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Library Speakers Consortium Presents Novelist Vanessa Riley

Swashbuckling Heroines and High Seas Adventures
2026-02-05 18:00:00 2026-02-05 19:00:00 America/Chicago Library Speakers Consortium Presents Novelist Vanessa Riley Virtual -

Thursday, February 05
6:00pm - 7:00pm

Add to Calendar 2026-02-05 18:00:00 2026-02-05 19:00:00 America/Chicago Library Speakers Consortium Presents Novelist Vanessa Riley Join us for a virtual event with Vanessa Riley as we discuss her newest book, "Fire Sword & Sea," based on the folk story of the female pirate Jacquotte Delahaye. Virtual -

Join us for a virtual event with Vanessa Riley as we discuss her newest book, "Fire Sword & Sea," based on the folk story of the female pirate Jacquotte Delahaye.

Join us for a virtual evenet as we chat with award-winning author Vanessa Riley about her newest book, Fire Sword & Sea, based on the folk story of the female pirate Jacquotte Delahaye.


The Caribbean Sea, 1675. Jacquotte Delahaye is the mixed-race daughter of a wealthy tavern owner on the island of Tortuga. Instead of marriage, Jacquotte dreams of joining the seafarers and smugglers whose tall-masted ships cluster in the turquoise waters around Tortuga. In Haiti she becomes Jacques, a dockworker, earning the respect of those around her while hiding her gender.


Jacquotte discovers that secret identities are fairly common in the chaotic world of seafaring, which is full of outsiders and misfits. As Jacques, Jacquotte falls in love with Lizzôa d'Erville, a beautiful courtesan who deals in secrets and sex. While others see their work clothes as a disguise, Lizzôa’s true self is as a woman.


For the next 20 years, Jacquotte raids the Caribbean, making enemies and amassing a fortune in stolen gold. When her fellow pirates decide to increase their profits by entering the slave trade, Jacquotte turns away from piracy and the pursuit of riches. Risking her life in one deadly skirmish after another, she instead begins to plot a war of liberation.


Don’t miss out on this exciting discussion! Register now to embark on a seafaring journey of self-discovery and reclamation of personal power.


Vanessa Riley is an award-winning author and recipient of the 2024 Georgia Mystery/Detective Fiction Author of the Year. She writes sagas and book club fiction that brings to life the hidden narratives of Black women and women of color in novels like Island Queen and Queen of Exiles. Her stories celebrate strong sisterhoods, diverse communities, and resilience across historical fiction, romance, and mystery genres. Her work has been featured in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Washington Post, Entertainment Weekly, NPR, Publishers Weekly, and The New York Times.

Presented with Library Speakers Consortium.

Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

AGE GROUP: | Adults |

EVENT TYPE: | Books & Authors |

TAGS: | Author Events |

Highland Park Public Library
Phone: 847-432-0216
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About the library

