Chicago is not a city that can be crisply explained, neatly categorized, or easily understood.


Yet through our literature we strive to define our place in the world. Our literature speaks to our city’s diversity, character and heart. In our literature can be found all we love and hate, frozen snapshots of our vast terrain over the years, commentary on our ever-changing culture. In our literature can be found who we are and what we do and where we do it. The value and character of our city is not only reflected in but shaped by our great books.

The Chicago Literary Hall of Fame’s mission is to promote and celebrate Chicago's rich and proud literature tradition by honoring the authors whose words have best captured the essence of our city.


Through our mission, we will collect and exhibit literary artifacts; document the accomplishments of Chicago’s best writers; capture the voices and words of Chicago’s best writers; become a portal to Chicago’s literary events, publishers and people; and promote new literature through recognition and prizes. Our annual induction ceremony, with the inaugural event scheduled for late summer 2010, will be an occasion for Chicago to crown past, present and future literary achievements.

Does Chicago need a Literary Hall of Fame? Wednesday, November 18, 2009 Donald G. Evans argues for a hall, an awards ceremony and a good old-fashioned literary rock jam.

HOF launches Facebook campaign Monday, November 02, 2009 Show your support for the HOF project; become a fan on Facebook

HOF garners praise Wednesday, October 21, 2009 Chicago literary bloggers laud HOF effort

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