Do you like to write?

Then creep your way into our Wicked Good Writing Contest!

The Youth Services Department challenges all warlocks, vampires, ghosts, and children to write a two-sentence, scary (or not so scary) story.

Here are some previous entries: 

I am going to be a pumpkin for Halloween.  Because I like pumpkins.

AND

The last thing I saw was my alarm clock flashing 7:07 before she pushed her long, rotting fingernails through my chest, her other hand muffling my screams.  I sat bolt upright, relieved it was only a dream, but as I saw my alarm clock read 7:06 I heard my closet door open.

Entries will be accepted between October 18th and October 30th. 

• Coming in person to get an entry form
• Downloading the printable form
• Filling out this online form

All entries will be displayed on the magnet wall on the 2nd floor and one winner will be chosen from each of these groups; grades K-2, 3/4, 5/6, 7/8. 

Each winner will receive a prize and have their story displayed at the YS Desk and online. 

Winners will be announced on Halloween!

Entries that are longer than two sentences or suspected of AI use, will not be judged.

Starting on Saturday, September 26th, stop by the Youth Services desk on the second floor of DPPL to pick up a kit (while supplies last!), and then use the materials to do the project we show you step-by-step in the video.

(Grade 1 and up.)

El Camino Amarillo by Emi Muñoz Bonilla.

This book was also chosen for our Spanish book club this September. 

About the author and her book

Emi Muñoz Bonilla: A Life Written from the Heart

Emi Muñoz Bonilla is a Puerto Rican poet whose work stems from a life shaped by love, dreams, and experiences that leave a lasting mark on the heart.

From a young age, she developed a special sensitivity to the world of emotions. She learned to observe love in its various forms: platonic love, dreamed-of love, learned love, and lived love. Over time, she discovered that poetry was her way of understanding her feelings and giving voice to what she carried within.

Her journey as a poet began at fifteen, sparked by an impossible love—one that never became reality, yet felt entirely real to her. Her poetry was born from that dream.

Her poetry explores love with an honest and reflective gaze, acknowledging both its beauty and its contradictions. In her verses, she speaks of dreams, hopes, losses, and—above all—the importance of learning to recognize when loving also means letting go.

Her purpose is to leave a mark of her time on this planet and to build, through her poems, a legacy of love for other hearts.

Because some love stories were not meant to be lived; they were meant to become poetry.

Here is Emi’s website, featuring a short video where she tells the story.

Q&A for the author:

1. What inspired you to start writing poetry?

I began writing at the age of fifteen, after falling for someone with whom a relationship was impossible. Since that love could not be reciprocated, I wrote poems and left them in their mailbox for them to read. At one point, I revealed my identity, but my feelings were not returned. Although I continued writing for that impossible love, I never gave them the poems again.

Nowadays, I write poetry as a form of therapy to help me survive; I turn my pain into verse. However, my poems aren't just about sadness; they also speak of passionate, romantic love.

2. When you speak of "silences that speak," what exactly do you mean? Was there a specific moment that inspired this idea?

Silence is also a response, even if it isn't the one we hope for. The inspiration for this thought came when I was waiting for an answer to a question, but that answer never arrived. Only silence kept me company.

3. Your book includes sections dedicated to the different seasons. What led you to focus on seasons?

I focused on the seasons of the year because they allow us to observe the stages of love, leading up to the spring we all seek. I have always loved comparing love to the power of nature.

4. Do you plan to publish the book in English? Are you working on any other projects?

I am currently working on several projects. I am translating my poems into English so that more people can experience the healing power of poetry. This project is very important to me because I don’t want to simply produce a translation; I want to ensure the feeling that inspired the poems isn't lost, so I have to be very careful.

Another project involves adapting the lyrics of my poems into beautiful songs that I will soon share on my YouTube channel. I’ll be exploring a variety of musical genres, and I’m even including a song in Italian.

5. For those who haven’t read your book yet, is there anything you’d like to share to inspire them? Is there a particular message you hope readers take away from it?

