Printers Row Book Fair
The Printers Row Book Fair was founded in 1985 by the Near South Planning Board to attract visitors to the Printers Row neighborhood (once the bookmaking hub of Chicago). By 2002, it had grown to five city blocks (on Dearborn, from Congress to Polk), attracting more than 190 booksellers from across the country displaying new, used and antiquarian books, and featuring seven stages with more than 90 free literary programs. It is considered the largest free outdoor literary event in the Midwest-drawing more than 90,000 book lovers to the two-day showcase.
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.
Where is it?
The Fair is located on historic Printers Row.
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 Fair represent the diverse ethnic and cultural communities of the Chicagoland area and sell books of different languages and genres.
How can I exhibit?
The 2008 application will be available at the end of January 2007. If you would like to be on the mailing list to receive an application to the 2008 fair, please send an email to bookfair@tribune.com. Please remember that this is an application process and does not guarantee space. Each exhibitor must sell books.
Who is speaking at the Fair?
Panels and events are held on eleven stages, featuring experts on an array of topics such as politics, sports, storytelling for children, science and much more.
How can I attend any of the events?
Admission to all Fair 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 Book Fair authors are asked to remain after their event for at least one hour to sign copies of their books at official Fair book-signing areas. For each author event, the Fair steering committee selects an exhibitor to sell the books.
What do they have for children?
The 2007 Chicago Tribune Printers Row Book Fair featured the exciting Kids Alley! Kids and parents enjoyed storytelling, costumed characters, performances, sing-alongs, and special activities coordinated by educational and cultural groups