Bloomington Reads
The Eastland Disaster
Returning to Bloomington Library is the citywide reading program, Bloomington Reads. In years past, a single book was selected and a variety of programs focusing on themes found in that book were offered. This year, Bloomington Reads will focus on a single theme with four book options offered so patrons have their choice of what to read. You can read all four books, or you can read just one.
This year's theme focuses on The Eastland Disaster, a ship that sank in the Chicago River in 1915. The shipwreck caused the death of 844 people and created a record loss of life on the Great Lakes. The books featured in this year's Bloomington Reads program include the following:
- The Eastland Disaster by Ted Wachholz (photo collection)
- Capsized! by Patricia Sutton (middle-grade nonfiction)
- Ashes Under Water by Michael McCarthy (nonfiction)
- Drawn by the Current by Jocelyn Green (fiction)
Physical books are available at the library. All books are available as digital copies on Hoopla. Hoopla allows patrons to instantly borrow material without waiting. During the month of May, Bloomington Library will host a variety of programs about The Eastland Disaster, including visits from the authors of each of these books. Please plan to join us as we learn more about this historical event.
Upcoming Events
"Capsized!" with Author Patricia Sutton
"Capsized!" with Author Patricia Sutton
This program is part of Bloomington Reads, a community reading program series which encourages people to read and talk about the same book or, in 2024, the same topic.
"Ashes Under Water" with Author Michael McCarthy
"Ashes Under Water" with Author Michael McCarthy
Bloomington Reads is a community reading program series, encouraging people to read and talk about the same book or, for 2024, the same topic.
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Music of the Great Lakes and Illinois Waterways
Music of the Great Lakes and Illinois Waterways
This program is part of Bloomington Reads, a community reading program series which encourages people to read and talk about the same book or, in 2024, the same topic.
Fact and Fiction with Author Jocelyn Green
Fact and Fiction with Author Jocelyn Green
This program is part of Bloomington Reads, a community reading program series which encourages people to read and talk about the same book or, in 2024, the same topic.
Hoopla
Instantly borrow eAudiobooks, eBooks, comics, graphic novels, movies, TV shows, and music. Patrons can check out up to 7 Hoopla titles per month. All titles are always available; you never have to place a hold. Hoopla can be accessed on multiple devices including smart phones, tablets, Roku, FireTV, AndroidTV, Chromecast, AppleTV, and more. Online tutorials are available.