Art is therapy. Whether it’s writing, drawing, singing, photography, or anything else, art is a powerful, positive tool. We shouldn't bottle up our pain.

The message I want to convey to my readers is that life can be painted in every color. And, as Trent Shelton once said: "We’re all a little broken. But last time I checked, broken crayons still color the same."

Even though we all carry scars inside, life can still be beautiful. My poems speak precisely to that transformation—turning pain into something that can also be beautiful.

This book is available for check out at the library. 

Join us at the Des Plaines Public library for our Spanish book club: Cafecito y Libritos 

Our next meeting is September 26th! Please register if you are interested as there are limited spaces. Copies of the book are available at the 3rd floor desk! 

Register here 

From 10:30-11:30am conversation with Emi Muñoz Bonilla over her book: El Camino Amarillo 

From 12-2pm: Party to celebrate + a special Hispanic Heritage Month craft! 

en Español

Presentamos a una autora Hispana local y su nuevo libro de poesía: 

El Camino Amarillo de Emi Muñoz Bonilla

(Este libro también fue seleccionado para nuestro club de lectura en Español este Septiembre. Encontrarás más información más abajo!)

Sobre la autora y su libro:
Emi Muñoz Bonilla: una vida escrita desde el corazón

Emi Muñoz Bonilla es una poeta puertorriqueña cuya obra nace de una vida marcada por el amor, los sueños y las experiencias que dejan huella en el corazón.

Desde muy joven desarrolló una sensibilidad especial hacia el mundo de las emociones. Aprendió a observar el amor en sus distintas formas: el amor platónico, el amor soñado, el amor aprendido y el amor vivido. Con el tiempo descubrió que la poesía era su manera de comprender lo que sentía y de dar palabras a aquello que llevaba dentro.

Sus poemas son un reflejo de las experiencias, emociones y aprendizajes que la acompañaron mientras crecía. De ese recorrido nació El Camino Amarillo, un mapa emocional de lo que fue sintiendo a lo largo de su vida.

Su poesía explora el amor desde una mirada honesta y reflexiva, reconociendo tanto su belleza como sus contradicciones. En sus versos habla de los sueños, las ilusiones, las pérdidas y, sobre todo, de la importancia de aprender a reconocer cuándo amar también significa dejar ir.

Su propósito es dejar una huella de su paso por este planeta y construir, a través de sus poemas, un legado de amor para otros corazones.

Porque algunas historias de amor no fueron hechas para vivirse; fueron hechas para convertirse en poesía.

Este es mi website con un video corto donde cuento la historia

Preguntas y respuestas para la autora:

1. Qué te inspiró a empezar a escribir poesía?

Comencé a escribir a los quince años de edad, tras ilusionarme con un amor imposible. Ya que ese amor no podía ser correspondido, le escribí poemas que dejaba en su buzón para que los leyera. En cierto momento le revelé mi identidad, pero no fui correspondida. Aunque continué escribiendo para ese amor imposible, jamás volví a entregarle los poemas.

En la actualidad, escribo mis poemas como una terapia para poder sobrevivir. Así que convierto mi dolor en poesía. Pero mis poemas no solo tratan de tristeza; también hablan de un amor apasionado y romántico.

2. Cuando hablas de «los silencios que hablan», a qué te refieres exactamente? Hay algún momento concreto que te haya inspirado esa idea?

El silencio también es una respuesta, aunque no sea la que esperamos. La inspiración de este pensamiento surgió cuando me quedé esperando una respuesta a una pregunta, pero esa respuesta nunca llegó. Solo el silencio me acompañó.

3. Tu libro incluye secciones dedicadas a las distintas estaciones. ¿Qué te llevó a centrarte en las estaciones?

Me concentré en las estaciones del año porque en ellas se pueden observar las etapas del amor, hasta llegar a la primavera que todos buscamos. Siempre me ha gustado comparar el amor con la fuerza de la naturaleza.

