. Enter your library card number and pin and get started reading!

Summer Is.....CookoutsSunshineFunMessyCelebrationKids 5 and under are welcome to sign up for our Summer Is Series Story ...
05/20/2026

Summer Is.....
Cookouts
Sunshine
Fun
Messy
Celebration

Kids 5 and under are welcome to sign up for our Summer Is Series Story Hour. Wednesdays at 10 am. Registration is encouraged but not required. Registration will be open next week beginning on May 26th.

Ben Franklin, Thomas Jefferson and James Madison stopped in today to use our WiFi 🇺🇸Born Free to Read registration start...
05/20/2026

Ben Franklin, Thomas Jefferson and James Madison stopped in today to use our WiFi 🇺🇸

Born Free to Read registration starts May 26th and runs through May 30th!

George Washington just arrived at the library on horseback! He is here for Summer Reading Born Free to Read!!
05/18/2026

George Washington just arrived at the library on horseback! He is here for Summer Reading Born Free to Read!!

Everything you need to know for the Born Free to Read Summer Reading Program!!
05/15/2026

Everything you need to know for the Born Free to Read Summer Reading Program!!

School is almost out and Summer Reading will begin soon! During the week of May 26th-30th kids can stop by the library a...
05/15/2026

School is almost out and Summer Reading will begin soon! During the week of May 26th-30th kids can stop by the library and register for each of our events and pick up their supplies. Our first event will be June 1st!!

Address

301 West James
Forrest, IL
61741

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 5pm
Tuesday 10am - 5pm
Wednesday 10am - 5pm
Thursday 10am - 5pm
Friday 10am - 5pm
Saturday 9am - 12pm

Telephone

+18156578805

Website

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