Forsyth Public Library -

The Forsyth Public Library is looking for teen volunteers to help with our Summer Reading 2025 program! Volunteers should be 13 - 18 years old and available to assist weekly at the library. All volunteers are expected to attend the Tuesday afternoon programs. You may also sign up to help with our kick off and wrap up parties as well as smaller craft classes if you are available. Volunteers will get receive a Summer Reading shirt and frequent snacks :) The library will also provide you with a letter verifying your volunteer experience. We can also sign specific NHS or other volunteer forms as needed. There will be a mandatory Teen Volunteer Training on Tuesday, May 27 from 2 - 2:30 PM. We will discuss volunteer expectations, go through the schedule and answer any questions you may have. In order to become a Summer Reading Teen Volunteer, please complete the following Google Form: https://forms.gle/MaxA5qnR3ADeLuuM6 For specific questions regarding the Teen Volunteer program, please contact Melanie Weigel, Library Director, at mweigel@forsyth-il.gov for more information.

Let's LEGO & Create Drop-in Saturday, May 17 - 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. All LEGO Fans Welcome! We love LEGO Day at the library and watching our patrons - young and old - use their imaginations. Join us and and show us how it’s done! Everything will be Awesome so don't miss it!

Here's what's happening at the library this week:

Have a wonderful day!

True Crime Club 3rd Tuesday of Each Month - 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Ages 18 and up True Crime Club 3rd Tuesday of Each Month - 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Ages 18 and up Our True Crime Club takes place the 3rd Tuesday of each month from 5:30 to 6:30 and is open to adults 18 and up. For May, we’ll be meeting on Tuesday, May 20. We’ll be looking around our own state of Illinois for some of the most terrifying true crimes that have occurred, sometimes far too close to home. The media doesn’t matter - book, DVD, Netflix documentary, etc... simply come ready to discuss. We look forward to seeing you! No registration required

Just a little reminder that the library will be closing today at 12:00 p.m. for a Staff Development Day. We'll see everyone on Thursday, May 8 with regular library hours. Thank you!

The New Micro-Transit Informational Meeting Tuesday, May 6 - 3;00 p.m. No Registration Required Today is the Micro-Transit Informational Meeting! Join us to learn more about this unique new transportation service soon to be available to Forsyth residents. Micro-Transit bridges the gap between traditional fixed-route buses and ride-hailing services like Uber. Using smaller, branded vehicles, it provides curb-to-curb shared rides within designated zones. Riders are picked up and dropped off at assigned stops, sharing trips with others traveling in similar time frame - a "group Uber" experience. Key Features: Integration with Fixed Routes: Micro-Transit connects riders to fixed-route buses at transit hubs when they’re the best option. Extended Coverage: Operates during fixed-route downtimes and connects to neighboring communities participating in restructured transit services. ADA Support: Curb-to-curb service for eligible riders, with traditional para-transit remaining available for those needing door-to-door assistance. Benefits: First-and-Last Mile Solutions: Connects people to high-frequency buses not within walking distance of their homes or workplaces. Transit Deserts: Provides reliable, convenient transportation in areas lacking the density for fixed-route services. Equity and Accessibility: Enhances mobility for seniors and individuals with disabilities through real-time bookings, shared rides, and reduced costs.

Today is National Teacher Appreciation Day and we at FPL would like to thank those we've worked with this school year. We're thankful to have educators who continue to encourage the importance of reading and the love of books. We look forward to more projects in the future!

Tech Club Thursday, May 8 - 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. No Registration Required - Ages 16+ Join The Tech Guy, Abhi Morisetty, for an informative hour discussing general use of your devices, as well as making them more secure. Meetings are the 2nd Tuesday of each month and open to anyone, age 16 and up. Simply drop in during the program time and let The Tech Guy help make your life easier.

Kids Bookmark Design Contest Begins Saturday, May 3 through Friday, May 16 Kids, it's time for our 2025 Summer Reading Bookmark Design Contest! Take a form, get creative, then submit your completed design to the library. We have 3 age groups for the Bookmark Design Contest: Ages 4 to 6, 7 to 9 and 10+ Be sure to complete the section at the bottom of the form with the entrants name, age and a phone number where they can be easily reached. Yours could be chosen to be printed & used by our patrons all summer, plus you’ll win a prize. We're looking forward to seeing your designs. Deadline for submission is Friday, May 16.

