Writing Chicago 2026

This program will be held in-person at the Newberry and livestreamed on Zoom. The online version of this event will be live captioned. Please register below.

Join us as we kick off our fall public programming season with a celebration of the rich and diverse legacy of telling the story of Chicago in print. The event begins with the presentation of the 2026 Pattis Family Foundation Chicago Book Award at the Newberry Library and continues with a discussion, selected readings, and performances that honor this year's awardees. 

Program Schedule

• 1-1:15pm Pattis Awards Presentation
• 1:20-2pm Conversation with Dominic A. Pacyga, Gayle F. Wald, and Timothy Mennel
• 2-3pm Book Signing and Reception with light snacks and soft drinks

Speakers

Dominic A. Pacyga is professor emeritus of history in the Department of Humanities, History, and Social Sciences at Columbia College Chicago. He is the author of several books, including, American Warsaw: The Rise, Fall, and Rebirth of Polish Chicago, also from the University of Chicago Press.

Gayle F. Wald is professor of American Studies at George Washington University. She is the author of three previous books, including Shout, Sister, Shout! the acclaimed biography of Sister Rosetta Tharpe, and It’s Been Beautiful, a study of the groundbreaking Black Power TV program Soul!  

Timothy Mennel joined the The University of Chicago Press in 2013, having worked at Random House Adult Trade, Artforum/Bookforum, Princeton University Press, and the American Planning Association. He has consulted at the Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, the Rockefeller Foundation, and elsewhere. He holds a BA from Carleton College and a PhD in geography from the University of Minnesota.

Sponsors

Chicago Storytelling is generously supported by The Pattis Family Foundation and the Chicago Free For All Fund at The Chicago Community Trust.

Cost and Registration

This program is free and open to all. Advance registration required.

Registration Opens August 1.

Support the Newberry

Your generosity is vital in keeping the library’s programs, exhibitions, and reading rooms free and accessible to everyone.

Questions?

Call us at (312) 255-3592 or send us an email.

Past Public Programs

Check out video recordings of past Newberry public programs on our YouTube channel.