Congratulations to City Lights Bookstore, San Francisco, Calif., founded by Lawrence Ferlinghetti, which is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year with a full calendar of events, starting with a birthday party open house at the bookstore on Sunday, June 23. Among other events "centered around themes we love, and some that are integral to our long history":
- During the summer, a series of Sunday afternoon happenings, including casual literary readings and musical entertainment outdoors in Jack Kerouac Alley, next to the bookstore.
- In July, the store will partner with the Contemporary Jewish Museum--host to a traveling exhibit of Allen Ginsberg's photographs--for an event about the continued struggle against forces of conservatism and censorship, focusing on Lawrence Ferlinghetti's successful defense of Ginsberg's Howl and Other Poems, published by City Lights Publishers.
- Also in July, San Francisco Poet Laureate Alejandro Murguia will host a gathering of writers in Jack Kerouac Alley.
- In August, some of the contemporary poets in the new City Lights Spotlight Series hold a group reading to celebrate the series.
- In September, the current and past poet laureates of San Francisco read and celebrate our Poet Laureate Series at the new SF Jazz Center.
- Also in September, City Lights will host an evening at which its publisher, bookstore buyer and events director will answer "all of your burning questions about how this place works and how we got here!"
- In November, an evening focused on Surrealism will include surrealist games and activities.
The store is also celebrating online: throughout the year, City Lights will feature historical photos, stories, reminiscences and more on the City Lights Blog, as well as on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.