'One Book, One Oak Lawn' Tackles Racism

OAK LAWN, IL — “One Book, One Oak Lawn” — the Oak Lawn Public Library’s community-wide reading initiative — is back. Join your friends and neighbors for a lively discussion of Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You. Join the library’s first online conversation at 7 p.m. Tuesday Sept. 15.

With antiracism protests taking place both locally and nationally, most spurred by the deaths of African-Americans while in police custody, “Stamped” is a timely read reflective of the conversations many citizens are having with family, friends and colleagues.

Author Jason Reynolds’ New York Times #1 bestseller is a remarkable reimagining of Dr. Ibram X. Kendi’s National Book Award-winning Stamped from the Beginning. The Reynolds remix is aimed toward middle-grade readers, but adult readers will also find inspiration and hope for an antiracist future.

Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You presents a gripping, fast-paced, and energizing narrative that shines a light on the many insidious forms of racist ideas–and on ways readers can identify and stamp out racist thoughts in their daily lives.

One Book, One Oak Lawn aims to bring people together by having the community read the same book at the same time. You don't have to be an Oak Lawn resident to participate and all ages are welcome. Between Sept. 15 and Oct. 10, the library is planning more conversations and events around the antiracism theme.

Also check out the Oak Lawn Public Library and Facebook page for more information and discussions including Craftivism 101 on Sept. 21 and King in Chicago on Sept. 28, both at 7 p.m.

“We hope to drive conversation around the theme of one book and promote better understanding of ourselves and others," the library said in a news release.

For more information visit olpl.org or the Ask a Librarian feature, Facebook page, or call 708-422-4990 on upcoming discussions and programs.

Order Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You via Amazon or Jason Writes Books.