Chicago Book Week–City of Big Readers
Chicago’s second annual literary festival, which runs October 8 through 14, features readings by local and national writers, poets, and scholars as well as discussions, lectures, workshops, exhibits, tours, and family and children’s activities at locations throughout the city. Admission is free unless otherwise noted. See separate listing in Readings & Lectures for “One Book, One Chicago” discussions of Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird; see Movies for screenings of the film at library locations. For more information call 312-747-4300, see www.chicagopubliclibrary.org, or contact the sponsoring venue for specific events.
MONDAY, OCTOBER 8
Children’s Storytime
Corduroy Bear makes a visit. 10 AM: Barnes & Noble, 659 W. Diversey. 773-871-9004.
Toddler Storytime
For infants to children age four. 10 AM: Barnes & Noble, 1441 W. Webster. 773-871-3610.
Book Discussion
The Lost Girls by Andrew Piper. 11 AM: Chicago Public Library, Near North branch, 310 W. Division. 312-744-0991.
“Sunflowers in Art, Legend, and History”
Lecture by art historian Debra Mancoff. Noon: Art Institute of Chicago, Michigan and Adams. 312-443-3680.
Maurice Possley and Rick Kogan
The Chicago Tribune writers talk about Everybody Pays: Two Men, One Murder, and the Price of Truth. 5 PM: Billy Goat Tavern, 430 N. Michigan. 312-222-1525.
Estela Cortez
The poet reads her work. 5:30 PM: Chicago Public Library, Roosevelt branch, 1101 W. Taylor. 312-746-5656.
“To Kill a Mockingbird”
Scholar Claudia Durst Johnson lectures on the historical context of Harper Lee’s novel. 6 PM: Harold Washington Library Center, auditorium, 400 S. State. 312-747-4300.
Snack & Yack Book Club
Discussion of The Night Inspector by Frederick Busch. Bring a snack or dinner; beverages provided. 6:15 PM: Chicago Public Library, Mayfair branch, 4400 W. Lawrence. 312-744-1254.
“Book Appraisals”
Expert Thomas Joyce discusses rare books. 6:30 PM: Woodson Regional Library, 9525 S. Halsted. 312-747-6900.
John O’Connor
Performance by the poet and guitarist. 6:30 PM: Chicago Public Library, Albany Park branch, 5150 N. Kimball. 312-744-1933.
Ana Castillo
A reading by the writer and poet, whose most recent novel is Peel My Love Like an Onion. 7 PM: Europa Books, 832 N. State. 312-335-9677.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 9
“In Good Taste: Reading and Eating at Ina’s”
See the “Candy College Library” collection of books on sweets. 10 AM to 5 PM: Ina’s restaurant, 1235 W. Randolph. 312-226-8227.
Toddler Storytime
For infants to children age four. 10 AM: Barnes & Noble, 1441 W. Webster. 773-871-3610.
“Afternoon of the Arts”
Open-mike poetry readings. 2 PM: Robert Morris College, 401 S. State. 312-935-4810.
“What Might We Learn From Ants?”
Workshop for kids and adults to “learn how they can get involved in peacemaking.” 3:15 PM: Peace Museum, 100 N. Central Park. 773-638-6450.
“Children of Diversity: Books for Multi-Racial, Multi-Cultural Kids”
Presentation by author Maureen Valvassori and storyteller Oba William King. Call to register. 3:30 PM: Chicago Public Library, Rogers Park branch, 6907 N. Clark. 847-733-7134 or 312-744-0156.
“Journaling and Drawing Stories”
Workshop on combining stories and image making. Please call to register. 5 PM: Creating Pride, 35 E. Wacker, suite 1599. $5. 312-857-0907.
“Writers’ Block: Stories From Chicago’s Neighborhoods”
Readings of stories and poems by writers from the Journal of Ordinary Thought. 5 PM: Chicago Public Library, Manning branch, 6 S. Hoyne. 312-746-6800 or 773-684-2742.
