Happy Halloween!

We have candy if you want to trick or treat, or just treat yourself to a book.

Halloween Candy...

Coming soon, Halloween candy.  Watch the counter!

Book Launch October 9th 6:30 pm

Meet the author of Poisoned.  Steve Shukis tells the fascinating story of Herman Billik, a mysterious Bohemian fortune teller accused (among other crimes) of slowly poisoning an entire family—a couple and their four children—with arsenic. Billik is still remembered after over a century as one of the most heartless serial killers of all time, but a closer look at his story reveals convincing evidence that the Chicago Police force arrested the wrong man and as many as nine murders remain unsolved.

Author Steve Shukis holds nothing back, detailing the horrific murders themselves and the events that followed Billik’s sentencing: last-second reprieves, legal battles carried to the Supreme Court, frenzied public rallies, and an admission that several key witnesses lied under oath. This murder case skewed political campaigns and even featured an eventual showdown between two central characters over who would be the Governor of Illinois. Poisoned is both a fascinating narrative and a serious research work that provides historical and political context, a perfect fit for students of Chicago, fans of true crime stories, and anyone who loves a good mystery.

Steve Shukis is a sixth-generation native of Chicago and a lifelong student of the city’s history, politics, and crime. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from the University of Illinois, Chicago.  He has worked on over a dozen political campaigns—for fifteen years he also worked for the city conducting legal research and training city inspectors. His interest in genealogical research led him to look deeper into Herman Billik’s story after he discovered it by chance.

Signing and reception to follow a brief talk.

October 1st 6:00 pm 5th Annual Pub Quiz Against Poverty

Compete for a chance to win a $50 after-words gift certificate and other prizes.  The Pub Quiz will be held at Mad River Chicago on 2909 N. Sheffield.  The Pub Quiz is a laid-back, fun evening to support the work of Heartland Alliance’s Policy and Advocacy team. We work to make sure everyone has food on the table, a roof over their heads, and the opportunity to create a stable future for themselves and their families.

For more information about the Heartland Alliance:

http://www.heartlandalliance.org/policy-and-advocacy/

September 21-27, 2014 Banned Books Week

Every year we look forward to spreading the word about Banned Books Week.  We participate by making a display on our large octagon table with books that have either been banned or challenged in schools or libraries sometime in their published history.  These challenges go back to the 1500s and stretch throughout history up to and including this year.  Every year books are challenged and banned.  In every case, the American Library Association’s Office for Intellectual Freedom is there to defend the book under scrutiny.  Support your local bookstores and libraries by reading a banned book.

For more information you can visit: http://www.ala.org/advocacy/banned