Presentation Video Archive

Past Author Events

Missed the live webinar? Enjoy a range of talks from bestselling authors and thought leaders. Brought to you in partnership with the Library Speakers Consortium.

Lake Decatur

Gary Geisler and Dr. Stephen Huss present stories and remembrances of Lake Decatur as well as information on lake management and patrol.

Decatur Firefighters

Gary Geisler and Jeff Pritts present a short film about the Decatur Fire Department and the men and women who have served so bravely for our community as firefighters.

On Saturday, August 2, 1930, Joe Gallivan’s New Texaco Super Service opened at 266 West Main. For years, the filling station was open for business right at that location. Now, over 90 years later, the building still stands and is now in its vintage restored condition thanks to the efforts of Bruce Nims.

Spice Club - Mari Mann Herbs

This month we are excited to be hosting Mike King from Mari Mann Herbs Mike King is a medical researcher, educator, speaker, nutraceutical scientist, and medicinal herb specialist. He also owns and operates Mari-Mann Herbs, a health food store/gift shop and herb garden open daily, and can be read in various health publications and heard on the radio.

A History of Fairview Park

Decatur’s Fairview Park has existed for over 150 years. It’s held the State Fair and the Macon County Fair. And the history of the park is something all of us should see and hear. The photographs alone are worth your time.

An Important American: The Life of a CIA Officer

Gary Geisler explores the career of CIA agent, Jimbo Adkins. It took him to places and into situations that none of us could imagine, although we read about them in the newspaper. A career covering: Laos during the Vietnam War, the Iran Contra Affair, Columbian drug lords, international kidnappings, Iraq, Afghanistan and chasing bin Laden in Pakistan. Jimbo was there for it all.

Healthy Cents

Want a health start to the new year, while maintaining a healthy budget? Join the U of I Extension Office and DPL for Healthy Cents.

Pristine Patagonia

Have you ever wondered what it's like to venture to the ends of the earth? Through his stunning photos and entertaining anecdotes, world traveler Brian Michalski takes us along on his spellbinding five-week journey through Patagonia. We will examine this remote region's wildlife, vegetation, climate, sprawling topography, Chilean and Argentinian influences, delightful cuisine and much more.

First Time Home Buyers Workshop

Thinking of buying a home but not sure what kind of credit you need or where to start with the process? The Decatur Public Library hosted a First Time Home Buyer Workshop. Learn what to expect in the home buying process, credit and loan requirements and GRANT MONEY available through Busey Bank's First Time Home Buyer program.

Remembering the Decatur Firestone Tire Plant

Gary Geisler explores Firestone and how it came to be in Decatur, the years of production, the close-knit community of the workers, and the difficulties that led to the closure of the plant. The Firestone Plant was a large part of the industry of Decatur for nearly 40 years and deserves an opportunity to be remembered.

Dennis School Ain't Going Nowhere!

Gary Geisler leads a digital discussion of the history, the stories and lore, and the changes that many of us have seen and experienced over the years at Dennis School. A school that was opened in 1910 and won't be closing anytime soon.

Why We're Polarized

Watch Richard (Dick) Virgin's presentation to hear more about Erza Klein’s book Why We’re Polarized. Originally planned as a talk for Books Between Bites, we feel this topic and discussion are pertinent now more than ever, even if the structure needs to be a bit different.