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John Kokoris
John Kokoris
Experienced Illinois traveler & library professional
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.
Library Programs
Library Programs
Southern Illinois Travel & Lore:
Southern Illinois Travel & Lore:
Exploring Shawnee National Forest
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.
Mississippi River Adventures
Mississippi River Adventures
along the Great River Road
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
Discover Northern Illinois
and Driftless Wisconsin
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.
Lincoln Lore & More:
Lincoln Lore & More:
Exploring Central Illinois
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.
Great Graves of Illinois:
Great Graves of Illinois:
Illinois' Most Storied Cemeteries
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.
Past programs this year:
Winter programs included: Elmhurst, Rolling Meadows, Wilmette, Riverside, Geographic Society of Chicago, Hinsdale, Geneva, Putnam County, Gail Borden, and Ela Area.
Spring programs included Evergreen Park, Eisenhower, Schaumburg, Batavia, Naperville, Clarendon Hills, Frankfort, Ela Area, Brookfield, Hinsdale, The Center of Palos Park, Winnetka, Schaumburg, South Holland, and Morgan Park.
Summer programs so far included Homer Township, Carol Springs, Wilmette, St. Charles, Bensenville.
This summer and fall:
Genoa Public Library: Northern IL & Driftless WI, Tuesday, July 8, 6 p.m.; register
Deerfield Public Library: Southern IL Travel & Lore, Tuesday July 22, 6:30 p.m. (virtual); register
Palos Heights Public Library, Northern IL & Driftless WI, Tuesday, July 29, 7 p.m.; register
Putnam County Library: Central IL Travel & Lincoln Lore; Tuesday, August 5, 6 p.m. (I'll be virtual; guests hybrid); register
Park Ridge Public Library: Mississippi River Adventures, Tuesday, August 12, 2 p.m. (hybrid in-person/virtual); register
Elmhurst Public Library: Northern IL & Driftless WI, Thursday, August 14, 10:30 a.m. (hybrid in-person/virtual); register
Thomas Ford (Western Springs) Library: Mississippi River Adventures, Wednesday, August 20, 7 p.m.; register
Private event in Hinsdale: Time Traveling Through Illinois, Tuesday, September 9, 11:30 a.m.
Winnetka Public Library: Great Graves, Thursday, Oct. 2 7 p.m.
Carol Springs Public Library: Great Graves, Tuesday, Oct. 7, 7 p.m.
Homer Twp. Public Library: Great Graves, Thursday, Oct. 9, 6:30 p.m.
Hinsdale Public Library: Great Graves, Oct. 14, 7 p.m.
Ela Area. Library (Lake Zurich): Great Graves, Oct. 30, 7 p.m.
Pending: NSLD (Sometime after August 23), Rockford (October 25), River Forest (a Sunday in October), Wauconda (a Monday in February)
Also Unavailable: 9/9-10, 9/13-14, 10/5, 10/18-24
Presenter Bio
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)
Contact John
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!
Testimonials
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
Photos & Finds
Scenes from the places we'll discuss at my programs.
Scenes from the places we'll discuss at my programs.
I have visited over 100 Illinois libraries. Here are just a few!
I have visited over 100 Illinois libraries. Here are just a few!
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