“To Kill a Mockingbird” Mock Trial
Chicago area attorneys enact the courtroom scenes from Harper Lee’s novel, followed by a discussion. 5:30 PM: E.M. Dirksen Courthouse, 219 S. Dearborn, 25th floor. 312-747-4052.
“Afternoon of the Arts”
Open-mike poetry readings. 6 PM: Robert Morris College, 401 S. State. 312-935-4810.
Larry Axelrood
The attorney and author of the thriller The Advocate discusses how to balance working and writing. 6 PM: Barnes & Noble, 1130 N. State. 312-280-1143.
Book Discussion
Our Sometime Sister by Norah Labiner; intended for adults only. 6 PM: Chicago Public Library, South Chicago branch, 9055 S. Houston. 312-747-8065.
“Book Appraisals”
Expert Thomas Joyce discusses rare books. 6:30 PM: Chicago Public Library, Near North branch, 310 W. Division. 312-744-0991.
Rita Arias Jirasek
A lecture and discussion by the coauthor of Mexican Chicago. 7 PM: Chicago Public Library, Mount Greenwood branch, 11010 S. Kedzie. 312-747-2805.
Achy Obejas
The Chicago Tribune staff writer reads from her novel Days of Awe. 7 PM: 57th Street Books, 1301 E. 57th. 773-684-1300.
“Today’s Chicago Novel”
Readings by contributors to the anthology F Magazine. Hosted by editor Don De Grazia, author of the novel American Skin. 7 PM: Columbia College, Hokin Annex, 600 S. Michigan. 312-663-1600.
Bill Ayers
The educator and activist discusses his memoir Fugitive Days. 7:30 PM: Barbara’s Bookstore, 1350 N. Wells. 312-642-5044.
Dean Monti
The writer reads from his debut novel, The Sweep of the Second Hand. 7:30 PM: Conrad Sulzer Regional Library, 4455 N. Lincoln. 312-744-7616.
Cheri Register
The author discusses her American Book Award-winning memoir, Packinghouse Daughter. 7:30 PM: Women & Children First, 5233 N. Clark. 773-769-9299.
Singles Book Club
Discussion of Arundhati Roy’s The God of Small Things and David Sedaris’s Me Talk Pretty One Day. 7:30 PM: Barnes & Noble, 1441 W. Webster. 773-871-3610.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10
“Kiddielit for City Kids”
Children’s storytime. 10:30 AM: Women & Children First, 5233 N. Clark. 773-769-9299.
“Reading Around Chicago”
Dave Mayer performs magic related to Chicago landmarks and books. 10:30 AM: Chicago Public Library, Blackstone branch, 4904 S. Lake Park. 312-747-0511.
“The Secret Garden”
American Eagle Productions performs a musical adaptation of Frances Hodgson Burnett’s children’s book. 10:30 AM: Harold Washington Library Center, multipurpose room, 400 S. State. 312-747-4300.
“TribUnity Read-a-thon”
Employees of the Chicago Tribune’s volunteer organization read children’s stories. 11 AM: Barbara’s Bookstore, Navy Pier, 700 E. Grand. 312-222-4535.
“Harold Washington College Reads”
Book discussions; call ahead for titles and details. Noon to 9 PM: Harold Washington College, 30 E. Lake, room 101. 312-553-5600.
Miles Harvey
The author of The Island of Lost Maps speaks on “The Rare Book Librarian as Culture Hero.” Noon: Newberry Library, 60 W. Walton. 312-255-3700.
“Words on the Page: Why Reading Is Important”
Readings by students and tutors from Literacy Chicago. Noon: Literacy Chicago, 70 E. Lake, suite 1500. 312-236-0341, ext. 108.
Mad Hatter’s Children’s Theater Project
Performers act out books and stories. 1 PM: Chicago Public Library, Humboldt Park branch, 1605 N. Troy. 312-744-2244.
“Extra! Extra! Extra! Read All About It!”
Stories “from around the world and around the corner” for children. 3:30 PM: Chicago Public Library, Thurgood Marshall branch, 7506 S. Racine. 312-747-5927.
