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Past Events

The Book Cellar

Jul23
Ben Wikler, "This is the Plan" Book Talk w/ Gov. Pritzker and Stacey Abrams
PastAuthor EventPoliticsUptown

Ben Wikler, "This is the Plan" Book Talk w/ Gov. Pritzker and Stacey Abrams

7:00 PM • Thursday, July 23, 2026Everybody's Coffee (Wilson Abbey)Presented by The Book Cellar$47.33

Join The Book Cellar at Everybody's Coffee to celebrate the release of Former Wisconsin DNC Chair Ben Wikler's new book "This is the Plan"! A signed copy of the book is included with a ticket. Governor Pritzker will introduce Ben Wikler and Stacey Abrams, followed by a book talk, Q&A, and book signing.

Jul21
Jimmy McDonough
PastAuthor EventNon-FictionLincoln Square

Jimmy McDonough discusses "Gary Stewart: I Am from the Honky Tonks"

6:00 PM • Tuesday, July 21, 2026The Book CellarFree

Join us at The Book Cellar for Jimmy McDonough in discussion for his book Gary Stewart: I Am from the Honky Tonks, in discussion with Dale Lawrence. Music stylings with Margaret Dollrod. MARGARET DOLLROD will be performing a solo set of Gary Stewart songs. An iconic figure in Detroit garage rock, she's a founding member of the incendiary Demolition Doll Rods.

Jun10
Dave Eggers Contrapposto Event
PastAuthor EventFictionLincoln Square

Dave Eggers @ Old Town School of Folk Music (hosted by Chicago Humanities Festival)

7:00 PM • Wednesday, June 10, 2026Gary and Laura Maurer Concert HallPresented by The Book Cellar$61

Join us for an evening with acclaimed author (and Chicagoland raised) Dave Eggers as he discusses his new work, Contrapposto, a darkly comic tale set in San Francisco's elite art world. A sweeping novel about friendship, love, and the lifelong pursuit of art, Eggers helps us to confront the contradictions between artistic integrity and the demands of capitalism. Through his signature blend of social commentary and deeply human storytelling, Eggers spins a moving and very funny tale about allies and art, and what it means to be an artist. A book signing will follow this event. This event is presented in partnership with the Chicago Humanities Festival and Old Town School of Folk Music. Tickets include a copy of Contrapposto, which you pick up at the event by showing the book voucher in your receipt. Humanist Circle member tickets do not include a book, but anyone can add a book to their cart when selecting their tickets.

May18
cover of the greatest sentence ever written
PastAuthor EventPoliticsThe Loop

Walter Isaacson "The Greatest Sentence Ever Written"

2:15 PM • Monday, May 18, 2026Chicago Council Conference CenterPresented by The Book CellarFree

Walter Isaacson, in conversation with Max Boot, discusses his new book and what the Declaration of Independence's most famous words mean for America as it marks its 250th anniversary. At the heart of the Declaration of Independence is a single sentence that has defined, inspired, and challenged Americans for 250 years: "We hold these truths to be self-evident." In his new book, Walter Isaacson unpacks how those words came to be—who wrote them, how they were revised, and why they still matter. Which of the Declaration's promises have we kept, and which are we still working toward? What does it mean to reckon with those words as America marks its 250th anniversary? Join Walter Isaacson and Max Boot for a conversation on America's founding ideals, how far we've come, and how far we still have to go. Copies of Walter Isaacson’s book, The Greatest Sentence Ever Written, will be available for sale and signing at the program.