Check out some ‘friends of letterpress’ that will be open over WORD weekend! These are free bonus field trips and don’t require registration.

Chicago for Chicagoans
Want to explore the history of Chicago’s Printer’s Row? Now you can! Sign up for a free tour Sunday afternoon.

Vichcraft
We all love Jenna’s unique chainstitching. You can bring items to be stitched or purchase them there. Her shop is open Sunday, 12-5, and she’s not too far from A. Favorite.

Quimby’s
Quimby’s is a Chicago staple for all things print and they’re big lovers of letterpress. Into zines and indie publications? This is THE place to be.

Pilsen Community Books
PCB is one of many wonderful bookstores and community spaces in the city. Worker-owned, it focuses on community building and social issues. Close to A. Mirror, Vida Sacic and Depression Press.

The Newberry Library
The Newberry has a new show entitled Collecting Stories: New Acquisitions at the Newberry. Collecting Stories explores how the collection is built. Jen and Ben both have pieces in this show. OR… you can spend a day buried in their incredible type specimen collection! The Library is open to all, but requires signing up for a reader card, which you can do on site.
Bonus: the bookstore at the Newberry is wonderful and is offering a 15% discount for WORD folks.

Chicago Printmakers Collaborative
The CPC is a Chicago institution, and celebrates all print processes (though mostly non-letterpress ones). They’re open to the public Saturday, 12-5, for folks to check out their beautiful space. Close to DoubleTrip Press and Starshaped Press.
And while you’re there… behind the CPC on Lincoln is Deb Maris Lader’s new studio, also open between 11-5 Saturday.

Paper and Pencil
Yet another well-appointed stationery shop! If you’re traveling to/from Evanston (Ben, Lark Sparrow and Hive), this is on the way, situated in the delightful Andersonville neighborhood.