4. Tienes previsto publicar el libro en inglés? Estás trabajando en algún otro proyecto?

En este momento me encuentro trabajando en varios proyectos. Estoy traduciendo mis poemas al inglés para que más personas puedan disfrutar del poder sanador de la poesía. Este proyecto es muy importante porque no quiero hacer simplemente una traducción. Quiero que ese sentimiento que me inspiró a escribir los poemas no se pierda, y tengo que ser muy cuidadosa.

Otro de mis proyectos es adaptar las letras de mis poemas en hermosas canciones que compartiré próximamente en mi canal de YouTube. También voy a estar explorando muchos géneros musicales. Además, voy a incluir una canción en italiano.

5. Para quienes aún no han leído tu libro, hay algo que quieras compartir para inspirarlos? Existe algún mensaje en particular que te gustaría que los lectores se llevaran tras leerlo?

El arte es una terapia. Ya sea escribiendo, dibujando, cantando, haciendo fotografía, etc., el arte es una herramienta muy positiva. No debemos guardarnos el dolor.

El mensaje que quiero llevarles a mis lectores es que la vida se puede pintar de todos los colores. Y, como dijo una vez Trent Shelton: «Todos estamos un poco rotos. Pero la última vez que revisé, los crayones rotos todavía pintan igual».

Y aunque por dentro todos llevamos cicatrices, la vida puede seguir siendo hermosa. Mis poemas hablan precisamente de esa transformación: de convertir el dolor en algo que también puede ser bello.

Este libro está disponible para préstamo en la biblioteca 

Acompáñanos en la Biblioteca Pública de Des Plaines a nuestro club de lectura en español: Cafecito y Libritos.

Nuestra próxima reunión es el 26 de Septiembre! Por favor, inscríbete si te interesa, ya que el cupo es limitado. Hay ejemplares del libro disponibles en el mostrador del tercer piso!

Inscríbete aquí para estos eventos:

De 10:30-11:30 a.m: Conversación con Emi Muñoz Bonilla sobre su libro El camino amarillo.

De 12:00-2:00 p.m: Fiesta de celebración y una manualidad especial por el Mes de la Herencia Hispana!

7-Eleven
1585 Rand Rd., Des Plaines
(847) 759-0643
DEAL: 1 free small Slurpee a day 

Ace Pickleball Club
727 W. Golf Rd., Des Plaines
(847) 674-1080
DEAL: Free drop-in session for first time visitors

American Wildburger
1534 E. Oakton St., Des Plaines
(224) 938-9772
DEAL: 10% off order (no minimum)

Beacon Tap
1374 Lee St., Des Plaines
(847) 715-2772
DEAL: $5 off a $25 purchase

Bibibop
1680 W. Higgins Rd., Des Plaines
(224) 394-4508
DEAL: 10% discount for in-store purchases only (no catering orders)

Bona’s Couture
1541 Lee St., Des Plaines
(312) 358-5990
DEAL: 20% off every service

Brew Coffee Lab
1501 Miner St., Des Plaines
(224) 875-8126
DEAL: 15% off one drink per order

Des Plaines History Center
781 Pearson St., Des Plaines
(847) 391-5399
DEAL: 10% gift shop discount

Des Plaines Park District
510 E. Algonquin Rd., Des Plaines
(847) 391-5733
DEAL: Two-for-one coupon at Mountain View Adventure Mini Golf

Des Plaines Theatre
1476 Miner St., Des Plaines
(224) 354-2333
DEAL: 1 free popcorn. Subject to theatre hours and availability.  Limit one per person, not redeemable for cash or towards prior purchases.

