Newberry Library Book Fair bonanza

July 23, 9:14 PMChicago Literary Scene ExaminerRobert Duffer

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Yes, bonanza. Words like bonanza, plethora, perhaps even largesse are the only words that satisfy the Newberry Book Fair's 24th-annual selection. The 100,000+ donated books range from fiction to childrens' books to puzzles and arcana, much of which goes for $2 . Expect crowds in the independent library's 1893 romanesque building, which if you've never been is worth the trip itself. Careful: it's easy to lose hours in the alcoves of books.

The library's columns face Washington Square Park, a perfect shaded respite to dig into your stash. Saturday, in the park, is the curious Bughouse Square Debates, a soapbox for speakers to pontificate and for listeners to heckle. There's metered street parking that is as rare as some of the research library's rare book collections. Validated pay lots are nearby for $7. Ride a bike. Take a walk. Read a book.

Entrance to the debates and the bonanza are FREE.