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Upcoming events

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Social Worker in the Library - Trabajadora Social en la Biblioteca
Thu, Jan 15, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Highland Park Public Library - Lobby
Meet the new Social Services Specialist for the City of Highland Park. Conozca a la nueva especialista en servicios sociales de la ciudad de Highland Park.
Rock & Read 10:30 - A Toddler Storytime
Thu, Jan 15, 10:30am - 11:00am
Highland Park Public Library - Brenner Room
Join Miss Kelly in the Brenner Room for a musical storytime! For ages 18 months - 3 years. Registration not required but space is limited. Check in at Youth desk starting 30 min prior to event.
Rock & Read 11:30 - A Toddler Storytime
Thu, Jan 15, 11:30am - 12:00pm
Highland Park Public Library - Brenner Room
Join Miss Kelly in the Brenner Room for a musical storytime! For ages 18 months - 3 years. Registration not required but space is limited. Check in at Youth desk starting 30 min prior to event.
Memory Cafe - *New Location - New Format
Thu, Jan 15, 1:30pm - 2:30pm
Highland Park Public Library
Join us for Memory Café, a welcoming and safe space for individuals with memory loss and mild cognitive impairment. Caregivers and loved ones are encouraged to attend.
Game Club
Sat, Jan 17, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Highland Park Public Library - Adult Services
Join us to play board games! Library staff will be available to help you choose a game and learn the rules!
Grab & Go Paper Plate Twirler
Mon, Jan 19, All day
Highland Park Public Library
Create a paper plate twirler of falling snowflakes! Pick up materials from the Youth Services Desk while supplies last.
MLK Jr. Day of Service - Park Fitness Location
Mon, Jan 19, 10:00am - 12:30pm
HP PARK FITNESS - GYMNASIUM
Join us at the annual Day of Service in a joint, signature event of the City of Highland Park. This year's service project will be assembling essentials kits for our neighbors in need!
Registration is now closed
Drop In Legos - For ages 5 - 14
Mon, Jan 19, 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Highland Park Public Library - Activity Room
Do you love Legos? Join us in the Activity Room and see what you can build. For ages 5-14.
2026 Vision Board | Tablero de Visión 2026
Mon, Jan 19, 1:30pm - 3:30pm
Highland Park Public Library - Adult Services
Reflect on your strengths and dreams. Reflexiona sobre tus fortalezas y sueños.
Grab & Go Paper Plate Twirler
Tue, Jan 20, All day
Highland Park Public Library
Create a paper plate twirler of falling snowflakes! Pick up materials from the Youth Services Desk while supplies last.
Library Speakers Consortium Presents Journalist Julia Hotz - Nature, Art, and Service as Medicine
Tue, Jan 20, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Virtual
Join us for a virutal discussion with Julia Hotz about her book "The Connection Cure: The Prescriptive Power of Movement, Nature, Art, Service, and Belonging."Register
Social Worker in the Library - Trabajadora Social en la Biblioteca
Tue, Jan 20, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Highland Park Public Library - Lobby
Meet the new Social Services Specialist for the City of Highland Park. Conozca a la nueva especialista en servicios sociales de la ciudad de Highland Park.
Library Board Meeting
Tue, Jan 20, 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Highland Park Public Library - Activity Room
The Library Board of Trustees regularly meets on the third Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m., except where indicated otherwise.
Grab & Go Paper Plate Twirler
Wed, Jan 21, All day
Highland Park Public Library
Create a paper plate twirler of falling snowflakes! Pick up materials from the Youth Services Desk while supplies last.
Grab & Go Paper Plate Twirler
Thu, Jan 22, All day
Highland Park Public Library
Create a paper plate twirler of falling snowflakes! Pick up materials from the Youth Services Desk while supplies last.
Social Worker in the Library - Trabajadora Social en la Biblioteca
Thu, Jan 22, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Highland Park Public Library - Lobby
Meet the new Social Services Specialist for the City of Highland Park. Conozca a la nueva especialista en servicios sociales de la ciudad de Highland Park.
Film Disussion Group - FARGO
Thu, Jan 22, 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Highland Park Public Library - Meeting Room 8
Join us each month as we discuss a movie and/or film genre.
Grab & Go Paper Plate Twirler
Fri, Jan 23, All day
Highland Park Public Library
Create a paper plate twirler of falling snowflakes! Pick up materials from the Youth Services Desk while supplies last.
Grab & Go Paper Plate Twirler
Sat, Jan 24, All day
Highland Park Public Library
Create a paper plate twirler of falling snowflakes! Pick up materials from the Youth Services Desk while supplies last.
