Programs and Events

These programs took place in fall 2011.

Quicklinks: Lectures, Courses, Tours and Performances | For Teens | 10th Anniversary Programming

Lectures, Courses, Tours and Performances

Unless otherwise noted, the below programs are free and open to the public, with no reservations required. For more information, call (312) 747-8191.

Exhibit: One Book, Many Interpretations, Second Edition
August 27, 2011 – April 15, 2012
Harold Washington Library Center
Special Collections Exhibit Hall, Ninth Floor
400 S. State Street
The Chicago Public Library’s Special Collections and Preservation Division commemorates the 10th anniversary of One Book, One Chicago with a juried exhibition in which fine bookbinders and book artists have interpreted the 10 most recent One Book, One Chicago selections through the art of bookbinding. The exhibit catalog is online.

• Tour: One Book, Many Interpretations, Second Edition
  Saturday, September 17, 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
  Harold Washington Library Center
  Special Collections Exhibit Hall, Ninth Floor
  400 S. State Street
  Join curator Lesa Dowd for a tour of this juried exhibition featuring a fabulous range of fine bookbindings and artist books that interpret the 10 most recent One Book, One Chicago selections.
• A Behind-the-Scenes Look at Conservation
  Saturday, September 24, 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
  Harold Washington Library Center
  Special Collections Foyer, Ninth Floor
  400 S. State Street
  Take a tour of Chicago Public Library’s Conservation Lab and get a sneak peek at a few of the methods used to conserve the unique items in Special Collections. Learn the difference between conservation and preservation as well as a few tips you can use to preserve your own treasured books. Space is limited; registration required. Call (312) 747-4884.

Chicago Neighborhood Tours: Augie March’s Chicago

• Saturday, September 10, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
• Saturday, October 15, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
• Meet at 9:45 a.m. at:
  Harold Washington Library Center
  Grand Lobby, First Floor
  400 S. State Street

Chicago comes alive through the eyes of Augie March, whether he’s swiping books from Carson Pirie’s or visiting the Reynolds Club in Hyde Park. This tour stops at various sites mentioned in the book, bringing to life some of the places Augie March would have lived and dreamed. Every person on the tour will receive a free copy of The Adventures of Augie March! However, please note that the tour does not include lunch; bringing a bag lunch is recommended. This tour is offered for a discounted price of $12. Order tickets online: September 10 tour or October 15 tour.

Dominic Pacyga: Chicago in the Time of Augie
Wednesday, September 21, 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Harold Washington Library Center
Cindy Pritzker Auditorium
400 S. State Street
One of the great accomplishments of The Adventures of Augie March is how Bellow integrates Depression-era Chicago into Augie’s life. Join Chicago historian Dominic Pacyga (Chicago: A Biography) for an exploration of the era represented by Augie’s adventures—labor strikes, welfare, odd jobs and the refuge sought in pool halls and at boxing matches.

Saul Bellow’s Letters: Janis Freedman-Bellow and Benjamin Taylor in Conversation with Jonathan Wilson
Sunday, September 25, 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Harold Washington Library Center
Cindy Pritzker Auditorium
400 S. State Street
Saul Bellow: Letters, edited by Benjamin Taylor, was on multiple top 10 lists in 2010 and was described by John Barron in the Sun-Times as offering “an alluring backstory to the Chicago-bred imagination that… won the Nobel Prize.” Join Taylor and Janis Freedman-Bellow, who was instrumental in combing her husband’s archives, for a conversation about putting together this remarkable collection. They are joined by Jonathan Wilson, fiction writer (A Palestine Affair), Bellow scholar and director of the Center for the Humanities at Tufts University.

I Am Augie: A Staged Reading
Monday, September 26, 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Victory Gardens Biograph Theater
2433 N. Lincoln Avenue
Who is Augie March? Son, brother, runaway, protégée, thief, lover, salesman, socialist, student. He is all of the above and none of the above, as much a mystery to himself as to us. A few of Chicago’s theaters, including Victory Gardens, Steppenwolf, Lookingglass and Teatro Vista, come together for a remarkable gathering of talent, all reading from The Adventures of Augie March. Hear Augie’s voice from Deanna Dunagan, Eddie Torres, Dennis Zacek, Ian Barford, Andrew White, Tanya Saracho and others. Presented in partnership with Victory Gardens Theater. Tickets are $6; call Victory Gardens at (773) 871-3000 or go to victorygardens.org.

