The Chicago Underground Library (CUL) is something we’re duck-lucky to have in our city — founded in 2006 by Nell Taylor and Emerson Dameron, CUL connects, introduces, and surprises all kinds of rad Chicago writer-types. It’s a place for inspiration and — after jumping from a few boxes in the basement of Mercury Café to a full-fledged nonprofit in just four years — a model for growth. Even The New York Times did a head-snap.

As well it should! CUL has a rainbow-awesome archive, highlighting Chicago’s independent media and small press communities through an open acquisitions policy (meaning: it wants you) and a radical, straightforward cataloging process. CUL has crazy-awesome programming, riffing on everything from science fairs to roadshows to squid. Plus CUL has a straight-up-awesome staff, kind and savvy too — check the blog to drool over their bookshelves.

Want in on the excellence? This Saturday, January 30th from 3-5, CUL is holding an open house in the sparkly new space it’s sharing with Red Tape Theatre Company (621 W. Belmont, 2nd floor).

This is the perfect time to meet the staff or learn about upcoming programming (for example, the Storefront Theatre Project and Tuesday night Worklucks). To preview the new catalog. To high-five Nell Taylor. To donate your own works. You can also gawk at the archive (Gwendolyn Brooks chapbooks!), BYOB, or sign up to volunteer. See also: free drinks and free cookies.

P.S. Literago is not dating, related to, or paid by anyone at CUL. We’re in awe for real.