Don’s Dock Seafood
1220 E. Northwest Hwy., Des Plaines
(847) 827-1817
DEAL: 1/2 pound of hush puppies with a purchase

Downtown Cleaners
1463 Ellinwood St., Des Plaines
(847) 299-5959
DEAL: 10% off alterations

Fibs Brewing Company
260 Howard Ave., Des Plaines
(847) 227-9790
DEAL: Buy 2 beers, get 50% off a warm Bavarian Pretzel with cheese

Gail’s Carriage Inn
1145 Elmhurst Rd., Des Plaines
(847) 758-9407
DEAL: 10% off bill Monday-Friday

Galaxy Hot Pot & Grill
1417 Ellinwood St., Des Plaines
(224) 580-2333
DEAL: Boba and fruit tea 50% off all day

Giuseppe’s Pizza & Catering
554 E. Algonquin Rd., Des Plaines
(847) 824-4230
DEAL: $5.00 discount with any purchase 
of $25.00 or more before tax

Headquarters Design Studio, Inc.
637 W. Golf Rd., Des Plaines
(847) 640-0141
DEAL: New clients get a complimentary Shine treatment with any service.  

Jiffy Lube
777 S. Elmhurst Rd., Des Plaines
(847) 437-5439
DEAL: 10% off any service

Katie’s Kitchen
623 N. Wolf Rd., Des Plaines  
(847) 803-3544
DEAL: Free beverage (coffee, pop, or iced tea) with a purchase of entree.  (No specialty drinks)

Kids Play Hive
1529 Lee St, Des Plaines
(224) 361-3400
DEAL: 10% off open play passes

Kumon Math and Reading Center of Des Plaines
1531 Ellinwood St., Des Plaines
(847) 803-4547
DEAL: Free registration (valued at $80)

The Laundry Des Plaines
795 Elmhurst Rd. Des Plaines
(224) 875-7094
DEAL: $0.99/lb for 15 lb minimum full-service wash, dry, fold and/or free 30 minute dry time with a wash cycle purchase

Los Azares Mexican Grill
1290 E. Northwest Hwy., Des Plaines
(224) 580-2014
DEAL: 15% off purchase

LP Waxing and Beauty Lounge
1520 Miner St., Des Plaines
(773) 661-1642
DEAL: 20% off services for first time customers

Move the Beat
691 Lee St., Des Plaines
(630) 476-9535
DEAL: Free drop-in dance class

Mugs Pizza and Ribs
600 E. Central Rd., Des Plaines
(847) 298-3311
DEAL: 15% off purchase

NK Beauty Salon
849 S. Elmhurst Rd., Ste 106A, Des Plaines
(847) 907-1468
DEAL: 10% off any hair service

Once & Again Resale
50 E. Northwest Hwy., Des Plaines
(847) 768-7055
DEAL: 20% off any purchase over $10

Partnership Financial Credit Union
58 E. Northwest Hwy., Des Plaines
(847) 697-3281
DEAL 1: With a PFCU Kid’s Club Account, children from ages 5-18 are rewarded with $5 per “A” on their report card, up to $25 per semester 
DEAL 2: Free Checking with no minimum balance

Pita Pita Mediterranean Grill
1467 Lee St., Des Plaines
(847) 258-9880
DEAL: 10% off purchase (not valid on lunch specials or in combination with any other promotions or discounts)

The Port of Peri Peri
850 S. Elmhurst Rd., Des Plaines
(847) 262-5187
DEAL: 10% off total order

Potbelly
1506 Market St., Des Plaines
(847) 297-5454
DEAL: 1 free drink or cookie with purchase

Scooter's Coffee
20 W. Golf Rd., Des Plaines
(224) 210-6416
DEAL: 10% off the entire order

Splash and Dash Groomerie & Boutique 
637 Metropolitan Way, Des Plaines
(847) 376-8061
DEAL: 20% off a bath and brush OR a full groom

Square Deal Shoes
1516 Miner St., Des Plaines
(847) 824-5262
DEAL: 10% off entire purchase 
(Regular Priced Shoes Only)

Sugar Bowl
1494 Miner St., Des Plaines
(847) 759-0500
DEAL: 10% off purchase before tax

Tiffany’s Restaurant & Cafe
2179 E. Touhy Ave., Des Plaines
(847) 813-5581
DEAL: 20% off bill

Uncork, Unwind
1440 Miner St., Des Plaines
(847) 893-0500
DEAL: 10% off entire dine in food and drink.  Excludes Thursday Pinsa special.

