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.
Meet the Influencers: A Year-End Celebration
Thursday, December 4, 6–7 p.m. / First Floor
Join us for an evening meeting the Influencers of Arlington Heights, enjoy light refreshments and the opportunity to meet the influencers, check out their personal picks and connect with neighbors. Drop in.
Wendy Dunnington
Village Trustee, Arlington Heights
John Dussman
Executive Director, Cristo Rey Institute
Tom Hayes
Former Arlington Heights Mayor
Amanda Simkin
Business Owner, Little Readers Big Thinkers
Argie Karafotias
Business Owner, Golden Brunch
Laura Lian Williams
Founder & Creative Director, Laura Lian Creative Partners
Sunny Amirpour
Business Owner, Positively Strong Living
Mike Driskell
Executive Director, Arlington Heights Memorial Library
Lauree Harp
Founder and Chairperson, Arlington Heights Memorial Library Foundation
Mark Heffernan
Business Owner, Zingabrew
Ludmila Maia Nelson
Culinary Entrepreneur, Arlington Heights
Randy Recklaus
Village Manager, Village of Arlington Heights
Chris Bonk
Business Owner, Bottle & Bottega
Mary Beth Canty
State Rep. D-Arlington Heights
Erica Chianelli
VP of Marketing, Events & Community Outreach, Lakeside Bank
Shab Poloz
Director of Equity and Multilingual Program, AH School District 25
Beth Deiter
Nonprofit Founder, C.I.T.Y. of Support
Heather Larson
President, Meet Chicago Northwest
Yeulanda Degala
Nonprofit Founder, Good Neighbors Network
Nicolle Grasse
Illinois State Representative, 53rd District; Ordained Minister
Heather Henkel
Business Owner, Kilwins
Eric Lamkins
Business Owner, Stone Soup 3 Creative; Spent Grain Brewing
Emily Luethy
Local Bookstagram Influencer
Greg Padovani
Chairman, Veterans Memorial Committee of Arlington Heights