Please note: This is an outdoor, in-person event taking place on Walton Street, in front of the Newberry. Free and open to the public; tickets are not required, but you can register in advance here to receive event updates.
Chicago Storytelling in Bughouse Square 2023: Chicago Forward will focus on Chicago’s future and feature speakers whose work in the city strives to change our communities for the better. The festivities will include the presentation of the The Pattis Family Foundation Chicago Book Award at the Newberry Library, which recognizes books that transform public understanding of Chicago.
Enjoy Chicago-inspired music from our live DJ, grab bites from local food trucks, and learn more about organizations across the city that are helping make Chicago more vibrant and inviting. Visitors can also make their way inside the Newberry to explore the exhibition Pop-Up Books through the Ages.
The legendary Rick Kogan will emcee the event. Speakers include Shermann Dilla Thomas, Chad the Bird, Kim L. Hunt, Jahmal Cole, Ada Cheng, Channyn Lynne Parker, and Kelly Suzanne Saulsberry.
The Pattis Family Foundation Chicago Book Award at the Newberry Library
Chicago Storytelling in Bughouse Square 2023: Chicago Forward will feature the presentation of the 2023 Pattis Book Award to Toya Wolfe for her debut novel, Last Summer on State Street. Toya will discuss her novel with Gail Kern Paster, Interim President and Librarian at the Newberry. We will also recognize Heather Hendershot as the shortlist award recipient for authoring When the News Broke: Chicago 1968 and the Polarizing of America.
The presentation of the Pattis Award will occur at approximately 4:00pm.
Community Partners
2nd Ward Alderman Brian Hopkins
Washington Square Park Advisory Council
Chicago Storytelling in Bughouse Square is cosponsored by The Pattis Family Foundation, the Chicago Free For All Fund at The Chicago Community Trust, and the Washington Square Park Advisory Council.
Cost and Registration
This program is free and open to all. Tickets are not required, but you can register in advance here to receive event updates.
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