Lauree Harp lives in Arlington Heights and is a retired business and marketing professional. She served as the first executive director of the District 214 Community Education Foundation and as a founding board member of the Metropolis Performing Arts Center. A Community Spirit Hearts of Gold Award winner, Harp chaired the Arlington Heights Quasquicentennial Committee and the Special Events Commission for the Village of Arlington Heights. She is currently the founder and chair of the Arlington Heights Memorial Library Foundation.
The Orphan Collector
By Ellen Marie Wiseman
As we lived through the COVID-19 pandemic, I happened upon this story about the Spanish Flu of 1918. I was exposed to the plight of our citizens in an era with little to no external communication and began to appreciate experiencing the pandemic in 2019 when technology saved us from the disasters experienced by our ancestors in 1918...technology was the key.
The Book Woman's Daughter
By Kim Michele Richardson
To experience, through reading, the dedication of a woman who so believed in education and providing access to the same, in a rural mountainous community on horseback, gave me a new level of energy for the Arlington Heights Memorial Library Foundation.
Remarkably Bright Creatures
By Shelby Van Pelt
After watching My Octopus Teacher on Netflix, I was curious to see how the octopi-wisdom might continue through a story. This book, and the Netflix presentation, reminded me to NEVER judge a book (or person or creature) by its exterior, to keep my eyes open and to always remain curious.
The Frozen River
By Ariel Lawhon
This is a historical mystery, inspired by an 18th century midwife who defied current society and made a difference by doing what she thought was right. Again, this encourages me to do what I think is right on a daily basis.
Killers of a Certain Age
By Deanna Raybourn
A fun and quick moving read that reminds this retired professional that I have a lot more to give!
The Book of Unknown Americans
By Christina Henríquez
This One Book, One Village title from the past gave me an opportunity to experience “life as I do not know it." Two thirds of the way through the story I “woke up” and combined the story with reality and actually said out loud, "They only want what all of us want, a safe and good life." It has forever changed the way I view migrants trying to get into the greatest country on earth. I am lucky...I was born here.
A Gentleman in Moscow
By Amor Towles
The erratic political punishment of humans when one era (or reign) ends and another assumes the power; it brings a lesson in making the best life from what you have at any given time.