Free Things to Do in Chicago If You’re a Book Lover

Chicago is a great place for bibliophiles to explore. From its sprawling public library systems to its independent bookstores, the Windy City has something for everyone.

But, it’s not just the physical bookstores that offer great reading experiences. There are plenty of free things to do in Chicago if you’re a book lover. From exploring the city’s history and culture to meeting fellow book enthusiasts, there’s plenty to keep you occupied.

Explore a Public Library

No list of free things to do in Chicago as a book lover is complete without mentioning public libraries. The city is home to more than 80 public libraries, including the impressive Harold Washington Library Center. Here, you can browse the shelves, attend bookish events, and meet other book lovers.

The library also offers free Wi-Fi, so you can take your laptop and catch up on your reading. The library also has a café, so you can grab a snack and a cup of coffee and enjoy a peaceful day of reading in the library.

Plus, the library offers a variety of other free activities, such as art classes, craft workshops, and movie screenings. You can also attend book clubs, lectures, and workshops. So, if you’re looking for an engaging way to spend the day, a public library is a great choice.

Attend a Book Reading

Another great way to enjoy free books in Chicago is by attending book readings. The city is home to numerous independent bookstores, and many of them host book readings and signings.

From readings by local authors to book discussions and workshops, there’s something for everyone. Plus, many of these events are free, so you can enjoy a great evening of reading without breaking the bank.

You can also attend literary festivals in Chicago. These festivals offer a variety of events, such as panel discussions, book signings, and workshops. Plus, many of the events are free, so you can get the most out of your trip to Chicago without spending a lot of money.

Go to a Book Club

Book clubs are a great way to meet fellow book lovers and discuss your favorite books. The city is home to a variety of book clubs, such as the Chicago Book Club, the Chicago Reading Group, and the Chicago Literary Society. These clubs offer a variety of activities, including book discussions, lectures, and workshops.

Plus, many of the clubs are free to join, so you can get the most out of your book club experience without spending a lot of money. And, if you’re new to the city, book clubs are a great way to meet new people and explore the city’s literary culture.

Visit a Used Bookstore

Chicago is home to a variety of used bookstores, and they’re a great way to find rare and out-of-print books. From vintage paperbacks to rare first editions, you can find just about anything in these stores.

The city is home to a variety of used bookstores, such as Myopic Books, The Book Cellar, and The Book Stall. These stores offer a variety of books, from classic literature to rare finds. Plus, many of the stores offer discounts, so you can get the most out of your book-buying experience without spending a lot of money.

Explore the City’s Literary History

Chicago is a great place to explore the city’s literary history. From the famous authors who have called the city home to the landmarks associated with them, there’s plenty to explore.

For example, you can visit the homes of famous authors such as Carl Sandburg and Ernest Hemingway. You can also explore the city’s literary museums, such as the American Writers Museum and the Poetry Center of Chicago. Plus, you can take a walking tour of the city’s literary landmarks.

These activities are a great way to explore the city’s literary heritage, and they’re often free or low-cost. So, if you’re looking for a way to explore the city’s literary history without spending a lot of money, these activities are a great choice.

Attend Local Book Festivals

Chicago is home to a variety of book festivals, such as the Printers Row Lit Fest and the Chicago Book Expo. These festivals offer a variety of activities, such as book signings, panel discussions, and workshops. Plus, many of the events are free, so you can enjoy a great day of reading without spending a lot of money.

Plus, these festivals offer a great way to meet other book lovers. You can attend panel discussions or book clubs, and you can even meet the authors themselves. So, if you’re looking for a fun and engaging way to spend the day, a book festival is a great choice.

Attend a Book Swap

Book swaps are a great way to find new books and to meet fellow book lovers. The city is home to a variety of book swaps, such as the Chicago Book Swap and the Andersonville Book Swap.

These events are a great way to find new books without spending a lot of money. Plus, you can also meet other book lovers and discuss your favorite books. So, if you’re looking for a way to meet other book lovers and find new books, a book swap is a great choice.

Browse the Shelves at an Independent Bookstore

Chicago is home to a variety of independent bookstores, such as 57th Street Books and The Book Cellar. These stores offer a variety of books, from classic literature to rare finds. Plus, many of the stores offer discounts, so you can get the most out of your book-buying experience without spending a lot of money.

Plus, these stores offer a great way to meet other book lovers. Many of the stores host book readings and book clubs, so you can meet other book lovers and discuss your favorite books. So, if you’re looking for a way to meet other book lovers and explore the city’s literary culture, an independent bookstore is a great choice.

Explore the City’s Bookstores on a Literary Tour

If you’re looking for a unique way to explore the city’s bookstores, why not join a literary tour? These tours offer a great way to explore the city’s bookstores, meet other book lovers, and learn about the city’s literary heritage.

You can join a variety of literary tours, from walking tours to bus tours. Plus, many of the tours are free or low-cost, so you can get the most out of your tour without spending a lot of money. So, if you’re looking for a unique way to explore the city’s bookstores, a literary tour is a great choice.

Visit the Chicago Public Library’s Bookmobile

The Chicago Public Library’s Bookmobile is a great way to explore the city’s bookstores without leaving your home. The Bookmobile is a mobile library that visits different neighborhoods in the city.

The Bookmobile offers a variety of books, from classic literature to rare finds. Plus, you can also attend workshops, book clubs, and other book-related activities. So, if you’re looking for a way to explore the city’s bookstores without leaving your home, the Bookmobile is a great choice.

Attend a Poetry Slam

Poetry slams are a great way to explore the city’s literary culture. The city is home to a variety of poetry slams, from the Windy City Poetry Slam to the Chicago Poetry Slam. These slams offer a great way to meet other book lovers and discuss your favorite poems.

Plus, many of the slams are free or low-cost, so you can get the most out of your experience without spending a lot of money. So, if you’re looking for a fun and engaging way to explore the city’s literary culture, a poetry slam is a great choice.

Explore the City’s Literary Landmarks

Chicago is home to a variety of literary landmarks. From the homes of famous authors to the bookstores and cafes that inspired them, there’s plenty to explore.

You can visit the homes of famous authors such as Carl Sandburg and Ernest Hemingway. You can also explore the city’s literary museums, such as the American Writers Museum and the Poetry Center of Chicago. Plus, you can take a walking tour of the city’s literary landmarks.

These activities are a great way to explore the city’s literary heritage, and they’re often free or low-cost. So, if you’re looking for a way to explore the city’s literary history without spending a lot of money, these activities are a great choice.

Conclusion

From exploring the city’s public libraries to attending book readings and book clubs, there are plenty of free things to do in Chicago if you’re a book lover. So, if you’re looking for a way to explore the city’s literary culture without spending a lot of money, these activities are a great choice.

From exploring the city’s literary history to attending book festivals and book swaps, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the city’s literary culture. Plus, many of these activities are free or low-cost, so you can get the most out of your experience without spending a lot of money.

So, if you’re looking for a way to explore the city’s bookstores, meet other book lovers, and explore the city’s literary heritage, these free activities are a great choice.