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Visit the Reference Desk or contact your Librarians by phone or online for help using and enjoying the Library and materials.
Your Librarians can:
- Suggest your next favorite book
- Show you how to place items on hold so that they're ready for you to pick up
- Help you access and navigate our research databases
- Answer your Tech Help questions
- Schedule a Media Lab appointment for you
- Get you a desired book or movie, even if we don't currently have it
- Source and reserve multiple copies of your upcoming title for your private book club
Upcoming Events
Mini Art Masterpiece for All Ages: Birdhouses
The Latest From the Blog
📸 New Takeout Tech at the Library!
Got boxes of old photos or important papers collecting dust? The Plustek Photo Scanner ePhoto Z300 is now available to borrow from the library! This easy-to-use scanner quickly digitizes photos and documents, helping you preserve memories and organize paperwork in minutes. Fast, simple, and free wit...
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Read After Dark: Winter Reading for All Ages 2025
Winter is the perfect time to cozy up in your blanket fort and strengthen good reading habits! We're reading together and earning prizes. How to participate Winter Reading programs run from December 15, 2025–January 31, 2026. Track your reading and earn prizes in one of two ways: On o...
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Best Books This Fall
If you need some reading suggestions for this fall, check out our list of new favorite titles. With everything from science fiction to mysteries to memoirs, there’s something for everyone. All titles are linked to our catalog, but feel free to stop by the Adult Reference Desk for help finding a book...
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New at the Library: GetSetUp
We’re excited to introduce GetSetUp, a new free online learning platform for adults 55+. Through your Lake Forest Library, you can now join live or on-demand classes designed to help older adults learn new skills, connect with others, and stay engaged.What You’ll FindLive interactive classes on tech...
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TREEmendous Library Cards: TREET YOURSELF
Season 1 was Root. Season 2 was Log On. Season 3 was Branch Out. Season 4 was Turn Over a New Leaf. Season 5 was Made in the Shade. Now it's time to Treet Yourself! We're in the homestretch of our "5 Seasons of Library Card Love & Prize Drawings." Each season has featured an arboreal theme and sh...
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List of upcoming sessions of MYSTERY BOOK GROUP
Indulge your inner detective and discuss titles from popular mystery series with us.
List of upcoming sessions of AFTERNOONS WITH JUDY LEVIN
Dive deeper into fantastic books with renowned book reviewer and discussion leader Judy Levin.
List of upcoming sessions of GREAT BOOKS DISCUSSION GROUP
Read classic and contemporary essays, short stories, plays, and poems selected by the Great Books Foundation, then enjoy a stimulating discussion of ideas. For upcoming reading assignments and to join the group, contact the group leader.
List of upcoming sessions of GREAT DECISIONS DISCUSSION GROUP
Join us to discuss and debate foreign policy issues and complete a national opinion ballot to communicate our views to Congress and the White House. Discussion led by the League of Women Voters of Lake Forest/Lake Bluff Area. For upcoming reading assignments and to join the group, contact the group leader.
List of upcoming sessions of THE POETRY GROUP
Do you like poetry, but aren't always sure what to make of it? Immerse yourself in verse during interactive presentations that inspire you to spend quality time with excellent works of poetry.
GO TO ANCESTRY for in-library use only.
What you can do with it
Search family histories using census, marriage, birth, death, and military records from North America, the United Kingdom, Europe, Australia, and more. International records continue to grow.
User Guide
GO TO CITY LASERFICHE.
What you can do with it
Access thousands of pages of historical City of Lake Forest public documents including agendas, minutes, ordinances, and resolutions.
How to access
| ⬤ | Works in the browser on iOS, Android, smartphones, tablets |
| ⬤ | Works in computer browser |
eBooks · eAudiobooks
GO TO CLOUDLIBRARY.
What you can do with it
Borrow eBooks and eAudiobooks, especially new and recently published titles.
User Guide
Get started with the cloudLibrary app
Amount
16 checkouts at a time
Loan Period
3 weeks
How to access
| ⬤ | App available, search for "cloudlibrary" in your app store |
| ⬤ | Works on iOS, Android, smartphones, tablets, Kindle Fire, Nook ... just install the app |
| ⬤ | Works in computer browser |
| ⬤ | No, does not work on Kindle eInk reader |
GO TO CONSUMER REPORTS.
What you can do with it
View expert ratings, articles, and buying guides from Consumer Reports magazine, which includes evaluations of hundreds of products from appliances to cars to electronics.
User Guide
GO TO CREATIVEBUG.
What you can do with it
Choose from more than 1,000 award-winning art and craft video classes taught by recognized design experts and artists.
User Guide
Get started with the Creativebug app
How to access
| ⬤ | App available, search for "creativebug" in your app store |
| ⬤ | Works on iOS, Android, smartphones, tablets ... just install the app |
| ⬤ | Works in computer browser |
Music
GO TO FREEGAL.
What you can do with it
Stream and download from the Sony Music catalog of more than 18 million songs from 100 countries and 200 genres. Keep your downloads forever, use AI-powered search recommendations, build your own playlists, and enjoy ad-free listening.
User Guide
Get started with the Freegal app
Amount
Unlimited streaming
3 downloads per week
How to access
| ⬤ | App available, search for "freegal" in your app store |
| ⬤ | Works on iOS, Android, smartphones, tablets ... just install the app |
| ⬤ | Works in computer browser |
Movies & TV · eBooks · eAudiobooks · eComics · Music
GO TO HOOPLA.
