The results are in . . .
This summer we hosted a button design contest, in partnership with Busy Beaver Button Co., celebrating five decades of the Reader being Chicago’s go-to alternative media source.
Here are the winning designs chosen by the Reader community to be a part of our 50th anniversary button pack.
Thanks to all who participated and voted!
The Chicago Reader is a community-funded newsroom. As a nonprofit 501(c)(3), all purchases made in the Reader store supports local, independent media.




1970’s
Red Stratocaster
by Spencer @discountyakuza
1980’s
Reader Mixtape
by Otis R. @lavenderpop
1990’s
90’s Chicago Reader
by Zach Bartz @ImZachBartz



2000’s
Next Generation
by Schantelle A. @mishipiku
2010’s
FUCK THAT!
by SICKNGROSS @sickngross
Vintage Reader 50 Box
by Kirk Williamson
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