Community Calendar

Join us as we celebrate the diverse and talented authors of McHenry County. Local authors will be on hand to display and discuss their latest work. Whether you’re a book lover, aspiring author, or simply curious about the literary scene in McHenry County, this is an event you won’t want to miss! A list of participating authors with be available starting March 4 on our website.
Date: Saturday/March 21
Time: 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.

Are you a local author? Would you like an exhibit table at our Local Author Showcase? If you live in Woodstock, McHenry County, have a close connection to the community, or have books set in McHenry County, consider being part of our Local Author Showcase. Self-published authors welcome. Contact katieb@woodstockil.info or carriez@woodstockil.info for an application and more information. Deadline to register is February 27.

A book talk and q&a with author Cynthia Taines to celebrate the release of her book, "The Metropolitan Community: Partnering for Equality Across the Educational Divide."

"The Metropolitan Community" tells the story of two Chicago-area schools—one suburban, one urban—whose students come together to examine the disparities between their schools and advocate for change. It follows these students over a year as they meet, tour each other’s schools, wrestle with how to discuss unfairness, and fight together for a more equal education. Through the examples set by students, readers are invited to develop their own “metro outlook,” to see how our seemingly separate worlds are connected by the educational system we hold in common, and must work together to reshape.

All educators, community-members, students, staff, and faculty are invited to attend! Cookies and drinks will be provided.

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.