Finding the Clues: Then and Now with Steve Burns | 9/16 at 7pm | Adults |  Register Here

Join Illinois Libraries Present for a nostalgic and intimate hour-long conversation with Emmy-nominated actor Steve Burns, best known as ‘Steve’ from the beloved Nickelodeon show Blue’s Clues.

Beyond the iconic blue paw print and memorable striped green shirt, Burns has built a unique careers in entertainment, encompassing acting, directing, music, and, new this fall, a podcast which "listens back" - Alive with Steve Burns.

This special interview offers a closer look at Burns' journey, from the early fame of Blue's Clues to his personal growth and creative evolution. Argonne Nettles, a Chicago based storyteller and cultural reporter, will join Steve in conversation.

Beyond the Screen: A "Wicked" Conversation with Marissa Bode | 10/21 at 7pm | Adults |  Register Here

Prepare for a magical evening as Illinois Libraries Present welcomes actress Marissa Bode. Bode made her feature film debut as Nessarose in Academy Award-winning blockbuster, Wicked, directed by Jon M. Chu. 

Join us to explore Bode’s early inspirations and performances, leading up to her portrayal of Nessarose in Wicked. As the highly anticipated sequel Wicked: For Good approaches, we’ll reflect on what makes the story so meaningful to Bode and audiences around the world. Bode will also share personal stories and insights from her time on stage, the challenges and rewards of being part of an iconic production, and what the future holds for her career. 

Amanda Finn will join Bode in conversation. Finn is a queer theater, lifestyle, and travel journalist based in Chicago. Their work has appeared in the Chicago Reader, American Theatre Magazine, Yahoo, Huffington Post, and more. 

Kenji López-Alt: A Journey Through Food and Science | 11/18 at 7pm | Adults |  Register Here

Join award-winning cookbook author, New York Times food columnist, and Serious Eats director J. Kenji López-Alt for an evening of cooking insights, techniques, and foodie exploration.

As the Culinary Director for Serious Eats, Kenji is known and loved for his thoroughly-tested and explained recipes and food features. His James Beard Award-winning cookbook, The Food Lab, uses evidence-based testing to show you the best ways to cook things. A former chef and restaurant worker, Kenji is also the author of The Wok, a best-selling children's book, Every Night is Pizza Night, and co-hosts ‘The Recipe with Kenji and Deb,’ a podcast that helps you discover your own perfect recipes with his friend Deb Perelman of Smitten Kitchen. On YouTube, Kenji’s Cooking Show celebrates that food’s main goal is pleasure and inspires home cooks to take their food where they want it to go! When he’s not cooking or writing, Kenji enjoys spending time with his family, playing music, and exploring Seattle.

Chicago’s Billy Zureikat joins Kenji in conversation. Billy Z is a home cook and baker with a story as unique as the flavors he whips up in his kitchen. After being diagnosed with Muscular Dystrophy, sandwiches and pizza became his canvas, including the infamous "Tripping Billy" pizza. Billy has collaborated with more than 90 restaurants to raise $73,000 for Muscular Dystrophy, and he’s just getting started.