10 Years, 10,000 Readers, 'One Book'1/29/2026  “One Book, One Community” turns 10 this year, and organizers at Cook Memorial, Indian Trails, and Vernon Area public libraries are delighted at how the program has evolved, becoming a regular fixture in each library’s annual calendar of programming.
The “One Book” concept is simple yet profound: encourage thousands of neighbors to all read and discuss the same book. Additionally, the series provides opportunities for neighbors to consider and connect over the issues and themes in the story. “‘One Book’ programs are a way to create a common cultural touchpoint,” said Vernon Area Public Library spokesperson Catherine Savage. “When a community all reads the same book and considers the situations in it, it builds empathy both for the characters in the story and each other.” This year’s selection is Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano, named among the best books of the year by the Chicago Public Library, LibraryReads, The New York Times, NPR, Amazon, and others, and selected by Oprah Winfrey as the 100th pick for her book club. This exquisite homage to Louisa May Alcott’s timeless classic Little Women is a profoundly moving portrait of what is possible when we choose to love someone not in spite of who they are, but because of it. The series launches each December when Cook Memorial, Indian Trails and Vernon Area public libraries each inject hundreds of copies of the selected book into their community through giveaways and checkouts. Over the following weeks, each library presents public programs that complement the themes, characters, or settings featured in the book. Programs typically include book discussions, film screenings, art exhibits, lectures, and performances. This year, participants attended art workshops, learned about men’s mental health and sports injuries, and wrote their life lessons and legacies. All programs are free and available to all area residents, regardless of home library affiliation. The series culminates with an author presentation and book signing with novelist Ann Napolitano on Sunday, March 1, at 1 p.m., in Adlai E. Stevenson High School’s West Auditorium and online on Zoom. Signup is open for this free event and other “One Book” programs at 1book.org. A Decade of Partnership and Recognition The "One Book, One Community" series, which began in 2015, was born out of a shared desire to connect area readers through a shared reading experience. However, the cost of hosting popular authors was often prohibitive. This challenge led to the creation of the “One Book, One Community” program. “I reached out to our neighboring library districts, Indian Trails and Cook Memorial, to inquire if they would be interested in partnering with us and splitting the cost,” said Roz Topolski, Community Engagement Program Coordinator at Vernon Area, who initially envisioned the program. “They were immediately excited about the idea, and it’s been a fantastic partnership." Over the last decade, “One Book, One Community” has remained true to its goals of having a shared reading experience within the community, encouraging conversation, and reflecting on how the books might help us better understand ourselves and others. Since its inception, the program has drawn 10,168 attendees. The program is funded in part by the Foundation for the Vernon Area Public Library District, the Friends of the Cook Memorial Public Library, and the Foundation for the Indian Trails Public Library District. The collaborative effort was recognized in 2019 by the Illinois Library Association (ILA) for excellence in interlibrary resource sharing. The ILA noted the program “exemplifies a unified front for libraries working together, particularly in a mobile suburban area that shares geographic borders and can maximize taxpayer resources.” About “One Book, One Community” Now in its tenth year, “One Book, One Community” (OBOC) is a partnership among Cook Memorial, Indian Trails, and Vernon Area public library districts to encourage dialogue and build community through a shared experience of literature. Past selections included The Violin Conspiracy by Brendan Slocumb, The Bohemians by Jasmin Darznik, This Is How It Always Is by Laurie Frankel, Red at the Bone by Jacqueline Woodson, Circe by Madeline Miller, The Story Hour by Thrity Umrigar, Stolen Beauty by Laurie Lico Albanese, and Love and Other Consolation Prizes by Jamie Ford. Find details, program signup, and related resources at 1book.org.
0 Comments
Library Rewind 2025: Your Year in Review12/23/2025   As we wrap up the year, let’s take a look back at some of your top reads and library highlights in 2025. Reminisce about some of your favorites, or discover something to add to your list in the new year.
In no particular order, your top eBooks for 2025 were:
Other highlights include:
‘Twas a great year for library programming. We hosted over 1,033 programs (that’s only through October 2025)! Your favorite program for adults was Book Club Bash, where 96 attendees heard fresh reading suggestions from a Random House rep and The Good Book Fairy blogger. The most attended youth program was Nanny Nikki, where 172 people danced and sang along in this concert for all ages. This year, library volunteers worked over 4,073 hours at the library! 669 people volunteered at the library in 2025, helping with crafts, programs, shelf reading, as ELL conversation partners, with Senior Connections, and so much more! See the full Library Rewind on Instagram. Thank you for a great year at the library! Over 195,382 people walked through our doors this year. We look forward to seeing you in the new year. Donate Toys through Dec. 711/21/2025  Brighten the holiday for a local child in need by donating to Toys for Tots at the library now through Sunday, December 7.