“Words on the Page: Why Reading Is Important”
Readings by students and tutors from Literacy Chicago. 5:30 PM: Literacy Chicago, 70 E. Lake, suite 1500. 312-236-0341, ext. 108.
“Elective Affinities: Private Collectors and Special Collections in Libraries”
Lecture followed by a reception. 5:45 PM: University of Chicago, Joseph Regenstein Library, 1100 E. 57th. 773-702-8742.
Family Night
Stories, arts, and crafts. 6 PM: Chicago Public Library, Midwest branch, 2335 W. Chicago. 312-744-7788.
“Mexican Chicago”
Rita Arias Jirasek, coauthor of Mexican Chicago, discusses the Mexican Fine Arts Center Museum’s exhibit of the same title. 6 PM: Chicago Public Library, Lozano branch, 1805 S. Loomis. 312-746-4329 or 312-738-1503.
Kurt Vonnegut
The Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist discusses his career with journalist Mara Tapp. 6 PM: Harold Washington Library Center, 400 S. State. 312-747-4300.
Mawi Asgedom
The author of the memoir Of Beetles and Angels talks about journal writing. 6:30 PM: Literacy Chicago, 70 E. Lake, suite 1500. 312-236-0341, ext. 108.
Andrei Codrescu
Discussion with and reading by the poet, essayist, novelist, and National Public Radio commentator. Sponsored by the Poetry Center of Chicago. 6:30 PM: Chicago Historical Society, Clark at North. $15, $10 for students and seniors. 312-899-1229. A reception with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres follows; it’s $25.
“How to Write a Mystery Novel: The Tricks of the Trade”
Discussion with novelist Michael Raleigh. 6:30 PM: Chicago Public Library, Rogers Park branch, 6907 N. Clark. 312-744-0156.
Chris Benson and Haki R. Madhubuti
Readings by novelist Benson (Special Interest) and poet Madhubuti, as well as other Third World Press authors. 7 PM: Third World Press, 7822 S. Dobson. 773-651-0700.
Book Discussion
Frederick Busch’s The Night Inspector. 7 PM: Conrad Sulzer Regional Library, 4455 N. Lincoln. 312-744-7616.
Steve Dale
The author of Doggone Chicago: Sniffing Out the Best Places to Take Your Best Friend answers questions about cats and dogs. 7 PM: Chicago Public Library, Northtown branch, 6435 N. California. 312-744-2292.
Harry Potter Book Club
Discussion of J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. 7 PM: Barnes & Noble, 1441 W. Webster. 773-871-3610.
Sal Iacopelli and Jack Rinalla
Iacopelli reads from his “leather memoir,” Love, Sal: Letters From a Boy in the City; Rinalla from his Gay Chicago Magazine “Leather Views” columns. A panel discussion follows. 7 PM: Gerber/Hart Library, 1127 W. Granville. 773-381-8030.
“Landscape and Community: The Role of Nature in the Modern Metropolis”
Presentation by Park District historian Julia Bachrach and author Bob Grese. 7 PM: Chicago Academy of Sciences Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, 2430 N. Cannon. $7. 773-755-5100.
Richard Lindberg
The author discusses Return Again to the Scene of the Crime: A Guide to Even More Infamous Places in Chicago. 7 PM: Chicago Public Library, Edgebrook branch, 5331 W. Devon. 312-744-8313.
Kevin Murphy
The mystery novelist reads from Degrees of Murder. 7 PM: Chicago Public Library, Archer Heights branch, 5055 S. Archer. 312-747-9241.
Romance Writers of America
Panel discussion about the process of getting published. 7 PM: Chicago Public Library, Roden branch, 6083 N. Northwest Hwy. 312-744-1478.
“Writers’ Block: Stories From Chicago’s Neighborhoods”
Readings of stories and poems by writers from the Journal of Ordinary Thought. 7 PM: Conrad Sulzer Regional Library, 4455 N. Lincoln. 312-744-7616 or 773-684-2742.
Jane Hamilton
The novelist reads from Disobedience. 7:30 PM: Women & Children First, 5233 N. Clark. 773-769-9299.
