Latino Voices

ChiTeen Lit Fest Helps Teach Teens to Tell Their Stories


ChiTeen Lit Fest Helps Teach Teens to Tell Their Stories

The 7th annual ChiTeen Lit Fest is heading back to the stacks for an in-person event this week after two years of virtual celebrations.

The all-genre storytelling festival created for and by teenagers runs throughout this week via a series of programs, workshops and events at local branches of the Chicago Public Library.

Thanks to our sponsors:

View all sponsors

week’s worth of workshops, programs and events include everything from learning how to make your own ‘zine, to a mystery improv game to conversations with authors, podcasters, and local musicians. Some events require pre-registration.

Chicago teen librarian Marshall Caal says the event offers Chicago’s teens the tools they need to tell their stories in their own ways.

“It’s not just about literature, it’s not just about reading, it’s about storytelling and being able to tell a story through different avenues, different formats. You can tell a story by crocheting; you can tell a story through artwork. You can tell a story through a pizza if you have to,” Caal said. “I think that’s what makes it very appealing, and I think that’s what teens have taken away from that. They can design this program any way they want by telling a story and I think that’s what makes the library now a little bit more exciting.” 

The for-teens-by-teens ChiTeen Lit Fest takes place April 24 - 30 at branches across the city.


Thanks to our sponsors:

View all sponsors

Thanks to our sponsors:

View all sponsors