Published on March 3, 2026

Lake Land College will welcome author, researcher and sociologist Dr. Kathryn J. Edin for a presentation and book signing event on Wednesday, March 18. The event will take place from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. in the Luther Student Center Theater at the Lake Land College campus in Mattoon.

During the event, Edin, one of the nation’s leading poverty researchers, will present on topics surrounding the issue of poverty in America. Having authored 8 books and approximately 60 journal articles on the topic of American poverty, Edin offers direct, in-depth observations of the lives of low-income women, men, and children as well as of poverty in rural regions.

The event at Lake Land College will focus primarily on topics from her 2015 book $2.00 a Day: Living on Almost Nothing in America. Co-authored with Luke Shaefer, $2 a Day was met with wide critical acclaim. It was included in The New York Times 100 Notable Books of 2015, and was cited as “essential reporting about the rise in destitute families.”

Lake Land College students in attendance at the event will receive a free copy of $2 a Day while supplies last. Edin will also sign books as a part of the event.

Community members are welcome to bring their own books to have signed. Copies of the book will also be available for purchase during the event, with all profits going to the Lake Land College Library Foundation Fund.

One hour of Professional Development Hours (PDHs) will also be available for any attendees seeking credits.

To learn more about the event, contact Mercury Bowen, Coordinator for Student Development, at 217-234-5244 or mbowen@lakelandcollege.edu.