Author Events
The only thing better than reading a great book is meeting its creator. We host many authors for events both online and in person. Sometimes books are available for purchase and signing.
Upcoming Events
Art, Identity, and the Seen and Unseen: Artist Talk by Mobeen Ansari
Tuesday, October 3, 2023, 6:30 pm
How do we tell stories by capturing what we see? How can art and artists help us reflect on what–and who–is seen and unseen?
Photographer and filmmaker Mobeen Ansari walks us through examples of his work documenting people and the communities they create and inhabit. After viewing and talking about his work, there will be time for questions and discussion.
Hailing from Islamabad, Pakistan, Ansari's first book Dharkan: The Heartbeat of a Nation captures portraits of iconic people from all walks of life. His second title, White in the Flag, explores the lives & festivities of religious minorities in Pakistan.
In addition to his still photography, he has also produced two silent films: Hellhole, a black-and-white short film based on the life of a sanitation worker, and Lady of the Emerald Scarf, based on the life of Aziza, a carpet maker in Pakistan’s Hunza Valley.
Chills and Thrills with Stephen Graham Jones: Online Event
Wednesday, October 4, 2023, 7:00 pm
Author Stephen Graham Jones joins us to talk scary stories, horror and more with librarian Becky Spratford.
Jones is the New York Times bestselling author of The Only Good Indians and Don’t Fear the Reaper. He has received a fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts and has received numerous awards, including the Ray Bradbury Award from the Los Angeles Times, the Bram Stoker Award, the Shirley Jackson Award, the Jesse Jones Award for Best Work of Fiction from the Texas Institute of Letters, the Independent Publishers Award for Multicultural Fiction, and the Alex Award from American Library Association. He is the Ivena Baldwin Professor of English at the University of Colorado Boulder.
Illinois librarian and readers' advisor Becky Spratford will join Stephen in conversation. Becky trains library staff all over the world on how to match books with readers through their local public library and runs the critically acclaimed blog RA for All. A devout horror fan, she writes a horror review column for Library Journal, is the author of The Reader’s Advisory Guide to Horror, and is a proud member of the Horror Writers Association.
This event is made possible by Illinois Libraries Present, a statewide collaboration among public libraries offering premier events. ILP is funded in part by a grant awarded by the Illinois State Library, a department of the Office of Secretary of State, using funds provided by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services, under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA).
Register and receive the Zoom link here.
Illinois Libraries Present is committed to inclusion and accessibility. To request accommodations, please email illinoislibrariespresent@gmail.com.
Food, Family, and Folktales: A Conversation with Grace Lin: Online Event
Tuesday, October 17, 2023, 7:00 pm
Newbery and Caldecott honoree Grace Lin engages in conversation about her journey to becoming an award-winning author and illustrator.
Learn about the New York Times bestselling author's latest middle-grade book, Chinese Menu: The History, Myths, and Legends behind Your Favorite Foods, a beautifully written full-color book that explores the whimsical myths and stories behind favorite American Chinese food, and learn how you can draw your own stories. Evanston Public Library children’s librarian Brian E. Wilson joins Grace in conversation.
Before she was a bestselling author and illustrator of picture books, early readers, and middle grade novels, Grace was the only Asian girl in her elementary school in Upstate New York. That experience, good and bad, has influenced her books—including her Newbery Honor Where The Mountain Meets the Moon, her Geisel Honor Ling & Ting, her National Book Finalist When the Sea Turned to Silver, and her Caldecott Honor A Big Mooncake for Little Star.
Grace advocates for diversity through her TEDx talk, “The Windows and Mirrors of Your Child’s Bookshelf,” and a PBSNewHour video essay, “What to do when you realize classic books from your childhood are racist?” She continued this mission with her podcast, Kidlitwomen. In 2016, Grace’s art was displayed at the White House and Grace was recognized by President Obama as a Champion of Change for Asian American and Pacific Islander Art and Storytelling.
This event is made possible by Illinois Libraries Present, a statewide collaboration among public libraries. ILP is funded in part by a grant awarded by the Illinois State Library, a department of the Office of Secretary of State, using funds provided by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services, under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA).
Register and receive the Zoom link here.
Illinois Libraries Present is committed to inclusion and accessibility. To request accommodations, please email illinoislibrariespresent@gmail.com.
A Taste of Love with Maya-Camille Broussard: Online Event
Wednesday, November 8, 2023, 7:00 pm
Join Maya Camille Broussard, star of Netflix’s Bake Squad, and owner of Chicago-based Justice of the Pies, for a demo from her kitchen just in time for Thanksgiving.
She will share her love of pie, the stories of those that inspired her, and some tips and tricks to help you make the perfect Thanksgiving pie.
Broussard uses her love of food to have a positive impact on the local community. She offers an “I Knead love” workshop several times each year for kids from low-income households to learn basic cooking skills, healthy eating habits, and nutrition. Justice of the Pies has partnered with many Chicago area charities to provide meals for communities on the South and West sides. During the COVID pandemic, her bakery partnered with Frontline Food to provide food from restaurants for front-line workers. Being hearing impaired, Broussard works hard to set an example for young bakers by telling the story of her struggles and success.
Register for this event and receive the Zoom link here.
This event is made possible by Illinois Libraries Present, a statewide collaboration among public libraries offering premier events. ILP is funded in part by a grant awarded by the Illinois State Library, a department of the Office of Secretary of State, using funds provided by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services, under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA). ILP is committed to inclusion and accessibility.
To request accommodations, please email illinoislibrariespresent@gmail.com.
Local Author Showcase
Sunday, November 12, 2023, 2:00 pm
Meet local children's book authors and enjoy stories and activities inspired by their books at this drop-in community event for all ages.
Surviving the Holidays with Lori Gottlieb
Wednesday, December 6, 2023, 7:00 pm
Lori Gottlieb joins us for a thought-provoking conversation and shares tools to help in everyday life and especially as you prepare for the holidays.
Lori Gottlieb is a psychotherapist and New York Times bestselling author of Maybe You Should Talk to Someone, which has sold more than a million copies and is currently being adapted into a television series. In addition to her clinical practice, she is cohost of the popular “Dear Therapists” podcast and writes The Atlantic’s “Dear Therapist” advice column. She has been on the Today Show, Good Morning America, CNN, and NPR’s Fresh Air as a therapy expert, and her 2019 TED Talk was one of the most watched of the year.
Register and receive the Zoom link here.
This event is made possible by Illinois Libraries Present, a statewide collaboration among public libraries offering premier events. ILP is funded in part by a grant awarded by the Illinois State Library, a department of the Office of Secretary of State, using funds provided by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services, under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA). ILP is committed to inclusion and accessibility.
To request accommodations, please email illinoislibrariespresent@gmail.com.