The city’s annual literary festival continues through October 30, with readings and book signings by local and national writers, poets, and scholars as well as discussions, lectures, workshops, and children’s activities at bookstores, public libraries, and other venues. All events are free unless otherwise noted. For more information call 312-747-4300, see www.chicagopubliclibrary.org, or contact the hosting venues.
Following is the schedule through October 28; a complete schedule is available online at www.chicagoreader.com.
FRIDAY 22
George Carlin The comedian signs When Will Jesus Bring the Pork Chops? Borders Books & Music, 150 N. State, 312-606-0750. 12:30 PM
SATURDAY 23
“Celebrating the History of America’s Foodways” Talks by contributors to The Oxford Food Encyclopedia of American Food and Drink. Presented by the Culinary Historians of Chicago. Kendall College, 900 N. North Branch, 815-439-3960. A reception follows. 10 AM to 4 PM
Jerome Pohlen discusses Oddball Illinois: A Guide to Some Really Strange Places. Lincoln Belmont branch library, 1659 W. Melrose, 312-744-0166. 2 PM
“Rambunctious Review” Poetry Readers Contributors read their work, followed by an open mike. West Town branch library, 1271 N. Milwaukee, 312-744-1473. 2:30 PM
Bob Greene The former Tribune columnist talks about Fraternity: A Journey in Search of Five Presidents. Barnes & Noble, 1441 W. Webster, 773-871-3610. 3 PM
Michael Raleigh The Chicago novelist (In the Castle of the Flynns) discusses his work. Oriole Park branch library, 7454 W. Balmoral, 312-744-1965. 3 PM
SUNDAY 24
Sylvia Hood Washington The environmental ethicist presents Packing Them In: An Archaeology of Environmental Racism in Chicago, 1865-1954. Woodson Regional Library, 9525 S. Halsted, 312-745-2080. 2 PM
James Young (The Texture of Memory) discusses memorials to the Holocaust. Spertus Insitute of Jewish Studies, 618 S. Michigan, 312-322-1743, $12. 2 PM
MONDAY 25
Isabel Allende The Chilean novelist (In the House of the Spirits) discusses her life and work. Field Museum, 1400 S. Lake Shore Dr., 312-665-7400, $20. 7 PM
TUESDAY 26
Peter Balakian The poet and memoirist (Black Dog of Fate) discusses The Burning Tigris: The Armenian Genocide and America’s Response. A Facing History and Ourselves event. Harold Washington Library Center, 400 S. State, 312-345-3203. 5:30 PM
Dennis Foley offers The Streets and San Man’s Guide to Chicago Eats. Portage-Cragin branch library, 5108 W. Belmont, 312-744-0152. 7 PM
Erin Hart reads from her mystery Lake of Sorrow. Borders Books & Music, 2210 W. 95th, 773-445-5471. 7 PM
WEDNESDAY 27
“Mummy’s Night! Tales and Treats for Halloween” Family program includes “spine-tingling ancient tales” by Judith Heineman. Oriental Institute Museum, 1155 E. 58th, 773-702-9507. 6 PM
TallGrass Writers Guild Members read from their anthology Things That Go Bump in the Night. Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington, 708-672-6630. 6:30 PM
“Creating an Effective Writing Group” Workshop with Lisa Rosenthal, author of The Writing Group Book. Lincoln Belmont branch library, 1659 W. Melrose, 312-744-0166. 7 PM
Thai Jones The journalist and son of Weather Underground member Jeff Jones talks about A Radical Line: From the Labor Movement to the Weather Underground, One Family’s Century of Conscience. 57th Street Books, 1301 E. 57th, 773-684-1300. 7 PM
Gish Jen reads from her novel The Love Wife. Women & Children First, 5233 N. Clark, 773-769-9299. 7:30 PM
THURSDAY 28
Pervis Spann The “Blues Man” talks about The 40 Year Spann of WVON. Woodson Regional Library, 9525 S. Halsted, 312-747-6921. 6 PM
Norma DeShields The inspirational author presents Joy Comes This Morning. Woodson Regional Library, 9525 S. Halsted, 312-747-6921. 6:30 PM
“Creating an Effective Writing Group” Workshop with Lisa Rosenthal, author of The Writing Group Book. Sulzer Regional Library, 4455 N. Lincoln, 312-744-7616. 7 PM
Stuart Shea talks about Wrigley Field: The Unauthorized Biography. Northtown branch library, 6435 N. California, 312-744-2292. 7 PM
Rock Bottom Remainders The band, for this gig consisting of writers Scott Turow, Dave Barry, Amy Tan, Mitch Albom, Ridley Pearson, Greg Iles, Roy Blount Jr., and Kathy Kamen Goldmark, plays a show with “special musical guest” Roger McGuinn. House of Blues, 329 N. Dearborn, 312-923-2000, $35. 8:30 PM
Art accompanying story in printed newspaper (not available in this archive): photo/Zayd Dohrn.