Danny Meyer
The restaurateur talks about Second Helpings From Union Square Cafe: 160 New Recipes From New York’s Favorite Restaurant. 7:30 PM: Barbara’s Bookstore, 1350 N. Wells. 312-642-5044.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 11
Charles Michael Moore
The playwright “leads families in an exercise in memory.” Call to register. 9 AM: Duncan YMCA Chernin Center for the Arts, 1001 W. Roosevelt. 312-922-0440, ext. 239.
Clifton Truman Daniel and Michael Raleigh
Historian Daniel and mystery writer Raleigh discuss their works. 1:30 PM: Truman College, 1145 W. Wilson. 312-907-4870.
Library Tour
Learn about the library’s collections, services, and public art. 2 PM: Harold Washington Library Center, 400 S. State. 312-747-4300.
Suzanne Strempek Shea
The novelist reads from Around Again. 2 PM: Robert Morris College, 401 S. State. 312-935-4810.
“Behind the Scenes at the Newberry”
Tour. 3 PM: Newberry Library, 60 W. Walton. 312-255-3700.
“Alchemy” Release Party
Reception and readings by contributors to the anthology Alchemy. 4 PM: Gallery 37 Center for the Arts, fifth floor, 66 E. Randolph. 312-744-8925.
Toddler Storytime
For infants to children age four. 4 PM: Barnes & Noble, 1441 W. Webster. 773-871-3610.
Heather Dalmage
The sociologist discusses Tripping on the Color Line: Black-White Multiracial Families in a Racially Divided World. Sponsored by the Center for Public Intellectuals. 5 PM: University of Chicago Bookstore, 970 E. 58th. 773-702-8729 or 847-733-7134.
“Bookmaking”
Workshop. Call to register. 5:30 PM: Creating Pride, 35 E. Wacker, suite 1599. $10. 312-857-0907.
“Terra Tales: Stories From Across the Map”
Storytellers and musicians perform original and traditional tales. 5:30 PM: Newberry Library, 60 W. Walton. 312-255-3700.
“The Literary Legacy and Impact of Gwendolyn Brooks”
Discussion with Haki R. Madhubuti, B.J. Bolden, and Jacqueline Bryant. 6 PM: Chicago State University, Gwendolyn Brooks Center for Black Literature and Creative Writing, 9501 S. King Dr. 773-995-4440.
Rima Lunin Schultz and Adele Hast
A discussion with the editors of Women Building Chicago 1790-1990: A Biographical Dictionary. 6 PM: Harold Washington College, 30 E. Lake, room 101. 312-553-5760.
Suzanne Strempek Shea
The novelist reads from Around Again. 6 PM: Robert Morris College, 401 S. State. 312-935-4810.
“Bookmaking”
Workshop. 6:30 PM: Healy School, 3010 S. Parnell. 312-332-0355.
Carlos Cortez
The artist and writer reads his poetry. 6:30 PM: Chicago Public Library, Albany Park branch, 5150 N. Kimball. 312-744-1933.
“Scary Stories and Witchey Crafts”
For ages four and up. 6:30 PM: Chicago Public Library, Garfield Ridge branch, 6348 S. Archer. 312-747-6094.
Herbert Bix
The historian discusses Hirohito and the Making of Modern Japan. 7 PM: 57th Street Books, 1301 E. 57th. 773-684-1300.
“Henry Who? The Astonishing Life of Henry Gerber”
The Windy City Times’s Sukie de la Croix and Gay Chicago Magazine’s Michael Hemmes discuss the life of gay activist Henry Gerber. 7 PM: Gerber/Hart Library, 1127 W. Granville. 773-381-8030.
“How to Start a Publishing House and Attract Authors”
Talk by Lakeview Press founder Paul Elitzik. 7 PM: Chicago Public Library, Lincoln Belmont branch, 1659 W. Melrose. 312-744-0166.
“Love Scenes”
Performances of romantic scenes from the plays of George Bernard Shaw. 7 PM: Conrad Sulzer Regional Library, 4455 N. Lincoln. 312-744-7616.
