A Look Ahead at Chicago Lit: September

by Kayleigh McNamara

"It was a lovely afternoon—such an afternoon as only September can produce when summer has stolen back for one more day of dream and glamour.” 

 —L. M. Montgomery 

As we enjoy these last few golden drops of summer, don’t forget to check out some of this month’s exciting literary events. Take part in StoryStudio Chicago’s final few summer courses. On September 3, Rachel Robbins will lead a workshop in historical fiction. For $65, join in on a discussion about toeing the line between research and imagination, and reflect on the importance of telling stories that have been systemically overlooked. Learn more and reserve your seat in the class here. 

Wednesday, September 9, Guild Literary Complex is hosting Slam Diáspora en Vivo at Taquería El Mezquite. The Spanish poetry slam aims to build community and celebrate the spoken word. Everyone is welcome to participate so long as they bring two poems in Spanish or Spanglish and register online. Learn more and reserve your spot here. 

Attend Exhibit B’s Literary Variety Show on Friday, September 11 at Pilsen Community Books. The event will be hosted by MJ Dean and feature readers Fatimah Asghar, Shivani Gupta, C. Russell Price, and Julia Z Caisip. Advance registration is not required but you can purchase books here. 

Of course, the Chicago literary event on everyone’s mind is the 41st annual Printers Row Lit Fest. It will be taking place Saturday, September 12 and Sunday, September 13 on South Dearborn between Ida B. Wells and Polk Street. From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. an esteemed array of authors and presenters will take the stage, including some of our very own members of the Chicago Literary Hall of Fame—two being Founding Executive Director Donald G. Evans, who will be speaking Saturday at 2 p.m. on the North Stage, and President of the Board of Directors Jane Hseu, who will be speaking Saturday at 5 p.m. on the Digital Realty Stage. The Chicago Literary Hall of Fame will also be presenting Writing Chicago: New Fiction Set in Chicago Saturday at 3 p.m. on the Digital Realty Stage. This features Barry Pearce, Rajesh C. Oza, and Marvin Tate in conversation with Albert DeGenova.

Wednesday, September 16, Guild Literary Complex is partnering with 18th Street Casa de Cultura to present Palabra Pura x Brighton Park Poets Open Mic. The bilingual reading series will be hosted by Paige Savarese. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. The event is free but tickets can be reserved in advance. 

Saturday, September 19, the Edgebrook Branch of the Chicago Public Library is having a used book sale, sponsored by the New Hope Community Food Pantry. Items will be priced from 25 cents to one dollar, or with a donation to the food pantry, you can get one book for free. Find more information here. 

Sunday, September 20, the American Writers Museum will be offering free admission for the day. Between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. you can participate in their Great Big Book Swap. Book donations will be accepted beginning September 17. Bring any gently used books that you'd like to give and at the event on Sunday discover some that are "new to you." Any leftover books will be donated to the American Writers Museum's nonprofit partners. Learn more and reserve your spot here. 

Thursday, September 24, Call and Response Books’s September book club will be discussing The Love Songs of W. E. B. Du Bois by Honorée Fanonne Jeffers. If you're looking to pick up a copy, all book club books are 10% off at Call & Response Books. Learn more and RSVP here. 

Round out your month with another class at StoryStudio Chicago. Wednesday, September 30, Sheree L. Greer will lead Welcome to the Party: Intro to Creative Writing. This is a budget friendly option as it’s “pay what you can.” Learn more and sign up here.