We’ve always heard ‘knowledge is power’, but how do you apply that knowledge towards bettering yourself or your community? How do you inspire change? The Aurora Public Library District invites you to learn from one of the best Thursday, Nov. 12 when we welcome acclaimed author and educator Dr. Eve L. Ewing. This event will challenge attendees to think critically about the role of literature, learning, and community in times of change.
Dr. Eve L. Ewing’s work explores race, education, identity, and community, and she’s one of today’s most influential public voices on culture and education. “Dr. Ewing is a talented sociologist, educator, author, artist, journalist, poet, and cultural organizer, whose career includes scholarly work, comic books, children’s books, theatrical works and more,” said event and program coordinator Ali. This program will explore the power of language as we reflect on how words shape public memory, challenge systems of inequality, and help communities imagine new futures. Joining Ewing as moderator is writer and anchor from WTTW’s Chicago Tonight and Chicago Tonight: Black Voices, Brandis Friedman. Friedman is a champion for libraries, and we’re honored to have both experts for this thought-provoking program.
This is not the first time we’ve had the honor of hosting Dr. Ewing for a virtual event. “When we hosted Dr. Ewing with moderator Natalie Moore during the pandemic, we welcomed about 1,000 people tuning in virtually from all over the world,” said Eola Road Branch manager Krista. “That was one of the pilot events for what would become Illinois Libraries Present (ILP), and the energy around creating these opportunities was amazing!”
Illinois Libraries Present (ILP) is an initiative from the Illinois Library Association that provides high-quality online events that connect communities across the State. As of September 2026, there are 122 Illinois libraries participating in ILP and sharing these amazing presenters with their communities. In the coming months we will offer virtual programs with Sasheer Zamata from Saturday Night Live, authors David Grann (Killers of the Flower Moon), Megha Majumdar (A Guardian and a Thief), and Ocean Vuong (On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous), and legendary activist Angela Davis. “The programs always feature meaningful conversations, and participants are invited to submit questions to the speakers ahead of time,” added Ali. “We’re all looking forward to how our next unique conversation will unfold.”
Whether you are familiar with Dr. Ewing’s work or discovering it for the first time, this conversation promises insight, inspiration, and important discussion. Words, Power, & Community: Dr. Eve L. Ewing is Thursday, Nov. 12 at 7 p.m. The event will be virtual program; you can register to attend via Zoom by visiting www.aurorapubliclibrary.org/event/17193346 or by calling the library at 630-264-4117.
AI was used in the creation of this article for brainstorming and drafting support.
Andrea Tiberi is the communications coordinator for the Aurora Public Library District.