Events Mon Nov 16 2009

Event Spotlight: Open Books Grand Opening

On Saturday and Sunday, non-profit literacy organization Open Books will celebrate the grand opening of their used bookstore and literacy center. Come by from 10am-7pm on both days to get some new (to you) reads and learn more about the programs the organization is using to combat illiteracy in Chicago. There will also be a series of special programs throughout the weekend. Saturday will include a children's storytime and fairy tale puppet show, a discussion with Underground Railroad Historian Glenette Tilley Turney, bookmaking and crafts for children and two author panels. The first author panel will feature local young adult authors Daniel Kraus, Adam Selzer, FoGB Claire Zulkey and May 2010 Book Club selection author James Kennedy. The second author panel will feature local mystery/crime authors Marcus Sakey, Libby Fischer Hellmann and November 2006 Book Club selection author Kevin Guilfoile. (Full disclosure: yours truly will moderate both panels, so come say hi and bring along all the questions you've ever wanted to ask these authors about their work.)

On Sunday, you can take part in more bookmaking and crafts, a discussion with Ilene Fine and rescue dogs Brandy and Val, a WeWrite open mic performance, a reading and Q&A with inaugural Book Club selection author Joe Meno, and a poetry panel with local poets Kristy Bowen, Michael Kadela and Kathleeen Rooney. You can check out the full schedule of events here. The weekend promises to be a rousing celebration of all things literary and will provide a valiant introduction into all the work needed to make the city as literate as it can be. 213 W. Institute Pl.; email info[at]open-books[dot]org for questions and information.

— Veronica Bond / Comments (0)