The Murder of John Shakespeare
In Marion County, Illinois
Authors Presentation and Book Signing
Thursday, February 5
Bryan-Bennett Library, Salem Illinois
Book Signing 3-5, Presentation at 6pm
Open to the Public
Cary O’Dell and co-author Richard Sprehe have just published a new book of local Marion County history. John Shakespeare was brutally murdered in Centralia in 1975. A murder that remains a cold case despite many suspects and multiple police agencies being involved, including the FBI and Interpol.
In 2022 Cary O’Dell presented the story of his book about John Robert Harrell to a record crowd at Bryan-Bennett Library and the Marion County Genealogical and Historical Society. Cary is an Illinois native with strong ties to the Marion County and Kinmundy Alma area. For those who didn’t already know about this colorful episode during the 1950-60s, it was an exciting tale of local history. Several of those present recounted their own stories and experiences regarding “Johnny Bob.”
There will be time to meet the authors and purchase a signed book from 3-5 pm. Books will be available for purchase by cash or check only.
The presentation will begin at 6pm. Both events are co-sponsored by the Bryan-Bennett Library and the Marion County Genealogical and Historical Society.
The Library is located at 315 South Maple Street in Salem.
Full Deck Card Club every Tuesday 1:00—3:00 Community members can join in with friends and make new ones while playing self-selected card games from the library’s collection or those brought from home.
Preschool Story Time meets in the Davenport Room each Friday at 10:00. This hour long program is designed for preschoolers to enjoy with their favorite caregivers. The hour begins with fifteen minutes of play followed by shaker eggs, stories, songs, and sharing on the carpet. Each child leaves with a bag of cookies and a silly sticker.
Did you know? There are two shelves of board games near the YA table. Choices change monthly. Challenge your friends and family to a round of your favorites or go for a walk in the Davenport Room (gym).
Leather Apron Club is a book club for readers in Kindergarten through fourth grades and their caregivers. The club will meet for reading, discussion, and activities from 10:30 to 11:30 on the first Thursday of the month in the Reference Room of the Davenport Room.
Homeschool Hangout Hour after LAC