Twice the Enriching (and Free) Cultural Content this December: From a conversation with a popular youth literature artist to the chance to see the Broadway version of a beloved literary classic, Illinois Libraries Present and the Rock Island Library are offering twice the chances to experience culture from your home. 

Illinois Libraries Present (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. To sign up for the free online event, visit the library website or the Illinois Libraries Present registration page. 

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 the viewing link, register at the library website or the Illinois Libraries Present registration page. 

To attend either of the free events online, participants need only sign up through Rock Island Public Library, or any other ILP-member library. Residency or a library card are not required. 

Whether online or in person, library events are always free and open to the public. For more information about library services and upcoming events for a wide range of ages, visit the library website, call 309-732-READ, or follow the Rock Island Library Facebook and Instagram social media sites.

About ILP: Both events are 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). For accomodation information, please use the Illinois Libraries Present email listed on the library's online calendar. 

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