FALL AUTHOR FEST
Celebrate authors and writing at the Library this Fall! Meet some amazing local authors, discover some new great reads, and connect with other writers and readers in your local community. Make sure to stop by our featured author visits for award-winning children's book author and illustrator Matthew Cordell, and best-selling author Jay Payleitner.
FEATURED CHILDREN'S AUTHOR: MATTHEW CORDELL
Friday, November 6 • 4:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Celebrate the Library's Author Fest and First Friday with award-winning author and illustrator Matthew Cordell!
Matthew Cordell has illustrated many books for children including works of poetry, novels, and picture books including The Only Fish in the Sea and Follow That Frog by Philip Stead. He has written and illustrated numerous picture books himself including Hello, Neighbor! The Kind and Caring World of Mister Rogers, Bear Island, and Wish. His work has been published around the globe in many different languages, including Chinese, Korean, Japanese, Spanish, French, and Italian. Matthew’s books have been recognized as Best of the Year selections by the New York Times, The Washington Post, and The Boston Globe, and his first wordless picture book, Wolf in the Snow, was awarded a 2017 Boston Globe-Horn Book honor award and the 2018 Caldecott Medal. Matthew lives in suburban Chicago with his wife, author, Julie Halpern, and their two children. (Source: www.matthewcordell.com)
Matthew will be promoting his new titles 102 and Starman: The Cosmic Voyage of David Bowe. Check out a copy from the Library to enjoy in advance. Bring your own copy or purchase one at the event for the author to sign afterward!
SPECIAL GUEST: JAY PAYLEITNER
Sunday, November 8 • 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Celebrate the Library's Author Fest and America 250 with a special author visit from national speaker and best-selling author Jay Payleitner to discuss his book Happy Semiquincentennial, America!.
Jay Payleitner is one of the top freelance producers for Christian radio, having worked on Josh McDowell Radio, Today's Father, Jesus Freaks Radio, and Project Angel Tree with Chuck Colson.
Jay is a long-time affiliate with the National Center for Fathering and Iron Sharpens Iron. He speaks at men's retreats, marriage weekends, writers' conferences, and weekend services. Jay has sold more than 3/4 million books including the bestselling 52 Things Kids Need from a Dad, Hooray for Grandparents!, and What If God Wrote Your Bucket List?. His books have been translated into at least ten languages. And he has been a guest multiple times on The Harvest Show, Moody Radio, Cornerstone TV, and Focus on the Family.
Jay and his high school sweetheart, Rita, live in the Chicago area where they raised five great kids, loved on ten foster babies, and are cherishing grandparenthood. (Source: jaypayleitner.com)
Check out a copy from the Library to enjoy in advance. Bring your own copy or purchase one at the event for the author to sign afterward!
This event is made possible with generous sponsorship by the Geneva Library Foundation.
LOCAL AUTHOR FEST
Saturday, November 14 • 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Get ready to connect with local literary talents at our Local Author Fest! Throughout the event, writers will share their unique stories and insights, offering a behind-the-scenes look at their creative processes. Whether you're a passionate reader or an aspiring writer, this is your chance to ignite your imagination and engage with our vibrant literary community.
ADDITIONAL EVENTS FOR READERS OF ALL AGES
Tales of Forgotten Chicago (Adults)
Wednesday, October 7 • 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Spanning the Civil War through the 1960s, this presentation by author Richard C. Lindberg showcases the hidden gems of Chicago's history, from tales of crimes and punishment, to advancements in industry, culture, and politics. Make sure to check out Richard C. Lindberg's Tales of Forgotten Chicago for even more of Chicago's history.
Saturday, October 10 • 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Join author Dion Leonard for a captivating event as he presents the main edition of his New York Times bestselling book, Finding Gobi. This inspiring, true story chronicles Dion’s journey during a grueling 155-mile ultra-marathon across the Gobi Desert in China, where he met a small stray dog named Gobi. What started as a chance encounter quickly turned into a life-changing bond, as Gobi became Dion's steadfast companion, matching his stride every step of the way to the finish line. When the race ended, Gobi went missing, sparking a nationwide search to reunite the two. This incredible story of determination, love, and loyalty is sure to captivate readers of all ages and is perfect for animal lovers and adventure enthusiasts alike.
At this event, Dion will share the unforgettable tale of his and Gobi’s journey, the search to bring Gobi home, and the deep bond they share. Finding Gobi is a truly moving story that will inspire anyone who has ever loved an animal or pursued a dream. Don’t miss this opportunity to meet Dion and Gobi, hear their story firsthand, and be inspired by their remarkable adventure!
Lit Mix: A Celebration of Books (Grades 9-12)
Monday, October 12 • 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Which Tri-City has the nerdiest book nerds? Find out with crafts, trivia, and giveaways hosted by the St. Charles, Geneva, and Batavia Libraries!
America 250: American Cookbooks: The 10 Most Influencial Cookbooks in American History (Adults)
Tuesday, October 13 • 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Cookbooks have existed as long as our nation has. Among the thousands of American cookbooks published over the past 250 years, a group of them have not only sold well but also profoundly influenced how we cook and eat. This illustrated talk by Leslie Goddard explores ten notable cookbooks that shaped our shared culinary heritage. From the trail-blazing work of Fannie Farmer and Irma Rombauer to the innovative explorations of Julia Child and Craig Claiborne, these cookbooks have become milestone best-sellers!
ACOTAR Fan Fest (Adults and Teens)
Tuesday, October 20 • 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
A Court of Thrones and Roses Book 6 is coming! Pick your court and join us to share fan theories and enjoy fun activities. Spoilers abound! For added fun, dress in your favorite court's colors!
Raftery's Ghost: A Live, Theatre Style Reading (Adults)
Saturday, October 24 • 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
To celebrate the 100th anniversary of The Little Traveler—founded by Kate Raftery in 1922—author J.B. Michaels crafted a mystery inspired by Geneva's beloved landmark. In the story, The Little Traveler becomes The Tiny Wanderer, where Mac and Millie find themselves trapped during a fierce thunderstorm as a murder mystery unfolds. With the power out, a dwindling group of patrons and staff, and the legend of Raftery's Ghost looming over 36 rooms, Mac and Millie must uncover the killer hidden among them.
Sample local author J.B. Michaels's story and learn some tidbits and history behind The Little Traveler. Receive a shopping passport featuring dining and shopping specials in Geneva's legendary and longest-serving boutique store. Make sure to check out the rest of the Mac and Millie mystery series in our online catalog.
This special event is presented through the collaborative efforts of J.B. Michaels, Geneva Public Library, The Little Traveler, and LEAF NFP.
Click Register for Event below to register on The Little Traveler's website. This event will be taking place in the Large Meeting Room of the Geneva Public Library.
Project of the Month: Glowforge - Custom Journal (Adults)
Appointments available from November 2 to November 20
Write your own story in style with a custom leather journal engraved with your own personalized design. GPLD cardholders can make a Maker Appointment throughout the month of November to be guided through uploading/creating your own design with our Glowforge software by our expert staff. Materials for this project are provided by the Library. Basic computer skills are required.
The Cat in the Hat Party! (Grades K-5)
Friday, November 6 • 2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Thing 1 and Thing 2 are waiting for you! Celebrate The Cat in the Hat with crafts, games, and Seuss-tastic fun. Join us for an adventure full of creativity, laughter, and plenty of red-and-white striped excitement!