Book signings, writing workshops, special activities and more in the Winter Garden!
At the American Writers Festival, there’s more than just book talk. Get ready for fun, community-driven activities for visitors of all ages. There’s so much to explore, from book signings to arts & crafts to special photo ops and more!
The American Writers Festival, co-presented by the American Writers Museum and Chicago Public Library, is an entirely free, one-day literary event showcasing the breadth and depth of American writing in all genres and styles. The Festival takes place on May 19, 2024 from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm across five stages at the Harold Washington Library Center in downtown Chicago (400 S. State St.).
All of these activities and partner tables are located in the Winter Garden (9th Floor).
We’ll see you there!
Book Sales and Author Signings
After hearing from your favorite authors, head up to the Winter Garden to purchase their books from our partners at Seminary Co-Op Bookstore. Then, get your book signed! It’s a great chance to chat with them, share your love for their work, and leave with a signed copy to cherish. View each author’s event listing on the schedule page to see when they will be signing!
StoryStudio Presents: PROMPTAPALOOZA
Our friends at StoryStudio Chicago are offering 30-minute writing workshops designed to help get your stories on the page! Join instructors Juan Martinez (12:30 pm; Extended Stay) C. Russell Price (2:00 pm; Oh, You Thought this was a Date?!), and Dipika Mukherjee (3:30 pm; Writer’s Postcards). Take your writing to the next level!
Literary Arts & Crafts
Explore your creative side at the Festival’s arts and crafts tables! Whether you’re designing an original bookmark or completing a coloring page inspired by our special exhibit Dark Testament: A Century of Black Writers on Justice, join the fun and create something special to take home!
Pop Up Shop
Browse through a selection of items ranging from exclusive Festival souvenirs to unique museum goodies. Whether you’re looking for a stylish tote bag (for all the books you get), a quirky postcard, or a special Dark Testament print, there’s something for everyone! Plus, the shop is a great place to become an AWM member and upgrade your Festival visit.
Photo Ops
Strike a pose and capture memories at the festival’s photo ops! Step into our two themed backdrops and snap fun and memorable photos. Plus, the Chicago Public Library’s owl mascot will make an appearance in the Winter Garden at 1:00 pm for about one hour. This is your chance to take a selfie with the owl! Spread the fun by sharing your photos, tagging the American Writers Museum and Chicago Public Library, and using #AWFest2024.
American Writers Festival Partners
We have some amazing partners joining us at the American Writers Festival. This is your chance to meet and engage with organizations doing valuable work in Chicago and beyond. Take a peek at the list below, and be sure to keep coming back as we update it!
The ACLU of Illinois is a non-partisan, non-profit organization dedicated to protecting the rights and liberties guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution, the state Constitution, and state/federal human rights laws.
The ALA is the oldest and largest library association in the world. The ALA aims to enhance learning and ensure access to information for all. Attend their Freedom to Read panel too!
is reimagining immigration journalism for a more just and equitable future. We are a nonprofit, nonpartisan news outlet that reports on Chicago’s immigrant communities. We work to dismantle racist and harmful media coverage of immigrants through our reporting and by making sure immigrants and people of color are better represented in newsrooms.
Provides free books to incarcerated women all over the country. Each woman who writes in receives three hand picked books in return from an inventory of over 10,000 donated books. Bring paperback books to donate!
Since 1873, Chicago Public Library has encouraged lifelong learning by welcoming all people and offering equal access to information, entertainment, and knowledge through innovative services, programs, and technology.
A non-partisan, non-profit organization building a more inclusive democracy by putting power in the hands of young Chicagoans. We’re engaging and developing a new generation of leaders by opening the doors of government and politics to young people from all corners of the city.
For the last 30 years, the Guild Literary Complex has been a pioneer on Chicago’s literary landscape, consistently hosting innovative and diverse events, featuring leading literary names, and welcoming new, emerging voices. Actively working with individuals and organizations from all of Chicago’s many neighborhoods, the Guild seeks to connect seemingly disparate groups and geographies through literature—bringing unexpected writers, programs, and audiences together.
The HSPPA is a not-for-profit traveling museum of screen-used and production-made props, costumes, and film relics that focus on the Horror & Science Fiction genres. The HSPPA champions the collection and preservation of some of the most incredible screen-used props in film history.
A non-profit organization that provides the community and resources needed to build a diverse and sustainable industry of independent content creators. We believe in Chicago as a place where all media creatives can achieve their dreams.
A growing theatre company in Chicago focusing on new, adaptive and devised works. We believe every piece of artwork seeks a sanctuary, a nurturing space to evolve and thrive, and it’s our desire to manifest such a sanctuary and extend a warm invitation to the vibrant community of Chicago theatre enthusiasts.
An alliance of theatres, which leverages its collective strength to support, promote and advocate for Chicago’s theatre industry. Through their work, they ensure that theatre continues to thrive in Chicago.
Mindworks is the world’s first lab and discovery center dedicated to behavioral science. Free and located in downtown Chicago, Mindworks welcomes visitors to explore interactive exhibits, take part in hands-on research studies, and earn prizes for participating.
Dedicated to inspiring connection and dialogue on the impact of war and military service through the collection, preservation, and exhibition of art by veterans. For over 40 years, NVAM has been a one-of-a-kind museum that captures the veteran perspective of military experience and veteran life through a deeply rooted artistic and programmatic lens. Featuring over 2,500 works of fine art by more than 270 veterans of U.S. military conflicts and wars from WWII to the present, NVAM offers visitors of all ages and backgrounds unique insight into military service and combat from the perspective of those who lived it.
The country’s first and only organization that hosts running events inspired by books. Their community-focused run programming includes running tours, book club runs, author talks, and other literary-themed fun runs all inspired by books written by local authors and set in Chicago.
The Seminary Co-op is a renowned academic bookstore, and its inventory reflects the interests of its membership, many of them affiliated with the University of Chicago. With a world-class children’s department, a deep backlist selection, and an enthusiastic staff, 57th St. Books has established itself as a gem among independent bookstores. The official booksellers of the American Writers Festival!
A global community of readers and introverts, with more than 500 chapters in 50 countries around the world led by local volunteers. SBC members gather in public at bars, cafes, bookstores, libraries, and online to read together in quiet camaraderie. Stop by and learn about these Silent Book Club chapters: Dorothy Downstairs, Northwest, Beverly, South Side.
From talented, published teaching authors, to dedicated and serious writing students, to volunteer teams and work-study positions, there’s a place for everyone at the Studio. At StoryStudio, they believe in the power of story, and that stories matter. They strive to teach the art, craft, and business of writing in a positive, open, and encouraging setting where students can discover their unique voices.
As an author of 3 books how can I be in the festival next year?
Hi Sylvester,
Programming for the 2024 Festival is already full, as you surmised. However, we will be surveying attendees and look forward to your input for future programming. For local author events we encourage you to reach out to your community’s independent bookstore or nearby public library.
To make sure you receive the post-event survey, make sure to sign up for updates.
I have volunteered before at the event and would like to do so again this year, I thought I had received an email about doing so but cannot locate it. Could it be re-sent, please so I can sign up?
Hi Mary,
You should have gotten an email this morning from our volunteer coordinator Erin, and a follow-up from myself. Hope we can see you on May 19!
–Ari Bachechi, Assistant Director, Operations & Exhibits
Hello! Hope all the planning is going well and there’ll be another stellar celebration!