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Creating Lasting Friendships in an Increasingly Lonely World

The Power of Connection: with Dr. Marisa Franco

2026-07-28 13:00:00 2026-07-28 14:00:00 America/Chicago Creating Lasting Friendships in an Increasingly Lonely World Join us in virtual conversation with bestselling author Dr. Marisa Franco, one of the world’s leading experts in human connection. Please register. Virtual -

Tuesday, July 28
1:00pm - 2:00pm

Join us in virtual conversation with bestselling author Dr. Marisa Franco, one of the world’s leading experts in human connection. Please register.

Psychologist, Professor, and New York Times Bestselling Author Dr. Marisa Franco's book, Platonic: How the Science of Attachment Can Help You Make–And Keep–Friends, explores the science of different attachment styles and how they impact our relationships–often in ways we don’t realize!

How do we make and keep friends in an era of distraction, burnout, and chaos, especially in a society that often prizes romantic love at the expense of other relationships? In Platonic, Dr. Marisa G. Franco unpacks the latest, often counterintuitive findings about the bonds between us—for example, why your friends aren’t texting you back (it’s not because they hate you!), and the myth of “friendships happening organically” (making friends, like cultivating any relationship, requires effort!). As Dr. Franco explains, to make and keep friends you must understand your attachment style—secure, anxious, or avoidant: it is the key to unlocking what’s working (and what’s failing) in your friendships.

Making new friends, and deepening longstanding relationships, is possible at any age—in fact, it’s essential. The good news: there are specific, research-based ways to improve the number and quality of your connections using the insights of attachment theory and the latest scientific research on friendship. Platonic provides a clear and actionable blueprint for forging strong, lasting connections with others—and for becoming our happiest, most fulfilled selves in the process.

Register today to learn more about how to harness the science of human connection to create cultures of belonging. 


About the Author: An enlightening psychologist, New York Times bestselling author, and TED speaker, Dr. Marisa G. Franco is known for digesting and communicating science in ways that resonate deeply enough with people to change their lives. 

Dr. Franco works as a professor at The University of Maryland and authored Platonic: How The Science of Attachment Can Help You Make – and Keep – Friends. She writes about friendship for Psychology Today and has been a featured connection expert for major publications like The New York Times, The Telegraph, and Vice.

Dr. Franco speaks on belonging at corporations, government agencies, non-profits, and universities across the country, including Harper Collins Publishers, Cisco, American Association for the Advancement of Science, and The Department of State.


Please Register for link to program.


Live Virtual Author Talks - This new series through Library Speakers Consortium offers live online talks by bestselling authors of books in a variety of genres. Participants receive a link to the program when they register. Please see https://libraryc.org/gailborden to register and also view recorded videos of past speakers.

AGE GROUP: | Virtual Live | Adults |

EVENT TYPE: | Virtual | Health & Wellness | Adult Programs |

TAGS: | |

Virtual

Phone: 847-742-2411

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Mon, Oct 05 9:00AM to 9:00PM
Tue, Oct 06 9:00AM to 9:00PM
Wed, Oct 07 9:00AM to 9:00PM
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Fri, Oct 09 9:00AM to 6:00PM
Sat, Oct 10 9:00AM to 6:00PM
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About the Branch

Programs presented virtually through FB, Zoom, YouTube, and other online sources.

Upcoming Events

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Thu, Oct 08, 9:00am - 9:00pm
Main Library
The Glitz, Glam, Gorgeous 2: Hollywood Costumes exhibit returns with more than 20 new, one-of-a-kind costumes worn by legendary stars including Marilyn Monroe, Ginger Rogers and more.

Thu, Oct 08, 9:00am - 9:00pm
Main Library
A documentary, traveling exhibit, and community project preserving the stories and contributions of Elgin area’s Hispanic community.

Thu, Oct 08, 9:30am - 11:30am
Main Library - Computer Training Room
Get help with common tech issues like Microsoft Office, using a tablet, hotspots, syncing email with your phone, downloading content, and more. Drop in for personalized assistance at your library.

Thu, Oct 08, 10:00am - 10:30am
Main Library - Meadows Community Rooms ABC
Get into the spooky spirit with this interactive storytime celebrating all things ghastly and ghoulish! Best for kids birth-6 years with an adult caregiver.

Thu, Oct 08, 11:00am - 11:45am
Main Library - Sally Lee Fox & Eagle Rooms
Hey homeschoolers! Join us to work on projects that you can enjoy while hanging out and chatting with friends.

Thu, Oct 08, 11:00am - 12:00pm
South Elgin Branch - South Elgin - Hoffer Meeting Room
Learn to create and edit eye-catching designs, and use built-in templates to create your next flyer, card, or graphics. Comfort with navigating the internet and using a computer is encouraged.
Registration is now closed

Thu, Oct 08, 1:30pm - 3:30pm
Main Library - Meadows Community Room C
A Men's Shed is a place geared toward older men to gather, make new friendships while working on projects, learning new skills and hobbies, and giving back to the community. All are welcome.

Thu, Oct 08, 1:30pm - 3:00pm
South Elgin Branch - South Elgin - Hoffer Meeting Room
In this series, learn how to use Microsoft Excel to manipulate, format, and organize numbers and other types of data.
Registration is now closed

Thu, Oct 08, 3:00pm - 3:45pm
Mobile Services
Please find us on the corner of Sherwood Ave and Oakhill Rd. Elgin IL 60120.

Thu, Oct 08, 4:45pm - 5:15pm
South Elgin Branch
Come join in to hear a Halloween story and create a puppet. Register to join.
Registration is now closed

Thu, Oct 08, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Main Library - Studio 270
What's causing all these mysterious holes in the ground? Watch Tremors and find out! We'll also have buttons to make.

Thu, Oct 08, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Main Library - Elgin Room
This presentation explores collective memory, belonging, and ties to the land through a guided exhibition tour, inviting dialogue on identity, memory, and life in the diaspora. Please Register

Thu, Oct 08, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Main Library - Meadows Community Rooms ABC
Wrap up Hispanic Heritage Month with an evening of music, movement, and community. Learn the fundamentals of reggaetón in a fun, welcoming environment led by a local instructor.

Thu, Oct 08, 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Main Library - Computer Training Room
In this series, learn the fundamentals of Microsoft Word to create, format, edit and design.
Registration is now closed

Fri, Oct 09, 9:00am - 6:00pm
Main Library
A documentary, traveling exhibit, and community project preserving the stories and contributions of Elgin area’s Hispanic community.

Fri, Oct 09, 9:00am - 6:00pm
Main Library
The Glitz, Glam, Gorgeous 2: Hollywood Costumes exhibit returns with more than 20 new, one-of-a-kind costumes worn by legendary stars including Marilyn Monroe, Ginger Rogers and more.

Fri, Oct 09, 10:00am - 11:00am
South Elgin Branch - South Elgin - Hoffer Meeting Room
Second Fridays, join us at Wits Workout which combines intellectually stimulating exercises, social interaction, and education about brain health in a friendly, engaging, and FUN way! Please register

Fri, Oct 09, 10:00am - 10:30am
Main Library - Sally Lee Fox & Eagle Rooms
Families are invited to share stories, rhymes and musical activities together in this interactive storytime. For ages 0-6 with an adult caregiver. No registration required.

Fri, Oct 09, 10:30am - 11:30am
Main Library - Computer Training Room
Learn about common viruses, email and Internet safety, firewalls, and other security features and practices in this class.

Fri, Oct 09, 3:00pm - 3:45pm
Mobile Services
1300 N McLean Blvd, Elgin, IL 60123