815-572-1244
Testimonials
Presentations are available seven days a week for morning, afternoon and evening in person and via the virtual platform Zoom. See calendar for updated event details weekly. Call or e-mail Jim or Michelle at 815.572.1244 (Jim) or 224.622.9339 (Michelle) to schedule your program today!
I just attended a South Suburban Adult Programmer (SSAP) meeting and told everyone how thrilled our patrons were with Jim Gibbons’ presentation. I was joined by several other programmers who booked Jim’s presentations and everyone was extremely pleased with his work. Good job!
~Michael Ayala, former Programming Associate, Steger-South Chicago Heights Library
Many thanks for an excellent presentation on Eleanor Roosevelt. The Morton Grove Library audience was enthralled with both your slides and detailed narrative. As one woman said, you “made history understandable and human.” Your anecdotes about Eleanor Roosevelt added personality and interest to a fascinating biography.
~Nancy Brothers, Coordinator of Programming, Morton Grove Public Library
I have heard nothing but excellent comments about Jim’s presentations on The Assassination of President John F. Kennedy and the Our Lady of the Angels School Fire, including from my sixteen year-old daughter who was working here that night. She said, from what she could see/hear, it was interesting and President Kennedy is fascinating to her. It’s been such a pleasure to have met Jim and being able to have him inform people on two subjects that are important events in history.
~Audrey Klawiter, Administrative Assistant, Lyons Public Library
You are the best! Not only do I learn so much, you make me smile with your enthusiasm and love for what you do. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and research with the patrons of LBPL. I truly look forward to working with you again and again.
~Carol Carter, Adult Programs, Lake Bluff Public Library
On the behalf of Barrington Area Library, we would like to thank you for an outstanding program on “Our Lady of the Angels Fire”. Our patrons raved about your excellent program. It was amazing that we had two audience members who were in the fire and were able to relay their experiences. We were all strongly influenced by the program as many of us remember the day it happened and the events afterward. In fact my elementary school closed its old wooden staircase and replaced it with a noncombustible one. We sincerely hope that a tragedy like this never happens again. Also, the memorabilia you collected is incredible – the photographs of students, the sisters, and the building itself. Your presentation was very professional and personal, especially when you relayed the story of one of the students. Although this was a very emotional evening for us, we did appreciate the anecdotes and relaying of events after the fire and how improved safety features came to be in our schools and other institutions. Thank you for exceeding our expectations with a very engaging presentation!
~Eileen Gallagher, Adult Services Librarian, Barrington Area Library
Mr. Gibbons, thank you for making history fun and enlightening. My son said that he really enjoyed himself. We had a great conversation about history on our way home from your presentation. If we had more educators like yourself, more students would excel in history. I am still thrilled and excited about all that I learned last night. I work the midnight shift at Shapiro Mental Health facility. I shared with the night shift and morning shift staff the information that I learned and the photos that were shown. You would have been delighted to see the smiles on their faces and how their minds were soaking up all the information that I received. They, in return, wanted to learn more. I have never been to such an event before, yet it proved to be very educational to say the least. Thank you again for being an expert in history and sharing it with us. This information has caused me to dig deeper so that when I have the opportunity to attend another lecture regarding history, I will be able and better equip to contribute.
~Deloris Douglas, Kankakee Community College student
Thank you so much for your excellent attention to detail on the life and legacy of Dwight D. Eisenhower. The staff and students of Eisenhower High School (Blue Island, Illinois), were thoroughly impressed with your presentation that commemorated the 125th Birthday of President Eisenhower. The members of the Social Studies Department were inspired by your infectious enthusiasm and truly felt that the students could not have been more engaged. Please visit us again.
~John Duckhorn, Social Studies Department, Dwight D. Eisenhower High School
Just a quick message to say how much I enjoyed your presentation on WWII that was given at the Alumni Center for Luther House here in Normal, Illinois last Thursday. I learned so much, and you had the audience in the palm of your hand! I hope I can hear you speak another time.
~Nancy Wolter, audience member, Luther Oaks University
I want to thank you for the wonderful presentation you gave last night on, “The Life Story of Anne Frank.” It is easy to tell you enjoy history, and I thank you for sharing that passion with our patrons. Some of our patrons comments your program last night included: “Amazingly knowledgeable;” “This program was very informative and Mr. Gibbons did an excellent job;” “Mr. Gibbons is very dynamic and passionate about his presentation;” and “[The] history of WWII came alive!
~Diane Gaudio, Adult Program Coordinator, McHenry Public Library District
Mr. Jim is the most enthusiastic speaker! It is not often that a speaker can hold the attention of 25 first grade students for 30 minutes! Mr. Jim was able to do this! He was able to bring a historical presentation about Mayor Daley and the history of Chicago to a first grade level in a very interesting approach. The students LOVED his talk. They were excited and had lots of questions. This was a wonderful presentation that I would recommend for any grade level.
~Sue Oberman, First Grade Teacher, Dean Street Elementary School in Woodstock, IL
Call or e-mail Jim or Michelle at 815.572.1244 (Jim) or 224.622.9339 (Michelle) to schedule your program today! Come see one of his presentations close to you - check the Program Schedule!