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Image for event: Postmortem

Register 125 Seats Remaining

Postmortem

What Survives the John Wayne Gacy Murders
2025-01-24 14:30:00 2025-01-24 15:30:00 America/Chicago Postmortem Des Plaines Public Library - Meeting Room B/C

Friday, January 24
2:30pm - 3:30pm

Add to Calendar 2025-01-24 14:30:00 2025-01-24 15:30:00 America/Chicago Postmortem Des Plaines Public Library - Meeting Room B/C

Des Plaines Public Library

Meeting Room B/C

Author Courtney Lund O'Neil discusses her book Postmortem.


In this compelling narrative that blends memoir, biography, and literary journalism, O'Neil recounts her mother Kim Byers' close brush with one of Chicago's and America's most dangerous serial killers, John Wayne Gacy. O'Neil spent seven years conducting research, revisiting memories of her mother's traumatic experience as a prime witness in the Gacy case, and the legacy that murders inflict on families and communities. 


Book Signing

Book Sales provided by Barbara's Bookstore Postmortem

AGE GROUP: | Adults |

EVENT TYPE: | Adult Program |

TAGS: | Author Visit |

Des Plaines Public Library
help@dppl.org
Phone: (847) 827-5551
Fax: (847) 827-7974
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Mon, Dec 09 9:00AM to 9:00PM
Tue, Dec 10 9:00AM to 9:00PM
Wed, Dec 11 11:00AM to 9:00PM
(In-service day)
Thu, Dec 12 9:00AM to 9:00PM
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About

The 1501 Ellinwood Street library building is the realization of a longheld dream of the library board, staff and community partners. Located in the heart of downtown Des Plaines, the four story, 82,000 square foot building represents the community's commitment to reading, lifelong learning, and a center for family activities. A grand central staircase and large windows provide a wealth of natural light and illuminate the building at night.

Upcoming events

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Des Plaines Public Library - The Commons
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The Des Plaines Baduk (Go) Club
Thu, Dec 12, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Des Plaines Public Library - 4th Floor Forum
Come to our open session to play Baduk (the board game Go) with others, and an experienced player who can answer questions. Beginners and walk-ins are welcome. Please register to reserve your spot.
Holiday Bell Concert - Performance by the Random Ringers
Fri, Dec 13, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Des Plaines Public Library - Meeting Room B/C
Listen to the unique, beautiful sound of handbells as the Random Ringers present a special concert of holiday music.
Teen Take & Make - Layered Candle
Mon, Dec 16, All day
Des Plaines Public Library - 3rd Floor
Take & Make Kits are fun crafts you can take home and make on your own time. Drop in to pick up your kit throughout the month! Available while supplies last. For teens in grades 7-12.
Teen Crafternoons - Clay Ornaments
Tue, Dec 17, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Des Plaines Public Library - The Commons
Open maker workshop. Sample our featured technology or bring your own project to work on. December Spotlight: Clay Ornaments. For teens in grades 7-12.
Teen Advisory Board
Thu, Dec 19, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Des Plaines Public Library - The Commons
Join us for our Teen Advisory Board Meeting where teens plan programs and participate in library events while making new friends.
The Des Plaines Baduk (Go) Club
Thu, Dec 19, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Des Plaines Public Library - 4th Floor Forum
Come to our open session to play Baduk (the board game Go) with others, and an experienced player who can answer questions. Beginners and walk-ins are welcome. Please register to reserve your spot.
Experience Little Women: The Musical at Home!
Fri, Dec 20, 2:00pm - 11:59pm
Virtual
View a recording of the Park Theatre production of Louisa May Alcott's classic novel Little Women.
Experience Little Women: The Musical at Home!
Sat, Dec 21, All day
Virtual
View a recording of the Park Theatre production of Louisa May Alcott's classic novel Little Women.
A Christmas Story Christmas
Sat, Dec 21, 1:30pm - 3:30pm
Des Plaines Public Library - Meeting Room B/C
A grown-up Ralphie Parker (A Christmas Story) returns to the family home to give his children the type of Christmas his parents gave him.
Experience Little Women: The Musical at Home!
Sun, Dec 22, All day
Virtual
View a recording of the Park Theatre production of Louisa May Alcott's classic novel Little Women.
Teen Take & Make - Layered Candle
Mon, Dec 23, All day
Des Plaines Public Library - 3rd Floor
Take & Make Kits are fun crafts you can take home and make on your own time. Drop in to pick up your kit throughout the month! Available while supplies last. For teens in grades 7-12.
Teen Take & Make - Layered Candle
Mon, Dec 30, All day
Des Plaines Public Library - 3rd Floor
Take & Make Kits are fun crafts you can take home and make on your own time. Drop in to pick up your kit throughout the month! Available while supplies last. For teens in grades 7-12.
Life Drawing at the Library 2025
Sat, Jan 04, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Des Plaines Public Library - The Commons
Learn to draw the human body with a clothed model, located in the 3rd Floor Commons. Drop in with no registration required; open to adults, seniors, and teens.  
Happy Notes
Wed, Jan 08, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Des Plaines Public Library - The Commons
Earn service hours by making uplifting cards for hospitalized kids! Materials will be provided. For teens in grades 7-12.
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Virtual via Zoom
Join Steve Dolinsky, author of The Ultimate Chicago Pizza Guide: A History of Squares & Slices in the Windy City.
Film Screening - Twisters
Sat, Jan 11, 1:30pm - 3:30pm
Des Plaines Public Library - Meeting Room B/C
This entertaining film follows competing teams of storm chasers investigating a tornado outbreak in Oklahoma. A fun ride.
Adult Board Game Night
Wed, Jan 15, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Des Plaines Public Library - Meeting Room B/C
Meet fellow board gamers and play our games or bring your own!
Teen Advisory Board
Thu, Jan 16, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Des Plaines Public Library - The Commons
Join us for our Teen Advisory Board Meeting where teens plan programs and participate in library events while making new friends.
Friday Night Films - The Persian Version
Fri, Jan 17, 6:30pm - 8:15pm
Des Plaines Public Library - Meeting Room B/C
A free screening of the independent film The Persian Version.
Happy Tails
Wed, Jan 22, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Des Plaines Public Library - The Commons
All furry pets deserve to play in style! Join us as we make a posh no-sew fleece tug toy for a pup or feline in need and earn service hours. For teens in grades 7-12.
Love and Laughs with Michelle Buteau
Thu, Jan 23, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Virtual via Zoom
Join comedian, actress, and producer Michelle Buteau in conversation with interviewer and podcast host Greta Johnsen.
Postmortem - What Survives the John Wayne Gacy Murders
Fri, Jan 24, 2:30pm - 3:30pm
Des Plaines Public Library - Meeting Room B/C
Author Courtney Lund O'Neil discusses her book Postmortem.
Jigsaw Puzzle Tournament
Sat, Jan 25, 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Des Plaines Public Library - Meeting Room B/C
No experience necessary! Come celebrate National Puzzle Day with us by competing to solve the same mystery jigsaw puzzle in a team of your own - or we will add you to one!
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Virtual via Zoom
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See all events