What is One Book, One ‘Brook?
Join us for the debut of One Book, One ‘Brook, our new community-wide reading initiative! We’re inviting everyone in the Bolingbrook community to come together through the shared experience of reading the same book and to participate in enlightening and empowering conversations.
For our inaugural book selection, we’ve chosen How to be an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi. We encourage you to check out the book from our shelves or from OverDrive or Axis 360, and then join us in February for lively discussions and other events.
Book Giveaway
We’re excited to give away** 25 copies of How to be an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi. Fill out our short form to claim your copy. First come, first served.
**This promotion has ended
One Book, One ‘Brook Events
Book Discussions (Zoom)
Tuesday, February 9, 10:30 a.m. & Wednesday, February 17, 7 p.m.
Join us for virtual community discussions around the bestselling book.
One Book, One ‘Brook Storytime
Tuesday, February 9 (YouTube)
Join Miss Jen on YouTube for a reading of Antiracist Baby by Ibram X. Kendi!
Take Your Reading Further
Nonfiction Books and Films for Adults
Let’s Talk About Race, Racism & Racial Justice: Teen Nonfiction Resources
Browse Kanopy’s Films on Social and Systemic Injustice
Race, Police and Justice: Reading Recommendations for Children (Blog Post)
Black History Month Events
For Adults
Telling a People’s Story Special Exhibit
February 3–March 15
Enjoy a traveling panel exhibit focused on African-American children’s illustrated literature. This exhibit offers a lens into the cultural, historical and social makeup of African-American cultural identity, while also shedding light on the long-neglected world of African-American authors and illustrators in children’s literature.
The Underground Railroad in Illinois
Wednesday, February 3, 7 p.m. (Facebook Live)
Did you know Chicago was known as an abolitionist hub where “slave catchers” were not welcome (much to the chagrin of some prominent locals)? Join us on Facebook Live to take a look at the fugitive slave community, the Underground Railroad in Chicago and the anti-abolition forces who fought against them.
In the Belly of the Beast: King in Chicago
Wednesday, February 24, 7 p.m. (Zoom — Registration Required)
In late 1965, Dr. Martin Luther King brought his push for Civil Rights to Chicago, learning that the inequality and terror in the south were very much mirrored in the north. Clarence Goodman will talk about the struggle that Dr. King and other organizations in the area faced as they fought for equality for all.
For Teens
Teen Book Babble: Diverse Books (YouTube)
Part One: Friday, February 5
Part Two: Friday, February 12
Join our Teen Services staff as we highlight books recommended by our teen volunteers that celebrate diversity and promote conversations on race, racial equality and social justice.
Teen Crafternoon: Art Inspired by Alma Thomas
Friday, February 19 (YouTube)
Create a colorful art piece inspired by African-American Expressionist painter Alma Thomas, who used explosions of color to depict the world around her.
For Children
BHM Children’s Exhibit
Monday, February 15–Friday, February 19
Visit our Black History Month interactive exhibit in the Children’s Services display cases to win a book.
LIVE Storytime with Miss Kathy
Wednesday, February 17, 10:30 a.m. (Zoom)
Do you miss Storytime at Fountaindale Library? We miss you, too! Enjoy this special Zoom Storytime with Miss Kathy.
LIVE Mini Movin’ & Groovin’: Celebrate Africa
Saturday, February 20, 10:30 a.m. (Zoom — Registration Required)
Get your little ones movin’ and groovin’ to music, rhythms, songs and more! Register to reserve a kit to follow along! Zoom info will be sent one hour before the program. For Ages 8 months–5 years
LIVE Roots: Dr. Warren Washington & Rebecca Crumpler
Saturday, February 27, 1:30 p.m. (Zoom)
Join Judith and Ernie Davis of The Third Institute on Zoom as we explore the lives of African American heroes and sheroes. This month we learn about Dr. Warren Washington and Rebecca Crumpler.