Illinois Libraries Present (ILP) kicks off a brand new season Wednesday, September 6, 7-8 p.m. on Zoom, with two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning author Colson Whitehead. The #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Underground Railroad, The Nickel Boys, Harlem Shuffle and the recently released Crook Manifesto, is the first in a series of distinguished authors and speakers who will headline ILP's lineup through May of 2024.
The Arlington Heights Memorial Library is proud to be a co-founding member of ILP, an award-winning, statewide collaborative that began in 2021. ILP delivers premier virtual events and connects communities and audiences across Illinois. ILP events cover a variety of topics and genres and are presented on Zoom. Many are recorded and made available for viewing for limited time following the event broadening the reach and impact of these experiences.
Illinois Libraries Present was recently named the winner of the Hugh C. Atkinson Memorial Award for Interlibrary Cooperation from the Illinois Library Association (ILA). This distinguished award recognizes interlibrary cooperation and collaboration stating:
Illinois Libraries Present (ILP) is a collaboration amongst Illinois public libraries that provides high interest, virtual adult and children’s programming to patrons statewide. This initiative was started in 2021 and utilizes virtual programming lessons learned during the pandemic, while exemplifying library ideals of resource sharing. By bringing together public library resources, ILP offers programs and access to presenters that would otherwise be difficult for just one library. ILP levels the playing field by bringing all public libraries the opportunity and affordability to join their initiative and open conversations and experiences statewide. To date, it has brought together more than 200 public libraries across the state.
Be a part of this award-winning experience and reserve your spot at these upcoming ILP events:
The Power of Story with Colson Whitehead
Wednesday, September 6, 7-8 p.m. / Zoom
Join us for an evening with two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning author Colson Whitehead. The #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Underground Railroad, The Nickel Boys, Harlem Shuffle and the recently released Crook Manifesto, Whitehead is only the fourth writer to win two Pulitzers in the Fiction category.
Whitehead will be joined in conversation with award-winning author Tochi Onyebuchi. REGISTER
Chills & Thrills with Stephen Graham Jones
Wednesday, October 4, 7-8 p.m. / Zoom
Stephen Graham Jones is the New York Times bestselling author of The Only Good Indians and Don’t Fear the Reaper. He has been a National Endowment of the Arts Fellow and has been the recipient of several awards including the Ray Bradbury Award, the Bram Stoker Award and the Alex Award from the American Library Association.
Illinois Librarian and Readers’ Advisor Becky Spratford will join Graham in conversation. Spratford trains staff all over the world on how to match books with readers through the local public library and is the author of The Readers' Advisory Guide to Horror. REGISTER
Food, Family, and Folktales: A Conversation with Grace Lin
Tuesday, October 17, 7-8 p.m. / Zoom
Join Newberry and Caldecott honoree and New York Times bestselling illustrator Grace Lin to learn more about her journey to becoming an award-winning illustrator. Discuss her latest middle grade book, Chinese Menu: The History, Myths, and Legends Behind Your Favorite Foods and learn how you can draw your own stories.
Evanston Public Library children’s librarian Brian E. Wilson joins Lin in conversation. For middle schoolers and up. REGISTER
A Taste of Love with Maya-Camille Broussard of Justice of the Pies
Wednesday, November 8, 7-8 p.m. / Zoom
Join Maya-Camille Broussard, star of Netflix’s Bake Squad, owner of Chicago based Justice of the Pies, and cookbook author, for a demo from her kitchen. Just in time for Thanksgiving, Chef Maya-Camille will share her love of pie, stories of those that inspired her, and tips and tricks to help you make the perfect pie. REGISTER
Surviving the Holidays with Lori Gottlieb
Wednesday, December 6, 7-8 p.m. / Zoom
Lori Gottlieb, New York Times bestselling author of Maybe You Should Talk to Someone, and co-host of the “Dear Therapists” podcast, joins us for a thought-provoking conversation about mental health. Gottlieb will share tools to help in everyday life and especially as you prepare for the winter holidays season. REGISTER
Illinois Libraries Present (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.