Schedule

"Mr. Illinois"

today!

A professional portrait of John clutching the Illinois Flag

John Kokoris

Experienced Illinois traveler & library professional

A lifetime spent driving, camping, hiking, biking, and dining across the state—and more than a decade of library experience—make John a natural guide for patrons looking to learn more about their state or plan an affordable weekend getaway.

Library programmers, see my "bio" before for a brief introduction script.

Let's connect!

Library Programs

Southern Illinois Travel & Lore:

Exploring Shawnee National Forest

Illinois traveler John Kokoris will share secrets to a successful visit to the Shawnee National Forest, including landmarks, trails, lodging, and food. He'll also share a bit of the region's fascinating history. From waterfalls to BBQ to the Big Muddy Monster, Southern Illinois has something for everyone. (Handout here.)

Mississippi River Adventures

along the Great River Road

Illinois traveler John Kokoris will share insider tips to help you explore the Upper Mississippi from Galena to St. Louis. Learn where to go, what to do—and all about the mighty river's storied past. We'll discuss architecture, food, events, and more. Your Great River Road trip starts here! (Handout here.)

Discover Northern Illinois

and Driftless Wisconsin

Feeling a need to "head for the hills?" From the scenic Rock River to the undulating landscape in the state's northwest corner, untouched by the glaciers that flattened most of our state, this region is truly beautiful. Midwestern traveler John Kokoris will even guide us across state lines to discuss attractions in Wisconsin and Iowa. (Handout here.)

Lincoln Lore & More:

Exploring Central Illinois

Venture beyond the cornstalks that line the highway with Illinois traveler John Kokoris to explore the charming towns and beautiful scenery at the heart of our state—as well as the region's history as Lincoln's old stomping grounds. We'll spend extra time on Route 66 in honor of its 100th anniversary in 2026. (Handout here.)

Great Graves of Illinois:

Illinois' Most Storied Cemeteries

Join Illinois traveler John Kokoris for a look at the graves of great Illinoisans and notable monuments to lives well lived. We'll also look at art and literature inspired by these storied cemeteries. The perfect fall program for cemetery lovers, road trippers, and history buffs alike. (Handout here.)

Upcoming Talks:

Glencoe Public Library: Northern IL & Driftless WI: Tuesday, Sept. 16, 7 p.m.; register

Glencoe Public Library: Mississippi River Adventures, Thursday, Sept. 25, 7 p.m.; register

Winnetka Public Library: Great Graves, Thursday, Oct. 2, 7 p.m.; register

The Center, Palos Park: Central IL Travel & Lincoln Lore, Tuesday, Oct. 7, 12 p.m.; register in October.

Carol Stream Public Library: Great Graves, Tuesday, Oct. 7, 7 p.m.; register

Homer Twp. Public Library: Great Graves, Thursday, Oct. 9, 6:30 p.m.; register

Hinsdale Public Library: Great Graves, Tuesday, Oct. 14, 7 p.m.; register

Chicago Public Library Walker Branch (Morgan Park): (Pending) Great Graves, Saturday, Oct. 25, 2 p.m.

River Forest Public Library: Great Graves, Sunday, Oct. 26, 2 p.m.; register

Ela Area Public Library (Lake Zurich): Great Graves, Oct. 30, 7 p.m.; register

Also unavailable to present on: 9/17–22, 10/5, 10/18-24, 10/28, 11/11-13

Past programs this year:

Winter programs included Elmhurst, Rolling Meadows, Wilmette, Riverside, Geographic Society of Chicago,* Hinsdale, Geneva, Putnam County, Elgin, and Lake Zurich.

Spring programs included Evergreen Park, Eisenhower, Schaumburg, Batavia, Naperville, Clarendon Hills, Frankfort, Lake Zurich, Brookfield, Hinsdale, Palos Park,* Winnetka, Schaumburg, South Holland, and Morgan Park.

Summer programs included Homer Township, Carol Stream, Wilmette, St. Charles, Bensenville, Genoa, Deerfield, Palos Heights, Putnam County, Park Ridge, Elmhurst, Western Springs, Barrington*, and Hinsdale.*

* Denotes non-library/private events.

Next year:

Wauconda Public Library: Central IL Travel & Lincoln Lore, Monday, Feb.16, 7 p.m.

Rolling Meadows Library: Mississippi River Adventures, Tuesday, April 28, 7 p.m.

Westmont Public Library: Central IL Travel & Lincoln Lore, Thursday, May 7, 6:30 p.m.

Naperville Public Library: Great Graves, Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026, 1 p.m.

Also unavailable to present on 4/23–27

Presenter Bio

For introductions: John Kokoris has lived in Illinois his whole life. He grew up camping in Northern Illinois, went to school downstate, and travels across the state with his family whenever he can. His mission is to spread his love for the Land of Lincoln far and wide.

Extra, unnecessary information: A library employee in Chicago's western suburbs, John has also served on library boards in Forest Park and Elgin, and enjoys exploring our state's many wonderful libraries in his spare time. His areas of interest include Lincoln lore, Native American history, conservation, and infrastructure. He's fascinated by the varied and strange histories of the state's small and forgotten places. His favorite Illinois-related books include Herndon's Life of Lincoln, Spoon River Anthology, The People Yes, Cahokia Jazz, and The WPA Guide to Illinois.

John's programs offer history, culture, and travel plans alongside photos, maps, and humorous anecdotes.

Illinois Familiarity Score:

10/10 (Expert Status)

A map showing John's familiarity with each county. Strongest regions are northern Illinois and southernmost Illinois, and along the northern portion of the Mississippi River.

Contact John

Reach out to inquire about booking me, or if you've attended a program, to ask questions or provide feedback. Thank you for your interest!

Contact options

Email me

Call me

Testimonials

John has been invited to speak multiple times at Hinsdale, Ela Area, Geneva, Elmhurst, and Homer Township libraries.

From attendees (via survey):

"Presenter did an fantastic job of providing highlights to each location discussed. Enunciation and volume of speaking were excellent."
"John was so well-versed and so entertaining about Southern Illinois, makes me want to visit. Hope he has many more presentations."
"The presenter, John, was both knowledgeable and entertaining. This is a rare combination!"

From Hinsdale Public Library's Adult Services Manager:

"John is genuinely the most knowledgeable person about Illinois that I have ever met, and our patrons really loved the program. It included a powerpoint with maps and beautiful photos, several handouts, and even a curated Southern Illinois Spotify playlist."

Photos & Finds

Scenes from the places we'll discuss at my programs.

I have visited over 100 Illinois libraries. Here are just a few!

Page updated

Google Sites

Report abuse