Thursday, April 22, 2021

Let famed author Ann Patchett read to you April 28

“Books are a uniquely portable magic,” Stephen King once said. And J.K. Rowling once said “I do believe something very magical can happen when you read a book.”


With that in mind, Literacy Chicago organizes Voices of Literacy, a year-long readers series and literary happy hour hosted monthly via Zoom.

On the last Wednesday of every month, from 6 - 7 p.m., 4 or 5 authors, and other prominent people who enjoy reading, share a passage from one of their favorite books. In addition, audience members get the chance to chat with the authors and readers afterwards and win autographed copies of the books being read.


“Through this series, Literacy Chicago is promoting the importance of the ability to read and write not just to survive, but to thrive and share stories and ideas,” says Joanne Telser-Frere, Director of Program Development for Literacy Chicago.


April 28’s lineup includes: Univision Chicago reporter Rosario Dominguez reading from ‘What on Earth Am I Here For?’ by Rick Warren

Novelist Jennie Fields reading from her book, ‘Atomic Love’

Author Melissa Wilson reading from ‘Editor of Genius’ by Max Perkins

Author Ted Van Alst reading from his book, ‘Sacred Smoke’

Author Ann Patchett reading from her book, ‘Commonwealth’


Tickets are available at on Eventbrite. Donations are requested.


Future Voices of Literacy dates are May 26, June 30, July 28.


Established in 1968 Literacy Chicago has empowered thousands of adults to achieve greater self sufficiency through language and literacy instruction. The organization offers a broad range of programs including Basic Literacy, GED preparation, English as a Second Language, Workforce Development, Citizenship classes, and most recently Digital Literacy.

Monday, January 11, 2021

Toni Preckwinkle to read for Voices of Literacy January 27


Starting January 27 from 6-7 p.m., on the last Wednesday of each month of 2021, Literacy Chicago is hosting Voices of Literacy, a series of readings by authors and other prominent Chicagoans during virtual literacy happy hours which will share bits from favorite books and literature, many of them by Chicagoans.

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, Chicago’s 35th Ward Alderman Carlos Rosa and Chicago authors Christian Cook, Dr. Garrard McClendon, and Janet Sutherland are the featured readers for January.


“Besides raising funds to support our work and offering a taste of some wonderful books and literature, we’ll be having a lot of fun,” says Literacy Chicago’s Director of Program Development Joanne Telser-Frere. The series will also feature quizzes and autographed books for prizes.


Ticket prices vary. The Winter Ticket Bundle gives you access to three months of Voices of Literacy for only $30. The two-month bundle goes for $22. Individual tickets are $12 per month. Tickets can be purchased online.


Literacy Chicago’s educational and vocational classes has supported the ambitions of thousands of Chicagoans for more than five decades. Established in 1968 Literacy Chicago empowers adults to achieve greater self sufficiency through language and literacy instruction. The organization offers a broad range of programs including Basic Literacy, GED preparation, English as a Second Language, Workforce Development, Citizenship classes, and most recently Digital Literacy. 


Disclosure: I'm on the Associates Board of Literacy Chicago.