Illinois Libraries Present Programming

Illinois Libraries Present (ILP) and the Rock Island Library offer opportunities to experience culture from your home.

ILP is a statewide collaboration among public libraries offering premier events. Thanks to the Rock Island Public Library membership, people can sign up for The Magic of Raina Telgemeier at 7 pm on Tuesday, Dec. 10, and for Little Women: The Musical, an at-home experience available Friday, Dec. 20 through Sunday, Dec. 22.

The Magic of Raina Telgemeier: In a special conversation about youth literature, critically acclaimed comic artist Raina Telgemeier will join children’s librarian Genevieve Grove in an online conversation on Dec. 10. Raina is the author and illustrator of youth literature graphic novels Smile, Drama, Sisters, Ghosts, and Guts, all #1 New York Times bestsellers. She also adapted and illustrated four graphic novel versions of Ann M. Martin’s Baby-Sitters Club series, and has contributed short stories to many anthologies. Her newest work is the 2024 Cartoonists Club, a one-of-a-kind graphic novel collaboration with Scott McCloud.

Her accolades include six Eisner Awards, a Boston Globe-Horn Book Honor, a Stonewall Honor, and many Best-of and Notables lists. Raina grew up in San Francisco, then moved to New York City, where she earned an illustration degree at the School of Visual Arts. Raina currently lives and works in San Francisco, CA.

A recording of the conversation will be available to registered participants only for a limited time.

Little Women: The Musical (in collaboration with BroadwayHD): Louisa May Alcott’s classic story of four sisters growing up in 19^th century Massachusetts is a beloved favorite of generations of readers. Registered participants can enjoy a free pre-recorded, virtual showing of the Broadway musical, originally premiered in London in this acclaimed production at Park Theatre in 2022. The musical can be viewed Friday, December 20, through Sunday, December 22. Registrants will receive an email with a special link to the performance.

Directed by Bronagh Lagan with music by Grammy Award-winner Jason Howland, this high-energy show is filled with charm. With standout performances by Lydia White as Jo March and Anastasia Martin as younger sister Beth, this musical is a hit for all ages.

This presentation of Alcott’s beloved tale of family, self-discovery, and hope is two hours and 23 minutes. It will only be available for on-demand viewing between Friday, December 20 through Sunday, December 22

To sign up for either event, register at the library calendar. Residency or a library card are not required. Library events are always free and open to the public.

Made possible by Illinois Libraries Present (ILP,) funded in part by a grant awarded by the Illinois State Library, a department of the Office of Secretary of State, using funds provided by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services, under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA).

ILP is committed to inclusion and accessibility. To request accommodations, please email illinoislibrariespresent@gmail.com

Save the date for these upcoming ILP events:

Thu, January 9 | 7 PM
Chicago Pizza - Past, Present & Future with Steve Dolinsky