Event—Public Programming

A Movable Reading of James Joyce’s Ulysses

Where would Leopold Bloom have wandered in the city of Chicago? During a movable reading of James Joyce’s Ulysses, we’ll round up performers, scholars, and Joyce enthusiasts as we visit Chicago spots inspired by the novel.

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This program will be held in person at four locations, with one segment at the Newberry. Register for free in advance here.

As we welcome visitors to the library, we're continuing to closely monitor health and safety conditions related to COVID-19 in Chicago. Click here for our visitor policy.

Where would Leopold Bloom have wandered in the city of Chicago? During a movable reading of James Joyce’s Ulysses, we’ll round up performers, scholars, and Joyce enthusiasts as we visit Chicago spots inspired by the novel.

For this event, participants will visit four locations within walking distance of the Newberry, with lively readings from select chapters at each location. You may attend the event at any or all of them.

The total walking distance from the first to last venues will be about one mile. Each stop is wheelchair accessible and will have restrooms available.

Schedule and Locations:

2 pm: Oak Street Beach (on the sand outside the Oak Street underpass)

  • Telemachus
  • Proteus

3 pm: Drake Hotel, Parkview Room

  • Calypso
  • Lestrygonians

4 pm: Newberry Library, Ruggles Hall

  • Scylla and Charybdis
  • Cyclops

5 to 7 pm: Kerryman Irish Bar and Restaurant

  • Ithaca
  • Penelope

View the full route on Google Maps

June 16 is celebrated every year as “Bloomsday,” the day in the life of Leopold Bloom that Ulysses covers. This year is the 100th anniversary of the publication of Ulysses. Read about the Chicago roots of the publication here: “The ‘Little’ Chicago Magazine That First Published A Big Book Called Ulysses (And Was Charged with Obscenity for It)”.

This event is presented in partnership with the Consulate General of Ireland, Chicago, the Newberry Irish Studies Seminar, the Drake Hotel, and Kerryman Irish Bar and Restaurant.

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