Author Events
Chills & Thrills with Stephen Graham Jones
Wednesday, October 4 at 7 p.m. CST
Stephen Graham Jones is the New York Times bestselling author of The Only Good Indians and Don’t Fear the Reaper. He has been an NEA fellowship recipient and been recipient of several 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. She trains library staff all over the world on how to match books with readers through the 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.
Food, Family, and Folktales: A Conversation with Grace Lin
Oct 17, 2023 07:00 PM
Join Newbery and Caldecott honoree and New York Times bestselling Grace Lin for an engaging conversation about her journey to become an award-winning author and illustrator. Learn about her 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 your 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 going to her elementary school in Upstate NY. 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 podcasts kidlitwomen. In 2016, Grace’s art was displayed at the White House and Grace, herself, was recognized by President Obama as a Champion of Change for Asian American and Pacific Islander Art and Storytelling.
A Taste of Love with Maya-Camille Broussard
Nov 8, 2023 07:00 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.
Surviving the Holidays with Lori Gottlieb
Dec 6, 2023 07:00 PM
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 in anticipation of the winter holiday season. Gottlieb will share 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 over a million copies and is currently being adapted into a television series. In addition to her clinical practice, she is co-host 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.
These events are 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