What is the Chicago Tribune Printers Row Lit Fest?
The Printers Row Lit Fest was founded in 1985 by the Near South Planning Board to attract visitors to the Printers Row neighborhood (once the city’s bookmaking hub). By 2002, it had grown to five city blocks (on Dearborn, from Congress to Polk), attracting more than 200 booksellers from across the country displaying new, used and antiquarian books, and featuring seven stages with more than 100 free literary programs.

As part of its ongoing commitment to the written word and its support of literacy and literary endeavor, the Chicago Tribune purchased the Printers Row Book Fair in 2002 from the Near South Planning Board. Recently renamed to be the Printer’s Row Lit Fest, it is considered the largest free outdoor literary event in the Midwest-drawing more than 125,000 book lovers to the two-day showcase.

Where is it?
The Fest is located on historic Printers Row (see location and directions below).

When does it take place?
June 12-13.

Who exhibits?
Booksellers, publishers, literacy and cultural organizations sell and promote books and book-related merchandise and distribute related information. Many of the independent booksellers participating in the Fest represent the diverse ethnic and cultural communities of the Chicagoland area and sell books of different languages and genres.

How can I exhibit?
If you would like to apply to exhibit at the 2010 Printers Row Lit Fest, please download the 2010 Exhibitor Kit, fill it out and return it to the address on the form. Please remember that this is an application process and does not guarantee space.

Who is speaking at the Fest?
Panels and events are held on seven stages, featuring experts on an array of topics such as politics, sports, children’s storytelling, science and much more.

How can I attend any of the events?
Admission to ALL Fest events is free and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Only events at Harold Washington Library Center require tickets.

Will I have a chance to have one of my books signed?
All Chicago Tribune Printers Row Lit Fest authors are asked to remain after their event for at least one hour to sign copies of their books at official Fest book-signing areas. For each author event, the Fest steering committee selects an exhibitor to sell the books.

What do you have for children?
The Chicago Tribune Printers Row Lit Fest will include the exciting Kids Corner, presented by Shedd Aquarium, where kids and parents can enjoy storytelling, costumed characters, performances, sing-alongs, and special activities coordinated by educational and cultural groups.

How do authors participate
Please contact Laura Visin: PRLF@tribune.com.

LOCATION & DIRECTIONS

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GETTING TO THE CHICAGO TRIBUNE PRINTERS ROW LIT FEST

The Lit Fest is located on historic Printers Row, in the blocks
surrounding Dearborn and Polk streets (see map below).

By Car:
Located in the South Loop area of Chicago, Printers Row is a hub for three main roadways.

The Dan Ryan Expressway (I-90/94) from the south, the Kennedy Expressway (I-90/94) from the north meet at the Eisenhower (I-290). Take Congress Pkwy/ Chicago Loop exit. Go east on Congress to Dearborn.

Suggested parking:

Printers Square Garage – 75 E. Harrison
Harrison & Clark Lot – 605 S. Clark St.
Clark St. Parking – 430 S. Clark St.
Hilton Chicago Garage – 720 South Michigan
System Parking – 331 S. Plymouth Ct

By Bus:
#62, 36, 22 or 42 on State Street to Polk or Harrison, walk 1 block west to Dearborn Street.
#12 to Roosevelt & State, walk 4 blocks north to Polk, 1 block west to Dearborn.
#151 to Adams & Dearborn, walk 3 blocks south to Congress.

By Subway:
Red Line – Harrison & State, exit and walk 1 block west to Dearborn.
Blue Line – Jackson & Dearborn, exit and walk 2 blocks south to Congress.
Orange, Brown and Purple Lines – Library/State & Van Buren. Dearborn is directly south.
Green Line – Adams & Wabash, exit and walk west to Dearborn, 3 blocks south to Congress.