Andrew Vachss
The attorney and crime novelist reads from Pain Management. 7:30 PM: Barbara’s Bookstore, 1350 N. Wells. 312-642-5044.
WBEZ’s “Stories on Stage”
Actors present dramatic readings of the winning entries of a short-story competition. 7:30 PM: Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 E. Chicago. $15. 312-397-4010 or 312-832-3404.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 12
Ronne Hartfield
The arts educator discusses Another Way Home. 11 AM: Chicago Cultural Center, G.A.R Hall, 78 E. Washington. 312-922-0440, ext. 232.
Mother and Daughter Book Club
Girls 11 to 14 and their moms are invited to discuss Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird. 6 PM: Barnes & Noble, 1441 W. Webster. 773-871-3610.
“A Brief History of Design Binding”
Lecture by Barbara Korbel, director of book conservation at the Art Institute’s Ryerson-Burnham Library. 6:30 PM: Columbia College, Center for Book & Paper Arts, 1104 S. Wabash. 312-344-6630.
Paule Marshall and Sharon Olds
Readings by novelist Marshall and poet Olds kick off the seventh annual Guild Complex Women Writers Conference. 7 PM: Harold Washington Library Center, 400 S. State. $12, $10 for students and seniors. 312-747-4300 or 773-227-6117.
J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Return of the King”
Play. 8 PM: Lifeline Theatre, 6912 N. Glenwood. $20, $16 for students and seniors. 773-761-4477.
Laura Day
The author discusses The Circle: How the Power of a Single Wish Can Change Your Life. 8:30 PM: Barnes & Noble, 1441 W. Webster. 773-871-3610.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 13
Joyce Miller Bean
Storytelling for children. 10 AM: Chicago Public Library, Mount Greenwood branch, 11010 S. Kedzie. 312-747-2805 or 773-233-7633.
Paulette McDaniels
Storytelling for children. 10 AM: Barnes & Noble, 659 W. Diversey. 773-871-9004.
“Behind the Scenes at the Newberry”
Tour. 10:30 AM: Newberry Library, 60 W. Walton. 312-255-3700.
Literary Chicago Tour
Explore the literary history of the city’s neighborhoods. 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM: Departs from Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington. $25, $20 for seniors, students, and children. 312-742-1190.
Amy Krouse Rosenthal
The author and humorist talks about The Mother’s Guide to the Meaning of Life. 10:30 AM: Conrad Sulzer Regional Library, 4455 N. Lincoln. 312-744-7616.
“The Writer’s Journal”
Workshop. 10:30 AM: Chicago Public Library, Uptown branch, 929 W. Buena. 312-744-8400.
Book Discussion
Andrew Piper’s The Lost Girls. 11 AM: Chicago Public Library, Near North branch, 310 W. Division. 312-744-0991.
Children’s Storytime
Features books by Chicago authors and illustrators. For ages two to five. 11 AM: Barnes & Noble, 1441 W. Webster. 773-871-3610.
Antique Book Road Show
Appraisals of collectible books; discover if yours are “trash or treasure.” Noon: Printers Row Fine & Rare Books, 715 S. Dearborn. 312-583-1800.
Gerber/Hart Library Open House
A behind-the-scenes tour of the library’s archives and special collections. Noon to 4 PM: Gerber/Hart Library, 1127 W. Granville. 773-381-8030.
Poetry Reading
Readers to be announced; call for info. Noon: African American Images, 1909 W. 95th. 773-445-0322.
“Multilingual Fairy Tales”
Theatrical readings in English, French, German, and Spanish. 12:30 PM: Alliance Francaise, 810 N. Dearborn. 312-337-5473 or 312-263-0475.
Becky Chavarria-Chairez
The children’s book author (Magda’s Tortillas and Magda’s Pinata Magic) reads, followed by arts and crafts. 1 PM: Mexican Fine Arts Center Museum, 1852 W. 19th. $4, $3 for students and seniors. 312-738-1503.
William Fuller and Devin Johnston
The poets read their works. 1 PM: Harold Washington Library Center, Chicago Authors Room, 400 S. State. 312-747-4700.
