These events are made possible by Illinois Libraries Present, a statewide collaboration between public libraries offering high-quality events. Illinois Libraries Present is committed to inclusion and accessibility. To request accommodations, please email illinoislibrariespresent[at]gmail.com.
Funding for this grant was 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).
Inside the Empire of AI with Karen Hao
Thursday, September 17, 7-8 pm
Join a timely conversation with Karen Hao, award-winning journalist and author of Empire of AI. In this virtual event, Hao will explore the rapid rise of artificial intelligence, the social, political, and ethical questions surrounding AI development today, and the questions posed in her work – Will AI produce broad-based societal benefit for all? Or return us to an age of empire? The path forward is in our hands. Whether you’re excited about AI, cautious about it, or just trying to understand the hype, this event offers an accessible look at one of today’s biggest technological shifts.
Preserving History with Geoffrey Baer
Tuesday, October 20, 7-8 pm
Tag along for a special conversation with Geoffrey Baer, beloved Chicago historian, storyteller, and host of numerous PBS programs exploring the architecture, history, and hidden stories of the city and surrounding region. Known for bringing local history to life, Baer has helped audiences connect more deeply with the places and communities around them.
Perfect for librarians, archivists, educators, history lovers, and lifelong learners, this event offers an engaging look at the people, places, and stories that define Chicago. Whether you’re passionate about local history or simply curious about the stories hidden in your own community, you’ll leave with a renewed appreciation for the power of preserving and sharing the past.
Words, Power, and Community with Dr. Eve L. Ewing
Thursday, November 12, 7-8 pm
Engage in an important and thoughtful conversation with Dr. Eve L. Ewing, acclaimed author, educator, poet, and cultural organizer whose work explores race, education, identity, and community. Through writing that blends scholarship, storytelling, and activism, Dr. Ewing has become one of today’s most influential public voices on culture and education.
Explore the power of language and storytelling as Dr. Ewing reflects on how words shape public memory, challenge systems of inequality, and help communities imagine new futures. From classrooms and libraries to poetry and popular culture, this conversation will consider the many ways stories influence how we see ourselves and one another.
Perfect for librarians, educators, students, writers, and readers alike, this event invites attendees to think critically about the role of literature, learning, and community in times of change. Whether you are familiar with Dr. Ewing’s work or discovering it for the first time, this conversation promises insight, inspiration, and meaningful discussion.