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Feel-Good Literary Events For The Weekend

By Betsy Mikel in Arts & Entertainment on Apr 7, 2011 8:20PM

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SARK will be leading a workshop this Sunday.
Things are finally picking up in terms of spring weather, so why not get out of there and spread some literary goodness around?

Well-Read Affair: Tonight at the Chicago Cultural Center, you can participate in the annual Literacy Chicago fundraiser to raise money for the non-profit’s language and literacy instruction for adults. The event will feature music from the Blue Ribbon Glee Club and Miles Hayes Quintet, eats and cocktails, and a silent auction featuring signed books and unique memorabilia. Proceeds will benefit Literacy Chicago’s adult programming, which include ESL, GED and workforce literacy courses.
April 7 (tonight), Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E Washington, $75 via networkforgood.org

Chicago Deskset Book Drive: Chicago Deskset, a group of librarians and friends of librarians, is celebrating their one-year anniversary with a book drive for incarcerated teens. Thanks to the event’s success last year, the group was able to donate hundreds of books to Kane County Juvenile Justice Center. Top teen bestsellers on Amazon include Hunger Games, Diary of a Wimpy Kid, and, as always, Twilight. Paperback books are best. Chicago Deskset will also be raffling off a gift certificate to Unabridged Bookstore.
April 9, 2 p.m., The Grafton, 4530 N Lincoln, RSVP via Facebook

SARK Practical Goodness Workshop: Susan Ariel Rainbow Kennedy, known for her colorful and inspirational self-help books such as Make Your Creative Dreams Real and Eat Mangoes Naked: Finding Pleasure Everywhere (and dancing with the Pits) will be leading a 3-hour workshop titled “Transform Yourself and Your Thinking No Matter What!” The event instructs participants to “bring your glad heart, your splendidly imperfect self, and willingness. You’ll leave with buoyancy, significant new directions and love.” Know any pessimists who say they’re “just realists?” This might be a good place to send them.
April 10, 2 p.m., Portage Theater, 4050 N Milwaukee, tickets $45 via Eventbrite