Lifelong Learning Institute at Waubonsee Community College

Join award-winning Sonido Reyes for a thought-provoking presentation exploring the importance of the freedom to read, the power of diverse stories, and why inclusive literature matters. Through personal stories, lived experiences, and reflections on writing queer and Latinx characters, Reyes will examine how books foster empathy, build understanding, and create opportunities for meaningful dialogue across communities. This presentation will also explore the growing conversation surrounding book challenges and censorship, highlighting why access to diverse voices is essential in education, libraries, and our communities. Attendees will leave with a deeper appreciation for literature as a tool for connection, representation, and civic engagement.

Whether you are an educator, librarian, student, parent, or community member who values lifelong learning, this session offers an opportunity to engage in an important conversation about intellectual freedom, belonging, and the stories that shape our world.This complimentary presentation is open to the public and is presented as part of Waubonsee Community College's celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, LGBTQ+ History Month, and our commitment to supporting the freedom to read. October 2, 2026 | Waubonsee Community College – Sugar Grove Campus, Bodie 150

Speaker:  Sonido Reyes