A shortcut to get familiar with Chicago and US culture is to watch local news or read newspapers and magazines.
Galvin Library has several local newspapers in print, including the Chicago Tribune, Chicago Sun-Times and etc. You can find them in the Galvin Magazines & Newspapers area. In the same area, you can find popular magazines on various topics, including fashion, cars, movies, etc.
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1 January |
New Year's Day |
Welcome the new year with parties starting the night before (New Year's Eve on 31 December) |
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3rd Monday in January |
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day |
Commemorate the birthday of the African-American civil rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr., who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964. |
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14 February |
Valentine's Day |
Celebrate love and romance by exchanging tokens of love (usually cards, candy or gifts). |
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3rd Monday of February |
President's Day |
Honor past American presidents like George Washington (the nation's first leader) and Abraham Lincoln (Civil War hero who helped abolish slavery). |
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17 March |
Saint Patrick's Day |
Celebrate the patron saint of Ireland with parades and parties decorated in Irish green. |
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1 April |
April Fool’s Day |
Play a clever (but harmless) trick or tell a joke to someone with a good sense of humor. |
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Last Monday of May |
Memorial Day |
Remember the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. |
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4 July |
Independence Day |
View public displays of fireworks as Americans mark the date when thirteen U.S. states declared their independence from England in 1776. |
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1st Monday in September |
Labor Day |
Honor the contributions and efforts of hard workers throughout the country. |
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2nd Monday in October |
Columbus Day |
Pay tribute to Christopher Columbus, who is traditionally thought of as the discoverer of the Americas in 1492. |
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Last Thursday in November |
Thanksgiving Day |
Feast on a traditional meal that commemorates the dinner shared by the Pilgrims (first settlers of the thirteen colonies) and the Native Americans. |
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25 December |
Christmas Day |
Celebrate the birth of Christ, leader of the Christian faith, by exchanging gifts with family and friends. |
