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One Book, One Community author to join online discussion

An online event with acclaimed author Jacqueline Woodson, a National Book Award winner and 2020 MacArthur fellow, caps off the "One Book, One Community" series, an annual three-month, three-library offering.

More than 500 people have registered to attend the event, which will take place at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 18.

Each winter for the past five years, Cook Memorial, Indian Trails and Vernon Area public libraries have encouraged readers from the North Chicago suburbs to come together around a single book.

To accomplish this, the libraries inject hundreds of copies of the selected book into the area through giveaways and print, audiobook and e-book checkouts.

This year's pick is "Red at the Bone" by Jacqueline Woodson. It was selected by the partnering libraries not only because it tells a compelling story, but because it touches on themes that are timely and important.

The novel examines the influence of history and community on the experiences, decisions and relationships of the members of two Black families who are brought together by a teen pregnancy.

Each library offers complementary public programs that touch on the themes, characters and settings featured in the book. Programs typically include book discussions, film screenings, lectures and performances. All programs are free and available to the public; no library card required.

Upcoming events include discussions of "Red at the Bone" at 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 3, and 1 p.m. Thursday, March 4, hosted by the Cook Memorial Library; and "Reading Stories from Black Voices," with Chicago's storied Black-owned, Black-focused Semicolon Bookstore at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 4, hosted by the Vernon Area Library. Register at 1book.org.

The March 18 event with the featured author provides the grand finale. Woodson will speak to the viewing audience about her work and its role in the world today. Tickets are required and are available at 1book.org.

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