The Efroymson Creative Writing Reading Series

The Efroymson Creative Writing Reading Series at Columbia College Chicago is one of the most dynamic, aesthetically diverse events of its kind in the city. Hosted by the School of Communication, Culture, and Society, the series attracts prestigious, award-winning fiction writers, poets, and nonfiction writers who perform, engage, and educate on a myriad of topics and traditions.

The series is committed to curating critically engaged contemporary works that challenge traditional discourse and embrace culturally relevant, diverse voices. Our unique connection to the vibrant cultural and educational district in the South Loop sets the stage for some of the most fascinating, inspiring, and influential conversations on the literary arts.

All events are free and open to the public, taking place on campus and online via Zoom.

Fall 2024 events:

 

  • Sept. 17, Bonnie Jo Campbell
12:30 p.m.
1104 S. Wabash, Conway Center or join virtual session
Register here to go in-person.

 

  • Oct. 9, Stuart Ross and Tony Trigilio
12:30 p.m.
1104 S. Wabash, Conway Center or join virtual session
Register here to go in-person.

 

  • Nov. 14, Cynthia Manick and CM Burroughs
3:30 p.m.
1104 S. Wabash, Conway Center or join virtual session
Register here to go in-person.

 

Spring 2025 events:

 

  • Feb. 13,  Literary Translation Panel, featuring Steven Teref and Aleksandar Bošković
12:30 p.m.
1104 S. Wabash, Conway Center or join virtual session
Register here to go in-person.

 

  • March 12, Alumni Reading featuring Lor Clincy and Jeff Hoffman
5:30 p.m.
1104 S. Wabash, Conway Center or join virtual session
Register here to go in-person.

 

  • April 17, Alium Release party featuring Lisa Fishman and contributors from the Spring 2025 issue
3:30 p.m.
1104 S. Wabash, Conway Center or join virtual session
Register here to go in-person.

 

If you are interested in attending, please email sccsfrontdesk@colum.edu for more information.

 

  • Featured Faculty Videos
  • Featured Student Videos
  • Past Speakers

    Past speakers of Columbia College Chicago's Creative Writing Reading Series include: 

    • Josh Barkan
    • Lindsay Hunter
    • Matthew Rohrer
    • Benjamin Balint
    • Sue Sinclair
    • Mort Castle
    • Daniel Kraus
    • Ingrid Rojas Contreras
    • Durga Chew-Bose
    • Dan Chaon
    • Daniel Harris
    • David Lazar
    • Mickey Hess
    • Jean Chen Ho
    • Hamilah Marcus
    • Jac Jemc
    • Jenny Boully
    • Meg Day
    • Mary Gaitskill
    • T. J. Jarrett
    • Camille T. Dungy
    • Sharon Solwitz
    • David Trinidad
    • Desiree Cooper
    • Ishion Hutchinson
    • Patricia Ann McNair
    • Bonnie Jo Campbell
    • Joe Meno
    • Nina Revoyr
    • John Gallaher
    • Nickole Brown
    • Aleksandar Hemon
    • Garnett Kilberg-Cohen
    • Aviya Kushner
    • Joshua Clover
    • T Clutch Fleischmann
    • Adam Johnson
    • Ruth Ellen Kocher
    • Douglas Kearney
    • Chris Offutt
    • Kwame Dawes
    • John D’Agata
    • Mary Ruefle
    • Maggie Nelson
    • Bernadette Mayer
    • Richard Meier
    • Carmen Giménez Smith
    • Peter Gizzi
    • Tony Trigilio 
    • Mary Ruefle
    • Toya Wolfe