Evanston Public Library Launches New Literary Magazine!

The Evanston Public Library has officially launched a brand-new literary magazine, 10th Ward Lit, dedicated to showcasing the talented and diverse voices of writers and creatives all over Evanston. Why 10th Ward Lit? The name was chosen because the Library is a space for all residents of Evanston's nine wards to enjoy equitable access to resources -- and is also a "10th Ward" fostering imagination and growth.

The inaugural issue of 10th Ward Lit begins with "The Coronavirus Issue". Since the pandemic began, the daily lives of many have been completely upended. Mask-wearing, remote school and work, losing loved ones, adjusting to a difficult new normal—it's been a challenging and unfamiliar experience for all. 10th Ward Lit invites members of the Evanston community to honor what we've lost and to celebrate what we've gained through this exceptional time we find ourselves in.

Evanston residents and those connected to the Evanston community who are 15 years of age or older are invited to send in their submissions of original, unpublished work for "The Coronavirus Issue" from April 16 through May 31. Learn more here. Individuals may submit up to three works at a time, and submissions in any language are welcome. Learn more about the submission guidelines and how to submit here.

10th Ward Lit accepts a wide range of submissions including poetry, short fiction, creative nonfiction, sequential fiction (comics), photography, and illustration. 10th Ward Lit especially encourages submissions from groups traditionally underrepresented in publishing, such as indigenous writers and writers of color, LGBTQA+ writers, members of the disability community, and women.

To celebrate the launch of "The Coronavirus Issue", a digital open mic will be held over Zoom on July 14. Authors of submitted works are encouraged to attend and share their work with the public.

Submissions for the subsequent Fall 2021 issue, "The Climate Issue", will be accepted beginning July 1. More information on "The Climate Issue" will be available soon. The 10th Ward Lit team plans to publish four times each year.