Jonathan Wilson: Love Hurts—Augie’s Chicago
Tuesday, September 27, 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
University of Chicago
Classics Building, Room 110
1010 E. 59th Street
Jonathan Wilson, director of the Center for the Humanities at Tufts University, noted Bellow scholar and fiction writer (A Palestine Affair), provides welcome insight into The Adventures of Augie March, arguing that what Augie loves is also what limits him—Chicago, his mentors and lovers included. Yet by defining himself only in opposition to people and places, Augie isn’t quite sure who he is without them. Presented in partnership with the Karla Scherer Center for the Study of American Culture at the University of Chicago.

Chicago Fiction, Chicago Film: A Conversation
Wednesday, September 28, 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
DePaul University, Lincoln Park Campus
John T. Richardson Library
Room 300 (The Rosati Room)
2350 N. Kenmore Avenue
DePaul University associate professor of English Hugh Ingrasci and Richard Moskal, director of the Chicago Film Office, explore the myriad ways in which Chicago is depicted in literature and film, including a specific examination of the city’s role in Saul Bellow’s Augie March, as well as a screening of clips from feature films shot in Chicago.

Seize the Day: Screening and Discussion
Wednesday, October 5, 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
DePaul University, Loop Campus
DePaul Club, 11th Floor
1 E. Jackson Boulevard
This 1986 film, directed by Fielder Cook and starring Robin Williams, adapts Saul Bellow’s 1956 novella of the same name. The story follows a day in the life of Tommy Wilhelm (Williams) and depicts the strained interactions he has with his family and the world in which he lives. DePaul University associate professor of English Hugh Ingrasci leads a post-screening discussion.

Chicago Public Library Design Contest and Awards Reception

• Contest deadline: September 11
• People’s Choice Award online voting: September 19 – September 25
• Awards Reception:
  Tuesday, October 11, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
  Harold Washington Library Center
  Winter Garden, Ninth Floor
  400 S. State Street

The 2011 Chicago Public Library Design Contest returns for its third year, this year celebrating the 10th anniversary of One Book, One Chicago. Beginning in August, the Chicago Public Library challenges artists to create a special anniversary poster that embodies One Book, One Chicago. Entries can be viewed and voted for online. Thirty finalists move on to a special event held in the Winter Garden of the Harold Washington Library Center where the Grand Prize and People’s Choice Award winners are revealed. For more information and updates about the Chicago Public Library Design Contest and special event, please visit chicagopubliclibrary.tumblr.com.

Chicago as Literary Muse: Reading, Discussion and Reception
Thursday, October 13, 6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. (reading at 7:00 p.m.)
Stop Smiling Storefront
1371 N. Milwaukee Avenue
Who captures the Chicago of today as Bellow did in Augie March? Thankfully for us, the list is long, but we’ve gathered a few to read from their work and talk about the inspiration that is Chicago. This reception and reading features Stuart Dybek (The Coast of Chicago, I Sailed with Magellan), Achy Obejas (Ruins), Natalie Moore (WBEZ, The Almighty Black P Stone Nation) and Jaswinder Bolina (Carrier Wave) as well as the finalists in our flash fiction contest. J.C. Gabel, co-editor/co-publisher of Stop Smiling Books and the newly revamped magazine The Chicagoan, serves as master of ceremonies. Reservations are recommended. Email rsvp@stopsmilingonline.com. Presented in partnership with DePaul University’s Department of English, Stop Smiling and The Chicagoan.

John Green and Benjamin Alire Sáenz with Donna Seaman
Monday, October 17, 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Harold Washington Library Center
Cindy Pritzker Auditorium
400 S. State Street
We could not resist looking at Augie March, a character who spends so much effort and time questioning his purpose, through the lens of the today’s young adult fiction. John Green (Looking for Alaska, Paper Towns) and Benjamin Alire Sáenz (Sammy and Juliana in Hollywood, He Forgot to Say Goodbye) are experts in creating young characters who must endure their own self-questioning and “come of age” despite the largest hurdle of all—themselves. The authors are joined by Donna Seaman, book critic and a senior editor for Booklist. Seating is limited and registration is required. To register, go to chicagopubliclibrary1b1c.eventbrite.com/. If you do not have computer access, please call (312) 747-8191.

