Programs
Programs are free and open to all, regardless of home library.
Understanding Gender-Expansive Youth
Vernon Area Public Library
Confused about the growing list of genders? What is the etiquette of pronouns? How does Generation Z look at the gender spectrum differently? How can communities support transgender athletes? This presentation answers your questions about gender-expansive youth and the distinctions between gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, and sex assigned at birth. Heather McCammond-Watts (she/her) is a local children's librarian and a self-proclaimed mama dragon to two transgender kiddos (now 20-something adults). Learn to be an effective LGBTQIA+ ally and find books and resources that illuminate the queer community's perspectives and experiences.
Vernon Area Public Library
Confused about the growing list of genders? What is the etiquette of pronouns? How does Generation Z look at the gender spectrum differently? How can communities support transgender athletes? This presentation answers your questions about gender-expansive youth and the distinctions between gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, and sex assigned at birth. Heather McCammond-Watts (she/her) is a local children's librarian and a self-proclaimed mama dragon to two transgender kiddos (now 20-something adults). Learn to be an effective LGBTQIA+ ally and find books and resources that illuminate the queer community's perspectives and experiences.
Nonbinary Identities 101
Indian Trails Public Library
Performer and educator Charlie Baker discusses the basics of nonbinary identities, including the gender spectrum, pronouns and their uses and misgendering.
Indian Trails Public Library
Performer and educator Charlie Baker discusses the basics of nonbinary identities, including the gender spectrum, pronouns and their uses and misgendering.
Making Change: LGBTQ Activism Since the 1950s
Cook Memorial Public Library
The change that has taken place in the United States since the 1950s around LGBTQ issues has been enormous. From criminalization, religious condemnation, psychiatric illness diagnosis, and the need to live completely “in the closet,” we have moved to a time of visibility, decriminalization, marriage equality, and much more. Join us for an overview of the activism that has propelled this change, while also acknowledging the work that remains to be done. Presenter John D'Emilio is a pioneer in the field of LGBTQ history and the history of sexuality. He has written or edited almost a dozen books, including Intimate Matters: A History of Sexuality in America, and Queer Legacies: Stories from Chicago's LGBTQ Archives.
Cook Memorial Public Library
The change that has taken place in the United States since the 1950s around LGBTQ issues has been enormous. From criminalization, religious condemnation, psychiatric illness diagnosis, and the need to live completely “in the closet,” we have moved to a time of visibility, decriminalization, marriage equality, and much more. Join us for an overview of the activism that has propelled this change, while also acknowledging the work that remains to be done. Presenter John D'Emilio is a pioneer in the field of LGBTQ history and the history of sexuality. He has written or edited almost a dozen books, including Intimate Matters: A History of Sexuality in America, and Queer Legacies: Stories from Chicago's LGBTQ Archives.
Reel Talk: The True Adventures of Wolfboy
Friday, February 18, 3:30–4:30 pm
Online • Vernon Area Public Library
A coming-of-age journey about a boy with an illness that causes hair growth over the entirety of his face and body. After a disastrous carnival experience, he goes in search of his mother, who abandoned him at birth. In the wilds of New Jersey he finds fast friends, but is pursued by an enigmatic carnival owner and a police officer enlisted by his father. Hailed as "something precious, valuable, and rare" by RogerEbert.com reviewer Roxana Hadadi. Nominated for the 2021 GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding Film (Limited Release), it is screenwriter Olivia Dufault's first feature film, inspired by her own experiences as a trans woman.
Friday, February 18, 3:30–4:30 pm
Online • Vernon Area Public Library
A coming-of-age journey about a boy with an illness that causes hair growth over the entirety of his face and body. After a disastrous carnival experience, he goes in search of his mother, who abandoned him at birth. In the wilds of New Jersey he finds fast friends, but is pursued by an enigmatic carnival owner and a police officer enlisted by his father. Hailed as "something precious, valuable, and rare" by RogerEbert.com reviewer Roxana Hadadi. Nominated for the 2021 GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding Film (Limited Release), it is screenwriter Olivia Dufault's first feature film, inspired by her own experiences as a trans woman.
Myths and Storytelling: Their Reflections in Our Lives
Monday, February 21, 7–8 pm
Online • Indian Trails Public Library
Just as our lives influence the stories we tell, stories can also shape our lives. Join folklorist and queer theory expert Ben Aldred as they discuss the impact myths and storytelling have on us.
Monday, February 21, 7–8 pm
Online • Indian Trails Public Library
Just as our lives influence the stories we tell, stories can also shape our lives. Join folklorist and queer theory expert Ben Aldred as they discuss the impact myths and storytelling have on us.
Book Discussions
Discuss this year's selection, This Is How It Always Is by Laurie Frankel. Book discussions are free and open to all, regardless of home library.
Cook Memorial Public Library
Indian Trails Public Library
Vernon Area Public Library
Indian Trails Public Library
- Tuesday, January 11, 10:30–11:30 am • Online
- Thursday, January 13, 10:30–11:30 am • Online
- Thursday, February 3, 7–8 pm • Online • REGISTER
Vernon Area Public Library
Author Visit: Laurie FrankelSaturday, February 26, 1–2 pm
In-person or online Stevenson High School West Auditorium, 1 Stevenson Dr., Lincolnshire Laurie Frankel talks about the inspiration behind our One Book, One Community read, This Is How It Always Is. Her books will be available for purchase courtesy of the Book Bin of Northbrook. The event is free and open to all. Registration is required. Please register for one event type only: in-person or online. |