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Register 30 Seats Remaining

Illinois Libraries Present

Babel-On with R.F. Kuang.
2026-05-19 19:00:00 2026-05-19 20:00:00 America/Chicago Illinois Libraries Present A conversation with author R.F. Kuang. Matteson Area Public Library District - Room B

Tuesday, May 19
7:00pm - 8:00pm

Add to Calendar 2026-05-19 19:00:00 2026-05-19 20:00:00 America/Chicago Illinois Libraries Present A conversation with author R.F. Kuang. Matteson Area Public Library District - Room B

A conversation with author R.F. Kuang.

R.F. Kuang's genre-bending fiction broaches ordinarily serious topics from a satirical and fantastical perspective. Academic yet approachable, Kuang's work combines history, magic, and classical literary tradition to render powerful critiques of academia, the publishing industry, and even contemporary popular culture.

Her most recent novel, Katabasis, follows two graduate students as they descend into hell after the death of their professor. The screen rights options to the novel were sold to Amazon MGM Studios for an upcoming series.

Kelly Jensen, an anti-censorship advocate, a senior editor at Book Riot, will be joining Kuang in conversation.

Watch from the comfort of home or join the party at the library and be part of the discussion. Refreshments provided.

Use this link to register:
https://bit.ly/ILPKuang

Register by 5 p.m. on May 19th.

AGE GROUP: | Adults |

EVENT TYPE: | Special |

Matteson Area Public Library District
Phone: 708-748-4431
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Mon, Apr 13 9:00AM to 9:00PM
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About the Library

MAPLD is located on the corner of School Ave and 207th Street. Just a few blocks from both Cicero Ave and Lincoln Highway.

