Noteworthy Literary Scene Goings-Ons

By Betsy Mikel in Arts & Entertainment on May 24, 2011 7:20PM

The Joe and Rika Mansueto Library at University of Chicago has no stacks and no shelves; everything is stored underground.

University of Chicago students get a crazy awesome new library: University of Chicago just cut the ribbon on the Joe and Rika Mansueto Library. The library can hold up to 3.5 million volumes, which are kept underground and are retrieved via an automated system of five robot cranes. The 8,000-square-foot reading room is under a nifty glass dome, and there are no shelves to speak of. The only bad thing about this futuristic library? No sneaking around in the stacks...

Roger Ebert to be awarded major literary award next fall: The Chicago Public Library and the Chicago Public Library Foundation will be awarding Roger Ebert will honor Roger Ebert and their fancy pants annual dinner next fall. Each year, this event honors one guest with the Carl Sandburg Literary Award. This will be the first time it’s being awarded to a film critic. If you have $1,000+ to spend, block October 20 off on your calendar and buy a ticket now!

Printers Row Lit Fest: The city’s annual literary fest is creeping up fast. On June 4 and 5, you’ll have the chance to attend a whole bunch of authors events, panels, workshops and other stuff at Printers Row Lit Fest. Everything is free, but some events do require tickets. Reserve yours at Chicago Tribune Newsroom Events.