Martin Amis with John Barron
Tuesday, October 18, 6:00 p.m.
Harold Washington Library Center
Cindy Pritzker Auditorium
400 S. State Street
In October 1995, British novelist Martin Amis wrote in The Atlantic Monthly that the publication of The Adventures of Augie March had marked the end of the search for the “great American novel.” He described Bellow’s magnum opus as being “without inhibition;” a novel that “bids farewell to exactitude, and to other constraints.” Amis, whose acclaimed fiction includes The Rachel Papers, London Fields, The Information and, most recently, The Pregnant Widow, joins Sun-Times publisher John Barron in conversation about his respect for Augie March and his friendship with Saul Bellow. Seating is limited and registration is required. To register, go to chicagopubliclibrary1b1c.eventbrite.com/. If you do not have computer access, please call (312) 747-8191.

Chicago Flash Fiction Writing Contest
Saul Bellow was not one for brevity, so perhaps we’re just being cheeky. In any case, the most “macro” of books has inspired the “micro” in us, and we’re holding a flash fiction contest. Give us your teeny tiny version of the great American novel, your “I am an American, Chicago born” in 750 words or less. Stories must be set in Chicago and, more importantly, inspired by Chicago, just as Bellow was. The entries will be judged by Stuart Dybek, an expert in both flash fiction and Chicago, whose collection The Coast of Chicago was the One Book, One Chicago selection in spring 2004. Three finalists will read their work at the event at Stop Smiling on Thursday, October 13; and the winner will have their work published in a future issue of the newly revitalized magazine The Chicagoan. Deadlines and details are online.

Augie Does Twitter, 10 Pages a Day
Want to read Augie, but you don’t think you can do it alone and can’t attend a book discussion? Join us from September 1 through October 31 for a daily librarian-led discussion on Twitter. Each day we’ll read and discuss 10 pages (give or take), and by the end of October we’ll have completed this great American novel together. Follow us on Twitter @1book1chicago, and each day find the discussion by searching for our daily hash tag:

• September 1 – #Augie10
• September 2 – #Augie20
• and so on…

We’ll see you on Twitter!

DePaul University Course
Saul Bellow’s Augie March, His Chicago Fictions and U.S. Writers’ Depictions of Americans’ Sense of Their Identity
DePaul University’s Department of English offers a course dedicated to exploring literary facets of the city’s One Book, One Chicago selection. In fall 2011, English 378: Literature and Social Engagement is taught by associate professor of English Hugh Ingrasci. This is a paid, tuition-based course. For more information, email dwelch3@depaul.edu or call (773) 325-1775. Sponsored by DePaul University’s Department of English.

Harold Washington College Course
The Department of English at Harold Washington College, one of Chicago City Colleges, offers a class exploring The Adventures of Augie March. Literature 126-OBOC: Issues and Perspectives—The Hero’s Journey of Self-Actualization, is led by assistant professor of English Judy Rivera-van Schagen. For more information, including tuition information, go to hwashington.ccc.edu.

Chicago Publishes
As we look to the past with The Adventures of Augie March, we also want to let you know how you can look to the future… of Chicago publishing and literature. Chicago Publishes provides up-to-date news and features on Chicago’s energetic publishing world and literary community; articles relevant to publishers, writers and literary organizations; information and resources; and a comprehensive calendar of Chicago’s literary events. Go to chicagopublishes.com.

Programs and More for Teens

YOUmedia Workshops and Programs

YOUmedia After School
Join us for a series of programs that challenge teens to tell their own personal Chicago narratives. Working in a variety of mediums, including graphic design, photography, poetry, writing, radio, music, video and more, programs occur at all four YOUmedia locations (Harold Washington Library Center, Lozano, Thurgood Marshall and Daley, Richard M.-W Humboldt branches). Students who participate in these programs also have the opportunity to perform and present their pieces at the Chicago Stories Teen Showcase on October 12. For more details about program times and locations, please visit youmediachicago.org.

Chicago Stories Teen Showcase
Wednesday, October 12, 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Harold Washington Library Center
Cindy Pritzker Auditorium
400 S. State Street
Join us for a presentation of exciting and inspiring pieces about Chicago from students from YOUmedia at the Chicago Public Library and 826CHI. Inspired by The Adventures of Augie March, Chicago high school and middle school students present their own original Chicago narratives in a showcase of prose, poetry and multimedia pieces. Presented in partnership with 826CHI.

10 Teen Volume Chicago-Centric Programs

In recognition of 10 years of One Book, One Chicago, Chicago Public Library presents 10 dynamic Teen Volume programs celebrating Chicago and Chicago authors. For teens in high school, ages 14 and up; for more information, call (312) 747-4780.

