Directory

Read/Write Library is a new type of library that collects community media from around Chicagoland to preserve the stories of all Chicagoans past and present and make them available to the public.

Without making any quality or importance judgments, we collect every piece of print media we can get our hands on from around the Chicago area, and hope to expand into audio and video as we grow. Our inclusive collection of nearly 3,000 books, magazines and newspapers currently dates back to 1903 and contains everything from university presses to handmade artists’ books to neighborhood newspapers to ‘zines made by students in literacy programs. All tell the stories of people who contribute to moving the City’s culture forward and how they are connected to one another.

Entirely volunteer-run, we are always looking for people who want to get involved, help us create public programs and workshops, or contribute their own media to the collection. Please contact us for more information.