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Read the book. Join the conversation. It’s that simple!
One Book, One Community is a time for us all to join in reading the same book, sparking conversations about the book and its themes. It’s a new way to bring us all together to talk about family, music, racism, and perseverance.
Learn more about The Violin Conspiracy by Brendan SlocumbLearn more about author Brendan Slocumb
Reserve your spot for an in-person event with author Brendan Slocumb.
Sunday, Feb. 23 • 1-3 p.m. • Al Larson Prairie Center for the Arts
About Violin Conspiracy
Growing up Black in rural North Carolina, Ray McMillian’s life is already mapped out. But Ray has a gift and a dream – - he loves playing the violin more than anything, and he’s determined to be a world-class professional violinist, and nothing will stand in his way. Not his mother, who thinks he should get a real job, not the fact that he can't afford a high-caliber violin, not even the racism inherent in the world of classical music.
So, when Ray makes the startling discovery that his great-grandfather's fiddle is actually a priceless Stradivarius, all his dreams suddenly seem within reach, and together, Ray and his violin take the world by storm. But on the eve of the renowned and cutthroat Tchaikovsky Competition—the Olympics of classical music—the violin is stolen. Without it, Ray feels like he's lost a piece of himself. As the competition approaches, Ray must not only reclaim his precious violin, but prove to himself—and the world—that no matter the outcome, there has always been a truly great musician within him.
One Book, One Community Books for Young Readers
Your whole family can read with us this winter. We’ve selected a picture book, chapter book, and a young adult novel with similar themes to The Violin Conspiracy so your kids can be a part of the conversation.
Becauseby Mo Willems – a picture book recommended for ages 5-8
Meet Me on Mercer Streetby Booki Vivat – a graphic novel recommended for ages 9-12
Not Your Average Joby Grace K. Shim – a novel recommended for ages 12-19
Get your kids talking with these Conversation Starters.
Meet the Author
We’re very excited to have The Violin Conspiracy author Brendan Slocumb join us at the Al Larson Prairie Center for the Arts for a special event on Sunday, Feb. 23 from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Slocumb discusses his life, his books, and answers your questions. After his visit, Slocumb's books are available for purchase and signing. At 12:30 p.m., mingle, enjoy a snack and take a seat before the author joins us at 1:00 p.m. Feel free to take a moment and submit your questions ahead of the event. The event is available to watch live on YouTube at YouTube.com/@SchaumLib.
Ella Sings the Songbook Exhibit
From January 6 - February 23
In honor of The Violin Conspiracy and Black musicians, this exhibit tells the story of famed jazz singer, Ella Fitzgerald and focuses on a celebrated series of eight albums recorded for Verve Records in the 50s and 60s that rejuvenated the music of beloved composers from Tin Pan Alley, Broadway, and Hollywood. Located at Central Commons.
Kick Off Event
Saturday, Jan. 4 • 1-3 p.m. • Central Commons
Grab some sweet treats along with a free copy of The Violin Conspiracy by Brendan Slocumb – while supplies last.
Our younger readers can receive free books as well – while supplies last. Please only take the book for your child’s age.
Not Your Average Jo by Grace K. Shim
Meet Me on Mercer Street by Booki Vivat
Because by Mo Willems
Talk About It
Join the conversation. Register for any of our One Book, One Community book discussions to talk about The Violin Conspiracy with others in the community.
50+ Book Discussion: The Violin Conspiracy
Monday, Jan. 27 • 1-2 p.m. • Triphahn Center
Book Discussion: The Violin Conspiracy
Tuesday, Jan. 28 • 1:30-2:30 p.m. • Central Rasmussen South
Wednesday, Jan. 29 • 2-3 p.m. • Online
Beyond the Book: The Violin Conspiracy
Tuesday, Feb. 18 • 10-11 a.m. • Central Rasmussen South
Thursday, Feb. 20 • 7-8 p.m. • Central Workshop
Attend a Program
Extend your One Book, One Community experience with these related programs for all ages.
Teen Art Studio: Artist Youngmin Lee
Saturday, Jan. 4 • 11 a.m. - Noon • Central Program Room
Discover the renowned Korean artist Youngmin Lee and the traditional art form bojagi, for which she is best known.
Pick Up Program: Community Music Notes Art Show
Dec. 2 through Jan. 6 • All locations
Explore the powerful connection between music and art by designing a music note. Return by January 6 to have it featured in the show.
Book Explorers
Tuesday, Jan. 14, Friday, Feb. 21 • 4-5 p.m. • Central Craft Room • 5-8 years with caregiver
Teen Record Label Showcase
Thursday, Jan. 16 • 6-7 p.m. • Central Program Room
Blue Viola
Thursday, Jan. 16 • 7-8 p.m. • Central Rasmussen Room OR Online • Adult
Matt Boresi, Director of Arts Integration at the Music Institute of Chicago, tells the true story of a priceless viola that disappeared after a Chicago Symphony musician accidentally left it on the Chicago streets.
Artist Empowerment Workshop: Pursuing your Passions
Thursday, Jan. 16 • 7-8:30 p.m. • HE Branch • Adult
Join Katrina Syrris, actor, director, producer, and playwright as she explores the personal and professional challenges that arise in the life of an artist.
Tween Studio: Graphic Novel Self-Portraits
Sunday, Jan. 26 • 2-3 p.m. • Central Craft Room • 9-12 years
A Night to READmember: A Community Reading Event
Monday, Jan. 27 • 6-7:30 p.m. • Central • All Ages
Spend time enjoying your current read with the community while listening to the Schaumburg High School orchestra.
Tween/Teen Escape Room: Art Heist
Friday, Jan. 31 • 4:30-5:30 p.m. • Central Youth Program Room • 11-15 years
Follow a series of clues and solve a variety of puzzles to beat the clock and win prizes!
Pick-Up Program: Dinnertime Conversation Starters
Feb. 1 • All Locations • All Ages
Pick up your packet of ideas for family-friendly games, activities, and questions that encourage conversations about family, music, and perseverance.
Teen DIY: Miniature Guitar
Wednesday, Feb. 5 • 6-7 p.m. • Central Program Room
African American Music in Its Pivotal Decades
Thursday, Feb. 6 • 7-8 p.m. • Central Rasmussen Room • Adult
Enjoy a multimedia concert performed by Chicago native Clarence Goodman that combines music and storytelling to highlight African American music across 400 years of history.
Storybook Studio: Because
Friday, Feb. 28 • 10-11 a.m. • Central Craft Room • 3-5 years with caregiver
DIY Discussions
Host your own One Book, One Community book discussion with family, friends, neighbors or coworkers using our DIY Discussion Guide. The guide includes discussion questions and suggestions to spark rich, engaging conversation about The Violin Conspiracy.