Chicago Public Library Foundation's Night in the Stacks

Ever wonder what it's like to be in the library after hours? On April 4, 2014, 350 Chicagoans got to see just how fabulous the library can be after the lights go out at the inaugural Night in the Stacks event. Hosted by the Chicago Public Library Foundation Junior Board, the event was a sold out success that allowed guests to have a drink and boogie with some of their favorite literary characters while promoting the advancement of important library initiatives in its programs, technology, and collections.

The festivities began promptly at 7 p.m., when guests were escorted up to the stunning Winter Garden on the top floor of the Harold Washington Library. The lofty room was made to resemble a lounge with high-top tables and cozy nooks with comfy chairs and couches for the young professionals to relax after the long work week. Not much relaxing was going on at this fun event though, as soon as the cocktails started flowing and the DJ started spinning, guests flocked to the dance floor and stayed there all night.

Beloved literary characters such as the Cat in the Hat, Eloise, Huckleberry Finn, Holly Golightly, Katniss Everdeen and Frankenstein mingled with guests. Guests were encouraged to take photos with the characters to share on social media outlets. Another opportunity for guests to get a little silly was the event's photo booth, which was stocked with plenty of fun props for guests to pose with.

In addition to some popular book characters, there were also a few authors on hand to partake in the festivities. Carousing with the guests were authors Rachel Bertsche, Charles Blackstone, Wesley Chu, Sam Park and Marcus Sakey. Perhaps the most celebrated guests of the night, however, were the Chicago Public librarians who were in attendance. Their commitment to library programs and progress was honored throughout the night.

DJ Konsept and The Cat in the Hat

The grooviest part of the soiree got started thanks to DJ Konsept, whose infectious mix of music brought nearly every body out on the dance floor throughout the night. Jewell Events Catering provided some delicious bites for guests to munch on. The friendly waitstaff served literary themed bite-size treats out of hollowed out books. Even the bartenders got in on the fun serving Hemingway Sidecar Cocktails as their specialty drink. For those forgoing the alcoholic drinks, Intelligentsia stocked a coffee bar with exquisite coffee, espresso and tea.

The night was a rip-roaring success. The Chicago Public Library Junior Board announced itself to Chicago in a big way with a big party and, in the process, raised an impressive $110,000 to support the Chicago Public Library and its important initiatives.