Bring Your Own Craft - Event takes place at Mil Colibris Bakery & Cafe
Sat, Jan 24, 9:00am - 12:00pm
Mil Colibris Bakery & Cafe
Bring a craft project to work on and meet fellow crafters in your community. This program is suitable for adults.
Grab & Go Paper Plate Twirler
Sun, Jan 25, All day
Highland Park Public Library
Create a paper plate twirler of falling snowflakes! Pick up materials from the Youth Services Desk while supplies last.
Speed Puzzle Competition - - Carrera de Rompecabezas
Mon, Jan 26, 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Highland Park Public Library - Brenner Room
350 pieces. One hour. Do you have what it takes to win? Register with a friend!/ 350 piezas. Una hora. ¿Tienes lo necesario para ganar? ¡Regístrate con un amigo!
This event is full
Readers' Round Table
Tue, Jan 27, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Highland Park Public Library - Meeting Room 8
Love to read? Always looking for book recommendations? Meet fellow bibliophiles at Readers' Round Table! Join us in Room #8.
Social Worker in the Library - Trabajadora Social en la Biblioteca
Tue, Jan 27, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Highland Park Public Library - Lobby
Meet the new Social Services Specialist for the City of Highland Park. Conozca a la nueva especialista en servicios sociales de la ciudad de Highland Park.
Civic Empowerment Series - An Evening with Paul Lisnek
Tue, Jan 27, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Virtual
Join us on Zoom as WGN-TV's Paul Lisnek discusses Illinois politics.Register
Baby Booktime - 0-18 months with caregiver
Wed, Jan 28, 10:00am - 10:30am
Highland Park Public Library - Activity Room
Registration not required but space is limited. Check in at the Youth Services desk up to 30 min. prior to start time. Ages 0 - 18 months.
Baby Booktime - 0-18 months with caregiver
Wed, Jan 28, 11:30am - 12:00pm
Highland Park Public Library - Activity Room
Registration not required but space is limited. Check in at the Youth Services desk up to 30 min. prior to start time. Ages 0 - 18 months.
Library Speakers Consortium Presents Liz Moore - Secrets and Second Chances
Wed, Jan 28, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Virtual
Join us for a virtual event with bestselling and award-winning author Liz Moore as she discusses "The God of the Woods," an instant "New York Times" bestseller.Register
Job Search Like A Pro: Resumes
Wed, Jan 28, 7:30pm - 8:30pm
Highland Park Public Library - Brenner Room
Learn how to craft a resume that performs well.
Social Worker in the Library - Trabajadora Social en la Biblioteca
Thu, Jan 29, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Highland Park Public Library - Lobby
Meet the new Social Services Specialist for the City of Highland Park. Conozca a la nueva especialista en servicios sociales de la ciudad de Highland Park.
Origami Challenge
Mon, Feb 02, All day
Highland Park Public Library
Origami is the art of folding paper into amazing shapes. Join us for this month's origami challenge. Pick up your kit at the Youth Services desk while supplies last. For ages 5-14
Rock & Read - A Toddler Storytime
Mon, Feb 02, 10:30am - 11:00am
Highland Park Public Library - Brenner Room
Join Miss Kelly in the Brenner Room for a musical storytime! For ages 18 months - 3 years. Registration not required but space is limited. Check in at Youth desk starting 30 min prior to event.
Origami Challenge
Tue, Feb 03, All day
Highland Park Public Library
Origami is the art of folding paper into amazing shapes. Join us for this month's origami challenge. Pick up your kit at the Youth Services desk while supplies last. For ages 5-14
Social Worker in the Library - Trabajadora Social en la Biblioteca
Tue, Feb 03, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Highland Park Public Library - Lobby
Meet the new Social Services Specialist for the City of Highland Park. Conozca a la nueva especialista en servicios sociales de la ciudad de Highland Park.
Origami Challenge
Wed, Feb 04, All day
Highland Park Public Library
Origami is the art of folding paper into amazing shapes. Join us for this month's origami challenge. Pick up your kit at the Youth Services desk while supplies last. For ages 5-14
Late Opening
Wed, Feb 04, 11:00am - 9:00pm
Highland Park Public Library
The library will open at 11am on the first Wednesday of each month for staff meetings except December (1st Friday).
Origami Challenge
Thu, Feb 05, All day
Highland Park Public Library
Origami is the art of folding paper into amazing shapes. Join us for this month's origami challenge. Pick up your kit at the Youth Services desk while supplies last. For ages 5-14
Rock & Read 10:30 - A Toddler Storytime
Thu, Feb 05, 10:30am - 11:00am
Highland Park Public Library - Brenner Room
Join Miss Kelly in the Brenner Room for a musical storytime! For ages 18 months - 3 years. Registration not required but space is limited. Check in at Youth desk starting 30 min prior to event.
