Des Plaines History Center selects Maphead for book group

The Des Plaines History Center has chosen a book for its September discussion not only because it is educational but because the author’s love for the topic is contagious. Residents are invited to pick up a copy of Maphead: Charting the Wide, Weird World of Geography Wonks at the Readers Services desk at the Des Plaines Public Library and start reading. The book discussion is set for Wednesday, September 17, from 6-7 p.m. at the History Center, 781 Pearson Street, Des Plaines.

“Maphead is a light and easy-to-read introduction to the love of maps and geography,” said Philip Mohr, History Center curator and facilitator of the book group. “Author Ken Jennings, who is also a Jeopardy! champion, takes you along with him as he dives into one of his hobbies.”

Some of the other titles that the book group has examined during the last year include Rising Up from Indian Country, Abigail Adams, Sin in the Second City, and The Chicago Killer. Attendance has ranged from nine to twenty, and participants have commented that they appreciate learning in an interactive environment.

Mohr said that “the history book discussion group is a fun and smart bunch. We have some regulars and some people who come only for one time because they find the topic particularly interesting. Everyone is welcome.”

This book talk will complement the History Center’s new travel exhibit, “Greetings from Des Plaines,” which opened in August and will run through the end of year. Guests are invited to stay and view the exhibit after the book discussion. For more information, call the History Center at 847-391-5399. This event is co-sponsored by the History Center and the Des Plaines Public Library.

The Des Plaines History Center gratefully acknowledges operating support from the City of Des Plaines, the Des Plaines Park District, its members, and other contributors.