35th Printers Row Lit Fest Returning To Its Roots

WDCB’s Gary Zidek talks to Printers Row Lit Fest programming director Teresa Basso Gold about this year’s two-day festival.

LISTEN

WDCB's Gary Zidek talks to Printers Row Lit Fest programming director Teresa Basso Gold about this year's festival.

“At one point, I think it was in question, whether the Tribune was going to continue. And I think that’s why they decided to give it back to the Near South Planning Board because it was something they were no longer interested in producing.” - Teresa Basso Gold talking about some of the uncertainty that surrounded Printers Row at the end of last year.

Printers Row Lit Fest programming director Teresa Basso Gold

One of Chicago’s longest running literary traditions continues this weekend.  After 35 years, the Printers Row Lit Fest is considered to be on the biggest literary events in the country.  This year’s festival marks a significant change behind the scenes. The Printers Row Lit Fest was established in the mid-80’s by the non-profit Near South Planning Board. It grew over the years, and then in 2002 the Chicago Tribune took over the event.  The media company ran the festival for the past 16 years. Earlier this year an announcement revealed ownership and operation of Printers Row would return to its original presenter, the Near South Planning Board.

Valerie Jarrett, Alex Kotlowitz and Rebecca Makkai are among the authors that will be appearing at this year’s Printers Row.

You can find a complete list of speakers here.

Author Rebecca Makkai

Author Alex Kotlowitz

An estimated 100,000 people will attend this year’s Printers Row Lit Fest. And thousands more will watch certain festival programs at home on C-Span.

Printers Row Lit Fest takes place Saturday June 8 and Sunday June 9 in an area along and near south Dearborn Street. All the events are FREE, there is no ticketing system, so everything is first come – first seated. Go to printersrowlitfest.org for a full schedule of programs.