Events
Wednesday, August 20 at 7 PM
Book Talk: Black Genius with Tre Johnson
Join us on Wednesday, August 20 at 7 pm as we welcome culture writer and critic Tre Johnson for a discussion of his new book,Black Genius: Essays on an American Legacy! Books are available for purchase with ticket or at the event, and Tre will be signing copies!
Thursday, August 21 at 7 PM
August Book Club!
August's book club pick is The Girls Who Grew Big by Leila Mottley! We'll be meeting here at the shop on Thursday, August 21 at 7 PM to discuss! Grab your copy here and let's dig into this amazing book!
Friday, August 29 at 7 PM
August Trivia Night!
Think you know it all? Put your knowledge to the test at our monthly trivia night! All ages and experience levels welcome!
Tuesday, September 2 at 7 PM [Off-Site]
Book Talk: Austin Channing Brown
Join us as we celebrate the release of New York Times bestselling author Austin Channing Brown's latest book, Full of Myself: Black Womanhood and the Journey to Self-Possession! Austin will be joined in conversation with journalist and academic Nikole Hannah-Jones!
Saturday, September 6 - Sunday, September 7
Come Find Us at Printers Row Lit Fest!
We're excited for our second year at Printers Row Lit Fest, the largest literary festival in the Midwest! This free event runs September 6 and 7 from 10 am to 6 pm on S. Dearborn from Ida B Wells to Polk!
Please note that our storefront will be closed this weekend so we can staff this event.
Wednesday, September 10 at 6 PM
EpiPen Training with Azadi Medics
Azadi Medics will be providing a free EpiPen training session to members of the community in advance of their bee-keeping intro! They will go over how to administer epinephrine, a life-saving medication used to treat severe allergic reactions. Suggested donation $5-$10.
Thursday, September 11 at 7 PM
Canto-Kójo: Reading Series and Bloodmercy Book Launch
In Yorùbá the word “kojo” means “to gather”. In Spanish, “canto” means “to sing”. In our efforts to gather community together, we hope to make something new sing. With that, the inaugural Canto-Kójo Reading Series launches on September 11, 2025 at 7 PM. Accompanied with launch of this reading series the launch of Chicago-based poet I.S. Jones’s debut collection Bloodmercy. A reception to follow after.
Saturday, September 13 at 7 PM
Tiny Shelf Concert: MOYANA
An evening of conversation and music with Chicago neo-soul artist MOYANA in collaboration with Angel Idowu's Concerts & Conversation series.
Thursday, September 18 at 6 PM
Azadi Medics Book Club: Fresh Banana Leaves
Join a community of readers exploring Fresh Banana Leaves by Indigenous environmental scientist Jessica Hernandez. Breaking outside of the western model of conservationism, we'll discuss how the book offers an indigenous relationship to the earth and protecting the land, weaving case studies, the author's personal stories, and family history.
Friday, September 19 at 7 PM
Do Not Disturb @ LVL UP Coffee
Join us for another installment of our beloved Do Not Disturb silent reading party, this time with a tasty twist--we'll be reading and sipping delicious beverages at LVL UP Coffee, Bronzeville's newest coffee spot!
Saturday, September 20 at 11 AM
Story Time with Dr. Gloria!
Bring your little ones to an inspiring and interactive storytime as author Dr. Gloria shares Dasia Finds a Way, apawsome story about a little girl adopting a new puppy and exploring what responsibility means to her.
Saturday, September 20 at 7 PM
Tiny Shelf Concert: Twelve Gage
Kick back with us for good beats and good vibes with DJ Twelve Gage! Hosted at Call & Response Books in collaboration with Angel Idowu.
Thursday, September 25 at 7 PM
September Book Club!
Be sure to vote for your pick for September's book club read by midnight on Saturday, August 23! We'll meet at the shop on Thursday, September 25 at 7 PM to discuss--you can purchase your copy here or grab one at from your local library branch!
Wednesday, October 1 at 7 PM
Book Launch: Oxford Soju Club with Jinwoo Park
We're celebrating the release of author Jinwoo Park's debut novel, Oxford Soju Club! Jinwoo will be joined in conversation by Simone Siew, and a signing will follow discussion.
Saturday, October 4 at 11 AM
Story Time with Ms. Tiffany!
Bring your little ones to an inspiring and interactive storytime as local author Tiffany Smith shares Msomaji's Magic Carpet!
Wednesday, October 8 at 6 PM
Free Narcan Training with Azadi Medics
Narcan is a medicine that rapidly reverses an opioid overdose. Join us in learning how to administer this life-saving drug! Materials provided; suggested donation $5-$10.
Saturday, October 11 at 2 PM
Book Talk: Birds of the Great Lakes with Dexter Patterson
Join us as we welcome Derrick Patterson in celebration of his new book, Birds of the Great Lakes: How They Look & Sound, Where To Find Them, and How to Protect Them! Followed by signing and meet & greet.
Wednesday, October 22 at 7 PM
Book Talk: The Wilderness with Angela Flournoy
Join us as we celebrate the release of critically acclaimed author Angela Flournoy's newest book,The Wilderness! Angela will be joined in conversation by writer, culture critic, and professor Lauren Michele Jackson!