September-November 2026
We are inviting our whole community to read Lois Lowry’s The Giver. In a future where pain, color and memory have been erased in the name of a perfect society, a young boy named Jonas is chosen to be the sole keeper of his community’s past. What he discovers will change everything. Pick up a free copy at the Library in paperback or graphic novel (while supplies last) and join us for conversations, shared meals and more this fall. Books will be available after September 1.
Made possible by a grant from the Freedom to Read Foundation with support from the Friends of the Library.
One Book, One Community Events
Bookmark Design Contest
Month of September
All Ages
Design a bookmark to show what makes the La Grange Public Library unique. The winning designs will be professionally printed and available at the Library! Forms will be available at the Library during the month of September, or print the Kids Bookmark Contest Form or Teen and Adult Bookmark Contest Form.
Memory Quilt
Saturday, September 19, 1:00–3:00pm
All Ages
What are your favorite family memories? Use them to make a submission for our memory quilt. Work on it at the program or take home a template to return by October 12 so it can be displayed. No sign-up needed.
Book Bedazzling
Session One: Saturday, September 19
12:00-3:00pm
Session Two: Saturday, October 17
11:00am-3:00pm
Grade 5-Adult
Bedazzle your copy of The Giver or another favorite book. Bedazzled books will be displayed at the Library through November. We will provide white, black, red, gold, blue, and pink gemstones, but you are welcome to bring your own. Stop in anytime between 11:00am-3:00pm. Register for September 19 or register for October 17.
Creative Response: The Memory Keepers
Submissions Due October 12,
All Ages
Community members are invited to share a memory using writing, poetry, photography, painting, or any creative medium that speaks to you. A moment with family, neighbors or friends. A moment that deserves to live on. Entries will be considered for display in our lower level gallery. View the submission form.
The Giver Book Discussion
Thursday, October 15, 6:30-7:30pm
Ages 12+
In this frequently challenged classic, Jonas, a 12-year-old boy from a seemingly utopian, futuristic world, is singled out to receive special training from The Giver, who alone holds memories of the true joys and pain of life. Stop by the Library to pick up a free copy, available in paperback or as a graphic novel, while supplies last. Also available in our catalog, on Libby, Hoopla and CloudLibrary. Register now.
The Giver Screening
Wednesday, October 21
6:30-8:30pm
Recommended for teens & adults
Join us for a screening of the 2014 film version of The Giver featuring Jeff Bridges, Meryl Streep, Brenton Thwaites, Alexander Skarsgård, Katie Holmes and Taylor Swift. No sign-up needed.
Books, Censorship & the Right to Read
Friday, October 23, 7:00-8:30pm
Ages 12+
When Persepolis was removed from some Chicago Public School classrooms, it reignited a debate over who gets to decide what young people can read. Join author Jarrett Dapier (Wake Now in the Fire) for a conversation about the controversy, book challenges and the role libraries and schools play when a book becomes the center of a public debate. Bring your questions and join the discussion. Register now.
Shared Table Series
Some of life’s most memorable moments take place around a meal. Each event invites neighbors to slow down, eat together and explore questions that matter. These Shared Table events will feature food from a local restaurant, with participating restaurants announced soon. This series is intended for adults. Registration required.
A Toast to the Good Life
Thursday, September 24
7:00-8:30pm
Raise a glass to the good life! Join us for an evening of pastries, mocktails and
conversation about the ways people find joy and purpose in life. Guests are encouraged to offer a short toast of their own. So toast to lifelong friends, raising children, starting over, making art or whatever moves you. Register now.
Being Good Neighbors
Tuesday, October 13
7:00-8:30pm
What do we owe each other? What should we expect from the people around us and what should they expect from us? Join us for a family-style meal and a conversation about this topic. Seating is limited, so please register early. Register now.
Death Over Dinner
Thursday, November 12
7:00-8:30pm
Join us for dinner and a conversation about death. Not meant to be a morbid conversation, this is a chance to talk openly about something every one of us will face. We’ll explore questions about the end of life, share perspectives and leave with a better understanding of our own wishes and the people we care about. Dinner will be catered and held at the Library. Register now.