Arlington Heights One Book, One Village author chat fills up quickly

A big crowd is expected next week in Arlington Heights when the author of this year's One Book, One Village selection talks about his novel, which delves into the ever-increasing reach of technology and social media.

Dave Eggers will discuss his book "The Circle," along with his work as a writer, editor, publisher and philanthropist, during an Arlington Heights Memorial Library event from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 12, at the Forest View Auditorium, 2121 S. Goebbert Road.

With some 380 people already registered and another 90 people on a waiting list, the author chat is expected to be the largest in the four-year history of the community reading program.

Library officials decided to host the discussion with Eggers at Forest View because the venue has more seating. Those on the waiting list will be able to watch via livestream in an overflow room. Eggers will be interviewed on stage by Information Services Supervisor Pam Schwarting. An audience Q&A and book signing will follow.

"The Circle," published in 2013, is the fictional story of a young woman who goes to work for the world's most powerful internet company. A film based on the book starring Emma Watson and Tom Hanks was released this year.

"As most good reads, along the way you're going to meet some interesting characters, encounter some surprising plot twists and face the types of challenges that each of us wrestle with daily concerning the impact of technology and social media on our lives and relationships," said Mary Hastings, the library's communications and marketing manager. "This is really a compelling story of today."

There are copies available for checkout at the library, senior center, on the bookmobile and as an e-book. Copies are available in English, Spanish, Polish, Japanese and Chinese.

In addition to traditional book discussions, the library started its first online book group on Facebook for readers to talk about "The Circle."

Last week, it launched an interactive exhibit in the first floor library Marketplace inviting patrons to write, draw or doodle on iPads about how social media affects their lives.

"The idea behind One Book, One Village is to get everyone reading the same book at the same time and building community in Arlington Heights," Hastings said.

Eggers, who grew up in Lake Forest, returns to the Chicago area next week not only for the Arlington Heights event, but also to be presented with the Chicago Public Library's Carl Sandburg Literary Award.

Eggers is the author of 10 books and founder of McSweeney's, an independent publishing house in San Francisco that produces books, a quarterly journal and a monthly magazine.