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Literature and Libations: The Perfect Pair

A good wine becomes great with the perfect book. Our Associate Board has taken this concept to the next level. 

It was the perfect Wednesday night for wine and poetry. Guests enjoyed listening to sommelier and poet, Regine Rousseau, perform four poems from her recent collection, Searching for Cloves, and Lilies. Each piece was paired with the best complementary wine. Regine graciously led the crowd through each combination. “Poetry is about telling a story. Wines also have stories to tell. The key is creating the perfect atmosphere and mood that allows you to enjoy both,” she explains.   A sensual poem, for example, would go well with the aromatic white, Pinot Gris. Then, there are some poems best read with an oaked Chardonnay.  The event was as informative as it was entertaining.

Guests also explored the interactive and dynamic exhibits of the American Writers Museum, further enriching the night’s experience. As one of the world’s 10 best new museums, the space engages, educates, and provokes its audience.
More than literature and libations, the heart of the event is maintaining free education programs at Chicago Public Library. Proceeds will go towards early literacy services, free homework help for students K – 12, and mentors and digital resources for teens. These programs are instrumental to success in school and life. Many library users are on their way to becoming the next generation of entrepreneurs, writers, and community leaders like Regine Rousseau, who was a library baby herself. She shared, “The library was my babysitter and teacher. My mom would drop me off at our local branch. It was there that I developed my passion for reading and later, for writing.”
As of 2017, Chicago Public Library has supported thousands of children and families through a variety of free education resources, many of which are funded by generous donors to the Chicago Public Library Foundation.

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We thank our generous Associate Board event sponsors who support lifelong learning at Chicago Public Library: BMO Harris Bank, Advanced Resources, Susan and Bob Wislow, Sprout Social, Pepsi Co., and gifts made in Memory of Barbara Lewis.
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