Celebrate Poetry, Meet and Engage with Newly-appointed Chicago Poet Laureate, Mayda del Valle

May Evening Program

Caxton Club, Chicago Collections Consortium, and the Union League Library & Archives Committee are jointly sponsoring an evening with Chicago Poet Laureate Mayda del Valle. Mayda del Valle was selected as Chicago’s Poet Laureate earlier this year, serving a two-year term. She has been featured in a number of publications, including Urban Latino, The Smithsonian Magazine, and The New York Times. A reception begins at 5:30 followed by remarks by del Valle starting at 6:15.

Mayda del Valle is a Chicago-born writer and multidisciplinary artist whose work lives at the intersection of poetry, performance, memory, and community. Rooted in the Puerto Rican diaspora and shaped by hip-hop, movement, and visual art, her practice transforms personal history into shared ritual.

Whether on stage, in classrooms, or in public space, she creates work that invites people to see themselves reflected, work that asks us to remember where we come from, and imagine what we can build together.

Register today.

Reception with appetizers 5:30 PM CT. Presentation 6:15. Club members: remember to bring your Caxton badge.

Transportation to the Union League Club at 65 West Jackson Blvd., Chicago.

The Union League Club is easily accessible through many public transportation methods. Additionally, the following options are available for those who wish to travel by cab or car.

The Union League Club front desk offers a connection to cab service through Curb. The desk will call cabs for members and all guests while allowing riders to remain inside until the cab arrives. No curb side wait. Cabs will accept all payment forms, following the payment procedures you experience with a street-hailed cab.

If you are traveling by car, the Union League Club offers valet parking for Caxton events at $35.00. You must register and prepay in advance through the Caxton Club.

Spot Hero is an independent parking option, generally offering spots at the 318 S. Federal Street garage adjacent to the Union League Club. You may reserve and pay for a guaranteed parking spot through the Spot Hero app or website (spothero.com).