Your Library, Your Story

Aspiring or practicing poets, memoirists, and fiction writers, take note! April is your month at the Clarendon Hills Public Library.

On Thursday, April 9, 7–8:30 pm, the first-ever Poet Laureate of Clarendon Hills, David Berner, will lead a workshop for ages 12–adult to explore the beauty and power of poetry, and give participants a chance to write their own verse.

If you’ve ever given any thought to telling your life story, join Melissa Fraterrigo, author of the memoir, The Perils of Girlhood, on Saturday, April 25, 1–3 pm for a two-hour workshop on how to get started with your own memoir.

And for those who already have a self or indie-published novel, memoir, or children's picture book (new category this year!) under their belts, the 2026 Soon to Be Famous Illinois Author Project competition will accept entries from April 1 through May 31, 2026. The winner receives a cash prize, opportunities to promote their book at Illinois libraries, and a chance to enter a national competition for Indie Author of the Year. Visit soontobefamous.info for more information.

And finally join us for our virtual series of conversations with some of today’s most critically acclaimed and popular authors through Illinois Libraries Present. Upcoming conversations include Cristina Henríquez, author of The Great Divide on April 16 at 7 pm, and R.F. Kuang, author of Yellowface on May 19 at 7 pm.

All programs are free and registration is required. Visit clarendonhillslibrary.org or call 630-323-8188 to register.