Spend a Day with John Records Landecker

Do you remember the “Boogie Check”? Americana Panorama? Those classic days when WLS 890 was the center of the rock universe on Midwest radio? If any of these bring back fond memories, please join us as WLS disc jockey John Records Landecker comes to the Carol Stream Library to discuss his amazing radio career and to talk about his new book titled Records Truly Is My Middle Name.  The event will be held in the meeting rooms at the library on Sunday, October 6. A reception is scheduled for 1:30 pm and the program and book signing will run from 2:00-4:00.

Radio legend John Records Landecker has been questioned throughout his career about the origin of his middle name. As he points out in his book, it was not, as most people assumed, a stage name. His mother's maiden name was Records and her full name was Majorie Victoria Records as Landecker himself remarked during the 2008 BIG89 Rewind on 890 WLS AM. "Records truly is my middle name" is a saying Landecker frequently uses on the air.

The Friends of the Carol Stream Library have planned this event and will sponsor a reception and book signing after the program. Be sure to join us for an upbeat and entertaining afternoon with one of the legends of local radio.

Mark your calendar and join us for this special event!
Date: October 6

Reception: 1:30 pm
Program: 2:00 pm

An Evening with Poet Laureate Kevin Stein

Are you looking for something inspiring to do on a rainy Thursday evening? If so, the Friends of the Carol Stream Library invite you to join us tonight to meet Illinois Poet Laureate Kevin Stein. Stein will read from his new book, Wrestling Li Po for the Remote and answer questions from the audience.  In December, 2003, the Governor of Illinois named Kevin Stein Illinois Poet Laureate, filling the position previously held by such notable authors as Howard Austin, Carl Sandburg, and Gwendolyn Brooks. In this capacity Stein co-sponsors Illinois poetry competitions for Emerging Writers as well as elementary, middle, and high school students. He also created the Poetry Now! project that has donated funds to nearly 50 Illinois libraries for the purchase of poetry by Illinois writers, designed and now maintains two laureate websites promoting the state’s poetry, and has offered over 170 in-state readings and presentations.

Stein’s newest collection, Wrestling Li Po for the Remote, appeared in spring 2013 from Chicago’s Fifth Star Press. Yusef Komunyakaa calls that volume “a tour de force . . . of mercurial wit and quickness, politics and aesthetics“ in which “nothing seems to escape this poet’s flawless ear and keen eye.” As poet, critic, and editor, Stein has published eight poetry collections and chapbooks, three scholarly books, two poetry anthologies, and numerous poems and essays published in journals as well as anthologies. This work has received acclaim from reviewers, including notice by Julia Keller in the Chicago Tribune and Mark Eleveld in the Chicago Sun-Times.

Before the reading, the Friends of the Library will host a reception for the poet. Come early for a chance to meet Stein in a more casual setting. Refreshments will be served.  Here are the details:

An Evening with the Illinois Poet Laureate

Thursday, September 19

6:00 pm: Author Reception
7:00 pm: Presentation by Kevin Stein

We look forward to seeing you there.