Community Calendar

Even More Jerks in Chicago History: 1945 – 2000

Join us for this last of three presentations on Jerks in Chicago History where we learn about the actions of even more thieves, murderers, jerks, and mobsters in Chicago. We look at the lives of scoundrels who "prospered" in the latter half of the 20th Century. Some were politicians, some were law enforcement officers, and some were respected business entrepreneurs. Whatever their role, they resorted to their dark side and added to the list of badly behaved characters who shaped the history of the Windy City. And we'll also learn about Illinois politicians who get honorable mention for their corruption and illegal activity.

One 90 minute presentation, w/video - presented by Brad Keyes

In the spring of 1950, Agatha Christie accompanied her husband, archeologist Max Mallowan to Iraq and the ancient city of Nimrud. Join Debra Miller as Agatha Christie as she reminisces about her childhood, her life as a writer and adventurer.

This program is offered in partnership with the Cary Area Public Library and Algonquin Area Public Library and will be held at the Cary Library. Registration is open now. Free to attend.

Jane Austen visits you from the autumn of 1815. Her first three novels, Sense and Sensibility, Pride and Prejudice and Mansfield Park are published, and Emma is complete. Jane visits with you at this, the most vibrant and hopeful time of her life. Drawing from her letters, juvenilia, and novels, this 45-minute performance delves into the personal life of one of the most beloved and intriguing novelists of the 19th century.

By the end of the presentation, the audience will know more about Miss Jane Austen the woman, as well as the author. The presentation is followed by a Q&A and photo opportunities.

This event is sponsored by the Friends of the Library. Registration is not required. All ages are welcome.

For more information, please contact Susan at susang@dkpl.org or (815) 756-9568 ext. 2114.

Local author Kathy Spaltro joins us to discuss her new biography, Ethel Barrymore: Shy Empress of the Footlights. Spaltro offers a nuanced portrait of one of America’s most iconic performers, tracing her career from the Gilded Age stage to the Golden Age of Hollywood.
Don't miss this insightful conversation between Kathy and interviewer Matt Sullivan. Free to attend. Please register in advance.

Academy Award winning actress and humanitarian Mira Sorvino has built a remarkable career in both film and human rights advocacy. In "From Harvard to Hollywood," Mira takes audiences behind the scenes of her journey, from a Harvard graduate researching racial conflict in China to an Oscar-winning actress using her platform for change.

She shares her experiences overcoming self-doubt and loss, and how they led her to become a global voice against human trafficking and sexual violence. As a United Nations Goodwill Ambassador, Mira has testified before Congress, addressed the U.N. General Assembly, and helped inspire legislative reform to protect victims worldwide.

With warmth and candor, she reflects on her Hollywood career, her humanitarian work, and her most meaningful role, being a mother of four. Join us for an inspiring evening with a woman whose courage and compassion continue to make a difference.

Michael Rehberg of Black Point Estate will introduce us to the six beer barons of nearby Lake Geneva, Wisconsin and the four major brewers in Milwaukee. Plus, learn the differences between ale and lager beer, the basics of brewing beer in the 19th century, and the brewers’ response to prohibition.

Sarah Taylor from the Colonel Palmer House will teach the fascinating history of the origins of ink and papermaking, presenting the models and meanings behind ancient and modern texts, origins of fonts, and popular time-period written works. Plus, attendees will have hands-on practice with ink-making with natural materials and create a quill-written monogram.
Free to attend, but advance registration is required.

ChatGPT and other artificial intelligence products have seemingly arisen from nowhere and are taking the world by storm. Michael Gershbein of VSP Chicago will share the most-discussed AI technology and speculate on the future implications of AI on the workplace and society. Free to attend, but advance registration is required.

Celebrate National Library Week with an author panel you won't want to miss. Join us for a lively and laughter-filled evening with a dynamic panel discussion featuring fiction authors Christina Clancy, Sonali Dev, Nancy Johnson, Sara Maurer, and Rachel Swearingen.

From inspiration and the writing process to what’s next on their creative journeys, this roundtable promises sharp insights, candid moments, and plenty of humor.

Read Between the Lynes will have books available for purchase and signing.

Event will be held in the Luecht Auditorium at McHenry County College. Free tickets are available from your local McHenry County library.

Join us for a special literary event featuring beloved authors Jane Hamilton and Elizabeth Berg, two master storytellers known for their deeply human characters, emotional insight, and beautifully crafted prose. Both writers illuminate the extraordinary in everyday life, exploring love, loss, resilience, and the quiet triumphs that shape us.

In conversation, Hamilton and Berg will reflect on their shared Midwestern roots, their approaches to character and voice, and offer sneak previews on what comes next.

Read Between the Lynes will have books available for purchase and signing. Event will be held at the Leucht Auditorium at McHenry County College. Tickets are available from your local McHenry County library.