W. Kim Tae Kwon Do
741 W. Golf Rd., Des Plaines
(847) 452-7055
DEAL: 1-week free trial (1st time students only)

July 26th will mark 36 years since the Americans with Disabilities Act was signed into law which protected people with disabilities from discrimination in many areas of public life. This includes areas such as jobs, schools, transportation, and many public and private places that are open to the general public (ADA National Network).

Signed in 1990, and then amended in 2009 with the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) on January 1, 2009 (which made significant changes to the definition of ‘disability’), this Act has been vital for changing the landscape for those with disabilities and made it so that disability rights were civil rights.

While the law is why Disability Pride Month is in July, the focus should be on the people. This month we celebrate not only the history, but the achievements, growth, experiences, and the struggles that those with disabilities face. We celebrate all of the intricate differences that being human entails.

Disability Pride Flag

There are many types of disabilities that exist. The color stripes in the Disability Pride Flag, created in 2021 by Ann Magill, represent those different types. This includes physical disabilities, neurodiversity, emotional and psychiatric disabilities, sensory disabilities, and undiagnosed and invisible disabilities. The gray background of the flag is for mourning and rage for the victims of ableist violence and abuse.

You can learn more about the symbolism, history, and more regarding the official Disability Pride Flag on The Arc of Illinois.

Things to Remember

• There is no right or wrong way to be disabled. Disabilities exist on a wide spectrum and all abilities should be celebrated.
• Some disabilities are invisible.
• Dynamic disabilities exist. (Learn more on TheSunflowerSociety.)
• Two people with the same disability may have very different challenges and abilities.
• Disabled is not a bad word, it is a neutral word.
• More than 1 in 4 adults in the U.S. have some type of disability (CDC).
• Some innovative technology was developed for those with disabilities, but was helpful for everyone and is widely used and appreciated. This is known as the Curb-Cut Effect.

The library also provides assistive technology and gadgets through our Library of Things which can be checked out like any other item.

Or perhaps you’re looking for 3D printed assistive gadgets? You can connect with our makerspace staff members in the Canvas.

Here are some great books to help you get started this month!

FICTION AND NONFICTION

Demystifying Disability by Emily Ladau 

This is Body Grief by Layne Mattingly 

The Country of the Blind by Andrew Leland 

Being Heumann by Judith Heumann 

Furiously Happy by Jenny Lawson 

My Brain is Different by Monzusu  

Sensory edited by Rebecca Ollerton 

Brittle Joints by Maria Sweeney 

Lycanthropy and Other Chronic Illnesses by Kristen O’Neal 

All In Your Head by Sabina Nordqvist 

Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros

Out on a Limb by Hannah Boham Young 

Turtles All the Way Down by John Green 

Chaos Theory by Nick Stone 

A Fragile Disenchantment by Allison Saft 

Give me a Sign by Anna Sortino 

CHILDREN'S BOOKS

A Boy Called Bat by Alana K. Arnold 

Marshmallow and Jordan by Alina Chau  

My Aunt is a Monster by Reimena Mai 

Roll With It by Jaime Sumner 

Air by Monica Roe 

Out of My Mind by Sharon Draper  

Whale Eyes by James Robinson 

The Someday Birds by Sally J. Pla 

Deer Home Run by Ann Clare LeZotte 

Simon Sort of Says by Erin Bow 

The Unstoppable Jamie by Joy Givens 

Tenacious by Patty Cisneros Prevo 

This is How We Play by Jessica Slice

Best Day Ever by Marilyn Singer

Can Bears Ski? By Raymond Antrobus

This week we are sharing our picks for Kids & Families 

Don't miss DPPL Celebrates Pride 2026 - PART 1 for our picks for Adults and PART 2 for Teens

Are You a Friend of Dorothy? 

