Most of these events are free. Some may require a book purchase. There are tons of online events for kids. Chicago’s Open Books has virtual reading and writing adventures. National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature and award-winning author Jason Reynolds gets kids excited about writing with his Write. Right. Rite. series. Women & Children first has story time next Saturday (see below). Volumes Bookcafe has regular story times on Facebook. 

MONDAY, MAY 11

6:30 p.m.  The Book Stall and Go Green Reads present: The Dorito Effect: The Surprising New Truth about Food and Flavor by Mark Schatzker . Email [email protected] for Zoom details.

7:00 p.m. The Book Cellar presents: A Virtual Evening with Mikel Jollett about his intriguing new memoir Hollywood Park. Book purchase required.

TUESDAY, MAY 12

7:00 p.m. The Book Cellar presents: The Hilarious World of Depression with author John Moe and special guests Rex Huppke and Peter Sagal. Book purchase required.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 13

3:00 p.m.  The American Writers Museum presents:  Comedian Kathy Griffin in discussion with Jennifer Finney Boylan, author of the new book Good Boy: My Life in Seven Dogs.

6:30 p.m. City Lit presents: Mark Polanzak on his new short story collection The Ok End of Funny Town with Konner Wilson.

THURSDAY, MAY 14

6:30 p.m. City Lit presents: Elizabeth Wetmore discussion about her new book Valentine with Stephanie Soileau.

9:00 p.m. City Lights presents: “Courts, COVID-19 and Voter Suppression,” with Abdi Soltani, Alan Hirsch, Lala Wu, and Rick Hasen. (Not Chicago-based – coming to you from the Bay Area Book Festival and the legendary City Lights  … but so timely I had to include it.)

FRIDAY, MAY 15

7:00 p.m. Wilmette Public Library presents: Animal Crossing Island Meet-Up. Grades 7-12.

SATURDAY, MAY 16

3:00 p.m. Women & Children First present: Queer Kids Story Hour with Lindz Amer. Music and story for all ages, especially kids 3-7 years old.