Story Time with Ms. L'Oreal!

Join us for an inspiring interactive story time led by local author L'Oreal Thompson Payton, who will read her first children's book, Amanda Gorman: Poet and Activist! Ms. L'Oreal will lead us in a read-aloud of the book, an interactive Q&A with young readers, and fun for the whole family!

About the Book

Illustrated by New York Times bestselling artist Laura Freeman, Amanda Gorman: Poet and Activist introduces early and elementary readers to Amanda Gorman’s journey—her love of words, her commitment to community, and her historic rise to national prominence. It’s uplifting, joyful, and perfect for families who love poetry, picture books, and stories about big dreams.

About the Author

L'Oreal Thompson Payton is an award-winning journalist, author, speaker, and founder of Zora's Place, a Black feminist bookstore and community hub in Evanston, Illinois. She is the author of Stop Waiting for Perfect (Spring 2027), the upcoming memoir Infertile Black Girl, Amanda Gorman: Poet and Activist, and Violet Goes Voting (September 2026). Her work has appeared in outlets such as Essence, Fortune, New York Magazine, and Self, and her work centers Black women and girls, mental health, and the power of storytelling. She lives in Evanston, Illinois with her husband and daughter.