Printer’s Row
Named for its origin as the heart of Chicago’s printing and publishing industry, Printer’s Row hosted several businesses of this kind in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. The remnants of these businesses can still be seen around the area; buildings are still known by their original publishing house names, and many even have original signage.
Today, Printer’s Row Chicago retains its connection to its literary history with an Annual Book Fair, held each June. Started in 1984, this Printer’s Row festival draws booksellers and readers from all over the city and surrounding suburbs. Hundreds of stalls span both Dearborn and Harrison, and almost any book in any edition can be found. The Book Fair offers rare editions, cheap hardcover and paperback, finely bound books, etc; whatever your interest, it can be found here in good supply. Even music lovers can find interesting and eclectic albums at the Book Fair. Also featured at the Book Fair are a number of guest speakers, including various authors and poets.