Upcoming Events
Acclaimed writer, journalist to speak at Carlinville Public Library on Sept. 25
An acclaimed writer and journalist will present a free, one-hour program at the Carlinville Public Library on Thursday, Sept. 25 at 5:30 p.m.
Walt Harrington of Carlinville, a former journalist at The Washington Post Magazine, will discuss his 2022 book, The Detective: And Other True Stories.
“It’s a collection of eight of my in-depth, narrative non-fiction articles from The Washington Post Magazine,” remarked Harrington. “I’ll talk about where the ideas came from, how the stories were done, and what [the] subjects thought of their stories.”
Harrington will also read excerpts from some of his stories, to demonstrate his style and approach. He will also sign books.
The recipient of numerous journalism awards, Harrington authored profiles of Rosa Parks, Carl Bernstein, Jesse Jackson, Rita Dove, and President George H.W. Bush. He also penned numerous in-depth accounts for the Post of ordinary people who live extraordinary lives.
Harrington has written or edited eleven books, including Crossings: A White Man’s Journey into Black America, The Everlasting Stream: A True Story of Rabbits, and Guns, Friendship, and Family.
It will be the second appearance for Harrington at the Carlinville library, as he discussed his career experiences in a well-received program in September 2023.
After leaving the Post, Harrington became a professor at the University of Illinois. He and his wife, Keran, moved to Carlinville in 2022.
The Carlinville Public Library is located at 505 North Broad Street. For more information on Harrington’s discussion or other programs offered at the library, contact 217-854-3505 or mail@carlinvillelibrary.org.
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The Benld Public Library will host two Illinois state service events, providing convenient access to essential resources for area residents.
On Tuesday, May 5, the Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias Mobile Driver Services Unit will be on-site at the library. Services available will include written and road tests, driver’s license renewals, issuance and renewal of state identification cards, and the purchase of license plate stickers. No reservations are required. Please note that payment will be accepted by credit card or check only; cash will not be accepted.
Additionally, on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., staff from Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs’ Office will be available to assist residents through the I-Cash program. This service helps individuals locate and claim unclaimed property or missing money.
Both events will take place at the Benld Public Library, located at 308 East Central Avenue. The facility is accessible from both the parking lot and street parking.
For more information, please contact the Benld Public Library at 217-835-4045. Reservations are not required for either event.
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LITCHFIELD, Ill. — The HSHS St. Francis Hospital Auxiliary will sponsor a drive-thru dinner on Monday, May 11 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. to support the hospital’s Family Maternity Center.
The meal will feature a grilled pork chop, loaded mashed potatoes, glazed carrots and a roll prepared by Nelson’s Catering of Springfield plus a dessert provided by the Auxiliary. Cost per meal is $15.
Dinners must be ordered by noon on Monday, May 4. Orders can be placed online at stfrancis-litchfield.org/dinners, or at the hospital gift shop. The drive-thru dinner pickup will take place in front of the main hospital entrance.
“We are excited to be continuing this series of drive-thru dinners that provide a convenient opportunity to take home a delicious meal while supporting our hospital’s Family Maternity Center and its patients,” shared Gwen Barcum, St. Francis Hospital’s Auxiliary President.
Additional drive-thru dinners with various menus will take place on June 8, July 13, Aug. 10, Sept. 14 and Oct. 12.
For more information, visit stfrancis-litchfield.org/events or call Gwen Barcum at 217-324-8678.
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Step back into Benld’s colorful past with a true story account of Benld by John Ubben and local resident Jim Marcacci.
Join us at the Benld Public Library on Saturday, April 25 from 11 AM to 1 PM as Jim shares insights from his book Benld and the Booze Gang in the town that started it all. Discover the legends, stories, and fascinating history of Benld in the 1920s.
This special event will include a talk and discussion with the author, book signing (bring your own copy or purchase one at the event), library photo albums showcasing Benld’s rich history.
The Benld Library is proud to once again collaborate with Jim, following our previous oral history project capturing residents’ history and stories of life in Benld.
Benld Public Library is located at 308 East Central Ave. Accessible parking is available. For more information, call 217-835-4045. Don’t miss this chance to explore the stories that shaped our community!
