A Tale of Two Ladies: Achievements and Challenges in the Christian-Jewish Relationship

Silver/Bronze Meeting Room, Monday, July 10, 2023 at 6:30pm

The two ladies are Ecclesia (church) and Synagoga (synagogue), the embodied representations of Christianity and Judaism in medieval and early modern church architecture and artwork. Their relationship through the centuries has included pains and prejudices, rivalries and mutual responses. Many of us have lived through one of the greatest revolutions of the 20th and 21st centuries – – a profound change in this relationship. How did this sea change come about? What path would we hope for the ladies to travel together moving forward?

Dr. Debbie Weissman is a veteran Jewish educator and expert in Christian-Jewish relations. American by birth, she is a long-time resident of Jerusalem and has served two terms as president of the International Council of Christians and Jews. Her teaching and consultation on interfaith issues has taken her to five continents. In 2017, she published Memoirs of a Hopeful Pessimist: A Life of Activism through Dialogue.

Braiding Sweetgrass: A Conversation with Robin Wall Kimmerer

Online Program, Wednesday, June 21, 2023, from 7:00pm – 8:00pm

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 and the importance of recognizing and respecting the gifts of the earth. She will delve into her own experiences as a botanist, indigenous science professor, and environmental advocate, and offer insights into her journey of learning to listen to the voice of the natural world. This is a rare opportunity to hear from one of the most important voices in the movement toward a more sustainable and equitable future and to be inspired to make positive changes in your own life and community.

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 for the webinar here.

Navigate Your Stars: A Conversation with Jesmyn Ward

Online Program, Tuesday, June 6, 2023 from 7:00pm – 8:00pm

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 Director of American Library Association, will join her in conversation.

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 for the webinar here.

Memories of the Great Depression

Library Meeting Rooms, Thursday, May 25, 2023 at 6:30pm

The Story of an America that no longer exists. What was it like to live in America 90 years ago? Have you ever needed to use an outhouse at two in the morning? Bathed in a corrugated metal tub with water heated on a wood-burning stove? Read at night by kerosene lamp? Author John Donald O’Shea has collected stories from across the United States about these times and will share them with you.

John Donald O’Shea is a retired Circuit Judge. He has been active in community theater for over 50 years, as an actor, singer, and director. He writes op eds for three Quad City newspapers. He is currently working on his third book about the Great Depression.

Secrets of the Puzzle Master: A Conversation with Will Shortz

Online Program, Tuesday, April 25, 2023 from 7:00pm – 9:00pm

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 the founder and director of the American Crossword Puzzle Tournament, held annually for more than 40 years. Through his championing of puzzles Will has earned admiring fans from all over the world.

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.

Register for the webinar here.

Danny Trejo Talks Tacos, Hollywood, and Redemption

Online Program, Tuesday, April 4, 2023 from 7:00pm – 8:00pm

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 restaurant ventures, Trejo’s name, face, and achievements are well recognized in Hollywood and beyond, but it is his continuous role as a devoted father of three and an intervention counselor that bring him the most satisfaction.

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 for the webinar here.

Rooting Out Poverty Book Club

Gold Meeting Room, Wednesday, March 22, 2023 from 6:30pm – 7:30pm

Join us this evening to discuss our March book club pick,  “The Savvy Ally” by Jeannie Gainsburg. Bring your thoughts and questions about the book, or feel free to join us even if you haven’t read it!

https://www.savvyallyaction.com/

The Weird & Wonderful World with Mary Roach

Online Program, Wednesday, March 1, 2023 from 7:00pm – 8:00pm

Experience an entertaining and hilarious evening with New York Times bestselling science author, Mary Roach. She will discuss her frank approach to science, the importance of humor, and explore the weird, wonderful world in which we live.

Dubbed “America’s funniest science writer” by the Washington Post, Roach has explored topics from the curious lives of human cadavers, packing to visit space, the afterlife, the alimentary canal, and more. Roach claims to have no hobbies, but enjoys bird-watching, hiking, playing scrabble, and watching late-night Animal Planet.

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. 

Register here for the Zoom webinar.

Join a Library Book Club

We’ve got options – join whichever interests you the most. Cant’ decide? Join multiple!

Book ’em – Mystery Book Club

A mystery book discussion group that meets the third Tuesday of each month at 1:00pm.  Books are provided on a first-come, first-served basis, and can be picked up at the Information Desk on the second floor. Come pick up a copy and start sleuthing today! 

Book ’em Reading List

A Novel Naptime – A Book Club for Parents with Young Children

Do you have young kids and can’t seem to find the time to get away for a fulfilling book group? Come join us for A Novel Naptime, our popular materials book group for parents – where kids preschool age and under are welcome! We will meet the third Wednesday of every month at 10:30am for a discussion. Toys and activities will be available for the kids. Don’t worry, we fully expect there to be crying and interruptions while we meet, and that’s ok! Pick up a copy of the book at the Information Desk.

A Novel Naptime Reading List

Pageturners – Popular, Contemporary Book Club

A contemporary fiction and nonfiction book discussion group that meets the first Tuesday of each month at 1:00pm.  Books are provided on a first-come, first-served basis, and can be picked up at the Information Desk on the second floor.  Or find any copy and join us!  

Pageturners Reading List

Rooting Out Poverty Book Club – Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Book Club

The Rooting Out Poverty discussion group, in partnership with Project Now, meets the fourth Wednesday of each month at 6:30pm. Book discussions alternate with community forum discussions every other month – read and discuss the book one month and then next month do a deeper dive into the issues addressed in the book at the forum discussion before moving on to a new book and topic the month after that. Book choices will be focused on social justice and equality issues involving housing, economics, education, healthcare and the justice system.  

Rooting Out Poverty Reading List

Saying Yes to Your Story: A Conversation with Kwame Alexander

Online Program, Wednesday, February 8, 2023 from 7:00pm – 8:00pm

Join us for an evening of inspiration and conversation with bestselling and award-winning children’s and young adult author and poet, Kwame Alexander. He is the author of Newbery Award winning book, The Crossover, Newbery Honor/Caldecott Medal winning book, The Undefeated, The Door of No Return, An American Story, and many more. This Illinois Libraries Present event is for people of all ages.

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.

Register here for this Zoom webinar.