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Programs

Finale Event with Author ​Ann Napolitano

Picture
​Sunday, March 1, 1-2 pm • In-Person or Zoom
Stevenson High School
1 Stevenson Drive, Lincolnshire
Celebrate the culmination of One Book One Community's 10th anniversary with novelist Ann Napolitano as she shares her inspiration and insights behind this year's selection, Hello Beautiful. Don't miss your chance to purchase a copy and have it signed at the event, courtesy of the Book Bin of Northbrook. 

The event is free and open to all. Registration is required to attend in-person or online.
Attend in-person

Upcoming Events

Sign up for programs beginning December 7.
Kickoff
Sunday, December 7 • All libraries
​No signup required. Stop by a library kickoff event in celebration of this year’s One Book, One Community series and pick up a complimentary copy of Hello Beautiful while supplies last. One copy per household. Additional copies are available for checkout. 
  • Cook Memorial Library: 12–2 pm • Details 🔗
  • Indian Trails Public Library: 12–2 pm • Details 🔗
  • Vernon Area Public Library: 1–2 pm • Details 🔗
Thank you to our sponsors, Friends of the Cook Memorial Public Library District, Foundation for the Indian Trails Library District, and Foundation for the Vernon Area Public Library District.
Tiny Portrait Art Show • ages 10–adult
Supply pickup begins December 7 • All libraries
Be inspired by the cover of Hello Beautiful and create a portrait of anyone you choose for the Tiny Portrait Art Show at your library. Pick up your supply kit and instructions at your home library and return your artwork to the library by January 11, 2026. The Tiny Portrait Art Show Exhibit will be on display at each library during February 2026. 
What We Talk About When We Talk About Art 
Tuesday, January 20, 2–3 pm • Indian Trails Library
Urbanologist Max Grinnell explores how public art shapes cities, fosters community, and enhances public spaces, with a special focus on Chicago’s Pilsen murals. ​
Paint with Paper: A Portrait Collage Workshop
Wednesday, January 21, 4–6 pm or 6:30–8:30 pm • Vernon Area Library
Thursday, January 29, 6:30–8:30 pm • Vernon Area Library

Create vibrant portraits using only paper–no paint required! Explore how color, shape, and texture convey intensity and emotion. ​
The Murals of Pilsen
Thursday, January 22, 2–3 pm • In-Person & Online • Aspen Drive Library
Explore the vibrant murals of Pilsen, the Midwest’s mural capital. Longtime guide and resident Luis Tubens shares insight into the artwork's political and socio-economic significance.​
A Conversation About Men's Mental Health
Wednesday, February 11, 7–8 pm • Indian Trails Library
Discuss the nuances of men’s mental health, including deepening depression, reluctance to disclose issues, suffering in silence, and the impact of societal expectations with licensed clinical counselor Eric Cline and Teri Latter of NAMI Illinois.​
Healing and Preventing Sports Injuries
Thursday, February 12, 7–8 pm • In-Person & Online • Cook Park Library
Learn how to prevent and care for sports injuries with Dr. Michael Hartlett of Integral Medical and Rehabilitation.​
Family Create a Mural
Saturday, February 14, 10–11 am • Aspen Drive Library
Get a brief history of murals, take a peek at murals around the world (specifically Chicago-area murals), and get a chance to create your own.
Write Your Life Lessons & Legacies
Sunday, February 15, 1–2:30 pm • Vernon Area Library
Communicate and preserve your values, stories, wisdom, and blessings for future generations through thoughtful and insightful writing exercises led by facilitator Jennifer Dotson.​

Book Discussions

Tuesday, January 13, 10:30–11:30 am
Indian Trails Library 

Thursday, January 15, 10–11 am
Cook Park Library

Tuesday, January 20, 7–8 pm
Vernon Area Library 

Tuesday, January 27, 10:30-11:30 am
Indian Trails Library 

Tuesday, February 3, 7–8 pm
Aspen Drive Library

Thursday, February 12, 10–11:30 am
Vernon Area Library
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Monday, February 16, 7–8 pm

Indian Trails Library

Thursday, February 19, 7–8 pm
Cook Park Library

Wednesday, February 25, 2–3 pm
Vernon Area Library

About

One Book One Community is a partnership among Cook Memorial, Indian Trails, and Vernon Area public library districts to encourage dialogue and build community through a shared experience of literature. Events and resources are free and open to all, regardless of home library.

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  • Book & Author
  • Programs
  • Resources
  • About