Bookslut reading @ Hopleaf

Bookslut presents the latest in their monthly reading series. Tonight's scheduled authors:

Joshua Glenn and Mark Kingwell (The Idler's Glossary), Katrina
Karkazis (Fixing Sex), Keith Mitnick (Artificial Light) and John T. Cacioppo (Loneliness: Human Nature and the Need for Social Connection). The reading happens at 7:30pm tonight at Hopleaf (5148 N. Clark) in their upstairs space. The event is free and open to the public.

Greenheart Shop Holiday Party

Today, from 5-8pm, the not-for-profit store Greenheart Shop will host their annual holiday party to benefit Chicago Fair Trade. Sample fair trade chocolates and wine while you shop. 20% of sales during the event will be donated to Chicago Fair Trade.

The Greenheart Shop is located at 764 N. LaSalle. For more information call 312-264-1625.

Annie Leibovitz @ Harold Washington Library

Celebrated photographer Annie Leibovitz comes to the Harold Washington Library to discuss her upcoming book Annie Leibovitz at Work. In the book, Leibovitz discuss her knowledge of photography - including portraiture, reportage, fashion, lighting and digital cameras - as well as providing insight on some of the historical icons she's photographed during her career - everyone from Richard Nixon to William S. Burroughs. Free at 6pm in the Cindy Pritzker Auditorium, 400 S. State St. Call 312-747-4300 for more information.

Akron/Family with Angela Desveaux & The Mighty Ship

As discussed in our feature, notable beardos Akron/Family are starting a new tour as as trio, and Chicago marks the first stop. They'll be road-testing material for their upcoming album, and debuting some of it for the first time at the AV-Arie. Joining them is Canadian chanteuse Angela Desveaux and her Mighty Ship co-horts, playing tracks from their Thrill Jockey release "The Mighty Ship". Show starts at 8, all ages welcome, $15.

Christmas Tree Lighting in Daley Plaza

At noon today, join plenty of holiday-minded folks as they pour into Daley Plaza for the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony. Enjoy the Christkindlmarket, warm beverages, a speech from Mayor Daley, and plenty of holiday caroling. Corner of Washington and Dearborn. More information online.

[Note: In a break from Chicago tradition, the Chicago Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony has moved from the Friday after Thanksgiving, to today, the Tuesday following the holiday.]

CTA Holiday Train: Loop and Pink Line

The CTA Holiday Train will be operating all around the Loop 'L' continually from 11:30am to 12:30pm to coincide with the Mayor's tree lighting ceremony at Daley Plaza. It then starts running on the Pink Line from 54th/Cermak at 2:01pm until 6:28pm. Click here for a timetable of the day. A schedule for the 2008 season is posted here -- check it for future updates. Normal CTA fares apply. 888-YOUR-CTA (888-968-7282).