We are a community connection to reading, life-long learning, and personal enrichment for a changing and diverse population.
We are a community connection to reading, life-long learning, and personal enrichment for a changing and diverse population.
In celebration of Deaf Awareness Month, Marlee Matlin joins Illinois Libraries Present to share the highs and lows of her Hollywood career and journeys as an activist. The youngest recipient of the Best Actress Oscar, Matlin’s acting career recently achieved another milestone as her 2021 film CODA swept every category it was nominated in at the 2022 Academy Awards. The event will be held virtually on Wednesday, September 14 at 7 p.m.
Join us for a conversation with Caitlin Doughty, mortician, bestselling author, and advocate for death acceptance. Hailed by The New York Times as "a relentlessly curious and chipper tour guide to the underworld,” she’ll discuss reform of Western funeral industry practices and much more with Mark Bazer (The Interview Show).
Join Shauna Sever, cookbook author, TV and radio contributor, and daughter of the great Midwest, for this special Illinois Libraries Present holiday season event. Shauna will share her love of food, baking, and some tips to make your holiday gatherings delicious.
Kick off your new year with a conversation about joy with best-selling essayist and award-winning poet Ross Gay. This discussion of his most recent collection of essays, Inciting Joy, will explore the joy we incite when we turn our attention to what brings us together and to what we love.
Join us Wednesday, February 8th @ 7pm on Zoom for an evening of inspiration and conversation with best-selling and award-winning children's and young adult author and poet, Kwame Alexander!
Wednesday, March 1st @ 7pm on Zoom, experience an entertaining and hilarious evening with New York Times best-selling science author, Mary Roach, with moderator Annalee Newitz.
Tues, April 4 @ 7pm | Zoom
Register here: bit.ly/ILP_DannyTrejo
Will Shortz, the editor of The New York Times crossword puzzle, and the world’s only academically accredited puzzle master, discusses crossword puzzles.
Tuesday, April 25th @ 7pm | Zoom
Register here: bit.ly/ILP_WillShortz
Celebrate Free Comic Book Day with New York Times bestselling author and illustrator, Jarrett J. Krosoczka! Perfect for the entire family, this live, virtual drawing workshop is sure to inspire the inner artist in everyone.
Saturday, May 6 @ 10am | Zoom
Register here: bit.ly/DrawwithJarrettKrosoczka
“Queer Eye” star and ice skating superfan, Jonathan Van Ness, talks with his idol, Olympic Gold Medalist Kristi Yamaguchi. They’ll chat figure skating, fabulous style, and whatever else comes up!
Wed, May 17 @ 7pm | Zoom
Register here: https://bit.ly/OnBeingFabulous
Join us for an evening with "the next Toni Morrison," Jesmyn Ward, as she discusses how her literary vision and personal experiences address urgent questions about racism and social injustice.
Tues, June 6 @ 7pm | Zoom
UPDATE: This is a rescheduled event.
Register here: https://bit.ly/ILPJesmynWard
Join us for a special evening with Robin Wall Kimmerer as she shares her unique perspective on the interconnectedness of humans and nature and the importance of recognizing and respecting the gifts of the earth.
Wed, June 21 @ 7pm | Zoom
Register here: https://bit.ly/ILP_RobinWallKimmerer
