What books and movies have shaped your life or made an impact? That's the question 24 community members and leaders in Arlington Heights were asked. Influencers of Arlington Heights, and the Books and Movies That Influenced Them is an exhibit on display on the library's first floor featuring six local influencers, four times a year, and the books and movies that inspire them. From the profound to the humorous, informative to reflective, here are their picks. Stop by to pick up one of these titles from the library's collection, or place one on hold to pick up at the library, bookmobile or drive-up window. Click on the link under each community member's photo to read more about them and discover the books and movies that have influenced them.
Influencers of Arlington Heights
October-December 2025
Wendy Dunnington
Village Trustee, Arlington Heights
Laura Lian Williams
Founder & Creative Director, Laura Lian Creative Partners
July-September 2025
Sunny Amirpour
Business Owner, Positively Strong Living
Lauree Harp
Founder and Chairperson, Arlington Heights Memorial Library Foundation
Erica Chianelli
VP of Marketing, Events & Community Outreach, Lakeside Bank
Shab Poloz
Director of Equity and Multilingual Program, AH School District 25
January-March 2025
Yeulanda Degala
Nonprofit Founder, Good Neighbors Network
Nicolle Grasse
Illinois State Representative, 53rd District; Ordained Minister