29th Annual Chicago Tribune Printers Row Lit Fest Announces Celebrity Headliners

CHICAGO, May 10, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The Chicago Tribune Printers Row Lit Fest - the largest free outdoor literary event in the Midwest – returns for its 29^th year with celebrity headlining authors, including 2013 Chicago Tribune Young Adult Literary Prize winner Judy Blume and acclaimed young adult author, Blue Balliett. Held in the historic Printers Row neighborhood between Dearborn and Polk Streets, the festival runs June 8^th from 10am – 10pm and June 9^th from 10am – 6pm.

The Chicago Tribune once again celebrates the written word with over 150,000 book lovers during this two-day literary festival. More than 150 booksellers from across the country display and sell new, used and antiquarian books. All events are free, but tickets must be reserved in advance for select programs.

"We are excited to be gearing up for this year's Printers Row Lit Fest and are thrilled to have the beloved Judy Blume join us," says Gerould Kern, Senior Vice President and Editor of Chicago Tribune. "She has been a fierce advocate for the power of the written word and taken a strong stand against censorship."

Among other noteworthy personalities are teen sensation and author of Rookie Yearbook One, Tavi Gevinson, cartoonist and graphic novelist Art Spiegelman, and Top Chef's Fan Favorite Fabio Viviani. Panels and events are held on seven stages, featuring authors and experts on topics such as politics, sports, children's storytelling, poetry, fiction and more. New for 2013 will be a venue dedicated to writing workshops.  Kids and parents can enjoy storytelling, costumed characters, performances, sing-alongs, and arts and crafts at Lil' Lit Park.

Programming will continue to be announced as it is confirmed at printersrowlitfest.org. Sponsors of this year's fair include Harold Washington Library, Columbia College, Navy Pier, and Acura. CSPAN2's Book TV is scheduled to broadcast live on location during both days of the festival.

Last year, the Chicago Tribune introduced Printers Row, a membership program for those seeking richer coverage of book reviews, authors, discussions and original stories.  Members receive the Printers Row Journal, a 24‐page weekly supplement with in‐depth interviews, author profiles, book reviews, special reports on Chicago and Midwest writers, and an additional bonus booklet of original fiction. Printers Row membership also provides exclusive benefits such as VIP access to authors and events at Lit Fest. 

Chicago Tribune operates Printers Row Lit Fest as part of the company's ongoing commitment to the written word and its support of literacy. 

About Chicago Tribune Media Group
Chicago Tribune Media Group is a media and business services company that publishes the Pulitzer Prize-winning Chicago Tribune. CTMG also produces related print and interactive media serving Chicagoland like RedEye, Hoy, Chicago magazine, Naperville Magazine, TribLocal, The Mash, chicagotribune.com, chicagonow.com and metromix.com. Reaching 4.8 million adults each week in the greater Chicago area, CTMG is the leading news and information destination in Chicagoland.  

SOURCE Chicago Tribune