Twice in its 120-year history, esteemed British journal Granta Magazine has dedicated its entire publication to the literary output of a single city. The first featured metropolis was London, many years ago. The second? Chicago, circa now. To celebrate the release of its all-Chicago issue, the mag is hosting a special event at the Chicago Cultural Center at 6 p.m. on Monday with two of the 28 featured authors, Audrey Niffeneger (The Time Traveler's Wife) and Aleksander Hemon (The Lazarus Project). The free event will be hosted by Steve Edwards of Chicago Public Radio. A reception will be held afterward.

Want in? RSVP (soon!) to Emily Long or (312)742-0821.

If you miss your chance, consider heading to the Stop Smiling storefront (1371 N. Milwaukee) for a Granta-sponsored poetry reading on Tuesday, featuring local poets Anne Winters, Reginald Gibbons and Diego Saenz.