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 Like most communities, Waukegan has hosted a number of writers who were born, worked, or continue to live here. The library is proud to feature these local authors, whether they have one slim volume or numerous books to their name. Their pages include the author's biographical information and photograph, publications, and sometimes a short essay from the author describing what inspired him or her to become a writer. Additionally, some authors have written about the role the Waukegan Library played in their reading and writing lives.
Please contact the adult reference desk to suggest additional local authors to add to our online list.
A more detailed list of local authors is available at the Waukegan Historical Society's Raymond Library.
Diane Ackerman
Diane Ackerman left Waukegan at age 8, so her “memories are veiled,” but this prolific poet, essayist, and naturalist remembered enough to write the following essay about her experiences with the Waukegan Public Library bookmobiles.
Read More About Diane Ackerman
Eleanor Taylor Bland
Eleanor Taylor Bland contributes regularly and generously to her community, including the Waukegan Public Library.
Read More About Eleanor Taylor Bland
Ray Bradbury
The Waukegan Public Library has enjoyed a continuous relationship with hometown writer Ray Bradbury over the years. Not only has he supported the Ray Bradbury Creative Writing Contest for more than 20 years, but he has made numerous visits to Waukegan and the library.
Read More About Ray Bradbury
Valerie Connelly
Valerie Connelly lives with her husband, Michael, in northern Illinois not far from the Wisconsin border. She divides her time between writing, teaching, painting landscapes and waterscapes, and traveling.
Read More About Valerie Connelly
Mel Goldberg
Local writer and retired English teacher Mel Goldberg published his first book of poetry and photography, The Cyclic Path, in 1990. In addition his poetry, stories, and articles have appeared in numerous magazines in the United States and England.
Read More About Mel Goldberg
Steven R. Jones
Local police officer Steven R. Jones never thought of writing until his wife suggested he channel his passion for telling people about the Holocaust into a book. Two novels later he is still carrying his message.
Read More About Steven R. Jones
Ward Just
Ward Just is a local author who has capitalized and then transcended his roots. Read below for his own words about his career and why he writes.
Read More About Ward Just
James LaRue
I was raised in Waukegan, Illinois, north of Chicago, along the shore of
Lake Michigan. One day, when I was about 6, I was a reluctant player in
a neighborhood baseball game.
Read More About James LaRue
Ed Link
Ed Link was born in 1942, raised in North Chicago, and educated in its schools.
Read More About Ed Link
Virginia Mullery
Virginia Mullery has made a significant contribution as a journalist and writer through numerous magazine and newspaper articles, and books about the people in her community.
Read More About Virginia Mullery
Andromeda Romano-Lax
I was maybe six or seven years old when I stumbled across one of many Waukegan Library books that would become a passport to my future as a writer and a traveler.
Read More About Andromeda Romano-Lax
David Shiner
David Shiner, local author and professor at Shimer College has one primary love, baseball.
Read More About David Shiner
Jim Warda
Local inspirational writer Jim Warda credits his family and libraries for his success as an author.
Read More About Jim Warda
Dr. Robert Zinn
Local pastor and poet Robert Zinn describes his passion for words below. His book Packet of Poems is a collection of his life-time work.
Read More About Dr. Robert Zinn
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Local Authors
