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Exploring Identity, Love, & Being Black

Conversation with Award-Winning Author Jason Mott

2024-02-20 15:00:00 2024-02-20 16:00:00 America/Chicago Exploring Identity, Love, & Being Black Join us as we talk to New York Times bestselling author Jason Mott about his recent novel Hell of a Book. Please register for link to Zoom. Virtual -

Tuesday, February 20
3:00pm - 4:00pm

Join us as we talk to New York Times bestselling author Jason Mott about his recent novel Hell of a Book. Please register for link to Zoom.

You’re invited to join us as we talk to New York Times bestselling author Jason Mott about his recent novel Hell of a Book. This magnificent work of fiction is deeply honest, at times electrically funny, and is a book that goes to the heart of racism, police violence, and the hidden costs exacted upon Black Americans and America as a whole.

In Hell of a Book, a Black author sets out on a cross-country publicity tour to promote his bestselling novel. That storyline drives Hell of a Book and is the scaffolding of something much larger and more urgent: Mott’s novel also tells the story of Soot, a young Black boy living in a rural town in the recent past, and The Kid, a possibly imaginary child who appears to the author on his tour.

As these characters’ stories build and converge, they astonish. While this heartbreaking and magical book entertains and is at once about family, love of parents and children, art and money, it’s also about the nation’s reckoning with a tragic police shooting playing over and over again on the news. And with what it can mean to be Black in America.

Unforgettably told, with an electrifying plot and characters who burn into your mind, Hell of a Book is the novel Mott has been writing in his head for the last ten years. And in its final twists, it truly becomes its title. Register now!

About the Author: Jason Mott is the author of two poetry collections and four novels. His first novel, The Returned, was adapted for television and aired on ABC under the title Resurrection. Since then, his novels that followed have received various accolades and acclaim. His most recent novel, Hell of a Book, won the Sir Walter Raleigh Award for Fiction Winner, was a Carnegie Medals For Excellence Longlist nominee, and the winner of the 2021 National Book Award for Fiction. He lives in hermitude in Southeastern North Carolina.

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: | Adults |

EVENT TYPE: | Virtual | Adult Programs |

TAGS: | |

Virtual

Phone: 847-742-2411

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Today's hours

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

Mon, Nov 09 9:00AM to 9:00PM
Tue, Nov 10 9:00AM to 9:00PM
Wed, Nov 11 9:00AM to 9:00PM
Thu, Nov 12 9:00AM to 9:00PM
Fri, Nov 13 9:00AM to 6:00PM
Sat, Nov 14 9:00AM to 6:00PM
Sun, Nov 15 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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Wed, Nov 11, 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.

Wed, Nov 11, 9:15am - 9:45am
Main Library - Meadows Community Room C
Come and enjoy free play and socialization with your baby in a supportive and nurturing environment. For children up to 24 months with a caregiver. No registration required.

Wed, Nov 11, 9:30am - 10:00am
South Elgin Branch - South Elgin - Shales Children's Activity Room
Join us for stories, rhymes, and songs in this interactive Storytime.
Registration is now closed

Cancelled
Wed, Nov 11, 10:00am - 1:00pm
Main Library
Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi’s staff will be available to discuss and assist with federal issues you and your family are facing.

Wed, Nov 11, 10:00am - 10:30am
Main Library - Meadows Community Rooms AB
Families are invited to share stories, rhymes and musical activities together in this interactive storytime. For ages 1-3 with an adult caregiver. Drop-in program! No registration required.

Wed, Nov 11, 10:15am - 10:45am
South Elgin Branch - South Elgin - Shales Children's Activity Room
Preschoolers will enjoy stories, songs, and activities.
Registration is now closed

Wed, Nov 11, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Mobile Services
Recreation Rd near pool, Elgin

Wed, Nov 11, 3:00pm - 5:00pm
South Elgin Branch - South Elgin - Hoffer Meeting Room
Come join us for Pinochle play! Emphasis will be on three person single deck three card widow version however other versions may also be played.

Wed, Nov 11, 3:00pm - 3:45pm
Mobile Services
373 Summit St, Elgin, IL 60120

Wed, Nov 11, 3:15pm - 4:15pm
Mobile Services
Clifford Ave, Elgin

Wed, Nov 11, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Main Library - Sally Lee Fox & Eagle Rooms
Travel back to 1776 and discover what life was like for kids during the American Revolution through hands-on activities and interactive fun!
Registration is now closed

Wed, Nov 11, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Main Library - Studio 270
Teen volunteers will use looms to knit hats and scarves for those in need. Training will be provided from 4:00–4:30 PM. For teens in grades 6-12 who have completed a Teen Volunteer Orientation.
Registration is now closed

Wed, Nov 11, 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Mobile Services
Front parking lot if space allows. Otherwise inside of the park, Elgin

Wed, Nov 11, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Main Library - Meadows Community Room C
Aprende en la biblioteca. Participa con otras personas que hablan español o inglés como primer idioma. Learn at the Library with native English and Spanish speakers.
Registration is now closed

Wed, Nov 11, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Main Library - Studio 270
Come talk about what you are currently listening to! Pizza will be provided. Please register
Registration is now closed

Wed, Nov 11, 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Main Library - Computer Training 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, Nov 12, 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, Nov 12, 9:15am - 9:45am
Main Library - Meadows Community Rooms ABC
Calling all preschoolers! This storytime features stories, songs, and rhymes for ages 3-6. Registration required.

Cancelled
Thu, Nov 12, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Main Library
Piano performance in the lobby by volunteer community members.

Thu, Nov 12, 10:00am - 10:30am
Main Library - Meadows Community Rooms ABC
Join us for an interactive storytime! Best for kids birth-6 years with an adult caregiver. All ages are welcome.

Thu, Nov 12, 10:30am - 12:00pm
Main Library - Computer Training Room
New to computers or need a refresher on how to get started? Learn how to use the mouse and keyboard, pick up basic computer skills and browse the internet in this series.
Registration is now closed

Thu, Nov 12, 10:30am - 11:00am
South Elgin Branch - South Elgin - Shales Children's Activity Room
¡Acompáñanos / Join us for a fun 30-minute bilingual storytime ! Meet new friends, enjoy books, sing songs, and have fun with rhymes and activities.

Thu, Nov 12, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Virtual
Join chef Pyet DeSpain, winner of Next Level Chef, for a vibrant culinary journey through Rooted in Fire and the Native American and Mexican foodways that inspire it. Please register.
Register

Thu, Nov 12, 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, Nov 12, 3:00pm - 3:45pm
Mobile Services
Please find us on the corner of Sherwood Ave and Oakhill Rd. Elgin IL 60120.

Thu, Nov 12, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
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. This session will be held in Community Room C.

Thu, Nov 12, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Main Library - Sally Lee Fox & Eagle Rooms
Grab a pencil & some art supplies to draw and write your way to a great story! November is Family Stories Month, so we'll write about our family memories in a paper bag book. Registration required.
Registration is now closed

Thu, Nov 12, 6:30pm - 8:00pm
South Elgin Branch - South Elgin - Hoffer Meeting Room
Join local artists as they share some of their favorite works of art and the inspiration behind them. Then, create your own special artwork.

Thu, Nov 12, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Main Library - Elgin Room
Pam Otto & Valerie Blaine share practical ways to keep fallen leaves in your yard while working within municipal & HOA rules to create habitat for overwintering insects & wildlife. Please register.