U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor Headlines American Writers Museum’s Fall Programs
(CHICAGO- September 18, 2018) – An author reading and signing with U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor is just one of many free programs and events being offered by the American Writers Museum (AWM) this Fall. The extensive lineup includes a free writing workshop in partnership with Young Chicago Authors, free children’s storytimes every Saturday, free admission to Museum Day ticket holders, a free Dear Banned Author letter writing program, and a free watch party for The Great American Read Grand Finale where costumes are optional. Most author programs are free with museum admission, which is good for one return visit to the museum following the event. Full event listings can be found at americanwritersmuseum.org/calendar.
American Writers Museum and the Chicago Public Library will welcome U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor to celebrate the release of her two new children’s books, Turning Pages: My Life Story and The Beloved World of Sonia Sotomayor on Friday, October 12 at 6:30 p.m. Sotomayor will discuss her life story, from her birthplace in the South Bronx through her journey to become the first Hispanic and third woman appointed to the Supreme Court. This event will be held in the Winter Garden at the Chicago Public Library’s Harold Washington Library Center. Free, non-ticketed admission to the event is first-come, first-seated. Doors to the Harold Washington Library Center open at 5:30 p.m. and entry is only through the 401 S. Plymouth Ct. entrance, on the west side of the building.
The Frederick Douglass Mixtape is a free, one-night-only workshop and open mic on Thursday, September 20 at 6:30 p.m. with Young Chicago Authors’ Tim “Toaster” Henderson responding to AWM’s new exhibit, Frederick Douglass: Agitator. Workshop attendees can tour the exhibit and write based on Douglass’ work, then read for the audience!
Little Squirrels Storytime is every Saturday at 10:30 a.m. in the AWM Children’s Literature Gallery, which features a mural that depicts squirrels reading thirty-four books that represent significant milestones in American children’s literature. This free storytime for preschool-age children with a caregiver does not include museum admission.
AWM will open its doors free of charge on Saturday, September 22 to all Smithsonian magazine’s Museum Day ticket holders. The theme of this year’s Museum Day is Women Making History, honoring women in society who are trailblazers in the arts, sciences, innovation and culture, and emboldening others to be pioneers as well. Visitors to the AWM can participate in a scavenger hunt that highlights 20 women writers in the museum.
During Banned Books Week, September 23-29, AWM will have a Dear Banned Author letter-writing station in Readers Hall. Dear Banned Author is a letter-writing campaign hosted by the American Library Association’s Office for Intellectual Freedom. Readers are encouraged to write to their favorite banned or challenged authors, sharing what their stories meant to them. This letter-writing program is free with museum admission.
To celebrate the announcement of PBS’ The Great American Read winner (based on results of a nationwide vote) AWM is throwing a free watch party on Tuesday, October 23 at 7 p.m. with complimentary popcorn. Literary inspired drinks will be available for $5 per sampling. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as their favorite writer or book character! Discover the American authors on the 100 list on AWM’s Reading Recommendations Page.
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About American Writers Museum
The American Writers Museum is the first museum of its kind in the United States. The mission of the American Writers Museum is to engage the public in celebrating American writers and exploring their influence on our history, our identity, and our daily lives. The museum is located at 180 N. Michigan Ave. Chicago, IL 60601, and offers something for every age group including permanent exhibits and special galleries highlighting America’s favorite works and the authors behind them. Tickets to the museum are $12 for adults, $8 for seniors and students, and free for children ages 12 and under. Museum hours are Monday – Sunday 10 AM – 5 PM. For more information visit www.americanwritersmuseum.org or call 312-374-8790.
American Writers Museum
Contact: Karie McGahan
312.374.8790
mcgahan@americanwritersmuseum.org