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All Programs:

Book Review of The Devil in the White City
Thursday, March 3 at 7 p.m.Limit: 55
Location: Clarendon Hills Public Library
Register by calling the Clarendon Hills Public Library at (630) 323–8188.
Noted book reviewer Denise Philpot will lead a book review through the world of 1890s Chicago and the famous “White City,” the Columbian Exposition of 1893.

Burnham’s Chicago
Tuesday, March 15 at 7 p.m.Limit: 70
Location: Westmont Public Library
Register by calling the Westmont Public Library at (630) 969–5625.
Actor Terry Lynch will portray architect Daniel Burnham who was one of the designers of the “White City.” Burnham, architect of the first American skyscraper, will lead patrons through the history of his beloved Chicago, from the Fort Dearborn Massacre to the Columbian Exposition. Burnham will also speak about events that shaped the “Windy City” and transformed Chicago from the “Wild Onion” to “The City of Big Shoulders.”

Inside the White City: American Art at the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition
Wednesday, March 16 at 7 p.m.Limit: 100
Location: Lisle Library District
Register by calling the Lisle Library District at (630) 971–1675.
The Palace of Fine Arts was one of the main attractions at the fair, featuring more than 1,000 American paintings and sculptures that celebrated the skills and accomplishments of the nation’s artists. Tricia Smith Scanlan of the Art Institute will take a look at American art on display at the Columbian Exposition, including works by well-known artists such as Winslow Homer, John Singer Sargent, and Mary Cassatt.

The White City: From Swamp to the City Beautiful
Saturday, March 19 at 1 p.m.Limit: 70
Location: Thomas Ford Memorial Library
Register by calling the Thomas Ford Memorial Library at (708) 246–0520.
The 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition, the magical White City on Chicago’s South Side, was the most famous of America’s world’s fairs. Not only did the exposition draw more than 20 million visitors between May 1, 1893 and the end of October of that year, it established Chicago as a major metropolis. It had a national impact on public architecture, and it led to the City Beautiful Movement and the 1909 Plan of Chicago. Historian Jane Clarke will share slides illustrating the fair’s lasting impact on the city.

Art and Architecture at the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago
Sunday, March 20 at 2 p.m.Limit: 120
Location: Indian Prairie Public Library
Register by calling the Indian Prairie Public Library at (630) 887–8760, ext. 239.

Tuesday, April 19 at 7 p.m.Limit: 140
Location: Downers Grove Public Library
Register by calling the Downers Grove Public Library at (630) 960–1200.
Inspired by the book The Devil in the White City, via a slide and lecture presentation, art historian Jeff Mishur will focus on the design of the fairgrounds and on certain pavilions. The program will also feature a discussion of important personalities such as Daniel Burnham and Louis Sullivan, selected artworks that were on display, and the Woman’s Pavilion.

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Documentary Film: H.H. Holmes: America’s First Serial Killer
Tuesday, March 29 & Wednesday, March 30 at 7 p.m.Limit: 100
Location: Lisle Library District
Register by calling the Lisle Library District at (630) 971–1675.
See the first feature-length documentary film depicting the life of Herman Mudgett, a.k.a. H.H. Holmes. Holmes designed his own building, where he rented rooms to unsuspecting victims visiting the 1893 World’s Fair in Chicago. Produced over a three-year period, the film focuses on Dr. Holmes’ life of crime and villainy (1861 – 1896). This true story is threaded with on-location footage from Holmes’ past haunts, including reenactments, expert interviews, and period photography. For March 30th showing only, stay after the film for an appearance by the film’s director, John Borowski.

The Dark Side of the White City
Thursday, March 31 at 7 p.m.Limit: 120
Location: Indian Prairie Public Library
Register by calling the Indian Prairie Public Library at (630) 887–8760, ext. 239.
Explore the world of a serial killer with a guy who has seen the territory. Award-winning Chicago crime reporter Doug Cummings will draw on his experience covering countless crime scenes to shed light on what makes serial killers tick, who they choose for victims, and why they kill.

World’s Fair Architect: Daniel Burnham
Sunday, April 3 at 2 p.m.Limit: 90
Location: Hinsdale Public Library
Register by calling the Hinsdale Public Library at (630) 986–1976.
Chicago actor Robert L. Lindsey will portray Chicago architect Daniel Burnham, and will present a slide program about the 1871 Chicago Fire, several of the Chicago Loop buildings he designed, and the construction of the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition. The audience will also see a display of original 1893 World’s Fair souvenirs.

Turn of the Century Fashion Show and Tea Party
Wednesday, April 13 at 7 p.m.Limit: 90
Location: Hinsdale Public Library
Register by calling the Hinsdale Public Library at (630) 986–1976.
Sandi Eileen Scheibley, a museum curator and expert on fashion and costume, will share what people wore during the time of the World’s Fair. She will have authentic articles of clothing and accessories for men, women, and children from the 1890s decade of the Victorian Era. Audience members will have fun participating by dressing up and trying on hats, capes, purses, etc. A variety of teas and sweets will be served courtesy of Wild Oats Market in Hinsdale.

The Greatest Show on Earth: The Chicago World’s Fair of 1893
Thursday, April 21 at 7 p.m.Limit: 75
Location: Woodridge Public Library
Register by calling the Woodridge Public Library at (630) 964–7899.

Thursday, April 28 at 7 p.m.Limit: 140
Location: Downers Grove Public Library
Register by calling the Downers Grove Public Library at (630) 960–1200.
Architectural historian Bill Hinchliff will share a slide tour of Chicago’s famous fair that drew 20 million people to the city between May and October 1893. See the grandeur of the great exhibit halls, amusements on the Midway, the landscaping, sculpture, and much more. Learn why this event earned one of four stars on the Chicago flag and changed the world of architecture and city planning.

An Evening of Ragtime
Friday, April 29 at 7 p.m.Limit: 120
Location: Indian Prairie Public Library
Register by calling the Indian Prairie Public Library at (630) 887–8760, ext. 239.
In a one-hour performance, popular ragtime pianist Sue Keller will bring the music of the ragtime era to life, beginning with Scott Joplin’s classic “Maple Leaf Rag,” cruising through W.C. Handy’s “St. Louis Blues,” Zez Confrey’s novelty piano pieces of the 1920s, and continuing with some of the finest contemporary ragtime tunes.

A Visit with Erik Larson
Co-sponsored by Anderson’s Bookshop
Thursday, May 5 at 7 p.m.Limit: 1,000
Location: Ashton Place, 341 75th Street, Willowbrook
Advanced registration is required and is by phone only.
Call the Downers Grove Public Library at (630) 960–1200.
Registration begins Wednesday, April 13. Patrons must have a library card from one of The Big Read participating libraries to register and to attend the program. Those who register for the program can pick up tickets for this program the week of April 24 at their home library. No walk-ins.

Come meet author Erik Larson at Ashton Place in Willowbrook. Larson will discuss his book and answer audience questions. Larson will sign books after the program. Books will be available for sale by Anderson’s Bookshop.