Toys for Tots provides gifts to economically disadvantaged children at Christmas. Donors can drop off new, unwrapped toys and books in the donation boxes located in the library lobby. Toys for Tots does not accept used toys, food, clothes or realistic-looking weapons. In Lake County, families in need can request toys for children ages 0 through 12 through the Family First Center. The deadline to apply is November 30. The 2025 holiday season marks the 78th anniversary of the Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program. Vernon Area Public Library has served as a Toys for Tots collection site since 2006. Other collection points in the Vernon Township area include the Buffalo Grove Police Department (46 Raupp Boulevard, Buffalo Grove) and Lincolnshire Village Hall (1 Olde Half Day Road, Lincolnshire). Additionally, the Marriott Lincolnshire Resort is the end point for the annual “Jeeps on the Run” Toys for Tots road rally, which will take place on Sunday, Dec. 7. Since its inception in 1947, Toys for Tots has distributed more than 708 million toys to more than 314 million children in need. The Magic of Talking About Books Together10/27/2025  Librarians Lisa Coleman and Liz Glazer with two Bluestem Award Books While most people enjoy reading on their own, there are many benefits to being part of a book discussion group. At the library, we see the value in providing opportunities for people of all ages to explore a story on a deeper level and to share their thoughts and opinions with others. Youth librarians Lisa Coleman and Liz Glazer lead the Bluestem Award Book Discussion for students in grades 3–5. This is a program for children and adults to participate in together as they read through the Bluestem Award books. Lisa and Liz sat down to share more about their program and why kids and adults should consider attending a book discussion.
What does a typical Bluestem Award Book Discussion look like? We prepare a presentation with short videos, information about the book, the author, related information, and discussion questions. We often have an activity or craft after the discussion as well. Usually, books related to the discussion are available for check out after the program. We encourage kids to be kind to each other in the discussion and allow everyone the chance to share. The discussion gives kids the opportunity to interact with each other outside of school, out in the real world, without worrying about getting graded. We hope they feel comfortable saying what they want to, in a safe, judgment-free space. Why is it important for kids to talk about books, rather than just read them? By discussing a book in a group setting, kids have the opportunity to share their thoughts with others and hear other kids' valuable perspectives. We all come from different backgrounds, and while we have many common experiences, each child brings their unique experience to share with others. We live in a community, not alone. It is good to practice using those social muscles, so to speak. How do book discussions help children grow as readers and thinkers? The books on the Bluestem list are diverse. There are nonfiction books, graphic novels, and fiction of all genres. We hope that through our book discussion, kids are introduced to books they might not ordinarily pick up as a first choice. Books can be windows into other people’s lived experiences, mirrors to reflect your own life, and doors to allow you to enter into another world. The Bluestem Award Book Discussion is a parent/child book group. Why is it valuable for parents to be part of these conversations alongside their children? It gives parents and children a chance to interact and learn more about each other based on the book and how they choose to contribute. The parent can see how the child answers questions and participates in the discussion. Often, we can tell that parents and their children appreciate each other after they’ve shared their experiences. Children seem to appreciate their parents being part of the discussion and sharing their perspectives about the books. What do you hope families take away from participating? The act of reading books and discussing them together is a worthwhile activity for families. It allows them to share ideas and perspectives in an engaging and thoughtful manner. __________________________________________________________________ At Vernon Area Public Library, there are book discussion groups for all ages–from elementary students to adults. For the more introverted, there’s even the Choose Your Own Adventure book club, where you read silently for an hour, then decide if you want to continue reading or chat with others. If you’ve never been part of a book discussion before, consider trying one out. It might enhance your reading experience in ways you never thought possible. Try one of these book clubs or discussion groups: Bluestem Award Book Discussion ● grades 3–5 with adult Rebecca Caudill Award Book Discussion ● grades 6–8 Off the Page: A Teen Book Club ● grades 8–12 Book Discussion with Judy Levin ● adults Novel Night Book Discussion ● adults Great Decisions Discussion Group ● adults Choose Your Own Adventure: A Book Club ● adults  Starting this month, Vernon Area is part of the Library Speakers Consortium, expanding our lineup of online programs featuring your favorite authors. Enjoy 2–3 livestreamed events each month, highlighting both fiction and nonfiction writers you won't want to miss.
Can't make the event live? No problem! Registered attendees will receive a link to the recorded program. Or catch recordings of over 100 past events any time–and see the upcoming schedule at VAPLD.info/AuthorSpotlight. For a more interactive experience, submit questions for the author when you register, or ask live during the event. Past speakers include bestselling authors like Lori Gottlieb, Shelby Van Pelt, Freida McFadden, Fredrik Backman, and John Irving. You'll also find interviews with Smithsonian curators, researchers, and educators on topics like Mars, tropical bats, the national gem collection, pandemics, and more. Stay up-to-date on the latest additions to the author lineup by subscribing to our Author Spotlight newsletter at: VAPLD.info/subscribe-spotlight. Upcoming Author Spotlight Talks: Argue Less and Talk More with Communication Expert Jefferson Fisher Wednesday, September 10, 1–2 pm | Sign up Our Failed Attempts to Make English Eezier to Spell with Author Gabe Henry Wednesday, September 17, 1–2 pm | Sign up Nuestra América: Stories of 30 Inspiring Latinas/Latinos Who Have Shaped the United States with Smithsonian Educators Thursday, October 2, 1–2 pm | Sign up 10 Years of Daring Heists and Lovable Outcasts in YA Fantasy with Leigh Bardugo Thursday, October 9, 6–7 pm | Sign up Finding My Way with Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Malala Yousafzai Wednesday, October 22, 6–7 pm | Sign up |
HoursThe building and drive-up window are open.
Mon–Thurs 9 AM–9 PM Fri–Sat 9 AM–5 PM Sunday 10 AM–5 PM Holidays and other closed dates |
Stay InformedSign up to receive email updates from the library, including news and notice of upcoming programs.
|
Quick LinksContact
|
