Season 5 Events
(September 2025 - May 2026)
|
Finding the Clues: Then and Now with Steve Burns
Tuesday, September 16 at 7 PM CST
Join Illinois Libraries Present for a nostalgic and intimate hour-long conversation with Emmy-nominated actor Steve Burns, best known as ‘Steve’ from the beloved Nickelodeon show Blue’s Clues.
Beyond the iconic blue paw print and memorable striped green shirt, Burns has built a unique career in entertainment, encompassing acting, directing, music, and, new this fall, a podcast which “listens back” - Alive with Steve Burns.
This special interview offers a closer look at Burn’s journey, from the early fame of Blue’s Clues to his personal growth and creative evolution. Arionne Nettles, a Chicago based storyteller and cultural reporter, will join Steve in conversation.
|
|
|
|
Beyond the Screen: A "Wicked" Conversation with Marissa Bode
Tuesday, October 21 at 7 PM CST
Prepare for a magical evening as Illinois Libraries Present welcomes actress Marissa Bode. Bode made her feature film debut as Nessarose in Academy Award-winning blockbuster, Wicked, directed by Jon M. Chu.
Join us to explore Bode’s early inspirations and performances, leading up to her portrayal of Nessarose in Wicked. As the highly anticipated sequel Wicked: For Good approaches, we’ll reflect on what makes the story so meaningful to Bode and audiences around the world. Bode will also share personal stories and insights from her time on stage, the challenges and rewards of being part of an iconic production, and what the future holds for her career.
|
|
Kenji López-Alt: A Journey Through Food and Science
Tuesday, November 18 at 7 PM CST
Join award-winning cookbook author, New York Times food columnist, and Serious Eats director J. Kenji López-Alt for an evening of cooking insights, techniques, and foodie exploration.
As the Culinary Director for Serious Eats, Kenji is known and loved for his thoroughly-tested and explained recipes and food features. His James Beard Award-winning cookbook The Food Lab uses evidence-based testing to show you the best ways to cook things. A former chef and restaurant worker, Kenji is also the author of The Wok, a best-selling children's book, Every Night is Pizza Night, and co-hosts ‘The Recipe with Kenji and Deb,’ a podcast that helps you discover your own perfect recipes with his friend Deb Perelman of Smitten Kitchen.
On YouTube, Kenji’s Cooking Show celebrates that food’s main goal is pleasure and inspires home cooks to take their food where they want it to go! When he’s not cooking or writing, Kenji enjoys spending time with his family, playing music and exploring Seattle. |
|
|
|
Bringing History to Life with Jonathan Eig
Tuesday, January 13 at 7 PM CST
Event description coming soon!
|
|
Still Afraid of the Dark: An Evening with R.L. Stine
Tuesday, February 24 at 7 PM CST
Event description coming soon!
|
|
|
|
Beyond the Page with Percival Everett
Thursday, March 19 at 7 PM CST
Event description coming soon!
|
|
Cristina Henríquez: Voice, Culture, and Human Connection
Thursday, April 16 at 7 PM CST
Event description coming soon!
|
|
|
|
Babel-On with R.F. Kuang
Tuesday, May 19 at 7 PM CST
Event description coming soon!
|
Illinois Libraries Present (ILP) is a Member based initiative of the Illinois Library Association and a statewide collaboration among public libraries offering premier events. Thank you to our state partners for the continuous support.
Partial funding for this season is supported by a grant, awarded by the Illinois State Library, a Department of the 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).
ASL Interpreting Services are made possible by the support of Illinois Heartland Library System (IHLS) and Reaching Across Illinois Library System (RAILS).
iREAD Summer Reading Programs
Latest Library JobLine Listings
