Illinois Libraries Present

The following events are made possible by Illinois Libraries Present, a statewide collaboration between public libraries which offers high-quality events for member libraries of all sizes and budgets.
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Slowing Down with Amy Tan
Wednesday, February 19  @ 7 PM on Zoom

National Humanities Medal winner and bestselling author of The Joy Luck Club, Amy Tan joins us to share on her body of work and reflect on the wonder of slowing down and savoring the quiet moments.

Register

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Coming Soon!

 

Exploring Space with Coralie Adam
Tuesday, March 4 @ 7 PM on Zoom

9to5: The Story of a Movement
Watch On Demand Friday, March 21 - Sunday, March 23

The Art of Foraging with Alexis Nikole Nelson
Thursday, April 10 @ 7 PM

Art and Adventures with Author/Illustrator Dan Santat
Saturday, May 3 @ 2 PM

Poverty: A Discussion with Matthew Desmond
Tuesday, May 15 @ 7 PM

 

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Past Speakers

Season 4

  • James McBride (February 2025)
  • Michelle Buttau (January 2025)
  • Steve Dolinsky (January 2025)
  • Little Women: The Musical (December 2024)
  • Raina Telgemeier (December 2024)
  • Art Smith (November 2024)
  • Jason Reynolds (October 2024)
  • Erika Sánchez (October 2024)

Previous Seasons

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About Illinois Libraries Present

Illinois Libraries Present is a statewide collaboration among public libraries offering high-quality events. Illinois Libraries Present 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).

Illinois Libraries Present consists of over 200 public libraries across the state who have joined together to provide high-quality online events at equitable prices for member libraries of all sizes and budgets. It connects communities and audiences across the state through shared event experiences. 

Goals:

  • To provide high-quality, high-profile events that highlight national names and social justice/DEI issues, that would otherwise be cost-prohibitive for single libraries to hold on their own.

  • To reduce costs and maximize reach by taking advantage of both virtual event platforms and the collective buying power of Illinois public libraries.

  • To allow access to all libraries as equitably as possible, by aligning each library’s cost to participate with the size of their operating budget.

  • To define clear and distinct roles among Illinois Libraries Present committees and the participating libraries, including patron contact points, marketing, invoicing, etc.