Upcoming Events

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National Library Week - Line -up of events
Sun, Apr 19, 1:00pm - 5:00pm
Matteson Area Public Library District
Celebrate National Library Week with us, April 19–25! Find your Joy at the library with live demos, giveaways, daily refreshments, and more. See the full schedule below.
National Library Week - Line -up of events
Mon, Apr 20, 9:00am - 6:00pm
Matteson Area Public Library District
Celebrate National Library Week with us, April 19–25! Find your Joy at the library with live demos, giveaways, daily refreshments, and more. See the full schedule below.
One-on-Ones
Mon, Apr 20, 10:00am - 3:00pm
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room C
Need tech help? Book a 45 minute appointment!
Register
Yoga
Mon, Apr 20, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room A/B
Improve flexibility and enhance relaxation with an hour of yoga.
Monday Makers - Paper Loop Flower Flower
Mon, Apr 20, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Matteson Area Public Library District
Twist colored paper into bright colored flowers that will last all Spring!
L.I.T. Girls’ Book Club - The Homework Machine
Mon, Apr 20, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room C
Explore friendship and fun in the March L.I.T. Girls’ Book Club as we read The Homework Machine by Dan Gutman! Books available for checkout at our first meeting. Don’t miss out!
Registration is now closed
National Library Week - Line -up of events
Tue, Apr 21, 9:00am - 6:00pm
Matteson Area Public Library District
Celebrate National Library Week with us, April 19–25! Find your Joy at the library with live demos, giveaways, daily refreshments, and more. See the full schedule below.
Wiggles and Giggles
Tue, Apr 21, 10:00am - 10:45am
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room B
Wiggles and Giggles is a giggle-filled storytime for busy little bodies ages 12–36 months. We’ll sing, wiggle, clap, & laugh through stories, songs, and fingerplays. Expect lots of movement & smiles!
Meet Your Past - Matteson Museum Sessions
Tue, Apr 21, 12:30pm - 3:30pm
Matteson Area Public Library District
Learn to start your Family tree at the Matteson Historical Museum located at 813 School Ave.
Memory Café
Tue, Apr 21, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room A
Join Pathlights for our Memory Café, a social gathering for people with dementia and other forms of cognitive impairment and their care partners. Nostalgic Presentation "Remember When" by Todd Hunt.
Library Board of Trustees Meeting
Tue, Apr 21, 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room D
The first 15 minutes are open to the public.
National Library Week - Line -up of events
Wed, Apr 22, 9:00am - 6:00pm
Matteson Area Public Library District
Celebrate National Library Week with us, April 19–25! Find your Joy at the library with live demos, giveaways, daily refreshments, and more. See the full schedule below.
Bid Whist
Wed, Apr 22, 1:00pm - 4:30pm
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room A/B
A fast-paced card game!
Africana Book Club
Wed, Apr 22, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room A
Quilting the Black-Eyed Pea: Poems and Not Quite Poems by Nikki Giovanni.
Shine Studio - This Week’s Project: Donut Magnets
Wed, Apr 22, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room B
Looking for a new hobby? Come to our Diamond Painting program to try a different way of coloring by number!
Digitize and Archive Your Photos
Wed, Apr 22, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room C
Scan, clean up, and organize your old photos.
National Library Week - Line -up of events
Thu, Apr 23, 9:00am - 6:00pm
Matteson Area Public Library District
Celebrate National Library Week with us, April 19–25! Find your Joy at the library with live demos, giveaways, daily refreshments, and more. See the full schedule below.
Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland
Thu, Apr 23, 10:00am - 11:00am
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room A/B
Step into Wonderland! This 45-minute adventure brings Lewis Carroll’s classic to life. Join Alice, the Mad Hatter, the Cheshire Cat, & the Queen of Hearts for a whimsical journey down the rabbit hole.
Movie Night @ the Library - Heads of State
Thu, Apr 23, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room B
Grab your snacks and get comfy for Movie Night @ the Library!
National Library Week - Line -up of events
Fri, Apr 24, 9:00am - 5:00pm
Matteson Area Public Library District
Celebrate National Library Week with us, April 19–25! Find your Joy at the library with live demos, giveaways, daily refreshments, and more. See the full schedule below.
National Library Week - Line -up of events
Sat, Apr 25, 9:00am - 5:00pm
Matteson Area Public Library District
Celebrate National Library Week with us, April 19–25! Find your Joy at the library with live demos, giveaways, daily refreshments, and more. See the full schedule below.
Wealth Wellness Workshops: Empowering Your Financial Future - Understanding Credit: Building a Strong Financial Foundation
Sat, Apr 25, 10:00am - 11:00am
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room A
Join our 8-session Financial Wellness Series to learn budgeting, credit, saving, investing, and real-world money skills for lifelong financial stability.
Dungeon's and Dragon's: One Shot!
Sat, Apr 25, 1:30pm - 4:30pm
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room C
Attention adventurers! Join us for our monthly one-shot campaigns and meet other like-minded individuals. Open to all, no matter your experience level. Free snacks, drinks, and dice provided.
Teen Volunteer Fair
Sat, Apr 25, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room A/B
Need volunteer hours? Come to the Teen Volunteer Fair! Meet local nonprofits, explore causes, and find the perfect place to make a difference. Network, connect, and get involved!
Monday Morning Book Discussion - Frozen River by Ariel Lawton.
Mon, Apr 27, 10:15am - 11:30am
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room D
Join us for the Monthly Monday Morning Book Discussion.
L.I.T. Girls’ Book Club - The Homework Machine
