Read the book. Join the conversation. It’s that simple! Read with us this winter, December – February, as we read Room by Emma Donoghue, the bestselling novel that was adapted into an Oscar-winning film.
- Learn more about Room and reserve your copy
- Learn more about author Emma Donoghue
- Reserve your spot for a virtual evening with Emma Donoghue, taking place via Zoom on Thursday, Feb. 18
About One Book, One Community
One Book, One Community is a time for us all to join in reading the same book, sparking conversations about the book and its themes. It’s a new way to bring us all together to talk about community, family, isolation and resilience.
This year’s One Book, One Community titles were chosen because they offer an opportunity for individuals and families to discuss some compelling issues that we’re all facing right now. We hope the themes resonate with you as we all continue to live with a global pandemic and other issues that challenge us to cope with situations outside of our control, manage feelings of isolation and find new ways to connect with our families and communities.
Send your questions, thoughts and feedback to @email.
Books for Young Readers
Your whole family can read with us this winter. We’ve selected a picture book, illustrated chapter book and a YA novel with similar themes to Room so your kids can be a part of the fun and the conversation.
- Ivan, The Remarkable True Story of the Shopping Mall Gorilla by Katherine Applegate – a picture book recommended for ages 5-8
- The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate – an illustrated chapter book recommended for ages 9-12
- Stolen by Lucy Christopher – a novel recommended for ages 12-19
Get your kids talking with these Conversation Starters. If you prefer, you can also print them off for easy reference:
How to Participate
Meet the Authors
We’re very excited to have Room author Emma Donoghue join us live for one night only to discuss her books and her life, and there will be time to answer your questions, too. Make sure you submit your questions ahead of the event!
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18
FEB |
Author Visit: Emma Donoghue
7-8 p.m. Online via Zoom |
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16
FEB |
Author Visit: Lucy Christopher
4-5 p.m. Online via Zoom |
Talk About It
Join the conversation. Register for any of our One Book, One Community book discussions to talk about Room with others in the community.
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25
JAN |
Book Discussion
1-2 p.m. Online via Zoom |
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26
JAN |
Book Discussion
1:30-2:30 p.m. Online via Zoom |
|
1
FEB |
Book Discussion
6-7 p.m. Online via Zoom |
|
10
FEB |
Book Discussion
10-11 a.m. Online via Zoom |
|
11
FEB |
Book Discussion
7-8 p.m. Online via Zoom |
|
16
FEB |
Book Discussion
10-11 a.m. Online via Zoom |
Attend a Program
Extend your One Book, One Community experience with these related programs.
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4
JAN |
Volunteer Care Packages
All day Schaumburg Township |
|
5
JAN |
How to Celebrate Family Traditions No Matter What Happens
7-8 p.m. Online via Zoom |
|
9
JAN |
Fun with Families (3-6 years with caregiver)
10-10:45 a.m. Online via Zoom |
|
14
JAN |
Mask Decorating for Teens
7-8 p.m. Pick-Up Kit/Online via Zoom |
|
20
JAN |
Who filmed this book?
6:30-8:30 p.m. Online via Zoom |
|
20
JAN |
Managing Social Isolation
6:30-8 p.m. Online via Zoom |
|
21
JAN |
Book Explorers (5-8 years)
4-5 p.m. Pick-Up Kit/Online via Zoom |
|
25
JAN |
Create and Chill with Indira and Jess (12 to 19 years)
3-4 p.m. Pick-Up Kit/Online via Zoom |
|
1
FEB |
Between the Lines Book Club (9-12 years)
3:30-4:30 p.m. Pick-Up Kit/Online via Zoom |
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2
FEB |
Stolen Book Discussion with Author Lucy Christopher (for Teens)
4-5 p.m. Online via Zoom |
|
3
FEB |
Stolen Book Discussion with Author Lucy Christopher (for Adults)
4-5 p.m. Online via Zoom |
|
3
FEB |
Lost Art of Letter Writing
7-8 p.m. Online via Zoom |
|
8
FEB |
Create and Chill with Indira and Jess (12 to 19 years)
3-4 p.m. Pick-Up Kit/Online via Zoom |
|
8
FEB |
Adult Writers' Workshop with Author Lucy Christopher
4-5 p.m. Online via Zoom |
|
8
FEB |
Dinnertime Conversation Starters
All day Pick-Up Program |
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9
FEB |
Teen Writers' Workshop with Author Lucy Christopher
4-5 p.m. Online via Zoom |
|
16
FEB |
Art Studio: Community (6-9 years)
4-5 p.m. Pick-Up Kit/Online via Zoom |
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16
FEB |
How to Build Community and Relationships
7-8:30 p.m. Online via Zoom |
One Community Postcard Project
We asked four local artists to create a work of art based on our four themes of family, community, isolation and resilience. We’ve turned their beautiful work into postcards for you to take and share. Pick up a pre-stamped postcard at any Library location, add your own message and send it along to someone who may need a word of encouragement, love or support. Not sure who to send to? Use the enclosed label to send your postcard to our partners at area senior living facilities to let our local seniors know we care about them.
- Emma Ross: Theme of Community
- Ben Olson: Theme of Resilience
- Illiyan Petkov: Theme of Isolation
- Phil Seifritz: Theme of Family
Read more about the inspiration for their artwork.
Get a Free Copy
A limited number of free copies of Room and all our titles for young readers will be available at all Library locations beginning Jan. 2. Our free copies of Room have been signed by author Emma Donoghue! Free copies available while supplies last, first come, first served.
21-Day Resilience & Gratitude Challenge
Join in this 21-day challenge to help build up your resilience and positivity about the world around you. Visit our events calendar for a suggested activity to each day of the challenge to help keep you on track.
DIY Discussions
Host your own One Book, One Community book discussion with family, friends, neighbors or coworkers using our DIY Discussion Guide. The guide includes discussion questions and suggestions to spark rich, engaging conversation about Room.
If you'd prefer, you can print off a PDF of the discussion guide:
Book Club in a Bag
We make it easy for you to host your own One Book, One Community book discussion with our Book Club in a Bag. Check one out to receive 10 copies of Room, along with the discussion guide with questions and tips to get your group talking.
Flash Fiction Contest
For our latest Flash Fiction contest, we’re asking you to flex your fingers and write a short story in 1,000 words or less about one of these themes: community, family ties, resilience or isolation. Limit of two entries per person. Prizes will be awarded to winners in youth, teen and adult categories. See contest details and submit entries.