Rock & Read 11:30 - A Toddler Storytime
Thu, Feb 05, 11:30am - 12:00pm
Highland Park Public Library - Brenner Room
Join Miss Kelly in the Brenner Room for a musical storytime! For ages 18 months - 3 years. Registration not required but space is limited. Check in at Youth desk starting 30 min prior to event.
HomeFit: Making A Home Safe and Livable for All - Future-Proof Your Home
Thu, Feb 05, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Highland Park Public Library - Brenner Room
A representative from AARP discusses how to make your current or future residence your lifelong home.
Beginning Graphic Novel Club
Thu, Feb 05, 4:30pm - 5:00pm
Highland Park Public Library - Brenner Room
Younger graphic novel fans! Join us for discussion, fun activities and unique crafts as we share the best, the worst, and everything in between graphic novels. For ages 6-8
Library Speakers Consortium Presents Novelist Vanessa Riley - Swashbuckling Heroines and High Seas Adventures
Thu, Feb 05, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Virtual
Join us for a virtual event with Vanessa Riley as we discuss her newest book, "Fire Sword & Sea," based on the folk story of the female pirate Jacquotte Delahaye. Register
Origami Challenge
Fri, Feb 06, All day
Highland Park Public Library
Origami is the art of folding paper into amazing shapes. Join us for this month's origami challenge. Pick up your kit at the Youth Services desk while supplies last. For ages 5-14
Social Worker in the Library - Trabajadora Social en la Biblioteca
Fri, Feb 06, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Highland Park Public Library - Lobby
Meet the new Social Services Specialist for the City of Highland Park. Conozca a la nueva especialista en servicios sociales de la ciudad de Highland Park.
Origami Challenge
Sat, Feb 07, All day
Highland Park Public Library
Origami is the art of folding paper into amazing shapes. Join us for this month's origami challenge. Pick up your kit at the Youth Services desk while supplies last. For ages 5-14
Page Turners - Boyfriend Material by Alexis Hall
Sat, Feb 07, 10:00am - 11:30am
Highland Park Public Library - Meeting Room 8
Join Highland Park librarians for a discussion of Boyfriend Material by Alexis Hall.
Origami Challenge
Sun, Feb 08, All day
Highland Park Public Library
Origami is the art of folding paper into amazing shapes. Join us for this month's origami challenge. Pick up your kit at the Youth Services desk while supplies last. For ages 5-14
Bling Your Book! - ¡Pinta con diamantes!
Mon, Feb 09, 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Highland Park Public Library - Brenner Room
Bedazzle a book cover! Decorate your favorite book and make it sparkle.
Social Worker in the Library - Trabajadora Social en la Biblioteca
Tue, Feb 10, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Highland Park Public Library - Lobby
Meet the new Social Services Specialist for the City of Highland Park. Conozca a la nueva especialista en servicios sociales de la ciudad de Highland Park.
Baby Booktime - 0-18 months with caregiver
Wed, Feb 11, 10:00am - 10:30am
Highland Park Public Library - Activity Room
Registration not required but space is limited. Check in at the Youth Services desk up to 30 min. prior to start time. Ages 0 - 18 months.
Baby Booktime - 0-18 months with caregiver
Wed, Feb 11, 11:30am - 12:00pm
Highland Park Public Library - Activity Room
Registration not required but space is limited. Check in at the Youth Services desk up to 30 min. prior to start time. Ages 0 - 18 months.
Teen Time - DIY Light-up Card
Wed, Feb 11, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Highland Park Public Library - Meeting Room 8
Surprise your valentine with a light-up card! Drop-in to learn how to make one! Snacks provided.
Library Speakers Consortium Presents Dr. Lindsey Stewart - Mojos, Mermaids, Medicine, & 400 Yrs of Black Women's Magic
Thu, Feb 12, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Virtual
Feminist philosopher Dr. Lindsey Stewart discusses her book "The Conjuring of America: Mojos, Mermaids, Medicine, and 400 Years of Black Women's Magic" in this virtual event.Register
PJ Storytime
Thu, Feb 12, 6:30pm - 7:00pm
Highland Park Public Library - Brenner Room
Put on your jammies and join us for a fun family storytime featuring stories, songs, and more. Registration is not required, but space is limited. Check in at Youth Desk begins at 6 p.m.
Social Worker in the Library - Trabajadora Social en la Biblioteca
Fri, Feb 13, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Highland Park Public Library - Lobby
Meet the new Social Services Specialist for the City of Highland Park. Conozca a la nueva especialista en servicios sociales de la ciudad de Highland Park.
Game Club
Sat, Feb 14, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Highland Park Public Library - Adult Services
Join us to play board games! Library staff will be available to help you choose a game and learn the rules!
See all events