Experience Chicago Through Geocaching
Saturday, September 10, 2:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Harold Washington Library Center
YOUmedia, First Floor
400 S. State Street
Join experienced geocachers from GPS Classroom in a high-tech scavenger hunt to discover the history of Chicago. Using handheld GPS units, participants hunt for clues and tour several historic spots that Daniel Burnham used to create the Plan of Chicago, the focus of the One Book, One Chicago Fall 2009 program. Registration and a field trip consent form signed by a parent/guardian are required; attendance is limited. Call (312) 747-4780.

Creative Writing with J. Adams Oaks
Tuesday, September 27, 5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Sulzer Regional Library
4455 N. Lincoln Avenue
Chicago author J. Adams Oaks (Why I Fight) reads from his work and presents tips and writing exercises for budding authors. Registration is required; attendance is limited. Call (312) 744-7616, Ext. 2.

Creative Writing with Laura Ruby
Wednesday, September 28, 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Sulzer Regional Library
4455 N. Lincoln Avenue
Join Chicago-area author Laura Ruby (Good Girls, Play Me and Bad Apple) for a reading and talk about her work. Also take part in a writing workshop to create your own original character and his/her experience of Chicago. Registration is required; attendance is limited. Call (312) 744-7616, Ext. 2.

Meet the Author James Klise
Wednesday, October 12, 4:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Hall Branch
4801 S. Michigan Avenue
Chicago author James Klise (Love Drugged) reads from his new book and talks about his writing process, favorite authors and much more! Presented the day after 2011’s National Coming Out Day, this program is presented in collaboration with Chicago Public Library’s Pride Committee. Registration is required; attendance is limited. Call (312) 747-5241.

Creative Writing with Nnedi Okorafor
Monday, October 17, 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Thurgood Marshall Branch
7506 S. Racine Avenue
This multimedia presentation and writing workshop with Chicago-area author Nnedi Okorafor (The Shadow Speaker) features presentations of images and stories that have inspired the author’s writing and may inspire yours! Registration is required; attendance is limited. Call (312) 747-5927.

Improvisation with Promethean Theatre Ensemble
Wednesday, October 19, 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Manning Branch
6 S. Hoyne Avenue
The Chicago-based theater presents improvisation for teens based on Chicago themes—classic sights, sounds and smells of the city. Registration is required; attendance is limited. Call (312) 746-6800.

Writing and Art Workshop with Mary Osborne
Wednesday, October 26, 5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Vodak-East Side Branch
3710 E. 106th Street
Chicago author Mary Osborne discusses alchemy and Renaissance art, reads from Nonna’s Book of Mysteries and leads teens in a reflective art project about dreams, intentions and goals. Scrolls and art supplies are provided. Registration is required; attendance is limited. Call (312) 747-5500.

Reader’s Theatre Troupe Performance
Wednesday, October 26, 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Woodson Regional Library
9525 S. Halsted Street
The Reader’s Theatre Troupe is comprised of teen volunteers from across the city bringing Teen Volume books to life through performance. Join the troupe in October as they perform “Sights, Sounds and Smells: A Feast for Your Senses,” a selection of excerpts featuring the five senses and inspired by the keen observations of Saul Bellow in The Adventures of Augie March. Registration is required; attendance is limited. Call (312) 747-6900, Ext. 3.

The two author events below take place during school hours, and we welcome school groups to participate. Attendance is limited. For more information, call the numbers listed below.

Meet the Author Earl Sewell
(Myself and I: A Keysha Novel)
Monday, October 17, 10:30 a.m.
Daley, Richard M.-W Humboldt Branch
733 N. Kedzie Avenue
(312) 747-4780

Creative Writing with Benjamin Alire Sáenz
(Sammy and Juliana in Hollywood, He Forgot to Say Goodbye)
Tuesday, October 18, 10:30 a.m.
Portage-Cragin Branch
5108 W. Belmont Avenue
(312) 744-0152

10 Teen Volume Book Discussions

To celebrate both The Adventures of Augie March and the 10th anniversary of One Book, One Chicago, 10 Teen Volume Book Discussions, ages 14 and up, feature books related to Chicago and to our One Book, One Chicago programs this fall.

