By Savannah Wood

“Black Ink Book Exchange is a pop-up library open for the exchange of books primarily by black authors, and about black culture. The project aims to create a space around books as a cultural currency, and consists of creative workshops, a reading lounge and book barter. The project will begin at the Arts Incubator in Washington Park this spring, and with support, will continue through the end of the summer in other South Side locations.
“This project will rely on your book donations. While the emphasis of the collection is on books by and about people of the African Diaspora, I am most interested in ‘good’ books – books that have shaped the way you see yourself and the world, or books that you always recommend to friends. I am willing to pick books up in the Chicago area. If you would like to donate to this exchange, please e-mail us at BlackInkBE@gmail.com.”

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Posted on January 29, 2014

Plus: Rebuilding CPS Libraries

“It was 100 years ago when the passenger pigeon became extinct. WBBM’s Steve Miller spoke with a Chicago author who chronicled the disappearance of the species,” the station reports.

“It’s rare when we know when the last of a species died,” said Joel Greenberg.

“Joel Greenberg is the author of A Feathered River Across the Sky: The Passenger Pigeon’s Flight to Extinction.”
Click through for the interview.

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Posted on January 23, 2014

Plus: Agate Eats Hot Doug’s, Hoosier Mama Pies & The Chicago Diner

1. Agate Eats.

The personalities behind three popular Chicago restaurants are coming together for a panel discussion on entrepreneurship, culinary innovation, and what it takes to be a successful start-up.
Join Doug Sohn of Hot Doug’s, Paula Haney of The Hoosier Mama Pie Company, and Kat Barry of the Chicago Diner as they sit down for a conversation with WBEZ’s Peter Sagal at the Harold Washington Library on January 15 at 6 pm.
In a city of standout restaurants, Hot Doug’s, Hoosier Mama, and the Chicago Diner have all earned devoted followings. Fans come from near and far seeking the unique blend of high-class craft with traditional American foods, be it gourmet sausages, artisanal pies, or meat-free diner fare. From finding the perfect market niche to day-to-day business practices, the resourceful entrepreneurs behind these eateries have innovated ways to keep growing their enthusiastic fan bases, locally and beyond.
The evening will include entertaining stories from the restaurants’ histories, a Q&A with the audience, as well as a book signing for each of their newly published books. This is a unique event bringing together leaders from three of Chicago’s favorite restaurants to discuss their stories and success.

Free, with books available for purchase.

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Posted on January 8, 2014