Plenty of Hugs 

Prince & Knight

Maiden & Princess

Pink Is for Boys

It's All or Nothing, Vale 

A World Worth Saving

]]> 2026-06-05T15:28:00+00:00 https://www.dppl.org/blog/post/dppl-celebrates-pride-2026-part-2 https://www.dppl.org/blog/post/dppl-celebrates-pride-2026-part-2#When:1780672440 This June, as the library continues to celebrate 250 years of American Independence, we wanted to take a moment to highlight the 10% of Americans – and 4.5% of those living in Illinois – who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community. 

This week we are sharing our picks for Teens. 

Don't miss DPPL Celebrates Pride 2026 - PART 1 for our picks for adults. 

Are You a Friend of Dorothy? 

Plenty of Hugs 

Prince & Knight

Maiden & Princess

Pink Is for Boys

It's All or Nothing, Vale 

A World Worth Saving

The Lesbiana's Guide to Catholic School

Loveless

The Girl From the Sea

The House in the Cerulean Sea 

Hell Followed With Us

The Sunbearer Trials

The Unruly Heart of Miss Darcy

]]> 2026-06-05T15:14:00+00:00 https://www.dppl.org/blog/post/mondays-are-for-music https://www.dppl.org/blog/post/mondays-are-for-music#When:1780669620

Looking for fun, high energy family-friendly concerts on Mondays? 

Patrons of all ages are welcome to join us in Meeting Room B/C on the first floor of the library.

Drop in, no registration is required!

We would like to thank the Friends of Des Plaines Public Library for sponsoring this Summer Reading Program series and making it possible!

Who is performing?

We have 7 wonderful performances planned for this year’s SRC.  

Little Miss Ann

June 8, 2026 at 3pm

"Little Miss Ann is a Chicago-based, Filipina American, nationally touring kid's musician who has made 7 award-winning Family Music albums.

She is also a former Chicago Public School teacher, an instructor at Chicago's iconic Old Town School of Folk Music, a social justice activist, and a first-generation Filipina American. 

Whether Ann is singing about Ube, a Filipino purple yam, or about Spring, her musical themes will inspire kids to let their own light shine in their own families as well as in their communities!"

Istvan & His Imaginary Band

June 15, 2026 at 4pm

Istvan is a local one-man band who has received awards for his creative music. 

“I love the guitar and putting it through effects to surprise kids with the sounds I make and coming up with exciting ways to illustrate my songs live is my favorite challenge.

I hope kids and their families are inspired by my show and have an awesome time together.” – Istvan

The Luna Blues Machine

June 22, 2026 at 11am

The Luna Blues Machine is a Chicago based acoustic hip-hop, Latin, folk-soul band fronted by sisters Belinda and Maritza Cervantes.

The two sisters have performed throughout the Chicagoland area since 2001.

Their Little Lunas is a bilingual (English/Spanish) show, and it is a fun and interactive way to get kids engaged with learning.

The Dreamtree Shakers

June 29, 2026 at 4pm

The Dreamtree Shakers live show engages the audience with a mix of catchy original tunes and beloved, sometimes surprising covers. 

All are welcomed to join in the journey of the show by singing along, moving their bodies, and using their imaginations.

Incorporating guitar, vocals, drums, sax and flute, the band's sound is vibrant and joyful.

Wendy & DB

July 13, 2026 at 11am

Wendy and DB have been a duo/band since 2013 with 4 award-winning albums and a fifth on the way.

Their most recent album, Into the Little Blue House is a collection of original blues songs for kids and families. Wendy and DB have collaborated with the blues community in Chicago to produce an album the whole family can enjoy. 

This Chicago hometown tribute is a nod to Wendy and DB’s Windy City roots and is just one more example of how they are working in their community to empower BIPOC children and all children and families.

Cello with Kelsey

July 20, 2026 at 3pm

“I love to play pieces that will make people connect with their emotions— whether it’s a trio of Christmas songs that makes someone nostalgic for their youth, a Beatles cover that makes someone smile, a pop song that gets people singing along, or a well-known classical piece— I love to find the entry points for audience members to feel the music in themselves. I regularly perform in the community.”