The Adventures of Augie March by Saul Bellow (a two-part discussion)

• Tuesday, September 13, 6:30 p.m.
  Roden Branch
• Tuesday, October 11, 6:30 p.m.
  Roden Branch

Sammy and Juliana in Hollywood by Benjamin Alire Sáenz
Thursday, September 15, 5:00 p.m.
Albany Park Branch

He Forgot to Say Goodbye by Benjamin Alire Sáenz
Monday, September 19, 4:30 p.m.
Thurgood Marshall Branch

Looking for Alaska by John Green
Monday, September 26, 6:30 p.m.
Budlong Woods Branch

Good Girls by Laura Ruby
Tuesday, September 27, 4:30 p.m.
Whitney Young Branch

Paper Towns by John Green
Wednesday, September 28, 5:00 p.m.
Vodak-East Side Branch

Ridiculous/Hilarious/Terrible/Cool by Elisha Cooper
Thursday, October 6, 3:30 p.m.
Roosevelt Branch

An Abundance of Katherines by John Green
Thursday, October 6, 4:00 p.m.
Chinatown Branch

Chime by Franny Billingsley
Saturday, October 15, 12:00 p.m.
McKinley Park Branch

Heart Transplant by Andrew Vachss and Frank Caruso
Thursday, October 13, 5:30 p.m.
Garfield Ridge Branch

Teen Volume book discussions for high school students ages 14-19 are offered all over the city.  Ask your librarian for information about the next teen book to be discussed at a library near you.

10th Anniversary Programming

In the spirit of celebrating 10 great years of books, the below programs offer a chance to revisit some of our past selections or catch up with what you missed the first time! Programs are free and open to the public, with no reservations required unless otherwise noted. For more information, call (312) 747-8191.

Lookingglass Theatre: One Book, One Chicago Readings
Thursdays, October 6 – October 27, 12:15 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Chicago Cultural Center
Chicago Publishers Gallery, First Floor
77 E. Randolph Street
Whether you have kept up with our book selections over the past decade or are new to the program, you’ll want to join us for these thematically linked readings from past One Book, One Chicago selections. Presented in partnership with Lookingglass Theatre, the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events and Chicago Office of Culture and Tourism.

• Chicago Stories: Thursday, October 6, 12:15 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
  Stuart Dybek’s The Coast of Chicago and Sandra Cisneros’ The House on Mango Street
• Outsider Stories: Thursday, October 13, 12:15 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
  James Baldwin’s Go Tell It on the Mountain and Jhumpa Lahiri’s Interpreter of Maladies
• Adversity Stories: Thursday, October 20, 12:15 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
  Elie Wiesel’s Night and Julia Alvarez’s In the Time of the Butterflies
• Friendship Stories: Thursday, October 27, 12:15 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
  Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird and Toni Morrison’s A Mercy

Battle of Wits: A Debate Inspired by Jane Austen
Saturday, September 24, 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Harold Washington Library Center
Multipurpose Room, Lower Level
400 S. State Street
Which is your favorite—Sense and Sensibility or Pride and Prejudice? Paula Marantz Cohen, bestselling author of Jane Austen in Boca and What Alice Knew: A Most Curious Tale of Henry James and Jack the Ripper and distinguished professor at Drexel University, debates with Dr. Elisabeth Lenckos, instructor of comparative literature at the University of Chicago’s Basic Program and program director for The Jane Austen Society of North America–Greater Chicago Region.

Building Community Panel Discussions
One Book, One Chicago brings people together around books, and often works with community groups to bring our message to all areas of Chicago. In the spirit of fostering community interaction, we invite you to join representatives of successful local community organizations for an informative discussion about the importance of building strong community ties, and strategies for bringing people together around a common cause.

• Saturday, September 17, 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
  Lozano Branch
  1805 S. Loomis Street
• Saturday, October 1, 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
  Rogers Park Branch
  6907 N. Clark Street
• Saturday, October 15, 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
  Austin Branch
  5615 W. Race Avenue

World Travel Workshops
Join members of Hostelling International Chicago as they help bring the faraway settings of two of our One Book, One Chicago selections to life in these lively travel planning sessions. Whether you’ve been inspired to book a trip or you just want to learn more about these amazing countries, there’s something for everyone!

• Ireland Travel Workshop
  Thursday, September 8, 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
  Harold Washington Library Center
  Video Theater, Lower Level
  400 S. State Street
  In Colm Tóibín’s Brooklyn, our Spring 2010 selection, Eilis Lacey is torn between her home in Ireland and her new life in New York. Learn about the land she left and get tips to plan your own trip! This presentation includes travel advice that can only come from someone who has been there.
• Vietnam Travel Workshop
  Thursday, September 29, 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
  Harold Washington Library Center
  Video Theater, Lower Level
  400 S. State Street
  Tim O’Brien brought to life a war-torn Vietnam in The Things They Carried, our Fall 2003 selection. See how the country has evolved over the past few decades, gain insight into the many historic and cultural landmarks, and learn valuable travel tips to help you get around this beautiful country.