CHICAGO | A new gallery devoted to books and periodicals by Chicago-area publishers and authors opens today at the Chicago Cultural Center, 77 E. Randolph St. at Michigan Ave.
The Chicago Publishers Gallery, a collection of more than 1,500 books, as well as numerous magazines, newspapers, journals, independent "zines" and comics, will showcase Chicago's thriving publishing industry.
Located in the Randolph Street Cafe of the Chicago Cultural Center, the gallery will encourage exploration of Chicago's wide range of publishing ventures in a comfortable setting. The public is invited to read or browse through the collection of books including fiction, nonfiction, poetry, art books, children's literature, and experimental works, as well as periodicals including popular magazines, literary and scholarly journals, and daily Chicago newspapers.
"We are so pleased to add publishing to the creative industries we already support such as fashion and culinary arts," Lois Weisberg, commissioner of the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs, said in a news release. "The Chicago Publishers Gallery is an important part of this initiative, providing a showcase for over 100 Chicago-area publishers ranging from the largest university press in the country to small, independent publishers.
"In the future, we are planning other programs and services including an online directory for publishers and writers, industry forums, and collaborative programs with publishers," she said in the release.
Book-inspired art, limited editions and other book-related exhibitions will be featured in display cases. A computer will provide access to the city's book blogs, publishers' Web sites and online magazines. Although publications in the gallery are not for sale or loan, the shop at the cultural center will stock books by Chicago-area publishers.
For more information about the Chicago Publishers Gallery, call (312) 744-6630.
The Chicago Publishers Gallery is presented by the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs, which, in addition to publishing, actively encourages Chicago's creative industries including fashion and culinary arts.