This will be Kelsey’s first time performing at the Des Plaines Public Library, and we are very excited to welcome her!

BenAnna Band

July 27, 2026 at 11am

“The BenAnna Band is a nationally touring children's duo that focuses on music and inclusion for kiddos of all ages, abilities and identities.”

The BenAnna Band stresses the importance of individualized musical interaction, so they bring live musical instruments to all their concerts for the audience to physically participate in the music; every concert is different based on YOUR playing! 

The BenAnna Band wants to see you singing, playing, and dancing with them so there will be plenty of opportunities to follow the lyrics for group dancing, playing, and singing along with spotlight moments for everyone to rock out their own way!”

]]> 2026-06-05T14:27:00+00:00 https://www.dppl.org/blog/post/dppl-celebrates-pride-2026-1 https://www.dppl.org/blog/post/dppl-celebrates-pride-2026-1#When:1780069800

This June, as the library continues to celebrate 250 years of American Independence, we wanted to take a moment to highlight the 10% of Americans – and 4.5% of those living in Illinois – who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community.

As inductees to Chicago’s LGBTQ+ Hall of Fame, the individuals whose stories I’ve chosen to share have helped contribute to the city’s LGBTQ+ community.

It cannot be understated, however, that this is just a glimpse into the variety of people who have helped build Chicago’s LGBTQ+ community.

Jon-Henri Damski

(March 31, 1937 - November 1, 1997)

Damski was the longest-running columnist in the American Gay and Lesbian Press and the first gay columnist in the Midwest to publish under his real name and image.

He was also instrumental in passing Chicago’s Human Rights Ordinance in 1988, which granted job and housing protections to the city’s gay and lesbian communities.

 

Pearl M. Hart

(April 7, 1890 – March 22, 1975)

The first woman in Chicago to be appointed a public defender, Hart frequently represented oppressed minority groups, including children, immigrants, and lesbians and gay men.

Due to her diligence in fighting police harassment of LGBTQ+ individuals, she was nicknamed the “Guardian Angel of Chicago’s Gay Community”.

 

 

 

 

Renee C. Hanover

(April 18, 1926 – January 5, 2011)

One of the first openly gay lawyers to practice in the United States, Hanover graduated from John Marshall Law School in 1969 after being dismissed from her previous school due to living publicly as a lesbian since the early 1960s.

She was part of the Women’s Law Center – alongside her mentor, Pearl M. Hart – and frequently worked cases dealing with gender, LGBTQ+ issues, and race. 

 

 

Marie J. Kuda

(1940 - 2016)

Kuda was a writer, lecturer, publisher, and LGBTQ+ historian.

In the 1970s, she founded Womanpress and published the first annotated bibliography of lesbian literature, called Women Loving Women.

She had an archive of over 100,000 items that shared the history of LGBTQ+ culture in Chicago, organized five Lesbian Writers’ Conferences in the city, and was part of the American Library Association’s Gay and Lesbian Task Force.

 

Lorraine Hansberry

(May 19,1930 – January 12, 1965)

Best known for her work A Raisin in the Sun, Hansberry wrote extensively about her attraction to women in her diaries, which were released by her estate in 2013.

Due to the popularity of A Raisin in the Sun, she lived as a closeted lesbian but spent her final years exploring her sexuality and building relationships with other members of the community.

 

 

 

Anna DeShawn

(August 30, 1983 – Present)

A podcaster and LGBTQ+ advocate, DeShawn founded E3 Radio – the only queer-focused radio station in the US – in 2009.

In 2020, she started The Qube, a podcasting platform focusing on BIPOC (Black and Indigenous People of Color) and QTPOC (Queer and Trans People of Color); she also hosts the series “Black HIV in the South: How Did We Get Here”, which is distributed through The Qube.

 

Alexandra Scott Billings

(March 28, 1962 - Present)

An actress, singer, and teacher, Billings is a transgender woman who, as Donna in the 2005 made-for-television film Romy and Michele: In the Beginning, played one of TV’s first openly transgender characters.