“Julius Caesar” Theatrical Reading
Performance by the Shakespeare Project of Chicago. 1 PM: Harold Washington Library Center, auditorium, 400 S. State. 773-334-8771 or 312-747-4300.
“Puss in Boots”
Musical play for children. 1 PM: Lifeline Theatre, 6912 N. Glenwood. $8. 773-761-4477.
“Book Appraisals”
Expert Thomas Joyce discusses rare books. 2 PM: Chicago Public Library, Lincoln Park branch, 1150 W. Fullerton. 312-744-1926.
Children’s Storytime
For all ages. 2 PM: Barnes & Noble, 659 W. Diversey. 773-871-9004.
“How to Write a Mystery Novel: The Tricks of the Trade”
Discussion with novelist Michael Raleigh. 2 PM: Chicago Public Library, Manning branch, 6 S. Hoyne. 312-746-6800.
“Pearl Hart and Valerie Taylor: A Chicago Love Story”
Talk by historian Marie Kuda. 2 PM: Gerber/Hart Library, 1127 W. Granville. 773-381-8030.
“Writers’ Block: Stories From Chicago’s Neighborhoods”
Readings of stories and poems by writers from the Journal of Ordinary Thought. 2 PM: Chicago Public Library, Hall branch, 4801 S. Michigan. 312-747-2541 or 773-684-2742.
Book Signing
Author to be announced; call for info. 2:30 PM: African American Images, 1909 W. 95th. 773-445-0322.
Sara Paretsky
The mystery novelist reads from Total Recall. 3 PM: Barnes & Noble, 1441 W. Webster. 773-871-3610.
“Puss in Boots”
Musical play for children. 3 PM: Lifeline Theatre, 6912 N. Glenwood. $8. 773-761-4477.
“In the Company of Readers: An All-Nighter for Educators at the Field Museum”
Chicago authors and educators “explore how reading great books in the presence of fascinating artifacts can deliver powerful experiences in learning.” Call to register. 5:30 PM to 9 AM: Field Museum, 1400 S. Lake Shore Dr. $60. 312-665-7652.
J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Return of the King”
Play. 8 PM: Lifeline Theatre, 6912 N. Glenwood. $20, $16 for students and seniors. 773-761-4477.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 14
“Behind the Story”
Tour led by Greg Holden, author of Literary Chicago. 9:30 AM to 1 PM: Chicago Historical Society, Clark at North. $40. 312-642-4600.
“Puss in Boots”
Musical play for children. 1 PM: Lifeline Theatre, 6912 N. Glenwood. $8. 773-761-4477.
“Tales From Ancient Egypt”
Storytelling by Judith Heineman. 1 to 4 PM: Oriental Institute Museum, 1155 E. 58th. 773-702-9507.
Emily Teeter
The museum curator discusses Egypt and the Egyptians. 1 PM: Oriental Institute Museum, 1155 E. 58th. 773-702-9507.
“An Afternoon With Lewis Carroll and Edward Lear”
Ballet performances of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and The Owl and the Pussycat. 2 PM: University of Chicago, Mandel Hall, 5706 S. University. $10, $5 for children. 773-536-8103.
“Let’s Make Books!”
Workshop. 2 PM: Third Unitarian Church, 301 N. Mayfield. $5 donation. 773-626-9385.
Edward Ball
The National Book Award winner (Slaves in the Family) talks about The Sweet Hell Inside: A Family History. 3 PM: 57th Street Books, 1301 E. 57th. 773-684-1300.
David Spruance
The writer reads from his debut novel, Voices in the Blood. 3 PM: Barnes & Noble, 1441 W. Webster. 773-871-3610.
Elizabeth Berg
The novelist reads from Never Change. 5 PM: Women & Children First, 5233 N. Clark. 773-769-9299.
J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Return of the King”
Play. 5:30 PM: Lifeline Theatre, 6912 N. Glenwood. $20, $16 for students and seniors. 773-761-4477.
Art accompanying story in printed newspaper (not available in this archive): photos/Brad Miller, Marion Ettinger, Phil Greer-Chicago Tribune.