What you can do with it
Borrow and stream movies, music, eBooks, eAudiobooks, comics, and TV shows.
Some special collections
- Enable Kids Mode to display only kid-appropriate content
- Hallmark movies
- Acorn TV
- The Great Courses eAudiobooks
User Guide
Get started with the Hoopla app
Amount
- 10 Instant Borrows per month
- Borrow more from special collections using a BingePass and Bonus Borrows.
Loan Period
3 weeks for eBooks, eAudiobooks, and Comics
3 days for Movies and TV shows
1 week for Music
How to access
| ⬤ | App available, search for "hoopla" in your app store |
| ⬤ | Works on iOS, Android, smartphones, tablets ... just install the app |
| ⬤ | Works in computer browser |
| ⬤ | Works with Android TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, Fire TV, and Roku |
| ⬤ | No, does not work on Kindle eInk reader |
Movies & Documentaries
GO TO KANOPY.
What you can do with it
Watch a wide range of on-demand streaming videos.
Some special collections
- Enable Kids Mode to display only kid-appropriate
- The Criterion Collection
- Documentaries
- Foreign films
- Classic cinema
- The Great Courses videos
User Guide
Get started with the Kanopy app
Amount
30 tickets per month
- Refer to the number of tickets and access period for each film next to the play button.
- Depending on the title, films can use 1–4 tickets.
- You can watch unlimited Kanopy Kids titles because they don't require any tickets.
How to access
| ⬤ | App available, search for "kanopy" in your app store |
| ⬤ | Works on iOS, Android, smartphones, tablets ... just install the app |
| ⬤ | Works in computer browser |
| ⬤ | Works with Android TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, Fire TV, and Roku |
eBooks · eAudiobooks · eMagazines · eComics · Videos
GO TO LIBBY / Digital Library of IL.
You can either use the Libby app or
sign in to your LIBBY account on the Digital Library of Illinois page
What you can do with it
Borrow from a vast collection of eBooks, eAudiobooks, and eMagazines.
User Guides
Get started with the Libby app
How to Download eBooks to a Kindle
Amount
- 10 eBook/eAudiobook checkouts at a time
- No limit on eMagazines
Loan Period
7, 14, or 21 days (you choose in Settings or when checking out an item)
How to access
| ⬤ | App available, search for "libby" in your app store |
| ⬤ | Works on iOS, Android, smartphones, tablets, Kindle Fire, Nook ... just install the app |
| ⬤ | Works on Kindle eInk readers ... just choose Kindle format when checking out an item |
| ⬤ | Read or listen to titles on a computer with an internet browser by visiting the Digital Library of Illinois |
GO TO MORNINGSTAR for in-library use.
GO TO MORNINGSTAR for use outside Lake Forest Library. You will be prompted to provide the first 5 digits of your library card.
What you can do with it
Analyze investments with information on mutual funds, stocks, ETFs, and screening tools.
User Guide
GO TO NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC.
What you can do with it
Explore full issues of National Geographic magazine.
Access the digital edition including News, Games, Cooking, Wirecutter, & The Athletic
The first time you access a NYT digital edition product, you will be prompted to create a free account.
GO TO THE NEW YORK TIMES UNLIMITED. Using this link gives you 24 hours of unlimited access to News, Games, Cooking, Wirecutter, and The Athletic. Once your session has expired, return to the Lake Forest Library website and select the link again to start a new 24-hour session.
What you can do with it
- Enjoy full subscriber-level access to NYTimes.com. Read articles as originally published from 1851 to the present. Mandarin and Spanish editions available.
- Play all your favorite NYT games and puzzles for all ages, including the Crossword, Ken Ken, Spelling Bee, Sudoku, Tiles, Vertex, and more.
- Become a better, more competent cook with help from the NYT inspirational cooking guide and diverse recipe collection.
- Explore in-depth sports coverage of your favorite teams and leagues.
GO TO NICHE ACADEMY.
WHAT YOU CAN DO WITH IT
Learn how to use popular digital resources and applications including Hoopla, Libby (OverDrive), Consumer Reports, NoveList, and more.
GO TO PRESSREADER.
What you can do with it
Enjoy free full text, full color online access to popular newspapers and magazines from around the world! Create an account for additional features including saved searches and favorite publications.
How to access
| ⬤ | App available, search for "pressreader" in your app store |
| ⬤ | Works on iOS, Android, smartphones, tablets ... just install the app |
| ⬤ | Works in computer browser |
GO TO S&P NET ADVANTAGE.
What you can do with it
Find business and investment information, including a daily stock price record and printable industry surveys.
GO TO VALUE LINE.
What you can do with it
Explore investment research information including online versions of the Value Line Investment surveys, the mutual fund survey, and more.
User Guide
Search the archives
OUTSIDE the Library: GO TO THE WALL STREET JOURNAL.
INSIDE the Library: GO TO THE WALL STREET JOURNAL.
What you can do with it
Search and read articles from 1984 to present (1984–2006 excluding images).
User Guide
Access the digital edition
The first time you access a WSJ digital edition product, you will be prompted to create a free account.
GO TO THE WALL STREET JOURNAL DIGITAL. Using this link gives you 3 days of unlimited access. Once your session has expired, return to the Lake Forest Library website and select the link again to start a new 3-day session.
What you can do with it
- Enjoy full subscriber-level access to WSJ.com from anywhere.