Illinois Libraries Present

Braiding Sweetgrass: A Conversation with Robin Wall Kimmerer Wednesday, June 21 Join us for a special evening with Robin Wall Kimmerer, the award-winning author of "Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants." In this insightful and inspiring talk, Robin will share her unique perspective on the interconnectedness of humans and nature… Read More

Navigate Your Stars: A Conversation with Jesmyn Ward Tuesday, June 6 Join us for an evening with two-time National Book Award winner Jesmyn Ward. Hailed as “the new Toni Morrison” by the American Booksellers Association, Jesmyn will discuss her life, her literary vision and her unique perspectives on love and loss. Tracie D. Hall, Executive… Read More

On Being Fabulous with Jonathan Van Ness & Kristi Yamaguchi Wednesday, May 17 “Queer Eye” and “Getting Curious” 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! With Jonathan, you never quite know what he’ll say… Read More

Drawing Comics with Jarrett J. Krosoczka Saturday, May 6 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. Jarrett creates books with humor, heart, and deep respect for his… Read More

Secrets of a Puzzle Master: A Conversation with Will Shortz Tuesday, April 25 Will Shortz, the editor of The New York Times crossword puzzle, and the world’s only academically accredited puzzle master, discusses crossword puzzles. The author/editor of more than 500 puzzle books, Shortz is also the puzzle master for NPR’s Weekend Edition Sunday and… Read More

Danny Trejo Talks Tacos, Hollywood, and Redemption Tuesday, April 4 Actor, author, and restaurateur Danny Trejo will discuss how he developed a prolific career in the entertainment industry with a hard-earned and atypical road to success. From years of imprisonment to helping troubled youth battle drug addictions, from acting to producing, and now on to… Read More

The Weird & Wonderful World with Mary Roach Wednesday, March 1 Experience an entertaining and hilarious evening with New York Times best-selling science author, Mary Roach - despite her claim that “people call me a science writer, though I don't have a science degree and sometimes have to fake my way through interviews with experts… Read More

Saying Yes to Your Story: A Conversation with Kwame Alexander Wednesday, February 8 Join us for an evening of inspiration and conversation with best-selling and award-winning children’s and young adult author and poet, Kwame Alexander, author of the Newbery Award winning book, The Crossover, Newbery Honor/Caldecott Medal winning book, The Undefeated, and most recently, An… Read More

Inciting Joy: A Conversation with Ross Gay Wednesday, January 11 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… Read More

Midwest Baking with Shauna Sever Tuesday, December 13 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. As a writer, Shauna’s work is… Read More