Northbrook Library Welcomes Acclaimed Chicagoland Sportswriter/ Author to Special Event

In celebration of National Friends of the Libraries Week, award-winning sports writer and author Melissa "Missy" Isaacson will be the featured guest in an interview and audience discussion followed by a book signing of her acclaimed memoir, "State," at the Northbrook Public Library on Saturday, Oct. 22.

The free program begins at 7 p.m. with open seating in the auditorium beginning at 6:30 p.m. This special event is presented by the Friends of the Northbrook Library.

On the 50th anniversary of Title IX, which prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance, Isaacson will share the candid and deeply personal story of how her Niles West High School girls' basketball team overcame adversity in the early days of Title IX to become state champions. Her book, "State," is by turns humorous and heart wrenching, a timeless tale about the challenges of teenage life with the transformative, enduring power of team building and bonding opened to girls by Title IX.

The New York Times Book Review said, "the book will keep readers rapt."

Now an assistant professor at Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism, Isaacson will also share some of the inside stories from her groundbreaking stint as the Chicago Tribune's first woman columnist and beat writer on the Bulls and Bears, including the Michael-Jordan-led Bulls over their six NBA titles, as well as her experiences with ESPN and covering the Olympics.

Founded in 1952, Friends of the Northbrook Library is a volunteer charitable organization that raises funds and advocates for the Northbrook Public Library. Proceeds from book sales at this event will help fund future library projects.

For information about Friends of the Northbrook Library, visit www.northbrook.info/friends or email friends@northbrook.info.