She’s also known for her role as Davina in the 2014 Amazon series Transparent. In September 2019, she became the first openly transgender person to star in the Broadway musical Wicked when she played Madame Morrible; she reprised her role when the show returned in 2021.

Finally, if you’re looking for something to read as a way to celebrate this Pride Month, feel free to check out any of the books below! 

This is just PART ONE: ADULT. Check back for our picks for Teens and Kids, coming soon! 

Are You a Friend of Dorothy? 

Plenty of Hugs 

Prince & Knight

Maiden & Princess

Pink Is for Boys

It's All or Nothing, Vale 

A World Worth Saving

The Lesbiana's Guide to Catholic School

Loveless

The Girl From the Sea

The House in the Cerulean Sea 

Hell Followed With Us

The Sunbearer Trials

The Unruly Heart of Miss Darcy

Out and Proud in Chicago: An Overview of the City's Gay Community

Nonfiction

Chain-gang All-stars 

Fiction

The Book of Blood and Roses

Fiction

Light From Uncommon Stars

Fiction

Stag Dance

Fiction

A Lady for a Duke

Fiction

Nevada 

Fiction

Being Ace 

Fiction

Sounds Fake but Okay 

Nonfiction

]]> 2026-05-29T15:50:00+00:00 https://www.dppl.org/blog/post/miner-recs-episode-98-cozy-fantasy-and-sci-fi https://www.dppl.org/blog/post/miner-recs-episode-98-cozy-fantasy-and-sci-fi#When:1779210000 On this episode, Quinn, Dana, Christa, and Camryn discuss some of the rising trends and themes in fantasy and science fiction books and recommend their favorite examples. Listen to their conversation in the player below:

Check out some of the books and series discussed in this episode today:

Are You a Friend of Dorothy? 

Plenty of Hugs 

Prince & Knight

Maiden & Princess

Pink Is for Boys

It's All or Nothing, Vale 

A World Worth Saving

The Lesbiana's Guide to Catholic School

Loveless

The Girl From the Sea

The House in the Cerulean Sea 

Hell Followed With Us

The Sunbearer Trials

The Unruly Heart of Miss Darcy

Out and Proud in Chicago: An Overview of the City's Gay Community

Nonfiction

Chain-gang All-stars 

Fiction

The Book of Blood and Roses

Fiction

Light From Uncommon Stars

Fiction

Stag Dance

Fiction

A Lady for a Duke

Fiction

Nevada 

Fiction

Being Ace 

Fiction

Sounds Fake but Okay 

Nonfiction

Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinniman

"You know what's worse than breaking up with your girlfriend? Being stuck with her prize-winning show cat. And you know what's worse than that? An alien invasion, the destruction of all man-made structures on Earth, and the systematic exploitation of all the survivors for a sadistic intergalactic game show. That's what."

Gideon the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir

"Raised in a hostile undead world where she would escape servitude and a zombie afterlife, a lesbian necromancer becomes a bodyguard to an emperor to secure her freedom in a solar system of swordplay and cutthroat politics."

Red Rising by Pierce Brown

"A tale set in a bleak future society torn by class divisions follows the experiences of secret revolutionary Darrow, who after witnessing his wife's execution by an oppressive government joins a revolutionary cell and attempts to infiltrate an elite military academy.

Light From Uncommon Stars by Ryka Aoki

"Good Omens meets The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet in Ryka Aoki's Light From Uncommon Stars, a defiantly joyful adventure set in California's San Gabriel Valley, with cursed violins, Faustian bargains, and queer alien courtship over fresh-made donuts."

Apparently, Sir Cameron Needs to Die by Greer Stothers

"All his life, Sir Cameron has stayed as far away from danger as possible. He is quite frankly too handsome to die a pointless death in battle. But then the Church hands down a prophecy to his fellow knights: the only way to defeat their nemesis, the mad sorcerer Merulo, is to kill Sir Cameron."

]]> 2026-05-19T17:00:00+00:00