Evening Public Program: Poetry

Reception 6:00 pm | Program 6:30 pm

At the beginning of 2026 Mayor Johnson, with DCASE, the Chicago Public Library, and the Poetry Foundation, announced Mayda Alexandra del Valle as Chicago’s Second Poet Laureate. A poet, performer, educator and interdisciplinary artist born and raised on the South Side of Chicago, Del Valle brings a multidisciplinary practice rooted in poetry, performance, music, movement and cultural history. She sits down with Poetry editor-in-chief and fellow author Adrian Matejka to discuss her practice and history and present a reading or two.

Sliding Scale Tickets available for on-site attendance from $5 to $20 per person

Complimentary remote viewing

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