Summertime, Chicago Style

Max Grinnell, the urbanologist and author who writes The Urbanologist newsletter, delivers a slide-illustrated talk on Chicago's outdoor gathering traditions — from the creation of its first public park to the evolution of the Salt Shed and the festivals that define summer here. He covers the history behind events like the Taste of Polonia and the Festival of Life, and how Chicagoans have historically reclaimed public space after winter. The talk takes place Tuesday evening, August 25, from 6:00 to 7:00 PM at Whitney M. Young, Jr. library in Chatham. Free, but registration is required; accessibility requests must be made at least 14 business days in advance.