There’s no doubt about: reading outdoors in Chicago is magical. That’s why this August, Read & Run Chicago is inviting you to soak up the best of the end of the season with three outdoor reading gatherings in three incredible outdoor reading spots—some you may have never heard of—and you’re officially invited.

Watch this video to hear from two former members of Jane, the revolutionary underground abortion network in Chicago.

Read & Run Chicago's Running Tour of Jane is inspired by the work of the pre-Roe V. Wade abortion counseling service. Guide Kaylee Tock rounds up the books and documentaries worth watching to learn more.

Guide Kaylee Tock rounded up resources, further reading, and even a self-guided route to help you continue your learning of Jane and reproductive rights advocacy in Chicago and beyond.

We’re building our Winter 2026 season and want your input! Vote for your favorite events here to read and run all winter long.

Ever heard of Queer Pulp? This genre wasn’t taken seriously for years—but it was where many Queer people found representation, community, and belonging. Jen Dentel of Gerber/Hart Library & Archives gives us an explanation and a reading list to keep understanding.

Read & Run Chicago guide Quinn Sluzenski rounded up some of the best books and resources to learn more about the pre-Stonewall era in Chicago!

Join Read & Run Chicago founder Allison Yates this summer for a series of three-mile, easy-paced runs inspired by books set in Chicago featuring or about our natural landscape. After the route, discuss the book back at the library branch.

Meet the readers & runners racing the 2025 Bank of America Chicago Marathon on behalf of Read & Run Chicago!

Read & Run Chicago was one of the Chicago-based organizations selected for the 2025 Bank of America Chicago Distance Series Entries for Equity program.

Intimidated by Chicago’s running scene? This guide gives you history and background, practical tips to finding the right Chicago run club for you, plus other resources on finding running stores, recovery services, races, and more.

Local author and guest Read & Run Chicago guide Kara Eng shares her favorite spots in Chinatown.

Ready to celebrate Pride Month? Use movement and stories to honor the LGBTQ community—and explore Chicago along the way!

Watch a recording of a live Q&A with Toya Wolfe, author of Last Summer on State Street.

Chicago book club leads share their favorite places to read outside this summer.

Watch a recording of a virtual Q&A with Claire Lombardo in May 2023.

Watch a recording of a live post-run panel discussion with two Japanese-American historians and activists Alice Murata and Mary Doi that Read & Run Chicago hosted at Slant of Light Books in February 2025.

Calling all creative readers & runners: we’re looking for a fresh design for Summer 2025 and want YOU to submit your designs!

Joining Read & Run Chicago for the first time? Here’s your essential tips to make the most of your experience.

Our Summer 2025 Chicago book picks and why we loved them.