Have you ever wanted to read some of the world's greatest books of literature, philosophy, economics, political science, and psychology, but needed guidance to understand the content? Join us at the Main Library's Great Books Discussion Series.

  • Meetings are the second Monday of the month from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Main Library.
  • The group is open to adults and discusses books from the great works of literature.
  • Books are either borrowed from the library or purchased through the group.
  • There is no fee to join, other than the cost of the books if you decide to purchase them.
  • Due to the uncertainty of COVID, Great Books may cease meeting at any time.

For more information, please contact Rebecca Lapinski at 847-695-3422 or rlapinski@gailborden.info.

Upcoming Titles

2024

Date Title Form of Literature
January 8 “Fathers and Sons,” by Ivan Turgenev Novel
February 12 “Miss Julie,” by August Strindberg Play
March 11 “The Merchant of Venice,” by William Shakespeare Play
April 8 “As I Lay Dying,” by William Faulkner Novel
May 13 “The Inferno,” by Dante, translation by Peter Thornton Epic Poem
June 10 “Ghosts,” by Henrik Ibsen Play
July 8 “The Secret Sharer,” by Joseph Conrad Novella
August 12 “Mrs. Dalloway,” by Virginia Woolf Novel
September 9 “Candide,” by Voltaire Novel
October 14 “Goodbye, My Brother,” “The Enormous Radio,” and “The Swimmer,” by John Cheever Short Stories
November 11 “The Woman in White,” by Wilkie Collins Novel
December No meeting -

Please check the library catalog for materials on the reading list. Books can also be purchased on the Great Books website or may be available used from sites like ABE books or Thrift books.