Library News

The Western Springs Writers’ Society held its inaugural meeting in 2014 after founders Marie Gerken and Jim Swinehart ran into each other at the Printers Row Lit Fest. Their successful first meeting drew a crowd of 30 like-minded local writers, and the WSWS has been meeting regularly at the Thomas Ford Library ever since.

Reverend Erik Khoobyarian began his ministry at the Presbyterian Church of Western Springs on August 1, 2018 after a two-year transition and nationwide search process.

Suzy Glowiak was elected to the State Senate last year. She’s lived in Western Springs for over 25 years, including two terms as a Village Trustee.

Thank you to our amazing community for making the Library Block Party a huge success! Despite the rain, 620 of you came out on Saturday, June 15 for fun, food, music, and dancing. It was the biggest event the Library has ever had, and we owe it all to your unwavering enthusiasm and support!

When Mary Greska was the Library Board Treasurer, she gave us a snapshot of her life and thoughts about the Library in the Fall 2015 edition of The Ford Connection.

Reverend Marc W. Reszel became pastor of St. John of the Cross Catholic Church on July 1, 2018. SJC has a vibrant presence in Western Springs; there are 4200 registered families and 630 children in its school.

Cathy Blanford wrote the book Something Happened to help families explain a sudden infant loss to their other children. She has a Masters Degree in Early Childhood Development from the Erikson Institute in Chicago and over 30 years experience working with grieving families.

As Teen Liaison to the Board of the Thomas Ford Memorial Library and Senior at Lyons Township High School, Kylie Jabjiniak juggles many different activities and responsibilities. Find out more with this edition of The Ford Member Connection.

Joseph Cancellaro is the Chair of Interactive Arts and Media at Columbia College, Chicago. He’s also a composer, film composer, author, and researcher. All his creative credentials made us curious, so we asked him to tell us more about his life and how the Library fits in.

Carol Ann (Shudlick) Smith played college and pro basketball and now coaches the next generation of players. She gives us a look behind the scenes in this edition of “The Ford Member Connection.”

Except for his service in World War II, Wendell “Seedy” Ulrich, 91, has lived in Western Springs all his life. He knew our Library when it opened in 1932. The original entrance to the Library was on Wolf Road, where he posed for this photo. In this edition of The Ford Member Connection, Seedy gives us a “living history” of his life, our Library, and town.

The American Writers Museum opened in downtown Chicago in May, to rave reviews. This made the Thomas Ford Library Foundation think we should learn more and led to “A Conversation with Carey Cranston,” the Museum’s inaugural president, at the Library on November 12.

Eighty-five years ago, in 1932, the Library was built in memory of Thomas Albert Ford. In our latest edition of The Ford Member Connection, we speak with his great-granddaughter Jan Conkright.

Eva Hernandez-Thomas is the newest addition to “The Ford Member Connection” interview series. She has many commitments and interests, among them two Library groups, the Oak Leaf Society and the Knitting Circle (where she made the ruffled scarf in this photo).

A retrospective and look at the future for Thomas Ford Memorial Library upon celebrating 85 years in the building at 800 Chestnut Street.