‘Culpability’ book pick sparks AI discussions at Arlington Heights library

For 13 years, librarians at the Arlington Heights Memorial Library have picked a book and asked the community to read and discuss it together.

Their One Book, One Village choice this year — a novel about a family confronting tragedy in a world increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence — is perhaps as timely as ever.

“Culpability” by Bruce Holsinger — also a 2025 Oprah’s Book Club Pick — centers on a family drama that ensues after their AI-powered self-driving minivan is involved in a fatal accident.

The gripping contemporary narrative explores guilt, responsibility and the ethical questions surrounding AI, according to Sherri Tader, the library’s info services advisory coordinator.

A 17-person selection committee representing six departments at the library spent months reading, reviewing and deliberating 40 titles before choosing “Culpability.” It is available in regular print, large print, e-book and e-audio at the library, Arlington Heights Senior Center and Bookmobile.

“At its heart, ‘Culpability’ asks what it truly means to be responsible for one another in an era of instant judgment,” Tader said. “It invites readers to grapple with empathy, accountability and the possibility of healing. Reading and discussing this novel together offers a powerful opportunity for our community to reflect on how we listen, how we respond under pressure and how we might move forward with greater understanding.”

Library officials have planned dozens of free programs, book discussions and outreach events throughout October and November related to the novel and topic of AI.

“Thankfully, AI can’t do programs yet,” quipped Neal Parker, the library’s programs and exhibits specialist.

Among the planned events, both in person and virtual:

• Northwest Suburban High School District 214 officials will shed light on the integration of AI in the local schools and discuss its benefits and limitations on Oct. 20.

• Dann & Raymond’s Movie Club returns Oct. 22 with former Daily Herald film critic Dann Gire and novelist/film historian Raymond Benson for a review of the roles AI has played and increasingly plays in film.

• Hands-on activities include learning how to use Canva AI and laser cutters to etch your own personal glassware (Oct. 25 at the library’s Makerplace branch), and how to use generative AI to write effective prompts (Nov. 6 at the Arlington Heights Senior Center).

• A panel of library and publishing professionals will talk about the rise of AI-generated books and what it means for the future of reading, writing and publishing on Nov. 5.

• An expert will discuss the rapid growth of data centers and their impact on the environment on Nov. 10.

• Then, to unplug from screens and connect with others, the library is hosting an “Analog Day” on Nov. 15 that promises crafts, coloring, games and spinning vinyl records.

• It all culminates Dec. 1 with an author visit, discussion and book signing. Holsinger — editor of the New Literary History journal, an English professor at the University of Virginia and a Guggenheim fellow — will be joined in conversation by journalist and WBEZ radio host Sasha-Ann Simons from 7-8:30 p.m. at the Forest View Educational Center, 2121 S. Goebbert Road. Registration is now open for library cardholders, and opens to the general public Oct. 15 as space allows. The discussion will be livestreamed on the library’s YouTube channel.

“This is going to be a can’t-miss event. Truly significant timing, perfect timing,” Parker said. “We really see this as a way to dig deep and explore some of the issues that some of our community is looking to find answers to or discuss more about.”

For a complete list of programs and to register, visit ahml.info/one-book.