Libraries' One Book, One Community series ends with author visit

Submitted by the Indian Trails Public Library

A grand finale event with author Laurie Frankel on Saturday, Feb. 26, will cap the sixth annual One Book, One Community series for hundreds of North suburban readers.

Each winter for the past six years, Cook Memorial, Indian Trails, and Vernon Area public libraries have encouraged readers in Buffalo Grove, Libertyville, Lincolnshire, Vernon Hills, Wheeling and surrounding communities to connect around a single book.

To accomplish this initiative, partnering libraries give hundreds of copies of the selected book to community members through giveaways and print, audiobook and e-book checkouts.

This year's selection is "This Is How It Always Is" by Laurie Frankel, a New York Times bestselling author of four novels that have been translated into 25 languages.

Taking inspiration from her own life, the author tells the story of a child's metamorphosis and the loving family who eventually helps her thrive. The book weaves themes of revelations, fairy tales, and the difficulty and beauty of change, while taking on timely and important questions about identity and the unpredictability of childhood and parenting.

From 1-2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 26, at Stevenson High School's West Auditorium, Frankel will speak about her work and its role in the world today. The event is free and open to all.

Both in-person and online attendance options are available. Tickets are required. For more information, visit 1book.org. Stevenson High School is at 1 Stevenson Drive, Lincolnshire.

The One Book, One Community series is intended to open dialogue and build community. By inviting participants to attend events hosted by any of the partners, the libraries encourage participants to discover their community as more than a single municipality or library district. Find related resources at 1book.org.

Cook Memorial Public Library District operates two full-service locations that serve 61,000 residents in Libertyville, Vernon Hills, Green Oaks and Mundelein.

Indian Trails Public Library District operates two locations that serve 65,500 residents in Wheeling, Buffalo Grove, Prospect Heights and Arlington Heights.

Vernon Area Public Library in Lincolnshire directly serves 44,000 residents and businesses in and around Lincolnshire, Long Grove, Buffalo Grove and Vernon Hills.