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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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We're open 9:00AM to 9:00PM

Mon, Aug 10 9:00AM to 9:00PM
Tue, Aug 11 9:00AM to 9:00PM
Wed, Aug 12 9:00AM to 9:00PM
Thu, Aug 13 9:00AM to 9:00PM
Fri, Aug 14 9:00AM to 6:00PM
Sat, Aug 15 9:00AM to 6:00PM
Sun, Aug 16 12:00PM to 5:00PM

About the Branch

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

Upcoming Events

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Thu, Aug 13, 9:00am - 11:00am
Main Library - Lobby - Piano
Piano performance in the lobby by volunteer community members.

Thu, Aug 13, 9:00am - 9:00pm
Main Library
Explore our changing planet through a different lens, immerse yourself in incredible ecosystems and learn how the smallest of actions can have a big impact on our natural world.

Thu, Aug 13, 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, Aug 13, 10:00am - 11:00am
South Elgin Branch - South Elgin - Hoffer Meeting Room
Learn how to install/uninstall programs and apps, change settings, use the task manager, and control updates in Windows 11.
Registration is now closed

Thu, Aug 13, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Main Library - Sally Lee Fox & Eagle Rooms
Grab a pencil and some art supplies and we'll draw and write our way to a great story! Do you think you can write a story with just 10 words? Let's try using an accordion book. Registration required.
Registration is now closed

Thu, Aug 13, 11:30am - 12:00pm
In The Community
Bring a blanket or chair to sit on and listen to a 30 minute storytime about different animal friends. Lords Park Zoo 325 Hiawatha Dr. Elgin, IL 60120

Thu, Aug 13, 11:30am - 12:00pm
In The Community
The book bike will have a variety of materials to check out for all ages. You will also be able to register for a library card! 325 Hiawatha Drive, Elgin.

Thu, Aug 13, 12:00pm - 1:45pm
Main Library - Meadows Community Room C
Join us as we make a craft which will be distributed in our monthly activity kits to our care communities.
Registration is now closed

Cancelled
Thu, Aug 13, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Virtual
Join us to learn how to stay sharp, stay ready, and stay safe in every aspect of your daily life with Dannah Eve, bestselling Author and Safety Expert. Please register.

Thu, Aug 13, 1:30pm - 3:30pm
Main Library - Grove Room
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, Aug 13, 3:00pm - 3:45pm
Mobile Services
Please find us on the corner of Sherwood Ave and Oakhill Rd. Elgin IL 60120.

Thu, Aug 13, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Main Library - Outdoor Stage
Chicago Samba presents a vibrant performance of authentic Brazilian music and dance, featuring five musicians and two dancers. Bring a blanket or chair and enjoy the music. Please register
Registration is now closed

Thu, Aug 13, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Main Library - Elgin Room
En colaboración con el Consulado General de México en Chicago y Casa Michoacán en Elgin, invita a la comunidad a una proyección de la película mexicana Arráncame la vida, seguida de un conversatorio.

Thu, Aug 13, 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Main Library - Computer Training Room
Learn how Google Drive can be used to upload, organize, and share files in the cloud.
Registration is now closed

Fri, Aug 14, 9:00am - 6:00pm
Main Library
Explore our changing planet through a different lens, immerse yourself in incredible ecosystems and learn how the smallest of actions can have a big impact on our natural world.

Fri, Aug 14, 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 bilingual storytime. For ages 0-6 with an adult caregiver. No registration required.

Fri, Aug 14, 10:00am - 11:00am
Rakow Branch - Rakow - Shales Living 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
Registration is now closed

Fri, Aug 14, 3:00pm - 3:45pm
Mobile Services
1300 N McLean Blvd, Elgin, IL 60123

Fri, Aug 14, 3:00pm - 5:30pm
Mobile Services
The book bike will have a variety of materials to check out for all ages. You will also be able to register for a library card! Elgin Farmers Market: South Riverside Drive