Mon, Apr 27, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room C
Explore friendship and fun in the March L.I.T. Girls’ Book Club as we read The Homework Machine by Dan Gutman! Books available for checkout at our first meeting. Don’t miss out!
Registration is now closed
Yoga
Mon, Apr 27, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room A/B
Improve flexibility and enhance relaxation with an hour of yoga.
Monday Makers - Flower Suncatcher Wind Chimes
Mon, Apr 27, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Matteson Area Public Library District
After you create these sparkling chimes, you can hear the breeze blow all summer long!
Wiggles and Giggles
Tue, Apr 28, 10:00am - 10:45am
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room B
Wiggles and Giggles is a giggle-filled storytime for busy little bodies ages 12–36 months. We’ll sing, wiggle, clap, & laugh through stories, songs, and fingerplays. Expect lots of movement & smiles!
Bid Whist
Wed, Apr 29, 1:00pm - 4:30pm
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room A/B
A fast-paced card game!
Music Makers - Making Maracas
Thu, Apr 30, 10:00am - 10:30am
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room C
Jam with us as we share stories inspired by the music around us. Each week we will read books, sing songs, and build a musical instrument. This week we will build maracas.
Paper and Electronic Recycling Event - Recycling EVent
Sat, May 02, 8:30am - 11:30am
Matteson Area Public Library District - Outside
It's Spring Cleaning time, bring your paper and electronic items to the library to be recycled. Paper recyclables will be shredded onsite. Monetary donations greatly appreciated.
Zumba with Kne You DBA Fitness Fun
Sat, May 02, 9:30am - 10:30am
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room A/B
Join us for Zumba with Kne You DBA Fitness Fun with Sheena on the first Saturday of the month.
American Red Cross Babysitter Training
Sat, May 02, 10:00am - 3:00pm
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room C
Interested in starting a babysitting business? We've got you covered!
Registration is now closed
Yoga
Mon, May 04, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room A/B
Improve flexibility and enhance relaxation with an hour of yoga.
Line Dancing
Tue, May 05, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room A/B
Soul Slider Cynthia Morse is here to teach you the newest slides, hustles, and steps!
Bid Whist
Wed, May 06, 12:30pm - 4:30pm
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room A/B
A fast-paced card game!
Magic: The Gathering Club
Wed, May 06, 5:30pm - 8:30pm
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room C
Come play Magic: The Gathering at the library! We will play Commander or draft.
Yapping Yarnies - Baskets
Thu, May 07, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room C
April showers bring May flowers, but do you have a basket to carry those flowers in? Join us as we create a variety of fun and functional baskets.
Closed for Inservice.
Fri, May 08, All day
Matteson Area Public Library District
Closed for Inservice.
Yoga
Mon, May 11, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room A/B
Improve flexibility and enhance relaxation with an hour of yoga.
Love and Care Caregiver Support Group
Tue, May 12, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room A
Join Pathlights at our monthly support group for caregivers. This is a time for you to talk with other family caregivers in similar situations. Registration is required
Line Dancing
Tue, May 12, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room A/B
Soul Slider Cynthia Morse is here to teach you the newest slides, hustles, and steps!
Bid Whist
Wed, May 13, 12:30pm - 4:30pm
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room A/B
A fast-paced card game!
Cut the Cable Cord
Wed, May 13, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room C
Learn about the best streaming services and devices.
Aspiring Writers Meet-up
Thu, May 14, 4:00pm - 5:45pm
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room C
Join other writers and share your passion for writing.
Movie Night @ the Library - Last Breath
Thu, May 14, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room B
Grab your snacks and get comfy for Movie Night @ the Library!
Registration opens Sunday, May 3 2026 at 6:00pm
Yapping Yarnies - Baskets
Thu, May 14, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room C
April showers bring May flowers, but do you have a basket to carry those flowers in? Join us as we create a variety of fun and functional baskets.
Intro to Computers Part 2
Fri, May 15, 10:00am - 11:00am
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room C
Are you ready for the digital revolution? Join us to learn how to use your computer.
Weaver's Guild - Woven Bracelet
Sat, May 16, 12:00pm - 4:00pm
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room A
Create a woven bracelet that is easy and fun to make for both kids and moms.
One-on-Ones
Mon, May 18, 10:00am - 3:00pm
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room C
Need tech help? Book a 45 minute appointment!
Register
Monday Morning Book Discussion
Mon, May 18, 10:15am - 11:30am
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room D
Join us for the Monthly Monday Morning Book Discussion!
Yoga
Mon, May 18, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room A/B
Improve flexibility and enhance relaxation with an hour of yoga.
Meet Your Past - Matteson Museum Sessions
Tue, May 19, 12:30pm - 3:30pm
Museum
Learn to start your family tree at the Matteson Historical Museum 813 School Ave.
Memory Café
Tue, May 19, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room A
Join Pathlights for our Memory Café. Music with Prospect Music Therapy will be here. Registration is required.
Library Board of Trustees Meeting
Tue, May 19, 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room D
The first 15 minutes are open to the public.
Illinois Libraries Present - Babel-On with R.F. Kuang.
Tue, May 19, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room B
A conversation with author R.F. Kuang.
See all events