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Literature & Libations at The American Writers Museum

Literature and libations: have any two things ever gone together so well?

We think not. A glass of bourbon is a great companion to any good read, and has also been known to cure mild cases of writer’s block—just ask Hemingway.

Now, there’s no better place to enjoy some cocktails alongside great literature than at the newly opened American Writers Museum. Join us there on September 18th at the Chicago Public Library Foundation Junior Board’s event Literature & Libations.

What is this new venue?

The American Writers Museum is a brand new gem in Chicago’s cultural landscape. “When the initial founders of the American Writers Museum, who were based in Washington D.C., started their search for the city where they would build this museum, they visited cities across the nation,” says Carey Cranston, Inaugural President of the museum. “In the end, they saw Chicago as the perfect location for this institution, mainly because of its unique and amazingly rich literary and cultural traditions. Now that the museum is here, and has been positively recognized around the world by both our visitors and the press, we hope that we will help to enhance and add to the already deep and powerful cultural community here in Chicago.”
Opened on May 16th of this year, the museum was created with the mission of engaging the public in celebrating American writers and exploring their influence on our identity, culture, and daily lives. With interactive and state-of-the-art exhibitions as well as events like Literature & Libations, the museum is the city’s latest literary hotspot, a place for you to mingle with like-minded bibliophiles, or help you bring out your inner novelist.

About the Event

Early Access ticket holders to Literature & Libations will attend a cocktail-making demonstration led by professional mixologist Julieta Campos, esteemed spirits judge at Tastings.com & head bartender at The Whistler from 5:30 to 6:30 PM. Learn how to make two American literature-inspired libations—and enjoy two cocktails from the demo!
From 6:30 to 9:30, General Admission ticket holders will join in for a networking happy hour that includes complimentary hors d’oeuvres, wine and beer.
Early Access tickets are $45 each (with two cocktails included) and General Admission tickets are $30 each in advance, $35 at the door. Admission to the museum (a $12 value) is included with both tickets. Both sets of tickets can be purchased here.
Literature & Libations was organized by the Chicago Public Library’s Junior Board. The Junior Board is comprised of young professionals between the ages of 25 to 40, and is a great opportunity for young people to get engaged in the fundraising efforts for the Library Foundation. Each April, the Junior Board hosts Night in the Stacks, a major fundraising event benefiting programs at Chicago Public Library. The group also hosts other fundraising events throughout the year. If you’re interested in becoming a member, click here.
Literature & Libations is organized in partnership with Tastings.com and The American Writers Museum and made possible thanks to our generous sponsors, BMO Harris Bank, Advanced Resources, The Susan and Bob Wislow Charitable Foundation, and Sprout Social. Our many initiatives are made possible by donations from sponsors, and individuals like you. To become a supporter of the Chicago Public Library, please donate here.