Forever Flower Craft Drop-in Saturday, May 10 - 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. All Ages Welcome Make yourself or someone you love an adorable flower that can be kept forever! Drop into the library where we will have all the supplies needed to create a Paper Cup Forever Flower. Take home your completed flower and present it to mom, grandma, your bestie or simply put it in a vase in your room.

Here's what's happening at the library this week:

This Saturday, May 3 from 10 AM - 12 PM, is our first ever Plant Swap! We're so excited to share with the community and can't wait to see what you bring us for our new Forsyth Community Garden. We have 3 kinds of tomatoes, 2 kinds of peppers, broccoli, cucumbers, basil and more - all started from seed right here in the library! Coming to the Plant Swap tomorrow? Check out the graphic to learn more about what to expect.

160th Forsyth Birthday Celebration at the Library Tuesday, May 13 during library hours All Are Welcome! Mark your calendar and be sure to join us at the library for our 160th Forsyth Birthday Celebration on Tuesday, May 13 with a little bit of everything happening all day. Cake All Day!!! 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Meet the Forsyth Historical Archivist 3:30 - 5:30 p.m. Kids Squirrelly Craft Project 5:00 - 7:00 Meet & Greet of past & present Village leaders Village-wide Scavenger Hunt Winner Drawn Be on the lookout for more detailed information soon!

In honor of our 160th Birthday Celebration, the Village of Forsyth is hosting a Village-wide Scavenger Hunt! You and your team will follow the trail of clues to help you solve a riddle. This is a family-friendly scavenger hunt that is perfect for adults and kids of all ages. We encourage you to bring the whole family! Once complete, you'll turn in your answer at the Forsyth Public Library for your chance to win a $160 Texas Roadhouse Gift Certificate drawn from teams who submit the correct answer. The Scavenger Hunt starts now and entries are due by 3 PM on May 13. Good luck!! You can find more information here: https://www.forsyth-il.gov/article/2183178

The Forsyth Historical Archives at Forsyth Public Library was excited to welcome Catheryne Popovitch, Director at the Illinois State Archives and other State Archives staff members to our little room earlier this week to show the work being done to protect Forsyth history! If you haven't been in yet to explore the Archives, we invite you to visit on Tuesday, May 13, during our 160th Birthday Celebration for the Village of Forsyth. Our archivist Tina Horve will be available from 10 AM - 1 PM to show you the Archives, chat about Forsyth history or answer any questions you may have about our Ancestry for Libraries subscription while you enjoy a slice of birthday cake in honor of the Village's 160th.

The New Micro-Transit Informational Meeting Tuesday, May 6 - 3;00 p.m. No Registration Required Please join us on Tuesday, May 6, at 3:oo p.m. for our Micro-Transit Takes You Places! informational meeting to learn more about this unique new transportation service soon to be available to Forsyth residents. Micro-Transit bridges the gap between traditional fixed-route buses and ride-hailing services like Uber. Using smaller, branded vehicles, it provides curb-to-curb shared rides within designated zones. Riders are picked up and dropped off at assigned stops, sharing trips with others traveling in similar time frame - a "group Uber" experience. Key Features: Integration with Fixed Routes: Micro-Transit connects riders to fixed-route buses at transit hubs when they’re the best option. Extended Coverage: Operates during fixed-route downtimes and connects to neighboring communities participating in restructured transit services. ADA Support: Curb-to-curb service for eligible riders, with traditional para-transit remaining available for those needing door-to-door assistance. Benefits: First-and-Last Mile Solutions: Connects people to high-frequency buses not within walking distance of their homes or workplaces. Transit Deserts: Provides reliable, convenient transportation in areas lacking the density for fixed-route services. Equity and Accessibility: Enhances mobility for seniors and individuals with disabilities through real-time bookings, shared rides, and reduced costs. To learn more about this new service soon to be available in Forsyth, please join us on May 6.

The May Community Watch Meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 6 at 4:00 p.m. All are welcome to attend.

The library will be CLOSED for half a day on Wednesday, May 7.

Kids Bookmark Design Contest Begins Saturday, May 3 through Friday, May 9 Kids, it's time for our 2025 Summer Reading Bookmark Design Contest! Take a form, get creative, then submit your completed design to the library. We have 3 age groups for the Bookmark Design Contest: Ages 4 to 6, 7 to 9 and 10+ Be sure to complete the section at the bottom of the form with the entrants name, age and a phone number where they can be easily reached. Yours could be chosen to be printed & used by our patrons all summer, plus you’ll win a prize. We're looking forward to seeing your designs. Deadline for submission is Friday, May 9.