If you’re just I am me and love a good makeover, or transformation story, but can’t watch without getting emotional, have we got a library program for you! “Queer Eye” and “Getting Curious” star and ice skating super fan, Jonathan Van Ness, will be talking with his idol, Olympic Gold Medalist Kristi Yamaguchi. They’ll chat about figure skating, fabulous style, and whatever else comes up! With Jonathan, you never quite know what he’ll say next, but his unfiltered takes are always as interesting as they are hilarious.
Jonathan Van Ness is an Emmy-nominated television personality, The New York Times bestselling author, podcaster, and hairstylist to the stars. On Netflix’s “Queer Eye” series, he shines as the hair guru and self-care advocate. Growing up in Quincy, Ill., young Jonathan put his whole heart into everything he was doing, and that’s still true to this day. Most recently, Jonathan launched JVN, a hair-care line that sees all beauty, serves all beauty, and honors the uniqueness in each of us. Super fan Courtney Nurczyk from the APLD (Aurora Public Library District) Outreach Services Department is super excited about Jonathan’s upcoming appearance. “I’ve watched every episode of Queer Eye and read both of JVN’s books! I love their honesty and willingness to discuss even the most difficult topics. Both the show and the books send the message that any time in your life can be a fresh start.”
Jonathan is the perfect role model for such a message. One pastime he obsessed over as a child was figure skating, but it wasn’t until he was in his 30s that he finally took up the sport. This allowed him the wonderful opportunity to meet one of his idols, Kristi Yamaguchi.
Kristi Yamaguchi is an Olympic, U.S., and World Hall of Fame figure skater with two World Championship Gold medals along with an Olympic Gold Medal. Off the ice, Kristi is a bestselling author in The New York Times, and her Always Dream Foundation is committed to improving early childhood literacy and technology access to children of low-income families. She is the creator of Tsuya, a clothing line that delivers style for every part of an active lifestyle. This figure skating icon, whose posters once graced the walls of Jonathan’s childhood bedroom, has been a supporter of his skating journey from the beginning. The mutual respect they hold for one another shines within their conversations, and I for one can’t wait to see it myself!
This May 17 event is made possible by Illinois Libraries Present, a statewide collaboration among public libraries offering premier events. ILP is 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). The Aurora Public Library District is honored to be an ILP partner and bring first-class speakers to our customers.
We hope you’ll join us for ‘On Being Fabulous with Jonathan Van Ness and Kristi Yamaguchi’ live on Zoom, Wednesday, May 17 at 7 p.m.. Can’t make that date? Registrants unable to attend will receive a link to the program recording good for 30 days after the event. To register, please visit www.aurorapubliclibrary.org/event/8111671 or call the Library at 630-264-4117.
I’ll end with one of my favorite quotes from Jonathan’s book, Over the Top: A Raw Journey to Self-Love. “The more you love and accept yourself, the less you need other people’s approval.”
Andrea Tiberi is the communications coordinator for the Aurora Public Library District.