The Printers Row Lit Fest, a cornerstone of Chicago’s literary culture, celebrates its 40th anniversary this September.
Originally staged in the canyon between historic printing houses on Dearborn Street, the festival was conceived during a critical time for architectural preservation, thanks to the efforts of architects Larry Booth and Harry Weese.
Bette Cerf Hill, the festival’s founder, was already engaged in cultural projects in the district, notably showcasing Judy Chicago’s powerful installation “The Dinner Party” on the top floor of the Franklin Building.
Inspired by the vibrant outdoor book markets of Paris, Hill envisioned a book fair that would breathe life into the area, marking a significance that has evolved alongside both the neighborhood and our publication, which began its journey as a community newspaper serving the same locality.
Since its inception, the destinies of the Printers Row Lit Fest, the surrounding community, and the publication have been deeply interconnected, experiencing the highs and lows of Chicago’s changing literary landscape.
The early morning sounds of tent poles being set up each Friday signal the arrival of a weekend filled with literary excitement. To honor this milestone, the festival invited prominent literary figures from the city to gather at Kasey’s Tavern, a well-known local spot, for a commemorative photo shoot in the neighborhood they have all cherished.
However, the literary world today presents challenges unlike any before.
The influence of technological platforms has disrupted traditional economic models and altered audience engagement, while a political atmosphere threatens the very institutions that foster literary expression and the new narratives emerging within those spaces.
Amidst this turbulent climate, Chicago retains its unique charm, serving as a haven for independent bookstores and a burgeoning hub for writers and literary figures relocating to the city, often without prior ties to the region.
Courses for budding authors are extensively enrolling, whether or not students are pursuing college credit, highlighting an enduring desire to create regardless of external circumstances.
Yet, the city’s literary community still grapples with fragmentation.
Chicago boasts an intricate maze of literary heritage, with landmarks associated with Gwendolyn Brooks in Bronzeville, Nelson Algren in the Polish Triangle, and Saul Bellow enriching the Gothic Quadrangles.
In response to this complexity, a cultural map has been developed to open doors throughout Chicago’s literary history, a self-mythologizing endeavor celebrating the city’s vast creative community.
This initiative acknowledges the countless individuals dedicated to their craft, those who champion fellow creators, and the visionary artists working to mold cultural narratives.
Special thanks are extended to Amy Danzer for her invaluable contributions to this initiative, both in crafting the narrative and informing its content, all while tirelessly advocating for the local literary scene.
Mark Turcotte, recently named Illinois’ Poet Laureate, also contributed a poem titled “Dear City” to this celebratory issue, enriching the festival’s literary offerings.
Lit 50 2025 has been collaboratively written by Amy Danzer, Todd Hieggelke, and Mary Wisniewski, with additional insights from Billy Lombardo and Giovanni Olla.
All photographs featured have been captured by Sandy Morris and Sally Blood Photo throughout the Printers Row neighborhood, celebrating the festival’s rich history.
Thanks go out to local establishments including Born Again Consignment Parlor, Cafe Deko, Kasey’s Tavern, Necessary and Sufficient Coffee, Printers Row Wine Shop, Sandmeyer’s Bookstore, and Vitalogy on Dearborn Craft Cocktail for their contributions to this historic event.
image source from：https://lit.newcity.com/2025/06/04/lit-50-2025-who-really-books-in-chicago/
